Numbers 14:43

KJV

For the Amalekites and the Canaanites [are] there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the Amalekites {H6003} and the Canaanites {H3669} are there before {H6440} you, and ye shall fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719}: because ye are turned {H7725} away {H310} from the LORD {H3068}, therefore the LORD {H3068} will not be with you.

Complete Jewish Bible

The 'Amalekim and the Kena'anim are there ahead of you, and you will be struck down by the sword. The reason will be that you have turned away from following ADONAI, so that ADONAI won't be with you."

Berean Standard Bible

For there the Amalekites and Canaanites will face you, and you will fall by the sword. Because you have turned away from the LORD, He will not be with you.”

American Standard Version

For there the Amalekite and the Canaanite are before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned back from following Jehovah, therefore Jehovah will not be with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:43 delivers a severe prophetic warning from Moses to the Israelites, immediately following their defiant and presumptuous decision to invade the Promised Land despite God's explicit judgment and command not to proceed. The verse unequivocally declares that their self-willed advance will culminate in a devastating defeat by the Amalekites and Canaanites, precisely because their profound rebellion has caused the LORD to withdraw His protective presence and divine favor, leading to their inevitable and tragic downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 14:43 is a critical juncture in the narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings, directly following the catastrophic report of the ten unfaithful spies in [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan"). Upon hearing of the formidable inhabitants of Canaan, the entire congregation erupted in rebellion against the LORD and Moses, weeping bitterly and even proposing to appoint a new leader to return to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")). This profound act of faithlessness provoked God's righteous wrath, leading Him to declare that the entire generation of adults, save for Caleb and Joshua, would perish in the wilderness over forty years ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). Struck by the severity of this judgment, a segment of the people, in a misguided and presumptuous attempt to reverse God's decree, decided to ascend to the land anyway, despite Moses' explicit warning that the LORD would not be with them ([Numbers 14:39-42](/numbers/14-39 "Numbers 14:39-42 - The Presumptuous Ascent")). Verse 43 serves as Moses' final, dire prophecy of their certain defeat, which is tragically and immediately fulfilled in [Numbers 14:45](/numbers/14-45 "Numbers 14:45 - The Defeat by Amalekites and Canaanites").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this event is the wilderness of Paran, situated on the very threshold of the Promised Land. The Amalekites were a notoriously nomadic and warlike people, consistently depicted as a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel throughout their history (e.g., [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). The Canaanites, on the other hand, were the settled inhabitants of the land, renowned for their well-fortified cities, advanced military organization, and diverse cultural practices. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the perceived presence or absence of a deity was considered paramount for securing victory in battle. Armies frequently carried divine symbols, such as idols or sacred objects (like the Ark of the Covenant for Israel), into conflict, believing these ensured their god's active participation and favor. For Israel, the LORD's presence was far more than symbolic; it was the tangible manifestation of His power, guidance, and unwavering protection, without which any military endeavor was unequivocally doomed to failure. The people's presumptuous attempt to engage in battle without the Ark of the Covenant and without Moses (who represented God's direct command and leadership) constituted a profound cultural and spiritual transgression, signifying a complete and defiant disregard for the established means of divine favor and legitimate leadership.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major theological and narrative themes prevalent within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. First, it highlights the severe **consequences of disobedience and rebellion** against divine command. The Israelites' initial refusal to trust God and enter the land, followed by their presumptuous attempt to do so against His explicit instruction, directly precipitates their devastating defeat. Second, it emphasizes the **absolute necessity of God's divine presence** for success, protection, and prosperity. The chilling phrase "the LORD will not be with you" is articulated as the core, decisive reason for their failure, illustrating unequivocally that human effort, no matter how determined or numerous, is utterly futile and doomed without divine backing, a profound truth echoed in [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD Builds the House"). Third, this passage sharply distinguishes between **presumption and genuine faith**. Their action was not an act of humble faith, but rather a self-willed and arrogant attempt to force God's hand and achieve His promises through disobedient means, demonstrating a profound misunderstanding of God's holy character, His sovereign timing, and the nature of His covenant. Finally, it illustrates the **role of enemies**; the very nations God had promised to drive out now paradoxically become instruments of His righteous judgment against His disobedient people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned away (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, this primitive root means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." In this context, it signifies a deliberate and decisive act of spiritual defection or rebellion. It implies a conscious turning *from* the LORD, a rejection of His authority, His commands, and the covenant relationship. This is not a mere accidental deviation but an intentional shift in allegiance and trust, indicating a pursuit of one's own will over God's. This "turning away" is presented as the direct cause for the withdrawal of God's protective presence.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the self-existent or eternal God, the Jewish national name for God, Jehovah. The repetition of "the LORD" in this verse emphasizes His sovereign authority and His direct involvement in the consequences of Israel's actions. The phrase "the LORD will not be with you" underscores that it is the covenant God Himself who is withdrawing His active presence, signaling a broken relationship due to Israel's rebellion. His presence is the source of life and victory; His absence means certain defeat.
