Numbers 14:40

Translation
King James Version
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.
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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.
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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."
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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.”
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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.
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World English Bible Messianic
They rose up early in the morning, and went up to the top of the mountain, saying, “Behold, we are here, and will go up to the place which the LORD has promised: for we have sinned.”
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And they rose vp earely in the morning, and gate them vp into the toppe of the mountaine, saying, Loe, we be readie, to goe vp to the place which the Lord hath promised: for wee haue sinned.
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Young's Literal Translation
and they rise early in the morning, and go up unto the top of the mountain, saying, `Here we are , and we have come up unto the place which Jehovah hath spoken of, for we have sinned.'
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See also
Deuteronomy 1:41Matthew 7:21Matthew 7:23Luke 13:25Ecclesiastes 9:3Matthew 26:11Matthew 26:12
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In the KJVVerse 4,149 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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). The people's initial response to this divine decree was profound mourning (Numbers 14:39). 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), ultimately leading to their humiliating defeat by the Amalekites and Canaanites (Numbers 14:44-45). 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. 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. 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', H1242): 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', H2009): 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', H2398): 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.
  • "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.

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). Their attempt in Numbers 14:40 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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.

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Commentary on Numbers 14 verses 36–45

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

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.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 36–45. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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