Numbers 14:36

KJV

¶ And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H582}, which Moses {H4872} sent {H7971} to search {H8446} the land {H776}, who returned {H7725}, and made all the congregation {H5712} to murmur {H3885}{H3885} against him, by bringing up {H3318} a slander {H1681} upon the land {H776},

Complete Jewish Bible

The men whom Moshe had sent to reconnoiter the land and who, when they returned, made the entire community complain against him by giving an unfavorable report about the land -

Berean Standard Bible

So the men Moses had sent to spy out the land, who had returned and made the whole congregation grumble against him by bringing out a bad report about the land—

American Standard Version

And the men, whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up an evil report against the land,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:36 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing the actions of the ten unfaithful spies who, after scouting the Promised Land, returned with a demoralizing report. This verse highlights how their fearful and faithless testimony instigated widespread murmuring and rebellion among the entire Israelite congregation against Moses and, by extension, against God Himself, by presenting a malicious and unfounded slander concerning the land God had promised to them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 14:36 is situated at the climax of the spy narrative (Numbers 13-14), immediately following the initial report of the twelve spies and the subsequent outburst of fear and rebellion from the Israelite congregation. Chapter 13 details the sending of the spies and their diverse reports, with ten emphasizing the formidable challenges and two (Joshua and Caleb) affirming God's promise. Chapter 14 opens with the people's lament and desire to return to Egypt, escalating into a direct challenge to Moses and Aaron's leadership and, ultimately, to God's authority. Verse 36 specifically identifies the ten spies as the instigators of this widespread disaffection, setting the stage for God's severe judgment in the verses that follow, where the entire generation, save Joshua and Caleb, is condemned to die in the wilderness. This verse serves as a crucial link between the cause (the spies' slander) and the effect (the congregation's rebellion and God's subsequent decree).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 14:36 unfold approximately two years after the Exodus from Egypt, with the Israelites encamped at Kadesh-barnea, on the southern border of Canaan. This was the threshold of the Promised Land, a moment of immense anticipation and divine promise. The practice of sending out scouts or spies was a common military and strategic maneuver in the ancient Near East, designed to assess enemy strength and terrain. However, in Israel's case, it was also a test of their faith in God's ability to deliver on His covenant promises. The murmuring of the congregation was a recurring motif in the wilderness narrative, reflecting a deep-seated lack of trust in Yahweh's provision and leadership, often leading to direct challenges against Moses, as seen in earlier instances like [Marah](/exodus/15-22 "Exodus 15:22-25 - Bitter Waters at Marah") and [Rephidim](/exodus/17-1 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim"). The "slander upon the land" was particularly egregious because it impugned God's character and His promise of a good land, a central theme of the Abrahamic covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **faith versus unbelief**, starkly contrasting the ten spies' fear-driven report with the unwavering trust of Joshua and Caleb in God's power and promise (cf. [Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Caleb and Joshua's Faithful Report")). It underscores the **consequences of disobedience and rebellion**, demonstrating how a collective act of distrust can lead to severe divine judgment, resulting in the entire adult generation being denied entry into the Promised Land (cf. [Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). The verse also highlights the **destructive power of negative speech and slander**, showing how words can incite fear, undermine leadership, and provoke divine wrath. Finally, it reinforces the **faithfulness of God** in upholding His covenant, even as He judges human unfaithfulness, ensuring that His ultimate plan for Israel to inherit the land would still come to pass through the next generation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slander (Hebrew, _dibbah'_):** The Hebrew word דִּבָּה (_dibbah_) is translated as "slander" in the KJV, but it carries a broader meaning of "evil report," "defamation," or "whispering." It implies not merely a negative factual account, but one that is inherently malicious, deceptive, or designed to undermine. In this context, the spies' report was not just an objective assessment of the land's challenges; it was a distorted portrayal that actively impugned God's character and His ability to fulfill His promise. It was a "slander upon the land" because it painted God's promised gift as unconquerable and dangerous, thereby defaming the Giver and His gift. This term often carries moral opprobrium, indicating a severe transgression of truth and trust.
* **Murmur (Hebrew, _lun'_):** The Hebrew verb לון (_lun_) describes the act of "murmuring," "complaining," or "grumbling." This term is frequently used throughout the wilderness narratives to characterize Israel's rebellious spirit against God and Moses. It signifies a deep-seated discontent and a lack of trust, often expressed through vocal complaints and challenges to authority. In this instance, the spies' slander directly "made all the congregation to murmur," illustrating the contagious and destructive nature of unbelief and negative speech. This murmuring was not merely an expression of fear, but an act of rebellion against the divine plan and leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men, which Moses sent to search the land,"**: This opening clause clearly identifies the subjects of the verse: the ten spies, distinct from Joshua and Caleb, who were part of the original twelve sent by Moses (cf. [Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1 "Numbers 13:1-2 - Moses Sends the Spies")). It establishes their delegated authority and the specific mission they were given, highlighting the betrayal of their trust.
* **"who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him,"**: This clause describes the immediate and profound impact of the spies' return. Their report directly caused the entire assembly of Israel ("all the congregation") to "murmur," or grumble, against Moses. This murmuring was a direct challenge to Moses' leadership and, by extension, to God's divine plan and authority, as Moses was God's appointed representative. The phrase "all the congregation" emphasizes the widespread nature of the rebellion, indicating a collective failure of faith.
* **"by bringing up a slander upon the land,"**: This final clause specifies the nature of the spies' offense and the means by which they incited the congregation. Their report was not merely negative; it was a "slander upon the land." This means they presented a distorted, exaggerated, and faithless account of Canaan, portraying it as a land that "devours its inhabitants" and is filled with unconquerable giants (cf. [Numbers 13:32-33](/numbers/13-32 "Numbers 13:32-33 - The Spies' Evil Report")). This "slander" was a direct contradiction of God's promise that the land was "a land flowing with milk and honey" and that He would give it to them, thereby undermining divine truth and inciting fear and rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:36, though concise, employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Contrast**, which is implicitly present by the very nature of the narrative. While this verse focuses on the ten unfaithful spies, their actions are always understood in stark contrast to the faithful report of Joshua and Caleb (cf. [Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Caleb and Joshua's Faithful Report")), highlighting the two divergent responses to God's promise: faith and unbelief. The use of "slander" itself is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, as the spies' report went beyond factual observation to present a distorted, fear-mongering picture of the land and its inhabitants. This exaggeration served to manipulate the emotions of the congregation. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing**, as the immediate consequence of the spies' slander and the people's murmuring is the forty-year wilderness wandering, which is explicitly detailed in the subsequent verses (cf. [Numbers 14:33-35](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33-35 - The Forty-Year Wilderness Wandering")), demonstrating the severe and lasting repercussions of their collective sin. The entire episode also functions as an **Archetype** for the dangers of unbelief and the power of negative influence within a community of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:36 serves as a profound theological statement on the gravity of unbelief and the destructive power of slander within the covenant community. The spies' "slander upon the land" was not merely a misrepresentation of facts; it was a direct assault on the character and faithfulness of God, who had promised to give Israel this very land. Their fear-driven report, rooted in a lack of trust in God's omnipotence and covenant fidelity, infected the entire congregation, leading to a collective rebellion that challenged divine authority. This incident underscores that a failure to trust God's promises, especially when faced with daunting circumstances, constitutes a profound spiritual rebellion with severe consequences. It highlights the immense responsibility of leaders and individuals to speak words that build faith and truth, rather than sow doubt and fear.

