Deuteronomy 9:23

KJV

Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice.

KJV (with Strong's)

Likewise when the LORD {H3068} sent {H7971} you from Kadeshbarnea {H6947}, saying {H559}, Go up {H5927} and possess {H3423} the land {H776} which I have given {H5414} you; then ye rebelled {H4784} against the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, and ye believed {H539} him not, nor hearkened {H8085} to his voice {H6963}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and when ADONAI sent you off from Kadesh-Barnea by saying, 'Go up and take possession of the land I have given you,' you rebelled against the order of ADONAI your God - you neither trusted him nor heeded what he said.

Berean Standard Bible

And when the LORD sent you out from Kadesh-barnea, He said, “Go up and possess the land that I have given you.” But you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You neither believed Him nor obeyed Him.

American Standard Version

And when Jehovah sent you from Kadesh-barnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of Jehovah your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 9:23 serves as a poignant reminder from Moses to the new generation of Israelites, recounting their ancestors' profound act of rebellion and unbelief at Kadesh-barnea. Despite the LORD's explicit command to advance and possess the land He had already promised and given, the previous generation chose to distrust His power and faithfulness, refusing to obey His voice. This pivotal moment of disobedience resulted in severe consequences, highlighting the gravity of unbelief and the necessity of faithful obedience to God's divine word and sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 9:23 is situated within Moses's second major discourse to the Israelites as they stand on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. This chapter, specifically, is a powerful and sobering call to humility. Moses meticulously recounts Israel's history of rebellion, emphasizing that their right to inherit the land is not based on their own righteousness or merit, but solely on God's covenant faithfulness and His righteous judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations. The verse immediately precedes Moses's further recounting of their rebellion at Taberah, Massah, and Kibroth-hattaavah, reinforcing the consistent pattern of their disobedience. It serves as a stark contrast to the divine promise of the land, highlighting the human failure that almost derailed God's redemptive plan, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 9](/deuteronomy/9 "Deuteronomy 9 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Faithfulness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The incident at Kadesh-barnea (mentioned in [Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan") and [Numbers 32:13](/numbers/32-13 "Numbers 32:13 - The Consequences of Unbelief")) represents a critical turning point in Israel's wilderness journey. It was from this oasis that Moses dispatched twelve spies to reconnoiter the land of Canaan. Culturally, obedience to a divine command, especially one accompanied by miraculous provision and deliverance, was paramount in ancient Near Eastern thought regarding covenant relationships. The Israelites' refusal to "go up and possess the land" was not merely a tactical error but a direct affront to the LORD's authority and a profound rejection of His demonstrated power and promise. Their decision to believe the fearful report of ten spies over the encouraging words of Joshua and Caleb, and more importantly, over God's explicit command, revealed a deep-seated lack of trust in the very God who had delivered them from Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Rebellion and Disobedience**, demonstrating Israel's persistent tendency to defy God's direct commands, even in the face of His manifest presence and provision. Secondly, it highlights the devastating consequences of **Unbelief and Lack of Trust** in God's promises. The phrase "ye believed him not" is central, revealing that their disobedience stemmed from a fundamental distrust in God's ability to fulfill His word, despite the countless miracles they had witnessed, such as the parting of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:31](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Israel Believes the LORD")). This failure to believe ultimately prevented an entire generation from entering God's promised rest, a concept later expounded in [Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - Unbelief Prevents Entry into God's Rest"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the importance of **"Hearkening to His Voice,"** where "hearken" (Hebrew: *shama*) implies not just hearing but actively listening and obeying. Their refusal to *shama* God's voice illustrates a profound spiritual deafness. Finally, the verse implicitly points to the theme of **Divine Faithfulness vs. Human Failure**, where God remains true to His covenant despite Israel's repeated shortcomings, ultimately leading to a renewed opportunity for the next generation to inherit the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rebelled (Hebrew, _marah'_):** This verb signifies a strong, deliberate act of defiance, opposition, and contention against authority. It is not merely a mistake or a misunderstanding, but a contentious standing against God's explicit will. In this context, it highlights the Israelites' conscious and stubborn refusal to comply with the divine command, indicating a profound breach of their covenant relationship with the LORD.
* **Believed him not (Hebrew, _aman'_):** Derived from the root *aman*, which conveys the idea of being firm, trustworthy, or faithful. When used in the negative ("believed him not"), it indicates a profound lack of trust, reliance, and faithfulness in God's word and His ability to fulfill His promises. This was a spiritual failure at its core, demonstrating a failure to rest securely in God's character and power, despite His consistent demonstration of both.
* **Hearkened to his voice (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The verb *shama* encompasses not only the physical act of hearing but also the mental and volitional act of understanding, paying attention, and, crucially, obeying. To "not hearken to his voice" means they heard the command but deliberately chose not to respond in obedience. This emphasizes that true listening to God involves active compliance and submission to His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you;":** This clause sets the scene at a pivotal geographical and historical location, Kadesh-barnea. It underscores the divine initiative: it was the LORD who "sent" them and gave the explicit command to "Go up and possess the land." The phrase "which I have given you" highlights the divine promise and gift, implying that the land was already theirs by divine decree, requiring only their faithful appropriation. This emphasizes God's sovereign provision and the certainty of His word.
* **"then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God,":** This marks the turning point, introducing the core transgression. The Israelites' action is explicitly labeled as "rebellion" against a clear "commandment" from "the LORD your God." This phrasing stresses the direct nature of their defiance against the covenant Lord who had redeemed them, making their act a severe breach of loyalty and trust.
* **"and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice.":** This final clause unpacks the nature and depth of their rebellion. Their disobedience stemmed from a fundamental lack of faith ("ye believed him not") in God's power and faithfulness to deliver on His promise. This unbelief manifested as a refusal to obey ("nor hearkened to his voice"), demonstrating that their hearing was not accompanied by trust or submission, leading to their tragic exclusion from the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 9:23 employs several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** of the theme of Israel's rebellion and stubbornness is a dominant feature throughout [Deuteronomy 9](/deuteronomy/9 "Deuteronomy 9 - Israel's History of Rebellion"), with this verse serving as a prime example of their consistent failure. Moses uses **Rhetorical Exhortation** as he recounts this history, not just to inform, but to persuade and warn the new generation against repeating the same mistakes. There is a strong **Contrast** between God's clear, gracious command to "possess the land which I have given you" and Israel's defiant response of rebellion and unbelief. This highlights the stark difference between divine faithfulness and human failure. Furthermore, the narrative functions as a **Cautionary Tale** or **Paradigm**, serving as a warning for future generations (including the contemporary reader) about the dangers of unbelief and disobedience. The specific naming of "Kadesh-barnea" acts as a **Symbol** of a profound moment of national failure and the devastating consequences that follow a lack of faith in God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 9:23 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's covenant, human responsibility, and the destructive power of unbelief. It teaches that God's promises are sure, but their realization in human experience often hinges on a faithful response. The Israelites' failure at Kadesh-barnea was not due to God's inability or unfaithfulness, but to their own stubborn hearts and lack of trust, which directly led to their disobedience. This event serves as a foundational narrative illustrating that while salvation and blessing are by grace, they are received and walked in by faith and obedience. It underscores the seriousness with which God views unbelief, not merely as a minor flaw, but as a direct affront to His character and word, capable of hindering the fulfillment of His purposes in human lives.