* **fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From H5307, this primitive root means "to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)." Here, "ye shall fall by the sword" explicitly denotes military defeat, death in battle, and utter destruction. It conveys the certainty and severity of the judgment, indicating a complete rout rather than a minor setback. This "falling" is the tangible outcome of their spiritual "turning away" from the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Amalekites and the Canaanites [are] there before you":** This clause sets the immediate, tangible scene of confrontation. It highlights the formidable and present threat that awaits the presumptuous Israelites. These were the very enemies whose strength had initially caused the Israelites to fear and rebel, leading to God's judgment. The irony is poignant: now, in their disobedient attempt to enter, these same powerful enemies are strategically positioned to become instruments of God's righteous judgment against them.
* **"and ye shall fall by the sword":** This is the direct, inevitable, and dire consequence of their defiance. It is a prophetic declaration of military defeat and death. The phrase "by the sword" specifies violent destruction in battle, signifying a complete and decisive rout rather than a minor skirmish or retreat. This outcome represents a stark reversal of the victories God had previously granted them when they walked in humble obedience and reliance on Him.
* **"because ye are turned away from the LORD":** This is the crucial causal link, explicitly stating the reason for their impending doom. The military defeat is not random misfortune, nor is it solely due to superior enemy strength; it is a direct and unavoidable result of Israel's profound spiritual rebellion. Their "turning away" from God's explicit command and covenant relationship is identified as the root cause of their vulnerability and the subsequent withdrawal of divine favor. It powerfully underscores the principle that disobedience fundamentally breaks the protective and empowering relationship with God.
* **"therefore the LORD will not be with you":** This final clause articulates the ultimate and decisive reason for their defeat. God's absence, His withdrawal of active participation, is the critical factor. Because they have defiantly turned away from Him and His explicit instructions, He will not extend His protective presence, His empowering might, or His strategic guidance. Without the LORD's active involvement, Israel is left to its own limited strength, which is utterly insufficient against their enemies, confirming the profound theological truth that true victory and success belong to God alone and are contingent upon His sovereign presence.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:43 employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its message of judgment and consequence. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as Moses' dire warning directly and accurately predicts the tragic military defeat detailed in [Numbers 14:45](/numbers/14-45 "Numbers 14:45 - The Defeat by Amalekites and Canaanites"), thereby demonstrating the unwavering certainty of God's word, whether it be a promise or a judgment. There is profound **Irony** at play: the very enemies (Amalekites and Canaanites) whose perceived strength initially caused Israel to rebel and fear entering the land are now, paradoxically, the instruments of God's judgment when Israel presumptuously attempts to enter against His explicit will. The people who refused to trust God's presence for victory now face defeat precisely because that divine presence is withdrawn. The verse also functions as a clear example of **Cause and Effect**, explicitly linking the Israelites' "turning away from the LORD" (the spiritual cause) to the inevitable consequence of "ye shall fall by the sword" because "the LORD will not be with you" (the physical and spiritual effect). This highlights the direct correlation between covenant faithfulness and divine blessing and protection, and conversely, between rebellion and divine judgment and withdrawal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:43 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that divine presence is not an automatic right, but is inherently contingent upon covenant faithfulness and humble obedience. While God's commitment to His people is unwavering in His overarching redemptive plan, His active, protective, and empowering presence in their immediate endeavors can be withdrawn when they defiantly turn away from His clear commands and revealed will. This verse starkly underscores God's absolute holiness and His intolerance for human presumption and rebellion, demonstrating unequivocally that He will not be manipulated or coerced into blessing disobedient acts. It teaches a timeless truth: true strength, victory, and flourishing come not from human might, strategic prowess, or self-will, but from humble reliance on God's leading and the assurance of His empowering presence. The devastating defeat of the Israelites here serves as a potent object lesson for all generations, emphasizing that walking in God's will and aligning with His purposes is paramount for experiencing His divine favor and accomplishing His redemptive plans.

