Deuteronomy 1:43

So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill.

So I spake {H1696} unto you; and ye would not hear {H8085}, but rebelled {H4784} against the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}, and went {H5927} presumptuously {H2102} up {H5927} into the hill {H2022}.

So I told you, but you wouldn't listen. Instead, you rebelled against ADONAI's order, took matters into your own hands and went up into the hill-country;

So I spoke to you, but you would not listen. You rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country.

So I spake unto you, and ye hearkened not; but ye rebelled against the commandment of Jehovah, and were presumptuous, and went up into the hill-country.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:43 encapsulates a pivotal moment of Israel's journey through the wilderness, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and presumption. Moses, recounting the nation's history, highlights their failure to heed God's direct instruction.

Context

This verse refers to the tragic incident at Kadesh-Barnea, immediately following the twelve spies' return from Canaan. Ten of the spies brought back a fearful report, causing the people to lose faith and refuse to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13:31). In response to their rebellion, the LORD declared that that generation would die in the wilderness and not enter the land (Numbers 14:34). Despite this divine judgment, some Israelites then decided to go up and fight the Amorites, directly contrary to God's explicit command through Moses (Numbers 14:41). This verse in Deuteronomy reiterates that act of defiance.

Key Themes

  • Disobedience to God's Command: The core issue is Israel's refusal to "hear" and obey the LORD's clear instruction not to ascend the hill and engage the enemy. This was not a misunderstanding but a deliberate act of defiance.
  • Rebellion and Presumption: The text explicitly states they "rebelled against the commandment of the LORD." Their subsequent action of going "presumptuously up into the hill" demonstrates a stubborn self-will, believing they knew better than God or could force His hand after He had already pronounced judgment.
  • Consequences of Ignoring Divine Counsel: This act of presumption led to a devastating defeat, serving as a powerful lesson that obedience is paramount for divine favor and success.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "presumptuously" in the KJV comes from the Hebrew root 'azad (אָזַד), which conveys the idea of acting with insolence, stubbornness, or willful defiance against authority. It signifies an arrogant and deliberate disregard for a divine command, rather than an innocent mistake or a lack of understanding. This wasn't merely a lapse in judgment, but an act of brazen self-reliance that directly challenged God's word.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 1:43 holds timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Listen and Obey: The verse underscores the critical importance of truly hearing and obeying God's voice, even when His commands seem counterintuitive or challenging. Our spiritual success and well-being depend on our submission to His will (John 10:27).
  • Beware of Presumption: It warns against the danger of acting presumptuously, which is to proceed based on our own will, strength, or perceived wisdom, rather than waiting for or obeying God's clear direction. Presumption often leads to spiritual defeat and unnecessary hardship.
  • Trust God's Timing and Methods: Sometimes God tells us "not yet" or "not that way." True faith involves trusting His wisdom and timing, even when it means waiting or taking a path different from what we might prefer.

The historical account of Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea serves as a powerful cautionary tale, urging us to humble ourselves before God's word and avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and self-willed action.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 14:44

    But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.

  • Romans 8:7

    Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

  • Romans 8:8

    So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

  • Acts 7:51

    ΒΆ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

  • Isaiah 63:10

    But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, [and] he fought against them.
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