Numbers 14:45

KJV

Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, [even] unto Hormah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the Amalekites {H6003} came down {H3381}, and the Canaanites {H3669} which dwelt {H3427} in that hill {H2022}, and smote {H5221} them, and discomfited {H3807} them, even unto Hormah {H2767}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the 'Amalekim and the Kena'anim living in that hill-country descended, struck them down and beat them back all the way to Hormah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that part of the hill country came down, attacked them, and routed them all the way to Hormah.

American Standard Version

Then the Amalekite came down, and the Canaanite who dwelt in that mountain, and smote them and beat them down, even unto Hormah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:45 chronicles the immediate and devastating defeat of the Israelites by the Amalekites and Canaanites, a direct consequence of their defiant presumption following their rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea. After refusing to trust God and enter the Promised Land, they then presumptuously attempted to invade against God's explicit command and Moses' solemn warning. This verse starkly illustrates the severe price of disobedience, the futility of self-willed effort, and the critical necessity of God's active presence for any true victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grim and inevitable climax of the narrative arc established in [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan") and [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment"). Following the return of the twelve spies, ten delivered a fearful report, leading the entire congregation into a profound state of unbelief and rebellion against the Lord and Moses. Instead of trusting God's power to deliver the land, they wept, complained, and even proposed appointing a new leader to return to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")). As a direct result of this deep-seated unbelief, God declared that the entire generation, save for Caleb and Joshua, would perish in the wilderness over 40 years ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26-35 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). In a sudden, misguided shift, fueled by regret but lacking genuine repentance or obedience, a segment of the people decided to invade the land anyway, despite Moses' explicit warning that "the LORD will not be among you" ([Numbers 14:42-44](/numbers/14-42-44 "Numbers 14:42-44 - Moses Warns Against Presumptuous Attack")). Numbers 14:45 records the swift and crushing outcome of this defiant, self-willed act, demonstrating the immediate and painful consequences of acting outside of God's divine will and presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a notoriously predatory, nomadic people, long-standing enemies of Israel, first attacking them from the rear during their exodus from Egypt ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek at Rephidim")). Their presence here signifies their continued hostility and opportunistic nature. The Canaanites were the settled inhabitants of the land promised to Israel, known for their fortified cities, well-established military structures, and polytheistic religious practices. The "hill" mentioned likely refers to the mountainous region of the Negeb, forming the southern border of Canaan, a strategic and rugged terrain advantageous for defenders. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, divine favor was paramount; armies believed their gods actively fought on their behalf. For Israel, the concept of YHWH fighting for them was central to their identity and success ([Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Your God Goes With You to Fight For You")). To engage in battle without the explicit command and presence of YHWH was, from their worldview, an act of extreme folly and a guaranteed path to defeat. Their enemies would have interpreted this swift victory as a sign of their own deities' superiority over Israel's God, further magnifying Israel's humiliation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Consequences of Disobedience and Rebellion**, vividly illustrating that defying God's clear instructions leads to swift and painful judgment, even for His chosen people. The defeat at the hands of the Amalekites and Canaanites serves as a stark reminder that disobedience carries a heavy price ([Numbers 14:34](/numbers/14-34 "Numbers 14:34 - The Forty Years of Wandering")). Closely related is the **Indispensability of God's Presence**: The narrative highlights that victory in spiritual warfare and earthly battles does not come from human strength, zeal, or numerical superiority, but solely from God's active presence and blessing. When the people ignored Moses' warning that "the LORD will not be among you" ([Numbers 14:43](/numbers/14-43 "Numbers 14:43 - God's Absence Due to Rebellion")), they were left utterly vulnerable and exposed. Furthermore, the event underscores the critical distinction between **Presumption vs. Faith**: The Israelites' attempt to invade was not an act of faith, but of presumption. True faith obeys God's commands, even when difficult, while presumption acts contrary to His revealed will, expecting His blessing regardless. This defeat underscores the danger of acting outside of God's declared will and timing. Finally, the event is a clear demonstration of **Divine Judgment** against unbelief and continued rebellion, solidifying the consequences of their actions and setting the stage for the forty years of wilderness wandering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amalekites (Hebrew, _ʿĂmâlêqî_):** A nomadic, warlike people, descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12), who became a persistent and bitter enemy of Israel throughout their history, often symbolizing the spiritual opposition to God's people. Their presence here underscores the immediate and tangible nature of the threat Israel faced when God's protection was withdrawn.
* **hill (Hebrew, _har_):** This term refers to a mountain or range of hills. In this context, it signifies the elevated, strategic terrain from which the Amalekites and Canaanites descended to attack the Israelites. It highlights the tactical disadvantage Israel faced without divine intervention, emphasizing the physical challenge of the terrain and the enemies' superior position.
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh_):** A primitive root meaning "to strike," "to hit," or "to kill." It implies a decisive and violent blow, indicating that the Israelites were not merely repelled but were actively and forcefully attacked, wounded, and killed. This verb conveys the brutal and destructive nature of the encounter, signifying a severe military engagement.
* **discomfited (Hebrew, _kâthath_):** This primitive root means "to bruise or violently strike," "to beat to pieces," or "to utterly rout." It suggests a state of panic, disarray, and complete demoralization among the defeated party. When combined with "smote," it emphasizes the overwhelming and chaotic nature of Israel's defeat, indicating a complete rout and scattering rather than an orderly retreat.
* **Hormah (Hebrew, _Chormâh_):** Derived from a root meaning "devoted to destruction" or "a banned place." The name itself is profoundly symbolic and ironic in this context, as it becomes the very place where Israel, by their own presumption and disobedience, is "devoted to destruction" by their enemies. This location would later be renamed Hormah by the Israelites after a subsequent victory (Numbers 21:3), signifying a reversal of fortune and God's ultimate faithfulness despite initial failures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill":** This clause identifies the aggressors and their strategic advantage. The Amalekites, known for their predatory attacks, and the Canaanites, the native inhabitants of the highlands, descended from their advantageous elevated positions. This highlights the enemies' initiative and tactical superiority, especially given Israel's state of divine disfavor and the absence of God's protective presence.
* **"and smote them, and discomfited them":** This describes the action and its devastating effect on the Israelites. The enemies not only attacked with lethal force ("smote") but also threw the Israelites into complete disarray, confusion, and routed them ("discomfited"). This indicates a comprehensive and humiliating defeat, emphasizing the absence of God's protective hand and the utter futility of Israel's self-willed efforts.
* **"[even] unto Hormah":** This specifies the geographical extent of the rout and pursuit. The Israelites were pursued and driven back all the way to Hormah, a place whose name ironically foreshadowed their destruction and defeat. This detail underscores the completeness and depth of their humiliation, serving as a permanent marker of their rebellion and its severe consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:45 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore its profound message. **Irony** is prominent, as the very people who feared the inhabitants of the land and refused to enter it by faith now presumptuously attempt to conquer them without God's command, only to suffer a devastating defeat. This highlights the profound folly and self-deception of their actions. The naming of **Hormah** itself functions as potent **Symbolism**, meaning "devotion to destruction," which becomes a grim epitaph for their failed endeavor, signifying the destructive outcome of their rebellion and the judgment that followed. There is also a strong sense of direct **Cause and Effect**, where Israel's specific act of disobedience (going up against God's explicit warning) directly and immediately leads to their crushing defeat, serving as a clear didactic example of divine retribution. The narrative also uses **Contrast**, juxtaposing the promised victory and divine presence that accompanies obedience with the crushing defeat and divine absence that results from presumption, reinforcing the absolute necessity of God's leading and empowering presence for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates foundational theological truths about God's character and His covenant relationship with His people. It underscores that God is holy and just, and while He is merciful and patient, He also holds His covenant people accountable for their obedience. The defeat at Hormah is a vivid demonstration that God's presence and blessing are not automatic or unconditional; they are intrinsically linked to faith and humble obedience to His revealed will. To act outside of God's command, even with zealous intent or regret-driven fervor, is not faith but presumption, which invites divine judgment rather than blessing. This event serves as a crucial lesson in the wilderness narrative, teaching Israel (and subsequent generations) that true victory, spiritual progress, and successful entry into God's promises are found only in humble submission to God's word and complete reliance on His power, not in self-willed efforts or human strength. It reveals that God's judgment, though severe, is always righteous and aims to teach His people the indispensable value of His presence and the dangers of unbelief.

