Numbers 14:22

Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

Because all those men {H582} which have seen {H7200} my glory {H3519}, and my miracles {H226}, which I did {H6213} in Egypt {H4714} and in the wilderness {H4057}, and have tempted {H5254}{H853} me now these ten {H6235} times {H6471}, and have not hearkened {H8085} to my voice {H6963};

none of the people who saw my glory and the signs I did in Egypt and in the desert, yet tested me these ten times and did not listen to my voice,

not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times—

because all those men that have seen my glory, and my signs, which I wrought in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have tempted me these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

Commentary

Context of Numbers 14:22

The immediate context of Numbers 14:22 is the critical turning point in Israel's wilderness journey. Following their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites arrived at the borders of the Promised Land. Moses sent twelve spies to scout Canaan (Numbers 13). Ten of the spies returned with a fearful report, emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants and their fortified cities, overshadowing the land's bounty. Only Joshua and Caleb gave an encouraging report, urging the people to trust God.

However, the people succumbed to fear and unbelief, choosing to grumble against the Lord and Moses, even proposing to appoint a new leader and return to Egypt (Numbers 14:1-4). This verse is part of God's declaration of judgment against that rebellious generation, who, despite witnessing His mighty acts, repeatedly refused to trust and obey His voice.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Patience Tested: The verse highlights God's immense patience, as the Israelites "tempted" or tested Him multiple times. The phrase "these ten times" is often understood as a symbolic representation of a full measure of repeated provocations and persistent rebellion, rather than a literal count of exactly ten instances. It signifies a pattern of chronic disobedience and distrust.
  • Consequences of Unbelief: God's judgment here is a direct consequence of the people's lack of faith and their failure to "hearken to my voice." Despite having seen God's "glory" and "miracles," they chose fear over faith, leading to the severe punishment of not entering the Promised Land (Numbers 14:23). This serves as a solemn warning against the dangers of unbelief.
  • Responsibility of Witness: Those who witnessed God's powerful acts in Egypt (the plagues, the Red Sea crossing) and in the wilderness (manna, water from the rock) were held to a higher standard. Their rebellion was particularly grievous because it occurred despite overwhelming evidence of God's power, faithfulness, and presence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "glory" (kabod, כָּבוֹד) signifies God's weighty presence, honor, and visible manifestation of His power and majesty. The Israelites had literally seen God's glorious presence and His mighty hand at work.

The term "tempted" (Hebrew: nasah, נָסָה) carries the meaning of testing, trying, or proving. In this context, it refers to the Israelites repeatedly challenging God's faithfulness, power, and patience through their complaints, doubts, and disobedience, rather than a sincere inquiry. This pattern of testing God is a recurring theme, found also in Psalm 95:8-11 and directly referenced in the New Testament in Hebrews 3:7-19, which warns against having an "evil heart of unbelief."

Practical Application

The account in Numbers 14:22 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It underscores the importance of faith and obedience, even when circumstances seem daunting. We are called to learn from the mistakes of the Israelites and avoid the danger of chronic unbelief and rebellion, especially when God has revealed His character and power to us.

This verse challenges us to consider whether we are truly hearkening to God's voice and trusting in His promises, or if we are allowing fear and doubt to lead us into disobedience. While God is infinitely patient and merciful, there are consequences for persistent unbelief that rejects His clear will and proven faithfulness. It encourages us to cultivate a heart of trust and submission to God's leading in our lives.

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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

  • Job 19:3

    These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed [that] ye make yourselves strange to me.

  • Genesis 31:7

    And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

  • Hebrews 3:17

    But with whom was he grieved forty years? [was it] not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

  • Hebrews 3:18

    And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

  • Psalms 106:26

    Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:

  • Deuteronomy 1:31

    And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.

  • Deuteronomy 1:35

    Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,