Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. And your childrenThe Hebrew word for "children" here is "בְּנֵיכֶם" (beneykhem), which signifies not just offspring but the continuation of a legacy. In the context of Israel, children were seen as the carriers of God's covenant promises. This phrase underscores the generational impact of the Israelites' actions, reminding us that our faithfulness or lack thereof can have profound effects on future generations. will be shepherds
The term "shepherds" (רֹעִים, ro'im) is rich with biblical imagery. Shepherding was a common occupation in ancient Israel, symbolizing guidance, provision, and care. However, in this context, it also implies a nomadic, unsettled life. The children of Israel would not yet enter the Promised Land but would instead lead a life of wandering, a direct consequence of their parents' disobedience. in the wilderness
The "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar) is a significant setting in the Bible, often representing a place of testing, purification, and dependence on God. It is in the wilderness that God provided manna and water, teaching the Israelites to rely on Him. This phrase serves as a reminder that even in times of trial and wandering, God is present and working to refine His people. for forty years
The number "forty" (אַרְבָּעִים, arba'im) frequently appears in Scripture, symbolizing a period of testing, trial, and judgment. The forty years in the wilderness were a direct result of the Israelites' lack of faith when they refused to enter the Promised Land. This period was meant to purge the unbelieving generation and prepare a new generation to trust and obey God. and suffer for your unfaithfulness
The Hebrew word for "unfaithfulness" (תְּנוּפָה, tenu'ah) conveys a sense of betrayal or breach of trust. The Israelites' refusal to trust God's promise and enter the land was seen as a profound act of unfaithfulness. This phrase highlights the serious consequences of turning away from God's commands and the suffering that can result from such disobedience. until your bodies lie scattered
The imagery of bodies "scattered" (פְּגָרִים, pegarim) in the wilderness is stark and sobering. It serves as a physical representation of the spiritual death that comes from disobedience. This phrase is a powerful reminder of the mortality and frailty of humanity when separated from God's will. in the wilderness
Reiterating the setting of the wilderness emphasizes the prolonged period of wandering and the harsh conditions faced by the Israelites. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness and the consequences of straying from God's path. Yet, it also holds the promise of eventual redemption and entry into the Promised Land for those who remain faithful. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now wandering in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith. 2. The WildernessA desolate and challenging environment where the Israelites wandered for forty years as a consequence of their rebellion against God. 3. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who interceded on their behalf but also witnessed their repeated disobedience. 4. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites' entry was delayed due to their lack of faith. 5. The Spies' ReportThe event where twelve spies were sent to scout the Promised Land, and ten of them returned with a negative report, leading to the Israelites' rebellion. Teaching Points Consequences of UnfaithfulnessThe Israelites' forty years in the wilderness serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith in God's promises. Generational ImpactThe unfaithfulness of one generation can have lasting effects on the next, as seen in the children of Israel who suffered due to their parents' rebellion. God's Faithfulness and JusticeDespite the Israelites' unfaithfulness, God remained faithful to His promises, though His justice required consequences for their actions. The Importance of FaithBelievers are called to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting, as faith is crucial to entering into God's rest. Repentance and RenewalThe wilderness experience can be seen as a time for repentance and renewal, preparing the next generation to enter the Promised Land. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the experience of the Israelites in the wilderness reflect the consequences of disobedience in our own lives? 2. In what ways can the account of the Israelites' unfaithfulness serve as a warning for us today? 3. How can we ensure that our actions and decisions positively impact future generations, rather than causing them to suffer for our mistakes? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to strengthen our faith and trust in God's promises, especially during challenging times? 5. How does the concept of God's faithfulness and justice, as seen in Numbers 14:33, encourage us to live a life of obedience and faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 1:34-40This passage recounts the same event, emphasizing God's anger and the consequences of the Israelites' lack of faith. Hebrews 3:16-19The New Testament reflects on the Israelites' unbelief and disobedience, using it as a warning for Christians to remain faithful. Psalm 95:8-11This psalm references the Israelites' rebellion and God's response, urging believers not to harden their hearts. People Aaron, Amalekites, Caleb, Canaanites, Egyptians, Israelites, Jephunneh, Joshua, Moses, NunPlaces Egypt, Hormah, Kadesh-barnea, Red SeaTopics Bear, Bodies, Borne, Carcases, Carcasses, Consumed, Corpses, Dead, Deeds, Desert, Dust, Evil, Faithlessness, Forty, Lewd, Lie, Lies, Prostitution, Punishment, Shepherds, Sons, Strayings, Suffer, Suffering, Till, Undergoing, Unfaithfulness, Wander, Wanderers, Waste, Wasted, Whoredoms, Wilderness, YourDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 14:33 5418 monotony
5561 suffering, nature of Numbers 14:13-39 6257 unbelievers Numbers 14:20-35 5431 oaths, divine Numbers 14:20-38 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 14:26-35 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 14:31-33 6160 fathers, sin of Numbers 14:31-35 8705 apostasy, in OT Numbers 14:33-35 4926 delay, human
8840 unfaithfulness, to God Library Moses the Intercessor
'Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.' --NUM. xiv. 19. See how in this story a divine threat is averted and a divine promise is broken, thus revealing a standing law that these in Scripture are conditional. This striking incident of Moses' intercession suggests to us some thoughts as to I. The ground of the divine forgiveness. The appeal is not based on anything in the people. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWeighed, and Found Wanting
'And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron; and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! 3. And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? 4. And they said one …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Order and Argument in Prayer
It is further observable that though a good man hastens to God in his trouble, and runs with all the more speed because of the unkindness of his fellow men, yet sometimes the gracious soul is left without the comfortable presence of God. This is the worst of all griefs; the text is one of Job's deep groans, far deeper than any which came from him on account of the loss of his children and his property: "Oh that I knew where I might find HIM!" The worst of all losses is to lose the smile of my God. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 12: 1866 The Spies
THE UNBELIEF OF THE CHILDREN of Israel, prompted them to send spies into Canaan. God had told them that it was a good land, and he had promised to drive out their enemies, they ought therefore to have marched forward with all confidence to possess the promised heritage. Instead of this, they send twelve princes to spy out the land, and "alas, for human nature," ten of these were faithless, and only two true to the Lord. Read over the narrative, and mark the ill effect of the lying message, and the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Afraid of Giants
'And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain; 18. And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19. And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20. And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power Exploring Canaan by Faith
EXPLORING CANAAN BY FAITH I can not understand faith. What is faith, anyway? I try to believe; sometimes I feel that my faith is strong, but at other times I feel that my faith is giving way. Can you help me in this matter? Faith seems such a hazy, intangible, elusive thing; now I think I have it, now it seems certain I have it not. I feel at times that my faith is so strong I could believe anything, then again I feel that every bit of faith I had is gone. Can you give me any instructions that will …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Trinity Sunday the Doctrine of the Trinity.
Second Sermon. Text: Romans 11, 33-36. THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon was first printed in 1535, at Wittenberg.] 1. This festival requires us to instruct the people in the dogma of the Holy Trinity, and to strengthen both memory and faith concerning it. This is the reason why we take up the subject once more. Without proper instruction and a sound foundation in this regard, other dogmas cannot be rightly and successfully treated. The other festivals of the year present …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 14:33 NIVNumbers 14:33 NLTNumbers 14:33 ESVNumbers 14:33 NASBNumbers 14:33 KJV
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