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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 14:5–10. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The friends of Israel here interpose to save them if possible from ruining themselves, but in vain. The physicians of their state would have healed them, but they would not be healed; their watchmen gave them warning, but they would not take warning, and so their blood is upon their own heads.
I.The best endeavours were used to still the tumult, and, if now at last they would have understood the things that belonged to their peace, all the following mischief would have been prevented.
1.Moses and Aaron did their part, Num 14:5. Though it was against them that they murmured (Num 14:2), yet they bravely overlooked the affront and injury done them, and approved themselves faithful friends to those who were outrageous enemies to them. The clamour and noise of the people were so great that Moses and Aaron could not be heard; should they order any of their servants to proclaim silence, the angry multitude would perhaps be the more clamorous; and therefore, to gain audience in the sight of all the assembly, they fell on their faces, thus expressing,
(1.)Their humble prayers to God to still the noise of this sea, the noise of its waves, even the tumult of the people.
(2.)The great trouble and concern of their own spirits. They fell down as men astonished and even thunder-struck, amazed to see a people throw away their own mercies: to see those so ill-humoured who were so well taught. And,
(3.)Their great earnestness with the people to cease their murmurings; they hoped to work upon them by this humble posture, and to prevail with them not to persist in their rebellion; Moses and Aaron beseech them, as though by them God himself did beseech them, to be reconciled unto God. What they said to the people Moses relates in the repetition of this story. Deu 1:29, Deu 1:30, Be not afraid; the Lord your God shall fight for you. Note, Those that are zealous friends to precious souls will stoop to any thing for their salvation. Moses and Aaron, notwithstanding the posts of honour they are in, prostrate themselves to the people to beg of them not to ruin themselves.
2.Caleb and Joshua did their part: they rent their clothes in a holy indignation at the sin of the people, and a holy dread of the wrath of God, which they saw ready to break out against them. it was the greater trouble to these good men because the tumult was occasioned by those spies with whom they had been joined in commission; and therefore they thought themselves obliged to do what they could to still the storm which their fellows had raised. No reasoning could be more pertinent and pathetic than theirs was (Num 14:7-9), and they spoke as with authority.
(1.)They assured them of the goodness of the land they had surveyed, and that it was really worth venturing for, and not a land that ate up the inhabitants, as the evil spies had represented it. It is an exceedingly good land (Num 14:7); it is very, very good, so the word is; so that they had no reason to despise this pleasant land. Note, If men were but thoroughly convinced of the desirableness of the gains of religion, they would not stick at the services of it.
(2.)They made nothing of the difficulties that seemed to lie in the way of their gaining the possession of it: "Fear not the people of the land, Num 14:9. Whatever formidable ideas have been given you of them, the lion is not so fierce as he is painted. They are bread for us," that is, "they are set before us rather to be fed upon than to be fought with, so easily, so pleasantly, and with so much advantage to ourselves shall we master them." Pharaoh is said to have been given them for meat (Psa 74:14), and the Canaanites will be so too. They show that, whatever was suggested to the contrary, the advantage was clear on Israel's side. For,
[1.]Though the Canaanites dwell in walled cities, they are naked: Their defence has departed from them; that common providence which preserves the rights of nations has abandoned them, and will be no shelter nor protection to them. The other spies took notice of their strength, but these of their wickedness, and thence inferred that God had forsaken them, and therefore their defence had departed. No people can be safe when they have provoked God to leave them.
[2.]Though Israel dwell in tents they are fortified: The Lord is with us, and his name is a strong tower; fear them not. Note, While we have the presence of God with us, we need not fear the most powerful force against us.
(3.)They showed them plainly that all the danger they were in was from their own discontents, and that they would succeed against all their enemies if they did not make God their enemy. On this point alone the cause would turn (Num 14:8): "If the Lord delight in us, as certainly he does, and will if we do not provoke him, he will bring us into this good land; we shall without fail get it in possession by his favour, and the light of his countenance (Psa 44:3), if we do not forfeit his favour and by our own follies turn away our own mercies." It has come to this issue (Num 14:9): Only rebel not you against the Lord. Note, Nothing can ruin sinners but their own rebellion. If God leave them, it is because they drive him from them; and they die because they will die. None are excluded the heavenly Canaan but those that exclude themselves. And, now, could the case have been made more plain? could it have been urged more closely? But what was the effect?
