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Commentary on Numbers 14 verses 36–45
Here is, I. The sudden death of the ten evil spies. While the sentence was passing upon the people, before it was published, they died of the plague before the Lord, Num 14:36, Num 14:37. Now,
1.God hereby showed his particular displeasure against those who sinned and made Israel to sin. (1.) They sinned themselves, in bringing up a slander upon the land of promise. Note, Those greatly provoke God who misrepresent religion, cast reproach upon it, and raise prejudices in men's minds against it, or give occasion to those to do so who seek occasion. Those that represent the service of God as mean and despicable, melancholy and uncomfortable, hard and impracticable, needless and unprofitable, bring up an evil report upon the good land, pervert the right ways of the Lord, and in effect give him the lie. (2.) They made Israel to sin. They designedly made all the congregation murmur against God. Note, Ring-leaders in sin may expect to fall under particular marks of the wrath of God, who will severely reckon for the blood of souls, which is thus spilt.
2.God hereby showed what he could have done with the whole congregation, and gave an earnest of the execution of the sentence now passed upon them. He that thus cut off one of a tribe could have cut off their whole tribes suddenly, and would do it gradually. Note, The remarkable deaths of notorious sinners are earnests of the final perdition of ungodly men, Pe2 2:5, Pe2 2:6. Thus the wrath of God is revealed, that sinners may hear and fear.
II. The special preservation of Caleb and Joshua: They lived still, Num 14:38. It is probable that all the twelve spies stood together, for the eyes of all Israel were now upon them; and therefore it is taken notice of as very remarkable, and which could not but be affecting to the whole congregation, that when the ten evil spies fell down dead of the plague, a malignant infectious distemper, yet these two that stood among them lived, and were well. God hereby confirmed their testimony, and put those to confusion that spoke of stoning them. He likewise gave them an assurance of their continued preservation in the wilderness, when thousands should fall on their right hand and on their left, Psa 91:7. Death never misses his mark, nor takes any by oversight that were designed for life, though in the midst of those that were to die.
III. The publication of the sentence to all the people, Num 14:36. He told them all what the decree was which had gone forth concerning them, and which could not be reversed, that they must all die in the wilderness, and Canaan must be reserved for the next generation. It was a very great disappointment, we may well think, to Moses himself, who longed to be in Canaan, as well as to all the people; yet he acquiesced, but they wept and mourned greatly. The assurance which Moses had of God's being glorified by this sentence gave him satisfaction, while the consciousness of their own guilt, and their having procured it to themselves, gave them the greatest vexation. They wept for nothing (Num 14:1), and now they have cause given them to weep; so justly are murmurers made mourners. If they had mourned for the sin when they were faithfully reproved for it (Num 14:9), the sentence would have been prevented; but now that they mourned for the judgment only their grief came too late, and did them no service; they found no place for repentance, though they sought it carefully with tears, Heb 12:17. Such mourning as this there is in hell, but the tears will not quench the flames, no, nor cool the tongue.
IV. The foolish fruitless attempts of some of the Israelites to enter Canaan, notwithstanding the sentence.
1.They were now eager to go forward towards Canaan, Num 14:40. They were up early, mustered all their force, got together in a body, and begged of Moses to lead them on against the enemy, and now there is no more talk among them of making a captain to return into Egypt. They confess their fault: We have sinned; they profess reformation: Lo, we be here, and will go up. They now desire the land which they had despised, and put a confidence in the promise which they had distrusted. Thus when God judges he will overcome, and, first or last, will convince sinners of the evil of all their ungodly deeds, and hard speeches, and force them to recall their own words. But, though God was glorified by this recantation of theirs, they were not benefited by it, because it came too late. The decree had gone forth, the consumption was determined; they did not seek the Lord while he might be found, and now he would not be found. O, if men would but be as earnest for heaven while their day of grace lasts as they will be when it is over, would be as solicitous to provide themselves with oil while the bridegroom tarries as they will be when the bridegroom comes, how well were it for them!
