Numbers 14:40

KJV

And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we [be here], and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they rose up early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and gat them up {H5927} into the top {H7218} of the mountain {H2022}, saying {H559}, Lo {H2009}, we be here, and will go up {H5927} unto the place {H4725} which the LORD {H3068} hath promised {H559}: for we have sinned {H2398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They arose early the next morning, came up to the top of the mountain and said, "Here we are, and we did sin, but now we'll go up to the place ADONAI promised."

Berean Standard Bible

Early the next morning they got up and went up toward the ridge of the hill country. “We have indeed sinned,” they said, “but we will go to the place the LORD has promised.”

American Standard Version

And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up to the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we are here, and will go up unto the place which Jehovah hath promised: for we have sinned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:40 powerfully portrays a moment of profound spiritual misdirection, where the Israelites, having just received God's severe judgment for their rebellion, respond with a belated and self-willed attempt to enter the Promised Land. Their declaration, "Lo, we [be here], and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned," reveals a superficial confession of sin divorced from true repentance, submission to divine timing, or reliance on God's essential presence. This act, though seemingly an effort at belated obedience, was in fact a further act of defiance against God's present command, leading to disastrous consequences and underscoring the dangers of presumptuous action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a pivotal and tragic turning point in Israel's wilderness journey. God has just pronounced a severe judgment upon the generation that refused to enter the Promised Land, decreeing that they would perish in the wilderness (as detailed in [Numbers 14:28-35](/numbers/14-28-35 "Numbers 14:28-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). The people's initial response to this divine decree was profound mourning ([Numbers 14:39](/numbers/14-39 "Numbers 14:39 - The People Mourn")). However, Numbers 14:40 describes their subsequent, and profoundly misguided, reaction. Instead of humbly accepting God's judgment and waiting for His further instruction, they impulsively decide to "correct" their past disobedience by attempting to force their way into the land. This act directly contradicts Moses' warnings in the verses that follow ([Numbers 14:41-43](/numbers/14-41-43 "Numbers 14:41-43 - Moses Warns Against Presumption")), ultimately leading to their humiliating defeat by the Amalekites and Canaanites ([Numbers 14:44-45](/numbers/14-44-45 "Numbers 14:44-45 - The Defeat at Hormah")). The sequence highlights the tragic irony of their belated, self-willed "obedience" that was, in reality, a continuation of their rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in their history, the Israelites were a newly formed nation, recently delivered from slavery in Egypt and having received the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai. They were encamped in the wilderness, poised to enter Canaan, the land promised to their forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The "Promised Land" was not merely a geographical location but the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant blessings and the place where His presence would dwell among them. Their journey was meant to be a direct and swift entry, but their repeated murmuring, rebellion, and profound lack of faith, particularly after the spies' report, led to God's judgment. Culturally, the concept of divine judgment for covenant breaking was well-understood. Their attempt to "go up into the top of the mountain" signifies an effort to invade the mountainous southern region of Canaan, a common and strategic entry point. Their reaction, while appearing to be remorse, was more akin to a desperate, human-driven attempt to circumvent the consequences of their sin rather than a humble submission to God's declared will and timing.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 14:40 profoundly illustrates several critical theological and narrative themes. Central to this passage is the **danger of presumption**, where human will attempts to override divine command and timing, often with disastrous results. The Israelites' "confession" and subsequent action reveal a lack of **true submission** to God's sovereignty and judgment, demonstrating that a mere acknowledgment of sin is insufficient without a corresponding change of heart and alignment with God's will. This episode underscores the severe **consequences of disobedience**, particularly when it persists in the face of divine instruction, leading to further defeat as seen in [Numbers 14:44-45](/numbers/14-44-45 "Numbers 14:44-45 - The Defeat at Hormah"). Furthermore, the passage highlights the absolute **necessity of God's presence and leading** for any endeavor to succeed, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House"). It serves as a stark contrast between genuine, faith-filled obedience and self-serving, human-initiated religious activity that lacks divine authorization.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Morning (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** From the root meaning "to break forth," this word refers to the dawn or early part of the day. In this context, "rose up early in the morning" (combining with _shakam_) emphasizes the Israelites' immediate, zealous, and determined initiative. Their haste underscores the human-driven nature of their response, suggesting an impulsive attempt to rectify their situation on their own terms rather than a patient waiting upon the Lord or a humble acceptance of their punishment.