* [Numbers 14:11](/numbers/14-11 "Numbers 14:11 - The LORD's Anger at Israel's Unbelief")
* [Psalm 95:7-11](/psalm/95-7 "Psalm 95:7-11 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Warning Against Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 9:23 stands as a timeless cautionary tale, urging believers across generations to guard against the insidious dangers of unbelief and disobedience. Just as Israel was on the precipice of inheriting a tangible promised land, we, too, stand on the brink of spiritual inheritance and the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives. This verse challenges us to examine the areas where we might be "rebelling" against God's clear commands or failing to "believe Him" in the face of daunting circumstances. True faith is not merely intellectual assent but an active trust that translates into obedience, even when the path is unclear or requires stepping out of our comfort zones. We are called to learn from the mistakes of those who came before us, ensuring that our hearts remain soft and receptive to God's voice, rather than hardening in doubt or fear. Our spiritual "Promised Land"—God's will, His blessings, and the abundant life He offers—is appropriated through a living faith that acts on His word, trusting in His power to accomplish what He has promised.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "rebelling" against a clear command or prompting from the LORD?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate whether I truly "believe" God's promises, especially when faced with fear or uncertainty?**
* **Am I actively "hearkening to His voice" through His Word and prayer, or am I allowing distractions and doubts to make me spiritually deaf?**
* **What past instances of disobedience or unbelief in my life have prevented me from experiencing God's blessings or entering His "rest"? How can I learn from them?**

### FAQ
**Why was Kadesh-barnea such a pivotal moment for Israel?**

Answer: Kadesh-barnea was pivotal because it represented the threshold of the Promised Land and a critical test of Israel's faith and obedience. The LORD had explicitly commanded them to "Go up and possess the land," which He had already "given" them. Their rebellion and unbelief at this juncture, choosing to believe the fearful report of ten spies over God's promise and the encouraging words of Joshua and Caleb ([Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Joshua and Caleb's Faith")), directly led to God's judgment: the entire generation, save Joshua and Caleb, was condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years until they perished ([Numbers 14:33-35](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33-35 - The Forty Years of Wandering")). It was a moment where their actions irrevocably altered the course of their national history, demonstrating the severe consequences of distrusting God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 9:23, while recounting Israel's profound failure, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect deliverer and a new covenant. Israel's rebellion and unbelief at Kadesh-barnea underscore humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God's commands and fully trust His promises. This spiritual deficiency points directly to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the obedience that Israel failed to demonstrate. Unlike Israel, who "rebelled against the commandment of the LORD," Jesus lived a life of absolute submission to His Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Where Israel "believed Him not," Jesus is the embodiment of perfect faith and trust in God, and through His atoning work, He provides the means for sinful humanity to be reconciled to God and receive the true "rest" that Israel forfeited ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me and Find Rest")). The "land which I have given you" that Israel failed to possess finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the inheritance of eternal life and the heavenly kingdom, granted to all who put their faith in Christ ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, Deuteronomy 9:23 highlights not only Israel's failure but also the glorious necessity of Christ, through whom God's promises are truly "Yes and Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in 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

Psalms 106:24

Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:

Psalms 106:25

But murmured in their tents, [and] hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.

Hebrews 4:2

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].

Isaiah 63:10

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

Psalms 78:22

Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:

Deuteronomy 1:19

¶ And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea.

Deuteronomy 1:33

Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents [in], in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.