Numbers 14:31

KJV

But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.

KJV (with Strong's)

But your little ones {H2945}, which ye said {H559} should be a prey {H957}, them will I bring in {H935}, and they shall know {H3045} the land {H776} which ye have despised {H3988}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But your little ones, who you said would be taken as booty - them I will bring in. They will know the land you have rejected.

Berean Standard Bible

But I will bring your children, whom you said would become plunder, into the land you have rejected—and they will enjoy it.

American Standard Version

But your little ones, that ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have rejected.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:31 serves as a profound divine declaration, powerfully contrasting God's unwavering faithfulness and covenant commitment with the profound unbelief and rebellious spirit of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It reveals God's sovereign intent to fulfill His promise of the land, not through the generation that scorned His gift, but through the very children they feared would become prey, thereby reversing their fearful prophecy with a demonstration of His mercy, justice, and ultimate control over His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the immediate aftermath of the twelve spies' reconnaissance mission to Canaan, as meticulously detailed in [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan"). Ten of the spies returned with a disheartening report, emphasizing the formidable strength of the land's inhabitants and their fortified cities, which ignited widespread despair and rebellion among the Israelite congregation. Their fear escalated to the point of contemplating a return to Egypt and even seeking new leaders, explicitly voicing concerns that their "little ones" would become "a prey" or plunder for the Canaanites, as articulated in [Numbers 14:3](/numbers/14-3 "Numbers 14:3 - Israelites' Fear for Their Children"). In response to this profound lack of faith and their direct murmuring against the Lord, God declared a severe judgment: the entire generation of adults, twenty years old and upward, would perish in the wilderness and be barred from entering the Promised Land, with the notable exceptions of Caleb and Joshua, as stated in [Numbers 14:29-30](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29-30 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation"). Numbers 14:31 then serves as a crucial counterpoint, highlighting God's mercy and justice by revealing the unexpected, redemptive fate of the very children they had feared for, underscoring God's sovereign ability to fulfill His promises despite human failure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 14:31 unfold during the Israelites' forty-year wilderness wandering, a period immediately following their miraculous exodus from Egyptian bondage. This generation had witnessed God's mighty acts, from the plagues in Egypt to the parting of the Red Sea and the daily provision of manna. Culturally, the concept of "prey" or "spoil" was a grim reality of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where conquered peoples, especially women and children, could be enslaved, killed, or assimilated. The Israelites' fear reflected a genuine, albeit faithless, concern for their families in a hostile world. Historically, the inheritance of land was central to the Abrahamic covenant, signifying rest, blessing, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His chosen people. The Israelites' rejection of the land, therefore, was not merely a logistical complaint but a profound act of rebellion against the very core of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Their journey was meant to culminate in settlement, but their unbelief introduced a prolonged period of nomadic existence as divine discipline.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 14:31 powerfully articulates several foundational theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness** despite human failure. Even in the face of the parents' profound rebellion and lack of trust, God remains steadfastly committed to His covenant promises to bring a people into the land. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over human sin and His unyielding commitment to His redemptive plan, even if it requires raising up a new generation. Secondly, the verse vividly illustrates **Divine Justice and Mercy**. Justice is meted out upon the unbelieving generation who "despised" the land, forfeiting their inheritance, while profound mercy is extended to their innocent children, who become the inheritors of the blessing their parents rejected. This duality highlights the complexity and perfection of God's character. Finally, it emphasizes **The Hope of the Next Generation**. The children, whom the parents feared would be destroyed, paradoxically become the vessels through whom God's promise is fulfilled. They would "know the land," experiencing its fruitfulness and possessing it, fulfilling God's original intent for His people. This theme speaks to the resilience of God's plan and the potential for a fresh start, even after significant corporate failure, a theme powerfully echoed in [Deuteronomy 1:39](/deuteronomy/1-39 "Deuteronomy 1:39 - God's Promise to the Children").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prey (Hebrew, _baz_):** This term literally means 'spoil,' 'plunder,' or 'booty,' referring to goods or persons taken in war. The Israelites' use of this word reveals their deepest fear: that their children would not just die, but be captured and enslaved or killed by the Canaanites, becoming a testament to their own perceived weakness and God's supposed inability to protect them. It highlights their complete lack of faith in God's power to deliver and their projection of human warfare realities onto God's divine protection.
* **bring in (Hebrew, _bôwʼ_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning 'to go or come,' this word signifies God's active, intentional, and sovereign intervention. It's not that the children will accidentally stumble into the land, but that God Himself will personally escort them. This emphasizes His direct involvement in fulfilling His promise, contrasting sharply with the parents' inability and unwillingness to enter. It underscores God's initiative and power in accomplishing His purposes.
* **despised (Hebrew, _mâʼaç_):** This is a strong verb meaning 'to spurn,' 'to scorn,' 'to treat with contempt,' or 'to reject with disdain.' It conveys a more severe offense than mere doubt or fear; it implies an active, willful rejection and contempt for God's promised gift—the land flowing with milk and honey. This word underscores the gravity of their rebellion and the profound insult to God's character, generosity, and covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey":** This clause establishes a direct, divine rebuttal to the Israelites' specific, fear-driven accusation and prediction. Their words revealed their profound unbelief, imagining a horrific fate for their children at the hands of the Canaanites, thereby accusing God of being unable or unwilling to protect them. God's emphatic "But" signals a divine reversal of their faithless prophecy, setting the stage for His sovereign intervention.
* **"them will I bring in":** This is God's direct, sovereign declaration, asserting His power and intention to personally lead the next generation into the land, despite the parents' failure and their own fears. This demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when human beings prove unfaithful. It is an act of divine grace and power, ensuring the fulfillment of His word.
* **"and they shall know the land which ye have despised":** The verb "know" (yada') here implies not merely intellectual awareness, but experiential, intimate knowledge, possession, and enjoyment. The children will fully experience the blessings, fruitfulness, and security of the land that their parents actively scorned and rejected. This highlights the ironic and just outcome: those who feared the land will inherit it, while those who despised it will perish outside its borders, emphasizing the consequences of faith versus unbelief.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:31 is rich with several potent literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's meaning. There is a stark contrast between the parents' fearful, faithless prediction ("should be a prey") and God's redemptive, sovereign promise ("them will I bring in"). This also extends to the profound contrast between the parents' act of "despising" the land and the children's future experience of "knowing" and possessing it. This contrast underscores the chasm between human unbelief and divine faithfulness. **Irony** is also powerfully at play; the very children for whom the parents feared the worst fate become the inheritors of the promise, while the fearful parents forfeit their own entry. This ironic twist highlights God's ability to turn human failure into an opportunity for His purposes to prevail, demonstrating His unexpected ways. The verse is also a direct **Divine Speech**, a powerful declaration from God Himself, emphasizing His absolute authority, sovereignty, and the certainty of His word. The use of **Repetition of Themes**, particularly the "land" and the "generation," reinforces the narrative's central concerns of covenant fulfillment, the consequences of faith or unbelief, and the enduring nature of God's promises across generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:31 is a profound theological statement on God's character and the nature of His covenant with humanity. It reveals a God who is both just in His judgment of rebellion and merciful in His provision of a way forward. The verse underscores that while human disobedience has severe consequences, it does not ultimately thwart God's sovereign plan or invalidate His promises. His faithfulness is not contingent on human perfection but on His own unchanging character and unwavering commitment to His redemptive purposes. This passage also highlights the intergenerational impact of faith and unbelief, demonstrating that while the sins of one generation can lead to forfeiture, God's grace can still extend to the next, offering a fresh opportunity for covenant relationship and blessing. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's redemptive purposes will prevail, even through unexpected means and through those whom human eyes might dismiss.

