Numbers 14:35

KJV

I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.

KJV (with Strong's)

I the LORD {H3068} have said {H1696}, I will surely {H518}{H3808} do {H6213} it {H2063} unto all this evil {H7451} congregation {H5712}, that are gathered together {H3259} against me: in this wilderness {H4057} they shall be consumed {H8552}, and there they shall die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I, ADONAI, have spoken.' I will certainly do this to this whole evil community who have assembled together against me - they will be destroyed in this desert and die there."

Berean Standard Bible

I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this entire wicked congregation, which has conspired against Me. They will meet their end in the wilderness, and there they will die.”

American Standard Version

I, Jehovah, have spoken, surely this will I do unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:35 delivers a profound and unyielding declaration from the LORD, pronouncing certain judgment upon the generation of Israelites who, after hearing the fearful report of the spies, rebelly united against Him and His divine plan. This verse underscores the severe and inescapable consequences of their profound unbelief, defiance, and direct rejection of God's leadership, sealing their fate to perish in the wilderness rather than entering the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent divine declaration follows a critical turning point in Israel's wilderness journey. Having been miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage and brought to the very threshold of the Promised Land, the narrative hinges on the report of the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan. While Joshua and Caleb brought an encouraging report of God's faithfulness and the land's bounty, the ten other spies instilled fear and panic by emphasizing the formidable inhabitants and fortified cities, as detailed in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Fearful Report"). This fearful account ignited a widespread rebellion among the entire congregation, who grumbled against Moses and Aaron, lamenting their deliverance from Egypt and even proposing to choose a new leader to return to their former slavery, as recorded in [Numbers 14:2-4](/numbers/14-2 "Numbers 14:2-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt"). Despite the fervent pleas and faithful exhortations of Joshua and Caleb, who urged trust in God's power to grant them the land, the people threatened to stone them. This collective act of rebellion was interpreted by God not merely as defiance against Moses, but as a direct affront to His authority, His covenant, and His promises, prompting the severe judgment declared in this verse and the preceding ones, including the decree of [forty years of wandering in the wilderness](/numbers/14-34 "Numbers 14:34 - Forty Years of Wilderness Wandering").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites at this point were a newly formed nation, recently liberated from centuries of slavery in Egypt. They had witnessed God's mighty acts of deliverance, including the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna and water in the wilderness. They were under a direct covenant relationship with Yahweh, established at Mount Sinai, where they received the Law. The Promised Land was not merely a geographical destination but the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, representing rest, inheritance, and the place where God would dwell among His people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rebellion against a divinely appointed leader or a deity was considered a grave offense, often met with severe consequences. The grumbling of the Israelites, therefore, was not just a minor complaint but a profound act of distrust and rejection of their divine King and His established order, challenging His sovereignty and faithfulness. Their desire to return to Egypt signified a spiritual regression, preferring the perceived security of slavery over the freedom and challenges of walking by faith with God.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 14:35 powerfully articulates several foundational themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is **Divine Judgment for Unbelief**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against a generation that refused to trust His power and promise despite overwhelming evidence of His faithfulness. Their persistent unbelief, highlighted in [Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - The Consequences of Unbelief"), proved to be a fatal flaw. Another prominent theme is the **Consequences of Disobedience**, where the verse explicitly states that the rebellious generation "shall be consumed, and there they shall die" in the wilderness. This serves as a stark reminder that sin, particularly direct rebellion against God's commands and promises, carries severe and inescapable repercussions. Furthermore, the phrase "I the LORD have said, I will surely do it" underscores **God's Unwavering Word and Faithfulness to His Decrees**. It emphasizes the certainty and immutability of God's pronouncements, whether they be promises of blessing or declarations of judgment, affirming that His word will not return void, as echoed