* [Deuteronomy 1:43-45](/deuteronomy/1-43-45 "Deuteronomy 1:43-45 - Moses Recounts the Defeat at Hormah")
* [Joshua 7:1-5](/joshua/7-1-5 "Joshua 7:1-5 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai")
* [1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22-23 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:45 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for believers today, reminding us that spiritual success and God's blessing are not guaranteed by our religious fervor, good intentions, or even genuine regret alone, but by our humble and obedient alignment with His revealed will. It challenges us to deeply examine our motivations: are our actions truly born of faith, trusting in God's timing, wisdom, and methods, or are they rooted in presumption, attempting to force outcomes through our own strength, impatience, or regret-driven zeal? This passage teaches us that acting outside of God's clear direction, even when it feels like "doing something for God" or rectifying past mistakes, can lead to spiritual defeat, a withdrawal of His empowering presence, and a frustrating lack of fruit. We are called to cultivate a posture of listening, waiting on the Lord, discerning His voice through His Word and Spirit, and moving only when and how He leads. True victory in life's battles, whether spiritual or practical, depends entirely on the Lord's active presence and power working through us, for without Him, we can do nothing of lasting spiritual value ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")). This passage invites us to repent of any self-willed efforts and return to a place of humble dependence and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting presumptuously, rather than in true faith and humble obedience to God's revealed will?**
* **How do I discern between genuine, faith-filled initiative, which trusts God's timing and methods, and self-willed presumption, which attempts to force outcomes?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the nature of God's presence and blessing, and how does it challenge my understanding of spiritual victory and dependence on Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow this defeat after He had just promised to punish them with 40 years of wandering?**