* [Deuteronomy 1:39](/deuteronomy/1-39 "Deuteronomy 1:39 - God's Promise to the Children")
* [Psalm 78:5-8](/psalms/78-5 "Psalm 78:5-8 - God's Law and Faithfulness to Generations")
* [Hebrews 3:17-19](/hebrews/3-17-19 "Hebrews 3:17-19 - Unbelief and Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:31 offers a sobering yet profoundly hopeful message for believers today. It starkly reminds us that our choices, particularly those rooted in fear, doubt, and unbelief, can have significant consequences, potentially causing us to miss out on God's promised blessings and even impacting future generations. The Israelites' failure to trust God's power and provision led to a forfeiture of their inheritance, serving as a timeless warning. This prompts us to examine our own lives: are there "promised lands"—God's callings, opportunities, or specific blessings—that we are "despising" or hesitating to enter due to fear, doubt, or a lack of faith in His ability to deliver? Yet, the verse also shines a beacon of incredible hope, demonstrating God's boundless mercy and His unwavering commitment to His ultimate purposes. Even when one generation falters, God's plan endures, often finding a way through the next. This encourages us to live lives of courageous faith, recognizing that our trust in God not only shapes our own destiny but can also pave the way for blessings and spiritual inheritance for those who come after us. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for God's gifts and to actively pursue the inheritance He has prepared for us, rather than allowing fear or doubt to dictate our obedience and limit His work in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "promised lands" or divine callings might I be "despising" or hesitating to enter due to fear or unbelief, similar to the Israelites?**
* **How might my current choices of faith or unbelief be impacting the spiritual inheritance or opportunities of the next generation in my family, church, or community?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to trust God's "bringing in" more, rather than succumbing to fears of being "prey" or facing insurmountable obstacles?**

