Deuteronomy 1:42

KJV

And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I [am] not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Say {H559} unto them, Go not up {H5927}, neither fight {H3898}; for I am not among {H7130} you; lest ye be smitten {H5062} before {H6440} your enemies {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI said to me, 'Tell them, "Don't go up, and don't fight, because I am not there with you; if you do, your enemies will defeat you."'

Berean Standard Bible

But the LORD said to me, “Tell them not to go up and fight, for I am not with you to keep you from defeat by your enemies.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:42 records the LORD's solemn warning to the Israelites, delivered through Moses, prohibiting them from engaging in battle against the Amorites and Canaanites. This divine command came after their initial rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, where their fear and unbelief led them to refuse entry into the Promised Land. Despite their subsequent, self-willed resolve to fight, God explicitly stated His absence from their midst, foretelling inevitable defeat if they proceeded. This verse underscores the critical necessity of divine presence and obedient reliance on God's command for any endeavor to succeed, particularly in the face of spiritual or physical opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 1:42 is situated within Moses' opening discourse, a retrospective recounting of Israel's wilderness journey, particularly the events leading up to their forty-year wandering. Moses is addressing the new generation, preparing them to enter the Promised Land. This specific verse immediately follows the Israelites' defiant declaration that they would now "go up" and fight, despite God's previous judgment that their rebellious generation would perish in the wilderness for their unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea. The preceding verses detail their initial refusal to enter the land ([Deuteronomy 1:26-33](/deuteronomy/1-26-33 "Deuteronomy 1:26-33 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")), their weeping, and God's pronouncement of judgment ([Deuteronomy 1:34-40](/deuteronomy/1-34-40 "Deuteronomy 1:34-40 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). Verse 42 serves as God's direct counter-command to their presumptuous resolve, setting the stage for their subsequent defeat at Hormah, which Moses recounts in the very next verses, [Deuteronomy 1:43-45](/deuteronomy/1-43-45 "Deuteronomy 1:43-45 - The Defeat at Hormah"), mirroring the account found in [Numbers 14:40-45](/numbers/14-40-45 "Numbers 14:40-45 - The Presumptuous Attack and Defeat at Hormah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events recounted in Deuteronomy 1 occurred approximately 40 years after the Exodus from Egypt, as the Israelites stood on the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan. The generation that rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea had largely died off, and Moses was addressing their descendants. The cultural context involves a nomadic people on the cusp of nationhood, whose identity and success were inextricably linked to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Military campaigns in the ancient Near East were often preceded by divine consultation, and the presence or absence of a deity was considered paramount for victory. For Israel, Yahweh's presence was symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant and His direct commands. Their previous refusal to fight was an act of profound unbelief and rebellion against the divine command to possess the land, and their subsequent, self-initiated attempt to fight was a similar act of defiance, albeit in reverse, demonstrating a lack of genuine repentance and submission to God's current will.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. First, it highlights the **paramount importance of divine presence and approval** for Israel's success; without God "among them," their efforts were futile, emphasizing that victory is not by human might but by divine power and leading. This principle is foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with God, as seen throughout the narratives of the [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Deliverance of Israel") and the [wilderness wanderings](/numbers/1 "Numbers - The Wilderness Wanderings"). Second, it starkly illustrates the **danger of presumption and self-will** in the spiritual life. The Israelites' attempt to fight, though seemingly zealous, was an act of disobedience to God's current command and a misguided attempt to rectify past rebellion on their own terms, rather than through humble submission. This underscores that true repentance involves obedience to God's present instruction, not self-devised solutions. Third, the verse reinforces the **inevitable consequences of disobedience**, demonstrating that defiance of God's explicit word leads to defeat and hardship, a principle consistently taught throughout the [book of Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - Moses' Farewell Speeches") and exemplified in the narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **`ʻâlâh` (Hebrew, _ʿâlâh'_):** From H5927, meaning "to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative; arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work." In this context, it specifically refers to "going up" into battle or making an attack, directly countering the Israelites' declaration in [Deuteronomy 1:41](/deuteronomy/1-41 "Deuteronomy 1:41 - Israel's Presumptuous Resolve") that they would "go up" and fight.
* **`qereb` (Hebrew, _qereb'_):** From H7130, meaning "properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition); [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self." In the phrase "I am not among you," `qereb` signifies God's active withdrawal of His presence from their "midst" or "center," indicating a lack of divine favor and active participation in their presumptuous endeavor.
* **`nâgaph` (Hebrew, _nâgaph'_):** From H5062, meaning "a primitive root; to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease); beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse." In the context of "lest ye be smitten," `nâgaph` implies a decisive and devastating defeat, often carrying the connotation of a divine judgment or plague, suggesting that their defeat would be a direct consequence of God's hand being against them, or at least withdrawn from them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes Moses as the divine messenger, emphasizing that the subsequent command is not his own counsel but a direct, authoritative word from Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_). It highlights the importance of divine communication and Moses' role as mediator between God and Israel, underscoring the gravity of the message.
* **"Go not up, neither fight;"**: This is the explicit, twofold prohibition. It directly counters the Israelites' self-willed declaration in the preceding verse ([Deuteronomy 1:41](/deuteronomy/1-41 "Deuteronomy 1:41 - Israel's Presumptuous Resolve")) that they would "go up" and fight. God's command here is a direct rejection of their presumptuous plan, indicating that their zeal was misguided and not aligned with His will. The double negative imperative ("not go up, neither fight") emphasizes the absolute nature of the command.
* **"for I [am] not among you;"**: This clause provides the crucial divine rationale for the prohibition. God's withdrawal of His active, protective, and empowering presence is the sole reason for their inevitable defeat. This absence is a direct consequence of their prior unbelief and rebellion ([Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")), signifying that God would not endorse or empower their self-initiated, disobedient military action. Without Yahweh's active presence in their `qereb` (midst), Israel's military might was nullified.
* **"lest ye be smitten before your enemies."**: This final clause states the certain and severe consequence of disregarding God's warning. Their defeat is presented not as a possibility but as an assured outcome if they proceed, using the strong verb `nâgaph` (H5062). It underscores God's sovereignty over the battlefield and the direct link between obedience to His word and the experience of His blessing and protection, or conversely, the direct link between disobedience and divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:42 employs several potent **literary devices**. The most prominent is **direct address and imperative**, as God speaks directly to Moses, who then relays the command to the people. This highlights the immediacy and absolute authority of the divine word. There is a clear **cause-and-effect** relationship established: God's absence ("I am not among you") is the cause, and their being "smitten before your enemies" is the inevitable effect. This serves as a stark **warning**, a common rhetorical device in Deuteronomy, designed to impress upon the new generation the severe consequences of disobedience. Furthermore, there is an element of **irony** in the situation: the generation that once refused to fight when God commanded them to ([Numbers 14:1-10](/numbers/14-1-10 "Numbers 14:1-10 - Israel's Rebellion")), now insists on fighting when God explicitly forbids it. This perverse reversal of obedience underscores the depth of their rebellion and the danger of self-will, regardless of the outward appearance of zeal. The concise and direct nature of the divine pronouncement also lends it a powerful, almost proverbial, quality, making the warning memorable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:42 profoundly illustrates the indispensable nature of God's active presence and command for any true success in the life of faith. It teaches that human effort, no matter how zealous or well-intentioned, is utterly futile and indeed self-destructive when undertaken outside of God's explicit will and empowering presence. The Israelites' presumptuous attempt to rectify their past disobedience through a new act of self-reliance demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of repentance, which requires humble submission to God's current word, not a self-devised path to redemption. This principle extends beyond military endeavors, applying to all aspects of life where believers are tempted to forge ahead in their own strength rather than waiting on and obeying divine instruction.