2.Moses utterly disallows their motion, and forbids the expedition they were meditating: Go not up, Num 14:41-43. (1.) He gives them warning of the sin; it is transgressing the commandment of the Lord, who had expressly ordered them, when they did move, to move back towards the Red Sea. Note, That which has been duty, in its season, when it comes to be mistimed may be turned into sin. It is true the command he refers to was in the nature of a punishment, but he that has not obeyed the law is obliged to submit to the penalty, for the Lord is our Judge as well as Lawgiver. (2.) He gives them this warning of the danger: "It shall not prosper, never expect it." Note, It is folly to promise ourselves success in that which we undertake contrary to the mind of God. "The Canaanites are before you to attack you, and the Lord is not among you to protect you and fight for you, and therefore look to yourselves that you be not smitten before your enemies." Those that are out of the way of their duty are from under God's protection, and go at their peril. It is dangerous going where we cannot expect God should go along with us. Nay, he plainly foresees and foretels their defeat: You shall fall by the sword of the Amalekites and Canaanites (who were to have fallen by their sword); Because you are turned away from the Lord, from following the guidance of his precept and promise, therefore the Lord will not be with you. Note, God will certainly leave those that leave him; and those that are left of him lie exposed to all misery.
3.They venture notwithstanding. Never was people so perverse and so desperately resolved in every thing to walk contrary to God. God bade them go, and they would not; he forbade them, and they would. Thus is the carnal mind enmity to God: They presumed to go up unto the hill-top, Num 14:44. Here, (1.) They struggled against the sentence of divine justice, and would press on in defiance of it. (2.) They slighted the tokens of God's presence, for they would go though they left Moses and the ark of the covenant behind them. They had distrusted God's strength, and now they presume upon their own without his.
4.The expedition speeds accordingly, Num 14:45. The enemy had posted themselves upon the top of the hill, to make good that pass against the invaders, and, being informed by their scouts of their approach, sallied out upon them, and defeated them, and it is probable that many of the Israelites were killed. Now the sentence began to be executed that their carcases should fall in the wilderness. Note, That affair can never end well that begins with sin. The way to obtain peace with our friends, and success against our enemies, is to make God our friend, and keep ourselves in his love. The Jews, like these their ancestors, when they had rejected Christ's righteousness, attempted to establish their own, and it sped as this.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 14:38 serves as a profound declaration of divine faithfulness and the stark consequences of faith versus unbelief. Following God's solemn decree that an entire generation of Israelites would perish in the wilderness due to their rebellion and lack of trust, this verse stands as a powerful exception, explicitly affirming the preservation of Joshua, son of Nun, and Caleb, son of Jephunneh. Their survival vividly highlights God's unwavering commitment to those who demonstrate steadfast faith and obedience, setting them apart as enduring examples of hope and divine favor in a narrative otherwise dominated by widespread disobedience and severe judgment.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Numbers 14:38 masterfully employs Contrast as its primary literary device. The verse directly juxtaposes the fate of Joshua and Caleb—who "lived still"—with the immediate death of the ten unfaithful spies (Numbers 14:37) and the broader judgment decreed upon the entire rebellious generation (Numbers 14:29-35). This stark contrast highlights the severe consequences of unbelief and disobedience against the divine reward for faith and obedience. The verse also utilizes Foreshadowing, as the survival of Joshua and Caleb points forward to their pivotal roles in the next generation's conquest of Canaan, particularly Joshua's leadership and Caleb's eventual inheritance. Furthermore, there is an element of Irony: the generation that feared death at the hands of the Canaanites and thus refused to enter the Promised Land would indeed die, but in the wilderness, while the two men who bravely declared God's ability to overcome the Canaanites were preserved to enter the land. This ironic twist underscores the self-inflicted nature of their judgment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:38 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and mercy, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His people, even amidst their failures. It powerfully illustrates that while corporate sin can bring corporate judgment, God always honors individual faith and obedience. Joshua and Caleb's preservation serves as a tangible example that God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him, and that a "different spirit"—one marked by full devotion and trust in the Lord—is not only recognized but divinely rewarded. Their story underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment and courage, urging believers to align their perspective with God's promises rather than succumbing to fear or the prevailing skepticism of the crowd. It is a powerful reminder that God's promises are conditional upon faithful response, yet His character remains constant.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The enduring message of Numbers 14:38 resonates deeply with believers today, offering powerful lessons on the nature of faith, the consequences of our choices, and God's unchanging character. In a world often dominated by fear, doubt, and the pressure to conform, the example of Joshua and Caleb calls us to cultivate a "different spirit"—one marked by unwavering trust in God's promises, even when the odds seem insurmountable or the majority opinion contradicts God's word. Their lives remind us that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to obey God despite it. We are challenged to examine where we place our trust: in our circumstances, our abilities, or the unfailing power of our God. Just as God preserved Joshua and Caleb to inherit the land, He promises to lead us into His full purposes when we walk in faith and obedience, demonstrating that our spiritual choices have eternal consequences. This verse encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, knowing that God honors those who honor Him with their trust and obedience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were only Joshua and Caleb spared from the wilderness judgment?