### FAQ
**Why did God punish the parents but spare the children?**

Answer: God's judgment on the adult generation (those 20 years and older, excluding Caleb and Joshua) was a direct consequence of their profound unbelief and rebellion. They had repeatedly witnessed God's miraculous power and provision but still refused to trust Him to deliver on His promise of the land, actively choosing to murmur and even attempt to return to Egypt. This was a corporate act of contempt for God's covenant and His character. The children, however, were considered innocent of this specific act of rebellion, not having participated in the decision to reject the land. God's decision to spare them demonstrates His mercy, His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, and His justice in holding individuals accountable for their own choices. He would fulfill His word to bring a people into the land, even if it meant raising up a new generation to receive the blessing their parents forfeited. This highlights both God's justice in punishing sin and His grace in preserving His redemptive plan.

**What does "know the land" imply for the children?**

Answer: "To know the land" (Hebrew: יָדַע, _yada'_) in this context means far more than simply having intellectual awareness of its existence or geographical features. It signifies an intimate, experiential knowledge, implying that they would possess it, live in it, cultivate it, and enjoy its blessings. It means they would inherit the land as their own, experiencing the rest, fruitfulness, and security that God had promised. This stands in stark contrast to their parents, who, despite being physically present at the border, refused to "know" it in this deeper, possessive sense due to their unbelief, thus forfeiting their entry and experience of its abundance. It speaks to the fulfillment of God's promise through a generation that would embrace His gift and live in covenant fellowship within the promised inheritance.

**Is this a lesson about generational sin?**

Answer: While the parents' sin of unbelief had profound consequences for their children (prolonged wilderness wandering and the delay of the inheritance), this passage is not primarily about "generational sin" in the sense of children being inherently guilty of their parents' specific transgressions. Instead, it's a powerful lesson about the **generational impact of choices** and **God's redemptive work across generations**. The children were spared the judgment of their parents' rebellion and were given a fresh opportunity to enter the covenant promise. It shows that while the actions of one generation can create challenging circumstances for the next, God's mercy and faithfulness can break cycles of failure, offering a new path forward and fulfilling His purposes through those who are willing to trust Him. It emphasizes that God's ultimate plan of redemption will prevail, even if it requires raising up a new generation to carry it forward.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:31, with its stark portrayal of unbelief's consequences and God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The wilderness generation's failure to enter the physical promised land due to their unbelief serves as a profound Old Testament type for the spiritual "rest" and heavenly inheritance offered in Christ. Just as the "little ones" were brought into the land their parents despised, so too are those who believe in Jesus brought into a spiritual reality and an eternal inheritance that the world often scorns. The book of [Hebrews 3:7-4:11](/hebrews/3-7-11 "Hebrews 3:7-11 - Warning Against Unbelief") directly draws this parallel, warning against the same "unbelief" that prevented Israel from entering God's rest, and urging believers to strive to enter God's ultimate rest, which is found in Christ alone. Jesus is the true and greater Joshua, the one who leads His people not into a temporal land, but into the eternal kingdom of God and the new creation, as beautifully described in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). The "prey" that the Israelites feared for their children—death and destruction—was ultimately conquered by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. The "little ones" who entered the land represent all those who, by grace through faith, receive the spiritual blessings and eternal life that the Law and human effort could never secure, as illuminated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). In Christ, we truly "know" (experientially possess) a land far greater than Canaan—the kingdom of God and intimate fellowship with the living God, a reality secured by His faithfulness, not our own fleeting trust.

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

Deuteronomy 1:39

Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

Psalms 106:24

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

Numbers 26:64

But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai.

Numbers 14:3

And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?

Numbers 26:6

Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.

Matthew 22:5

But they made light of [it], and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

Proverbs 1:30

They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.