in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"). Finally, the phrase "gathered together against me" clarifies that the Israelites' grumbling and desire to return to Egypt were not merely against human leaders like Moses and Aaron, but constituted a direct act of **Rebellion Against God's Authority**, revealing a deep-seated spiritual defiance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** The word `רָעָה` (_ra'ah'_) here, translated "evil" in "evil congregation," denotes moral wickedness, depravity, and malice. It's not merely a description of unfortunate circumstances but a condemnation of their heart attitude—their rebellion, unbelief, and desire to return to Egypt were fundamentally sinful and offensive to God. It highlights the collective moral culpability of the assembly.
* **Surely do it (Hebrew, _'im-lo'_):** The phrase "I will surely do it" is a translation of the Hebrew `אִם־לֹא` (_'im-lo'_), which is a common form of an emphatic negative oath in Hebrew. It literally means "if not," implying a self-curse: "If I do not do this, then let a curse fall upon me." In this context, it functions as a solemn, absolute affirmation of God's unalterable resolve. It conveys undeniable certainty and the unbreakable nature of God's decree, emphasizing that His word is irrevocably binding.
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _yittammu'_):** The verb `יִתַּמּוּ` (_yittammu'_), derived from the root `תמם` (_tamam_), means "to be finished," "to be completed," "to be consumed," or "to come to an end." In this context, it signifies their complete destruction and perishing in the wilderness. It's not just that they will die, but that their existence as a rebellious generation will be brought to a definitive and final end within that wilderness space, preventing them from reaching the Promised Land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I the LORD have said":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine authority and immutability of the pronouncement. It is not Moses speaking, nor is it a mere human judgment, but the direct, sovereign word of Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. This emphasizes the absolute certainty and binding nature of what follows.
* **"I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me":** This segment specifies the target and the reason for the judgment. "I will surely do it" (as analyzed above) underscores the divine resolve. The "evil congregation" refers to the entire assembly of Israelites who participated in the rebellion and unbelief. The critical phrase "gathered together against me" clarifies that their grumbling against Moses and Aaron, their desire to return to Egypt, and their refusal to enter Canaan were not merely acts of human discontent but a direct, corporate rebellion against God Himself, His authority, His plan, and His covenant.
* **"in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die":** This final clause pronounces the specific, dire consequence of their rebellion. The "wilderness" is designated as both the place of their judgment and their burial ground, a stark contrast to the Promised Land they refused to enter. The repetition of the outcome—"shall be consumed, and there they shall die"—emphatically seals their fate, leaving no room for escape or reversal. It signifies a complete and utter end to that rebellious generation outside the land of promise.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:35 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. Foremost is **Divine Pronouncement**, where God directly speaks His decree, lending it absolute authority and certainty. The phrase "I the LORD have said" functions as a formal, unalterable declaration. There is also a strong element of **Repetition** in the pronouncement of their fate: "they shall be consumed, and there they shall die." This reiteration emphasizes the certainty and finality of their doom, leaving no ambiguity about the outcome. The wilderness itself functions as **Symbolism**, transforming from a temporary testing ground into a permanent graveyard, symbolizing the consequences of their spiritual wandering and rebellion. Furthermore, the stark contrast between the Promised Land they rejected and the wilderness where they would perish creates a powerful **Irony**, highlighting the tragic outcome of their unbelief despite God's gracious deliverance and provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:35 stands as a pivotal text demonstrating God's unwavering justice and the serious consequences of unbelief and rebellion against divine authority. It reveals that while God is merciful and slow to anger, His patience has limits, and persistent defiance of His will incurs His righteous judgment. This judgment is not arbitrary but directly proportional to the magnitude of their sin—a rejection of the very God who redeemed them and promised them an inheritance. The passage serves as a foundational warning against presumption and a call to cultivate a spirit of faith and obedience, recognizing that God's word, whether of promise or warning, is absolutely certain and will come to pass. It underscores the sanctity of the covenant relationship and the necessity of trust in God's power and faithfulness, even when faced with daunting challenges.