* **Lo (Hebrew, _hinnêh'_):** This interjection serves to draw attention to what follows, often conveying a sense of immediacy, presence, or declaration. Here, "Lo, we [be here]" highlights the Israelites' self-assured declaration of readiness and presence. It conveys a misguided confidence, as if their mere presence and belated willingness could override God's recent judgment and restore their access to the Promised Land, completely ignoring the divine absence and prohibition.
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to go astray." While the people verbally acknowledge their sin, their subsequent action of rising to go up the mountain demonstrates that their confession was not accompanied by a genuine turning to God's will. Their understanding of "sin" here seems to be limited to the negative consequences they faced, rather than a deep conviction leading to a change of heart and behavior aligned with divine command. It was an intellectual acknowledgment without true repentance or submission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain,"**: This clause describes the Israelites' swift, determined, and physical action. "Rose up early in the morning" signifies their eagerness and resolve, highlighting their immediate human initiative. "Gat them up" is an older English idiom meaning "went up" or "ascended." The ascent "into the top of the mountain" reveals their intention to force their way into the land by invading the mountainous southern region of Canaan, despite God's explicit declaration that this generation would not enter. This immediate, physical movement is a direct, albeit misguided, response to the divine judgment.
* **"saying, Lo, we [be here], and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised:"**: This part reveals their verbal declaration and their underlying motivation. "Lo, we [be here]" conveys a sense of readiness and presence, as if to say, "Here we are, ready to obey now!" Their stated intention to "go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised" sounds pious and obedient, echoing God's original command to enter the land. However, it is deeply presumptuous, as it ignores God's *current* command and the crucial fact that His presence would not be with them in this endeavor, as Moses explicitly stated in [Numbers 14:43](/numbers/14-43 "Numbers 14:43 - God's Absence").
* **"for we have sinned."**: This final clause provides the stated reason for their actions. It is a confession of sin, acknowledging their past rebellion and lack of faith that led to the divine judgment. However, this confession, while verbally expressed, is not accompanied by a genuine change of heart or a submission to God's will and timing. Instead, it serves as a justification for their self-initiated, disobedient act, demonstrating a superficial understanding of repentance that attempts to dictate terms to God rather than humbly accepting His judgment and seeking His renewed direction.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:40 is replete with **Irony**. The Israelites' attempt to "obey" by entering the Promised Land is, in fact, a profound act of disobedience, as it directly contradicts God's declared judgment and Moses' explicit warning not to proceed. Their "zeal" is tragically misplaced, leading not to blessing but to further failure. There is also a strong element of **Pathos**, as the reader understands the futility and impending doom of their actions, having just witnessed God's severe decree. The verse employs **Contrast** between the people's human initiative and God's divine sovereignty, and between their belated, self-willed "repentance" and the true, humble submission God desires. This scene serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the disastrous defeat that immediately follows, demonstrating the inevitable consequences of acting without divine authorization and presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:40 serves as a profound theological warning against superficial repentance and presumptuous obedience. It underscores that genuine repentance is not merely a verbal acknowledgment of sin or a belated attempt to rectify past mistakes on one's own terms. True repentance involves a humble turning from self-will to God's will, accepting His timing and methods, and relying on His presence. The Israelites' actions reveal a desire to escape the consequences of their sin without truly submitting to the Lord who pronounced the judgment. This passage highlights that obedience, to be true, must stem from faith and align with God's current command, not just a past one. Any endeavor, no matter how seemingly pious, undertaken outside of God's leading and presence is doomed to fail.