Answer: This defeat was not merely a part of the 40-year punishment but a direct and immediate consequence of their *further* act of defiance and presumption. God had explicitly commanded them *not* to go up, and Moses had warned them that God's presence would not be with them ([Numbers 14:42-43](/numbers/14-42-43 "Numbers 14:42-43 - Moses' Warning Against Presumption")). Their attempt to invade was an act of rebellion against this specific command, demonstrating a continued lack of true repentance and persistent unbelief. God allowed this defeat to immediately reinforce the severity of His earlier decree and to demonstrate that His word, whether of judgment or guidance, is absolute. It was a painful, tangible lesson that His presence and blessing are conditional on obedience, not on human will or regret.

**What is the significance of "Hormah"?**

Answer: The name "Hormah" (חָרְמָה, _ḥormah_) means "devotion to destruction" or "a banned place." In this context, the name is ironically fulfilled as the place where Israel, by their own presumption and disobedience, is "devoted to destruction" by their enemies. It serves as a geographical marker of their humiliating defeat and a symbol of the immediate consequences of their rebellion. However, the significance of Hormah extends beyond this defeat. Later, in [Numbers 21:3](/numbers/21-3 "Numbers 21:3 - Israel's Victory at Hormah") and [Judges 1:17](/judges/1-17 "Judges 1:17 - The Capture of Hormah"), the Israelites would indeed conquer this very place, renaming it Hormah in a context of victory. This later event highlights God's long-term faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that despite Israel's initial failures and the immediate consequences of their sin, God's ultimate plan for His people would prevail.

**Was this act of going up to the hill an act of faith or presumption?**

Answer: This act was unequivocally one of presumption, not faith. True faith is always in accordance with God's revealed will and commands. In this instance, God had explicitly stated that He would *not* go with them, and Moses, His prophet, had delivered a clear warning against their ascent ([Numbers 14:42](/numbers/14-42 "Numbers 14:42 - God Will Not Be Among You")). Their decision to go up was born out of regret for their initial rebellion and a misguided attempt to rectify their mistake through self-willed effort, rather than humble obedience and patient waiting on God. Faith trusts God's word even when it seems difficult; presumption acts contrary to it, expecting God's blessing regardless. This defeat served as a stark lesson on the danger of acting outside of God's declared will and timing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic events of Numbers 14:45, stemming from Israel's profound unbelief and defiant presumption, profoundly foreshadow the necessity of a new and better covenant, perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The wilderness generation's failure to enter the Promised Land due to their lack of faith ([Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - They Could Not Enter Because of Unbelief")) highlights humanity's inherent inability to achieve God's rest or victory through self-effort or adherence to the law. Their humiliating defeat without God's presence underscores our complete dependence on God for victory over sin, death, and spiritual enemies. Christ, however, is the true and faithful leader, the second Adam, who perfectly obeyed the Father, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike the Israelites who were "smote and discomfited," Christ, through His death and glorious resurrection, utterly discomfited and triumphed over the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ Disarmed the Rulers and Authorities")). He is our Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), ensuring that those who trust in Him are never left without divine presence and empowering grace. Where Israel failed to enter the earthly rest due to unbelief, Christ leads all who believe into the true, eternal rest of God ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "The Believer's Rest")). Our victory over spiritual Amalekites and Canaanites is not by our own presumptuous efforts, but by the power of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through whom we are more than conquerors ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "More Than Conquerors Through Christ")). He is the one who enables us to truly enter and possess the spiritual promises 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

Numbers 21:3

And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah.

Deuteronomy 1:44

And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, [even] unto Hormah.

Judges 1:17

And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.

Numbers 14:43

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.

Exodus 17:16

For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn [that] the LORD [will have] war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Joshua 7:5

And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them [from] before the gate [even] unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

Deuteronomy 32:30

How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?