* [Deuteronomy 1:26-33](/deuteronomy/1-26 "Deuteronomy 1:26-33 - Israel's Disobedience at Kadesh-Barnea") - Moses recounts this very incident, emphasizing Israel's rebellion and lack of trust despite God's faithfulness.
* [Psalm 106:24-27](/psalms/106-24 "Psalm 106:24-27 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness") - This psalm reflects on Israel's history of rebellion, specifically mentioning their despising of the pleasant land and disbelieving God's word.
* [Hebrews 3:12-19](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12-19 - The Danger of Unbelief") - The New Testament explicitly uses this wilderness generation as a warning against hardening one's heart through unbelief, preventing entry into God's rest.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:36 offers timeless and piercing insights for contemporary believers. The narrative serves as a potent warning against the insidious nature of unbelief and the devastating impact of negative speech. Just as the ten spies allowed their perception of obstacles to overshadow God's promises, we too can fall prey to fear and doubt when faced with challenges that seem insurmountable. This verse compels us to examine the sources of our information and the influences we permit in our lives, urging us to discern between voices that inspire faith and those that sow seeds of distrust and despair. It challenges us to be like Joshua and Caleb, cultivating a spirit of courageous faith that trusts in God's power to overcome any obstacle, rather than succumbing to the temptation to slander His character or His promises. Furthermore, it reminds us of the profound responsibility we bear with our words; they possess the power to build up or tear down, to foster faith or incite rebellion. We are called to be agents of encouragement, truth, and hope, speaking life into situations, even when circumstances seem bleak, always rooting our perspective in the unwavering faithfulness of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "slander" God's promises by focusing on obstacles rather than His power?**
* **What "reports" or influences are you allowing into your mind that might be causing you to "murmur" against God's plan or His appointed leaders?**
* **How can you intentionally cultivate a spirit of faith and speak words of encouragement, even when faced with daunting challenges, mirroring the example of Joshua and Caleb?**
* **What steps can you take to guard your heart and mind against the contagious nature of unbelief and negative speech within your community or sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What was the "slander upon the land" that the spies brought up?**

