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 serves as a stark warning from Moses to the Israelites, immediately following their defiant and presumptuous decision to invade the Promised Land despite God's explicit judgment against them and His command not to proceed. The verse declares that their self-willed advance will result in defeat by the Amalekites and Canaanites, precisely because their rebellion has caused the LORD to withdraw His protective presence and favor, leading to their inevitable downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 14:43 is a pivotal moment 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 rebelled against the LORD and Moses, weeping 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 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, some of the people, in a misguided attempt to reverse God's decree, presumptuously 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 is Moses' final, dire prophecy of their certain defeat, which immediately precedes its tragic fulfillment in [Numbers 14:45](/numbers/14-45 "Numbers 14:45 - The Defeat by Amalekites and Canaanites").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness of Paran, on the cusp of the Promised Land. The Amalekites were a nomadic, warlike people, often depicted as a persistent enemy of Israel (e.g., [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). The Canaanites were the settled inhabitants of the land, known for their fortified cities and military strength. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the presence or absence of a deity was considered paramount for victory. Armies often carried divine symbols (like the Ark of the Covenant for Israel) into battle, believing it ensured their god's active participation. For Israel, the LORD's presence was not merely symbolic; it was the tangible manifestation of His power, guidance, and protection, without which any military endeavor was doomed. The people's attempt to fight without the Ark and without Moses (who represented God's direct command) was a profound cultural and spiritual transgression, signifying a complete disregard for the established means of divine favor and leadership.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. First, it highlights the **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 leads to their defeat. Second, it emphasizes the **absolute necessity of God's divine presence** for success and protection. The phrase "the LORD will not be with you" is the core reason for their failure, illustrating that human effort, no matter how determined, is futile without divine backing, a truth echoed in [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD Builds the House"). Third, it distinguishes between **presumption and true faith**. Their action was not an act of faith, but a self-willed attempt to force God's hand and achieve His promises through disobedient means, demonstrating a profound misunderstanding of God's character and covenant. Finally, it illustrates the **role of enemies**; the very nations God had promised to drive out now become instruments of His judgment against His disobedient people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned away (Hebrew, _shuv_):** The Hebrew verb שׁוּב (*shuv*) fundamentally means "to turn," "to return," or "to turn back." In this context, with the preposition "from" (מִן), it signifies a decisive turning *away* from the LORD. It implies a deliberate act of apostasy, a spiritual defection, or a rebellion against God's covenant, His commands, and His intended path. This is not a mere lapse but a fundamental shift in allegiance and trust, indicating a rejection of divine authority and a pursuit of one's own will. This turning away is presented as the direct cause of God's withdrawal of His presence.
* **will not be with you (Hebrew, _lo yihyeh Yahweh ittkem_):** This phrase (לֹא יִהְיֶה יְהוָה אִתְּכֶם) signifies the withdrawal of God's active, protective, and empowering presence. In the Old Testament, God's "being with" His people is synonymous with His favor, blessing, guidance, and assurance of victory (e.g., [Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac")). Conversely, His absence means the removal of His protection, leaving His people vulnerable to their enemies and the consequences of their own actions. It underscores that Israel's strength and success were entirely dependent on their covenant relationship with the LORD and His manifest presence among them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Amalekites and the Canaanites [are] there before you":** This clause highlights the immediate, tangible threat that awaits the presumptuous Israelites. These were formidable enemies inhabiting the very land they were forbidden to enter. The irony is palpable: these were the very people whose strength had initially caused the Israelites to fear and rebel, leading to God's judgment. Now, in their disobedient attempt to enter, these same enemies are positioned to become instruments of God's judgment.
* **"and ye shall fall by the sword":** This is the direct, inevitable consequence of their defiance. It's a prophetic declaration of military defeat and death. The "sword" here represents violent destruction in battle, signifying a complete rout rather than a minor skirmish. This outcome is a direct reversal of the victories God had previously granted them when they walked in obedience.
* **"because ye are turned away from the LORD":** This is the crucial causal link. The impending defeat is not random misfortune or superior enemy strength, but a direct result of Israel's spiritual rebellion. Their "turning away" (as analyzed above) from God's command and covenant is the root cause of their vulnerability and the withdrawal of divine favor. It underscores the principle that disobedience breaks the protective relationship with God.
* **"therefore the LORD will not be with you":** This final clause articulates the ultimate reason for their defeat. God's absence is the decisive factor. Because they have turned away from Him, 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 that true victory belongs to God alone.

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

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

* [Deuteronomy 1:41-45](/deuteronomy/1-41 "Deuteronomy 1:41-45 - Moses Recounts the Defeat at Hormah")
* [Joshua 7:1-12](/joshua/7-1 "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 vital lesson for believers today. It challenges the dangerous notion that God's blessings and protection are automatic, regardless of our obedience or attitude. We often 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, expecting Him to bless our efforts. This verse reminds us that true spiritual and practical success is inextricably linked to our humble submission to God's will and our reliance on His presence. It calls us to examine our motivations: are we acting in genuine faith, trusting God's timing and wisdom, or are we operating out of presumption, trying to force outcomes or achieve goals through self-will? When we turn away from the LORD's clear guidance, whether in major life decisions or daily choices, we effectively remove ourselves from the sphere of His protective presence, leaving us vulnerable to spiritual defeat and the natural consequences of our actions. This passage urges us to cultivate a posture of constant dependence, seeking God's counsel through His Word and prayer, and aligning our steps with His revealed will, knowing that His presence is our ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be presuming upon God's blessing rather than humbly seeking His will?**
* **How does my daily walk demonstrate my reliance on God's presence versus my own strength or wisdom?**
* **What are the "Amalekites and Canaanites" (challenges or temptations) I might face if I turn away from the LORD's guidance?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and ensure my actions are aligned with His commands?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: God's faithfulness is constant, but His active, protective presence and blessing are often contingent upon His people's obedience and covenant fidelity. In this instance, the Israelites had not merely made a mistake; they had engaged in a profound act of rebellion and presumption. After hearing the fearful report of the spies, they chose to disbelieve God's promise to give them the land and even desired to return to slavery in 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 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 an act of defiance, not repentance. God's withdrawal of His presence was a just 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 terms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:43, with its stark warning about the consequences of rebellion and the withdrawal of God's presence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reversal in Jesus Christ. The Israelites' failure stemmed from their inability to trust God's promises and their presumptuous attempts to achieve His will through their own strength, leading to the absence of divine favor and inevitable defeat. In contrast, Jesus, as the ultimate obedient Son, perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father, 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 often lost. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the barrier of sin that caused God's presence to be withdrawn from His rebellious people has been removed. Believers are now reconciled to God, 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 victory, not based on their own flawed obedience, but on Christ's perfect obedience and His completed work. The "promised land" for believers is now the spiritual inheritance in Christ, entered not by human might or presumption, 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")), securing for us the eternal 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.