* [Numbers 14:40-45](/numbers/14-40-45 "Numbers 14:40-45 - The Presumptuous Attack and Defeat at Hormah")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD Builds the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:42 serves as a timeless cautionary tale, reminding believers that genuine spiritual victory and fruitfulness are not products of human zeal, strength, or strategic planning alone, but are entirely dependent on the active, empowering presence and explicit leading of God. It challenges us to critically examine our motivations and methods in every endeavor, whether personal, familial, or ministerial. Are we genuinely seeking God's will and patiently waiting for His command, or are we charging ahead presumptuously, attempting to "fix" situations or achieve outcomes in our own strength, perhaps even in areas where God has clearly indicated a different path or timing? This verse calls us to humility and radical dependence, urging us to recognize that without God "among us"—empowering, guiding, and protecting—our most fervent efforts will ultimately lead to defeat and frustration. True obedience is not merely avoiding what God forbids, but also refraining from what He has not commanded, especially when our actions are born of self-will rather than divine direction. It compels us to ask if our "good intentions" are truly God's intentions, and if our "faith" is truly in Him or in our own capacity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "go up and fight" in my own strength, rather than waiting for God's clear command and presence?**
* **How does my understanding of God's presence impact my decision-making and my approach to challenges?**
* **What is the difference between genuine repentance that leads to obedience and presumptuous zeal that leads to further disobedience?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reliance on God's presence and guidance in my daily walk, especially when faced with difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What was the Israelites' prior disobedience that led to God's withdrawal?**

