Deuteronomy 1:40

But [as for] you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

But as for you, turn ^{H6437} you, and take your journey ^{H5265} into the wilderness ^{H4057} by the way ^{H1870} of the Red ^{H5488} sea ^{H3220}.

But as for yourselves, turn around and head into the desert by the road to the Sea of Suf.'

But you are to turn back and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea.”

But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:40 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, serving as a direct consequence of their disobedience at Kadesh-barnea. Following their refusal to enter the Promised Land due to fear and unbelief, God commands a reversal of direction, sending the rebellious generation back into the wilderness.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' opening discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, where he recounts the history of Israel from their departure from Mount Horeb (Sinai) up to the eve of entering Canaan. Specifically, it follows immediately after God's declaration of judgment on the generation that rebelled by refusing to take possession of the land promised to them (Numbers 14:29). Instead of advancing northward towards Canaan, they are instructed to "turn" and head south, back towards the harsh realities of the desert, by the route leading to the Red Sea (likely referring to the Gulf of Aqaba or its vicinity).

Key Themes

Consequences of Disobedience: The most prominent theme. Israel's lack of faith and outright rebellion against God's command to enter the land resulted in a severe divine penalty: a forty-year wandering in the wilderness until the rebellious generation perished. This passage starkly illustrates that disobedience leads to delays and detours from God's intended path.
Divine Judgment: God's response to their unbelief was swift and definitive. This judgment, though harsh, underscored His holiness and the seriousness of rejecting His word.
A Forced Reversal: The command to "turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness" signifies a complete reversal of their progress. They were at the doorstep of the Promised Land, but their actions forced them to retreat and endure a prolonged period of wandering and hardship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "turn" is panah (פָּנָה), which literally means to turn, face, or proceed. In this context, it emphasizes a dramatic change in direction, a literal about-face from the path to the Promised Land. The "wilderness" (Hebrew: midbar, מִדְבָּר) refers to the arid, uncultivated region that would become their home for the next four decades.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 1:40 serves as a powerful reminder that our choices have significant consequences. Just as Israel faced a long and arduous detour due to their disobedience, our own lack of faith or refusal to follow God's clear commands can lead to unnecessary difficulties and delays in fulfilling His purposes for our lives. It highlights the importance of immediate and faithful obedience to God's word, trusting in His promises even when circumstances seem daunting. While God's judgment is real, His ultimate faithfulness ensures that His plan will eventually be realized through those who are willing to obey, as seen in the next generation's eventual entry into the land (Deuteronomy 8:2).

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Cross-References

Numbers 14:25

(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.