Numbers 14:10

But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

But all the congregation {H5712} bade {H559} stone {H7275} them with stones {H68}. And the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} in the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150} before all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

But just as the whole community were saying they should be stoned to death, the glory of ADONAI appeared in the tent of meeting to all the people of Isra'el.

But the whole congregation threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting.

But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of Jehovah appeared in the tent of meeting unto all the children of Israel.

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 14:10 (KJV)

Numbers 14:10 captures a pivotal moment of high tension and divine intervention in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. Following the return of the twelve spies from Canaan, the congregation of Israel had given way to fear and rebellion, rejecting God's promise to give them the land. This verse highlights the people's extreme reaction and God's immediate, visible response.

Context

After spending forty days exploring the Promised Land, the twelve spies returned. Ten of them delivered a fearful report, emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants and their fortified cities, leading the people to despair and wish they had died in Egypt or the wilderness (Numbers 14:2). In stark contrast, Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes and faithfully urged the people to trust in the Lord, declaring that God would surely give them the land because He delighted in them (Numbers 14:8-9).

However, the congregation's fear had escalated into outright mutiny. Instead of heeding the words of faith, they prepared to stone Joshua and Caleb, seeing them as threats to their desire to appoint a new leader and return to Egypt. It was at this critical juncture, as human rebellion reached its peak, that the divine presence manifested.

Key Themes

  • Rebellion and Unbelief: This verse starkly illustrates the depth of the Israelites' rebellion. Their willingness to stone God's faithful servants, Joshua and Caleb, was an act of direct defiance against the Lord Himself, born out of deep-seated unbelief in God's power and promises.
  • Divine Intervention: The immediate appearance of the "glory of the LORD" signifies God's direct and authoritative intervention. This was not merely a passive observation but an active demonstration of His presence to confront the people's sin and prevent further rebellion.
  • God's Manifest Presence: The "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: kavod Adonai) refers to the visible manifestation of God's weighty presence, power, and holiness. This same glory had previously filled the Tabernacle upon its completion, signifying His dwelling among His people. Its appearance here was a powerful, undeniable sign of divine displeasure and impending judgment.
  • Faithfulness Vindicated: While Joshua and Caleb faced immediate threat, the sudden appearance of God's glory served to validate their faithful stand and protect them from the mob's wrath.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: kavod Adonai) is significant. Kavod literally means "weight" or "heaviness," and by extension, "honor," "dignity," or "splendor." When applied to God, it speaks of the manifest presence of His majesty, power, and holiness. It is often associated with a visible, awe-inspiring display, such as a cloud, fire, or brilliant light, indicating God's immediate and active presence in a situation. Its appearance in the tabernacle was a clear sign that God was taking notice and about to act.

Practical Application

Numbers 14:10 offers several timeless lessons:

  • The Danger of Unbelief: Fear and unbelief can lead to destructive and irrational behavior, even turning against those who speak truth and faith. This passage serves as a solemn warning against allowing fear to override trust in God's promises.
  • God's Awareness of Our Actions: The swift appearance of God's glory demonstrates that He is intimately aware of our choices, particularly our rebellion or faithfulness. He does not remain silent or absent when His people defy Him.
  • Standing for Truth: Joshua and Caleb exemplify courage in standing for God's truth, even when it is unpopular and dangerous. Their faithfulness, though initially met with hostility, was ultimately vindicated by divine intervention.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: The dramatic appearance of God's glory immediately precedes the severe judgment pronounced on that generation, who would wander in the wilderness for forty years until they perished (Numbers 14:33-35). This highlights the serious consequences of rejecting God's will and His faithful servants.
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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 17:4

    And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

  • Leviticus 9:23

    ¶ And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.

  • Exodus 16:10

    And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

  • Numbers 16:19

    And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

  • 1 Samuel 30:6

    And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

  • Numbers 20:6

    And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.

  • Matthew 23:37

    O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!
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