Answer: The Israelites' prior disobedience, recounted in [Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent Out") and summarized by Moses in [Deuteronomy 1:19-40](/deuteronomy/1-19-40 "Deuteronomy 1:19-40 - The Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea"), was their refusal to enter the Promised Land from Kadesh-Barnea. After the twelve spies returned, ten of them gave a fearful report, exaggerating the strength of the Canaanites and Amorites. Despite Caleb and Joshua's faithful exhortations, the people succumbed to fear, grumbled against the LORD and Moses, and even proposed choosing a new leader to return to Egypt. This act of profound unbelief and rebellion against God's direct command to possess the land resulted in God's judgment that the entire generation, save Joshua and Caleb, would perish in the wilderness over forty years.

**Why did God forbid them to fight now, even if they seemed to have a change of heart?**

Answer: God forbade them to fight because their "change of heart" was not genuine repentance and humble obedience, but rather a presumptuous, self-willed attempt to undo the consequences of their previous sin on their own terms. They had previously refused to fight when God commanded them to, demonstrating a lack of faith. Now, after God had pronounced judgment and declared that He would not go with them, they decided to fight. This was an act of defiance against God's current will and timing, born out of a desire to avoid the wilderness judgment rather than a contrite submission to God's sovereignty. God's command in [Deuteronomy 1:42](/deuteronomy/1-42 "Deuteronomy 1:42 - God's Warning Against Presumptuous Attack") was a test of true obedience: would they now submit to His explicit "Go not up," just as they had previously refused His "Go up"? Their failure to obey this new command proved their continued rebellion, highlighting that true repentance involves aligning with God's present will, not merely regretting past actions.

**What does "I am not among you" truly signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "I am not among you" signifies much more than a mere physical absence. It is a profound declaration of God's active withdrawal of His protective, empowering, and blessing presence due to their rebellion and presumption. In ancient Israelite warfare, the presence of Yahweh, often symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant or His direct prophetic word, was considered absolutely essential for victory. His presence meant His favor, His power, and His active participation on their behalf. When God declared, "I am not among you," He was stating that He would not endorse, empower, or protect their self-initiated military venture. Their strength, strategy, and numbers would be meaningless without His divine backing, guaranteeing their defeat as a direct consequence of their disobedience and lack of faith. It underscores that true success in God's work depends entirely on His divine initiative and empowering presence, not on human will or might, a principle echoed throughout the biblical narrative, from the early battles of Israel to the spiritual warfare described in the [New Testament](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:42, though rooted in Israel's wilderness experience, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Old Testament principle that victory and spiritual effectiveness depend entirely on God's presence and command is perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. Where Israel repeatedly failed through presumption and self-reliance, Jesus perfectly lived a life of absolute dependence on the Father, declaring, "I can do nothing on my own; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father")). His victory over sin and death was not achieved by human might or self-willed zeal, but by His perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). For believers today, the "presence of the LORD" is no longer a localized Ark or a temporary manifestation, but the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised would be "with you forever" ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Our spiritual battles are won not by "going up" in our own strength, but by abiding in Christ ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")), walking by the Spirit ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")), and obeying His commands. Any endeavor undertaken outside of His leading and empowering presence, no matter how noble its intent, is akin to Israel's presumptuous attack—destined to be "smitten." Our victory is found in Christ's accomplished work and our humble reliance on His Spirit, ensuring that when we "fight," it is because He is indeed "among us" and leading the charge, empowering us "to do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 7:8

O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!

Joshua 7:13

Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [There is] an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.

Numbers 14:41

And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.

Numbers 14:43

For the Amalekites and the Canaanites [are] there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.

Hosea 9:12

Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, [that there shall] not [be] a man [left]: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!

Leviticus 26:17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

1 Samuel 4:2

And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.