* [Deuteronomy 1:41-45](/deuteronomy/1-41-45 "Deuteronomy 1:41-45 - Moses Recounts the Defeat at Hormah")
* [Joshua 7:1-12](/joshua/7-1-12 "Joshua 7:1-12 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD Builds the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:43 offers a sobering yet profoundly vital lesson for believers today, challenging the pervasive and dangerous notion that God's blessings and protection are automatic, regardless of our obedience, attitude, or alignment with His will. We often, perhaps subtly, presume upon God's grace, attempting to forge ahead with our own plans, in our own strength, or even in defiance of clear biblical principles, yet still expecting Him to bless our efforts and ensure our success. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true spiritual and practical success is inextricably linked to our humble submission to God's will and our constant, unwavering reliance on His active presence. It calls us to deeply examine our motivations: are we truly acting in genuine faith, trusting God's perfect timing and infinite wisdom, or are we operating out of presumption, attempting to force outcomes or achieve goals through self-will and human ingenuity? When we defiantly turn away from the LORD's clear guidance, whether in major life decisions or the seemingly mundane choices of daily living, we effectively remove ourselves from the protective sphere of His divine presence, leaving us vulnerable to spiritual defeat and the natural, often painful, consequences of our actions. This passage urges us to cultivate a posture of constant dependence, diligently seeking God's counsel through His inspired Word and fervent prayer, and aligning our steps with His revealed will, knowing with absolute certainty that His presence is our ultimate victory and our only true security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be presuming upon God's blessing rather than humbly seeking His will and aligning with His commands?**
* **How does my daily walk and decision-making demonstrate my reliance on God's presence versus my own strength, wisdom, or self-will?**
* **What are the "Amalekites and Canaanites" (i.e., specific challenges, temptations, or negative outcomes) I might face if I knowingly turn away from the LORD's clear guidance?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a deeper, more profound awareness of God's abiding presence and ensure that my actions are consistently aligned with His righteous commands and purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why did God "not be with" the Israelites after He had been so faithful to them throughout their journey?**

Answer: God's faithfulness is indeed constant and unwavering in His character and ultimate redemptive plan, but His active, protective presence and blessing in specific endeavors are often contingent upon His people's obedience and covenant fidelity. In this particular instance, the Israelites had not merely made a minor mistake; they had engaged in a profound and defiant act of rebellion and presumption. After hearing the fearful report of the spies, they chose to disbelieve God's explicit promise to give them the land and even desired to return to the slavery of Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")). God then declared a severe judgment: that the entire rebellious generation would perish in the wilderness ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). Their subsequent attempt to invade the land, against Moses' explicit warning that God would *not* be with them ([Numbers 14:42](/numbers/14-42 "Numbers 14:42 - Moses' Warning Against Presumption")), was a further act of defiance, not genuine repentance. God's withdrawal of His active presence was a just and necessary consequence of their persistent turning away from Him, demonstrating that He will not bless disobedience or be coerced into fulfilling His promises outside of His own holy terms and conditions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:43, with its stark warning about the devastating consequences of rebellion and the withdrawal of God's protective presence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and glorious reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Israelites' tragic failure stemmed from their inability to trust God's promises and their presumptuous attempts to achieve His will through their own flawed strength, inevitably leading to the absence of divine favor and certain defeat. In profound contrast, Jesus, as the ultimate obedient Son, perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father, demonstrating unparalleled faithfulness even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus, Immanuel")), signifying the permanent, indwelling presence of God that the Old Testament people longed for and so often lost due to their sin. Through Christ's perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and victorious resurrection, the formidable barrier of sin that caused God's presence to be withdrawn from His rebellious people has been eternally removed. Believers are now reconciled to God, graciously indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), and assured of God's abiding presence and ultimate victory, not based on their own imperfect obedience or self-willed efforts, but solely on Christ's perfect obedience and His completed, all-sufficient work. The "promised land" for believers is now the spiritual inheritance in Christ, entered not by human might or presumption, but by humble faith in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), securing for us the eternal, unwavering presence of God.

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

2 Chronicles 15:2

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

Numbers 14:25

(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

Numbers 13:29

The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.

Judges 16:20

And she said, The Philistines [be] upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

Deuteronomy 28:25

The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Hosea 9:12

Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, [that there shall] not [be] a man [left]: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!