Answer: The "slander upon the land" refers to the highly exaggerated and fear-mongering report given by ten of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout Canaan. While they acknowledged the land's fertility, they focused overwhelmingly on the formidable inhabitants—describing them as "giants" (Nephilim, [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Nephilim in Canaan")) and the cities as "fortified and very large" ([Numbers 13:28](/numbers/13-28 "Numbers 13:28 - The Spies' Report on Canaan's Inhabitants")). Their report was a slander because it misrepresented God's promised land as unconquerable and dangerous, effectively accusing God of leading His people to their destruction. This undermined the divine promise and instilled paralyzing fear in the congregation, leading them to believe that God was either unable or unwilling to deliver on His word. It was a lie about God's character and His gift, designed to incite rebellion and doubt.

**Why was the congregation's murmuring such a serious offense to God?**

Answer: The congregation's murmuring was a serious offense because it was not merely an expression of discontent but a direct act of rebellion against God's authority and His covenant faithfulness. Their complaints against Moses and Aaron were, in essence, complaints against God Himself, who had appointed these leaders and had consistently demonstrated His power and provision since the Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 16:7-8](/exodus/16-7 "Exodus 16:7-8 - Murmuring Against God")). By murmuring, they rejected God's plan to lead them into the Promised Land, expressed a desire to return to slavery in Egypt ([Numbers 14:3-4](/numbers/14-3 "Numbers 14:3-4 - Israel's Desire to Return to Egypt")), and showed a profound lack of trust in His ability to overcome the obstacles they perceived. This pervasive unbelief and rebellion ultimately provoked God's wrath and led to the judgment that the entire generation would perish in the wilderness, unable to enter His promised rest ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:36, with its stark portrayal of Israel's unbelief and the devastating consequences of rejecting God's promise, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the ten spies brought a "slander upon the land" that led to a generation's exclusion from the earthly inheritance, Jesus is the ultimate and faithful "spy" sent from heaven, who brings a true and life-giving report about the Father and the heavenly Promised Land. Unlike the spies who focused on earthly giants and fortified cities, Jesus reveals the true enemy, sin and death, and provides the victory through His crucifixion and resurrection. He is the [faithful witness](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness") who never slanders God's character or promises, but perfectly reveals the Father's love and redemptive plan. Where Israel's unbelief led to forty years of wandering and death in the wilderness, faith in Christ grants eternal life and entry into the true spiritual rest and inheritance, the [heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem"). Jesus himself is the [true and better Joshua](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8 - Joshua Could Not Give True Rest"), leading His people not just into a physical land, but into an eternal covenant relationship with God, overcoming all spiritual obstacles through His finished work. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including the sin of unbelief and rebellion, offering a path to reconciliation and eternal life that the law and the wilderness journey could only foreshadow.

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 13:31

But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they [are] stronger than we.

Numbers 13:33

And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, [which come] of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Numbers 13:4

And these [were] their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.

Numbers 13:16

These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.