Answer: Joshua and Caleb were uniquely spared because of their unwavering faith and courageous obedience, setting them apart from the rest of the generation. While the other ten spies and the vast majority of the Israelites succumbed to fear and disbelief, leading them to rebel against God's command to enter the Promised Land, Joshua and Caleb consistently urged the people to trust in God's power and promises. Numbers 14:24 specifically notes that Caleb "had another spirit with him and has followed Me fully," and Joshua shared this same spirit of complete devotion. Their steadfast trust in God's ability to deliver the land, despite the formidable opposition, was honored by God, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who are faithful to Him and highlighting the profound difference individual faith can make in the face of corporate unbelief.
Does this story imply that God punishes an entire generation for the sins of a few?
Answer: Not exactly. While the actions of the ten unfaithful spies were a catalyst, the judgment in Numbers 14 was a corporate judgment for a corporate rebellion. The entire generation, aged twenty and above (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb), participated in the widespread murmuring, weeping, and desire to return to Egypt (Numbers 14:1-4). God's judgment was a direct consequence of their collective unbelief and disobedience, a rejection of His covenant and His power. However, the preservation of Joshua and Caleb simultaneously highlights God's justice in holding individuals accountable for their faith or lack thereof, demonstrating that even in corporate judgment, individual righteousness and faith are recognized and rewarded. This narrative emphasizes both corporate responsibility and individual accountability before God.
What is the significance of the phrase "lived still" in this verse?
Answer: The phrase "lived still" (KJV) or "remained alive" (ESV) is highly significant because it emphasizes the unique and miraculous preservation of Joshua and Caleb amidst a context of widespread death. Just one verse prior, Numbers 14:37 records the immediate death of the ten unfaithful spies by plague. The broader decree in Numbers 14:29 states that all others of that generation would die in the wilderness. Thus, "lived still" underscores God's direct, purposeful intervention to spare Joshua and Caleb, ensuring their continued existence and their eventual entry into the Promised Land. It serves as a powerful symbol of divine favor and the ultimate triumph of faith over fear and unbelief, demonstrating God's precise and just application of His decrees.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:38, with its vivid portrayal of faith rewarded and unbelief judged, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joshua and Caleb, as the faithful remnant who entered the promised land while their generation perished, serve as types of those who enter God's eternal rest through faith in Christ. The wilderness journey of Israel, marked by testing and the consequences of unbelief, foreshadows the Christian life, where faith in Jesus is the sole means of entering God's spiritual rest (Hebrews 4:1-11). Just as Israel needed a leader to guide them into the physical land, humanity needs a greater leader to guide them into spiritual inheritance. Jesus is the ultimate "greater Joshua" (the Greek form of "Joshua" is "Jesus"), who, unlike the first Joshua, perfectly obeyed God and secured not just a physical land but an eternal inheritance for all who believe (Ephesians 1:11-14). While the old generation perished due to their lack of faith, Christ, through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, provides the "new spirit" and "new heart" (Ezekiel 36:26-27) that enables His followers to walk in faith and inherit the promises of God, entering into the true rest and abundant life He offers (John 10:10). He is the faithful One who leads His people into the promised land of eternal life, securing their salvation and inheritance through His own steadfastness, where the old covenant failed due to human unbelief.