II.It was all to no purpose; they were deaf to this fair reasoning; nay, they were exasperated by it, and grew more outrageous:
All the congregation bade stone them with stones, Num 14:10. The rulers of the congregation, and the great men (so bishop Patrick), ordered the common people to fall upon them, and knock their brains out. Their case was sad indeed when their leaders thus caused them to err. Note, It is common for those whose hearts are fully set in them to do evil to rage at those who give them good counsel. Those who hate to be reformed hate those that would reform them, and count them their enemies because they tell them the truth. Thus early did Israel begin to misuse the prophets, and stone those that were sent to them, and it was this that filled the measure of their sin, Mat 23:37. Stone them with stones! Why, what evil have they done? No crime can be laid to their charge; but the truth is these two witnesses tormented those that were obstinate in their infidelity, Rev 11:10. Caleb and Joshua had but just said, The Lord is with us; fear them not (Num 14:9): and, if Israel will not apply those encouraging words to their own fears, those that uttered them know how to encourage themselves with them against this enraged multitude that spoke of stoning them, as David in a like cause, Sa1 30:6. Those that cannot prevail to edify others with their counsels and comforts should endeavour at least to edify themselves. Caleb and Joshua knew they appeared for God and his glory, and therefore doubted not but God would appear for them and their safety. And they were not disappointed, for immediately the glory of the Lord appeared, to the terror and confusion of those that were for stoning the servants of God. When they reflected upon God (Num 14:3), his glory appeared not to silence their blasphemies; but, when they threatened Caleb and Joshua, they touched the apple of his eye, and his glory appeared immediately. Note, Those who faithfully expose themselves for God are sure to be taken under his special protection, and shall be hidden from the rage of men, either under heaven or in heaven.
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Summary
Numbers 14:6 vividly portrays the profound distress and righteous indignation of Joshua and Caleb, two of the twelve spies who had explored the land of Canaan. Their dramatic act of rending their clothes served as a powerful public demonstration against the widespread unbelief and open rebellion of the Israelite community. Swayed by the negative report of the other ten spies, the nation desired to reject God's promise and return to Egypt. This pivotal moment underscores Joshua and Caleb's unwavering faith in God's power and faithfulness, standing in stark contrast to the nation's fear-driven apostasy and highlighting the immense spiritual cost of disobedience.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the book of Numbers, immediately following the twelve spies' return from Canaan and the delivery of their conflicting reports. In Numbers 13, Moses, at the Lord's command, dispatches twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to scout the Promised Land. While all spies confirm the land's abundant fertility, ten of them emphasize the formidable strength of its inhabitants and the impenetrable nature of its fortified cities, instilling paralyzing fear in the people (Numbers 13:31-33). This fear rapidly escalates into widespread panic, weeping, and outright rebellion in Numbers 14:1-4, as the Israelites propose choosing a new leader and returning to the perceived security of Egyptian bondage. Joshua and Caleb's dramatic act in Numbers 14:6 is their desperate, public response to this catastrophic failure of faith, immediately preceding their fervent verbal appeal to the congregation in Numbers 14:7-9.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites at this point were a newly liberated nation, having recently experienced miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery and a journey through the wilderness under divine guidance. Despite witnessing numerous supernatural interventions and God's consistent provision, their faith remained fragile and prone to wavering. The act of "rending clothes" (Hebrew: qara' begadim) was a deeply ingrained and highly symbolic gesture throughout the ancient Near East, signifying extreme grief, horror, despair, or profound protest. It was never a casual display but a public, visceral expression of intense emotional turmoil, often in response to blasphemy, a great tragedy, or, as in this context, grave sin and outright rebellion against divine authority. This culturally understood practice amplified the severity of Joshua and Caleb's distress and their condemnation of the people's actions, making their protest undeniable and visually impactful to the entire assembly.