* [Deuteronomy 1:41-45](/deuteronomy/1-41-45 "The Defeat at Hormah")
* [Psalm 19:13](/psalms/19-13 "Keep Back Thy Servant from Presumptuous Sins")
* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:40 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for believers today, challenging us to deeply examine the nature of our "repentance" and "obedience." Are we truly submitting to God's will, timing, and methods, or are we, like the Israelites, attempting to fix our mistakes on our own terms, out of a fear of consequences rather than a genuine desire to honor God? This passage warns against the spiritual danger of presumption—acting on our own initiative, even with seemingly good intentions, when God has clearly indicated a different path or timing. True faith trusts God's sovereign plan, even when it involves discipline or waiting. Our zeal must be tempered by wisdom and guided by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that our actions are in alignment with God's present leading, not merely a belated reaction to past failures. Without God's presence and explicit blessing, our labor is in vain, and our efforts, no matter how fervent, can become a further act of rebellion rather than true worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be attempting to "go up the mountain" on my own terms, rather than submitting to God's timing and direction?**
* **How can I discern between genuine, Spirit-led obedience and a presumptuous, self-willed attempt to "fix" past mistakes or avoid consequences?**
* **What does true repentance look like in my life, beyond merely acknowledging sin, and how does it lead to humble submission to God's will?**
* **Am I truly relying on God's presence and guidance in my endeavors, or am I operating on human zeal and effort alone, risking spiritual defeat?**

### FAQ
**Why was their attempt to enter the land considered a sin, especially since it was what God originally commanded?**

Answer: While entering the Promised Land was indeed God's original command, the timing and circumstances had fundamentally changed due to the Israelites' persistent rebellion and lack of faith. God had just pronounced a severe judgment that this rebellious generation would not enter the land, but would instead perish in the wilderness (as detailed in [Numbers 14:28-35](/numbers/14-28-35 "Numbers 14:28-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). Their attempt in [Numbers 14:40](/numbers/14-40 "Numbers 14:40 - The Presumptuous Attempt") was not an act of humble obedience to God's *current* will, but a presumptuous, self-willed reaction to avoid the consequences of their past sin. Moses explicitly warned them not to go, stating that the Lord would not be with them (as detailed in [Numbers 14:41-43](/numbers/14-41-43 "Numbers 14:41-43 - Moses Warns Against Presumption")). Therefore, their action was a further act of rebellion, demonstrating a continued lack of trust in God's word and sovereignty, and a desire to dictate terms to God rather than submit to His righteous judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:40, with its tragic depiction of Israel's presumptuous and belated attempt at obedience, powerfully foreshadows the perfect obedience of Christ and the true way into God's promised rest. Unlike the Israelites who tried to force their way into the physical land through self-willed efforts after God had closed the door, Jesus perfectly fulfilled God's will, not through presumption, but through absolute submission and obedience, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the true leader who brings us into the spiritual "rest" and "Promised Land" of God's presence, not through our works or belated zeal, but through His finished work ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Rest")). Our entry into God's kingdom and eternal life is not by our "rising early" to earn it or by our human efforts to "go up the mountain," but by faith in the 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")). He is the one who perfectly "missed the mark" of sin for us, becoming sin on our behalf so that we might receive His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through Him, we are led into the true inheritance that can never be lost or forfeited by our own failures, securing access to God's presence through His perfect, obedient sacrifice.

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 1:41

Then ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against the LORD, we will go up and fight, according to all that the LORD our God commanded us. And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war, ye were ready to go up into the hill.

Matthew 7:21

¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:23

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Luke 13:25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

Ecclesiastes 9:3

This [is] an evil among all [things] that are done under the sun, that [there is] one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead.

Matthew 26:11

For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

Matthew 26:12

For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did [it] for my burial.