* [Deuteronomy 1:34-35](/deuteronomy/1-34 "The Lord's Anger and Oath")
* [Psalm 95:10-11](/psalms/95-10 "God's Oath Against the Rebellious")
* [Hebrews 3:16-19](/hebrews/3-16 "Unbelief as a Barrier to God's Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:35 serves as a profound and sobering cautionary tale for all generations of believers. It powerfully reminds us that spiritual progress and the experience of God's full blessings are intricately tied to our faith and obedience. The Israelites' failure was not due to God's inability to deliver, but their own profound lack of trust in His power and promises, leading to a grumbling spirit that morphed into outright rebellion. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we truly trust God when circumstances seem overwhelming, or do we succumb to fear, doubt, and complaint? It calls us to cultivate a spirit of grateful submission and unwavering faith, even when the path ahead seems daunting. While God's justice is clearly displayed, so too is His faithfulness to His word—His warnings are as sure as His promises. We are called to learn from their tragic mistakes, to walk in humble obedience, and to cling to God's promises with steadfast faith, lest we, too, fall short of the spiritual inheritance He has prepared for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to grumble or doubt God's provision and promises, rather than trusting His sovereign plan?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on unbelief in this passage motivate you to cultivate a deeper and more consistent faith?**
* **What "promised lands" or spiritual blessings might you be missing out on due to a lack of faith or a spirit of disobedience?**
* **How can you proactively guard your heart against the "evil congregation" of doubt and fear that can arise within your own thoughts or community?**

### FAQ
**Why was God's judgment against this generation of Israelites so severe?**

Answer: God's judgment was severe because the Israelites' rebellion was not an isolated incident of sin, but a profound and persistent rejection of His character, authority, and covenant. They had witnessed incredible miracles, experienced direct divine provision, and were on the cusp of entering the land promised to their forefathers. Their grumbling and desire to return to Egypt, despite God's demonstrated power and faithfulness, constituted a direct affront to Him, as stated in [Numbers 14:11](/numbers/14-11 "Numbers 14:11 - How long will this people despise me?"). It was an act of contempt for His holiness and a refusal to trust His ability to fulfill His promises, even after He had delivered them from slavery. This deep-seated unbelief and corporate rebellion threatened the very foundation of their relationship with God and the integrity of His covenant, necessitating a severe response to uphold His righteousness and the sanctity of His word.

**Does this passage imply that God is unmerciful or harsh?**

Answer: While Numbers 14:35 clearly demonstrates God's justice and severity against sin, it does not imply that He is unmerciful. Throughout the book of Numbers and the entire Old Testament, God consistently reveals Himself as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" ([Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - The LORD's Self-Revelation")). Even in this context, God initially threatened to destroy the entire nation, but Moses interceded, appealing to God's mercy and reputation among the nations ([Numbers 14:13-19](/numbers/14-13 "Numbers 14:13-19 - Moses' Intercession")). God then relented from complete annihilation, instead limiting the judgment to the rebellious adult generation, preserving the nation through their children. This demonstrates a balance between His justice and His mercy. The severity of the judgment underscores the seriousness of their sin and God's holiness, while the preservation of the nation and the promise to the next generation highlight His enduring covenant faithfulness and ultimate redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:35, with its stark declaration of judgment against an unbelieving generation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The wilderness wandering of Israel, marked by their failure to enter the earthly Promised Land due to unbelief, serves as a powerful type and shadow of a greater spiritual reality. Christ, the true and faithful Israelite, perfectly obeyed where Israel failed. He endured His own forty days in the wilderness, triumphing over temptation and demonstrating perfect trust in God, unlike the grumbling generation ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")). The judgment pronounced in Numbers 14:35 for those who "gathered together against me" foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all who reject God's Son, Jesus Christ. However, unlike the earthly judgment that consumed a generation, Christ's death on the cross absorbed the full wrath and judgment for the "evil congregation" of humanity, offering a path to true rest and an eternal inheritance. He is the ultimate "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the curse that we deserved. Through faith in Him, believers are granted entry into a spiritual "Promised Land"—God's eternal rest and kingdom, not by their own merit or obedience, but by His perfect work ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Entering God's Rest")). Thus, the judgment in Numbers underscores the necessity of faith, while Christ's work provides the means for that faith to lead to salvation rather than consumption.

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

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

1 Corinthians 10:5

But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

Numbers 26:65

For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Hebrews 3:19

So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Numbers 14:27

How long [shall I bear with] this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

Numbers 14:29

Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,

1 Corinthians 10:11

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.