Key Themes
Numbers 14:6 powerfully illuminates the central theme of Faith vs. Fear. Joshua and Caleb embody unwavering trust in God's promises and omnipotence, standing in stark contrast to the overwhelming fear and unbelief that grips the rest of the nation. Their actions underscore the theme of Rebellion and its Consequences, as the people's rejection of God's plan leads directly to severe divine judgment, ultimately preventing that generation from entering the Promised Land. The verse also showcases Godly Leadership, portraying Joshua and Caleb as exemplary figures who prioritize God's will and truth over popular opinion or self-preservation, even when facing significant personal risk. Their courageous dissent and steadfast conviction foreshadow their unique destiny as the only two adults of that generation (alongside Moses and Aaron, who would not enter for other reasons) permitted to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing the paramount importance of Obedience and Trust in God's Promises for inheriting divine blessings and experiencing God's faithfulness.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From an unused root meaning "to meander" or "to guide about," this term specifically denotes the act of reconnoitering, spying out, or searching. It highlights that Joshua and Caleb, like the other ten, were intimately involved in the reconnaissance mission. Their knowledge was firsthand, making their faith-filled report not naive, but based on the same empirical data, interpreted through the lens of divine promise and power.
This primitive root signifies "to rend" or "to tear," literally or figuratively. In this context, it describes the violent tearing of garments, a deliberate and public act. It's not merely a passive expression of sorrow but an active, forceful demonstration of grief, horror, and profound moral outrage. For Joshua and Caleb, it was a visceral protest against the people's blasphemous unbelief and rejection of God's covenant.
Derived from a root meaning "to cover," this word refers to a covering or clothing. The tearing of their clothes, specifically, indicates a personal and deeply felt response. It was a public disavowal of the people's actions, a visible sign that their hearts were torn by the nation's apostasy, and a dramatic appeal to the assembly to recognize the gravity of their sin.
Verse Breakdown
"And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh"
These two individuals are specifically named and singled out, immediately distinguishing them from the other ten spies and the fearful Israelite community. Their identification underscores their unique character and unwavering faith, setting them apart as men who would stand for God's truth against overwhelming opposition. Their names themselves carry prophetic weight: Joshua (Hebrew: Yehoshua) means "The Lord is salvation," and Caleb (Hebrew: Kalev) is often associated with "wholehearted" or "faithful," foreshadowing their roles.
"[which were] of them that searched the land"
This crucial clause emphasizes that Joshua and Caleb shared the exact same experience and witnessed the very same formidable obstacles as the other ten spies. Their positive report and courageous stance were not born of ignorance or a lack of awareness regarding the challenges, but rather from a profound, faith-filled interpretation of the facts. They viewed the obstacles through the lens of God's omnipotence and faithfulness, rather than human limitations, making their dissent even more credible and poignant.
"rent their clothes"
This climactic action is the emotional and visual focal point of the verse. It is a public, dramatic, and deeply symbolic display of their anguish and protest. They are not merely disappointed; they are deeply distressed, morally outraged, and spiritually grieved by the people's unbelief, which they perceive as a direct affront to God, a rejection of His covenant, and a catastrophic betrayal of His divine plan for their future. This powerful, non-verbal act serves as a visual sermon, powerfully communicating the gravity of the people's sin and the depth of Joshua and Caleb's commitment to the Lord.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Contrast is paramount, vividly setting Joshua and Caleb's unwavering faith and righteous indignation against the overwhelming fear and rebellious unbelief of the vast majority of the Israelites and the other ten spies. This stark opposition highlights the spiritual battle between trusting God's promises and succumbing to human doubt. The act of "rending their clothes" is a powerful Symbolism, representing not just personal grief but a public, prophetic lament over the nation's spiritual apostasy and a dramatic protest against their rejection of God's covenant. This gesture also functions as a form of Dramatic Irony, as the people's immediate desire to return to Egypt will ironically lead to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, while the very individuals they dismiss will be the ones to enter the Promised Land. Furthermore, the verse serves as Foreshadowing, hinting at the distinct and blessed destiny awaiting Joshua and Caleb due to their faithfulness, contrasting sharply with the judgment awaiting the unfaithful generation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 14:6 profoundly illustrates the theological tension between divine promise and human response. God's covenant faithfulness is unwavering, yet the realization of His promises often hinges on human faith and obedience. Joshua and Caleb embody the ideal response: a deep-seated trust in God's omnipotence and a courageous willingness to stand for truth, even when it means opposing the popular tide and facing personal danger. Their actions underscore that unbelief is not merely a passive lack of intellectual assent but an active rebellion against God's character and word, carrying severe consequences. Conversely, faith is portrayed as the indispensable pathway to inheriting God's blessings and entering into His promised rest. This episode serves as a stark warning against the dangers of fear, murmuring, and rejecting God's provision, while simultaneously celebrating the virtue of unwavering devotion and the divine commendation bestowed upon it.
