Numbers 14
Main Idea
Following the spies’ return, ten spies give a discouraging report about the strength of the Canaanites and the fortified cities, causing the Israelites to lose faith. Only Caleb and Joshua advocate for entering the land, trusting in God’s promise. The people, however, believe the negative report and express a desire to return to Egypt. They threaten to stone Moses and Aaron. God is angered by their lack of faith and threatens to destroy them. Moses intercedes, and God relents, but declares that the current generation, except for Caleb and Joshua, will not enter the Promised Land. They will wander in the wilderness for forty years until that generation dies. They also decide to try to go into the land anyway, believing this is God’s will for them even though he explicitly expressed they would not enter the Promised land. This does not end well for them as they are driven away.
The theme of rebellion is strong throughout this chapter as it narrates Israel’s rebellion in word and action. They want to return to Egypt which shows contempt for God rescuing them. Israel also rebels by going into the promised when they were not told to do so.
Literary Structure
The literary structure is chiastic and it reveals a narrative within the chapter that is inverted.
A. People’s rebellion and desire to return to Egypt (vv.1–4)
B. Joshua and Caleb’s protest (vv.5–9)
C. The people’s desire to stone them (v.10)
D. YHWH appears and declares judgment (vv.10–12)
C’. Moses intercedes for the people (vv.13–19)
B’. God’s partial pardon and decree (vv.20–35)
A’. Failed invasion attempt and defeat (vv.36–45)
The people’s rebellion is mirrored by their attempt to go into the promised land themselves without God’s permission. They see no problem with doing it, in fact they see it as a good idea even though their rebellion prevents them from victory. Joshua and Caleb’s true report is paralleled to God’s pardon of the people because of Moses’ intercession. The people want to stone them but Moses intercedes. In the middle, we have God’s decree on their rebellion and the judgment is final: no one from this generation will enter the promised land.
Context
Chapter 14 comes in the middle of a cycle of rebellions. Starting with Miriam and Aaron opposing Moses, the spies then explore Canaan and become fearful. Then comes this chapter where the people rebel against God but Moses intercedes. After this comes the rebellion of Korah and his followers. In the midst of rebellion, God issues mercy and judgment. He relents from cutting off the people completely on the spot but he also will judge them for their unbelief; he will not let them enter the promised land.
Application
Numbers 14 should teach us many theological thoughts about our relationship with God. After all the events of the exodus and miracles the people of Israel were eyewitnesses to, they still had doubt and fear in the midst of trial. They not only had a weak faith, they showed contempt for what God had done for them. We must learn to open our eyes to what God is doing around us and allow that thankfulness to lead us through trials, knowing God will provide once more. Moses’ intercession is certainly a foreshadow of what Jesus is doing for us at this very moment in heaven. Jesus is now our intercessor for our sins and it has been forgiven because of the cross. God’s will and judgment will always prevail no matter what humans may try to do. Israel thought it to be a good idea to enter the promised land anyway, despite the warning God had given in light of their rebellion. They thought they were doing right, but they were disobeying and once again showing contempt for God’s warning. This also will never work in our life. If we think we are doing right, but it goes against God’s commands, it will not happen as we see fit. We need to refocus our mind to God’s commands and his decrees to learn His will for our lives.
basics-of-faith.com 
Leave a Reply