Reflection and Application
The courageous stand of Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 14:6 offers timeless and potent principles for believers navigating a world often characterized by pervasive doubt, paralyzing fear, and active opposition to God's truth. Their exemplary faith calls us to cultivate a robust and resilient trust in God that looks beyond immediate, daunting obstacles to the omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness of the Almighty. In moments where the majority succumbs to fear, where popular opinion deviates sharply from biblical truth, or where spiritual apathy threatens to overwhelm, we are challenged to possess the moral courage to dissent, to speak truth boldly, and to stand firm on God's unchanging promises, even if it means being unpopular, misunderstood, or facing significant opposition. This passage powerfully reminds us that true spiritual leadership, whether in public or private spheres, is not about appeasing the crowd or seeking human affirmation, but about faithfully guiding people towards God's will and trusting that He will ultimately vindicate His word and His devoted people. It encourages us to lament and protest against the spiritual compromise and unbelief prevalent in our own contexts, praying for a renewed vision of God's power and a deeper, unwavering commitment to His glorious purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was rending clothes such a significant act for Joshua and Caleb?
Rending clothes was a deeply symbolic and public act in ancient Israelite culture, signifying extreme emotional distress, profound grief, horror, or intense protest. For Joshua and Caleb, it was far more than a mere display of sadness; it was a powerful, non-verbal condemnation of the Israelites' unbelief and outright rebellion against God. It communicated their utter shock and indignation at the people's willingness to reject God's promises and return to the bondage of Egypt. This dramatic gesture underscored the gravity of the people's sin in their eyes, akin to a public lament over spiritual apostasy and a desperate plea for the nation to repent.
What was the immediate consequence of the people's unbelief following the spies' report?
The immediate consequence of the people's profound unbelief and their desire to return to Egypt was a severe divine judgment. As recorded in Numbers 14:28-35, God declared that the entire generation of Israelites twenty years old and above, who had grumbled and refused to trust Him, would die in the wilderness and would not enter the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb, due to their unwavering faith, would be permitted to enter. The nation was condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years, one year for each day the spies explored the land, until that rebellious generation had perished, serving as a stark object lesson on the consequences of unbelief and disobedience.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The faithful and courageous stand of Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 14:6 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua (whose Hebrew name, Yehoshua, is the same as Jesus) was God's chosen leader to guide Israel into the earthly promised land, so Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, leads His people into the heavenly and spiritual inheritance. While Joshua and Caleb expressed profound anguish over Israel's unbelief and rejection of God's promises, Christ Himself lamented over Jerusalem's persistent rejection of Him, crying out, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem... How often would I have gathered thy children together... and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37). Unlike the Israelites who failed to enter God's rest due to their unbelief (Hebrews 3:19), Christ perfectly trusted the Father, even to the point of obedient death on the cross, thereby opening the way for all who believe to enter into true spiritual rest and the eternal promised land of God's glorious presence (Hebrews 4:9-10). He is the faithful leader who, through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, overcomes the "giants" of sin, death, and the devil, securing the inheritance for His people and ensuring that "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the faithful spy, bringing His people into the promised land of salvation.