Numbers 14:8

KJV

If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

KJV (with Strong's)

If the LORD {H3068} delight {H2654} in us, then he will bring {H935} us into this land {H776}, and give {H5414} it us; a land {H776} which floweth {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If ADONAI is pleased with us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us -a land flowing with milk and honey.

Berean Standard Bible

If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us.

American Standard Version

If Jehovah delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it unto us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:8 stands as a courageous declaration of faith by Caleb and Joshua, two of the twelve spies sent to survey Canaan. Amidst the widespread fear and rebellion of the Israelite congregation, their message powerfully asserts that if the LORD is pleased with His people, He will assuredly lead them into the promised land—a place of unparalleled abundance and divine provision. This verse encapsulates their unwavering trust in God's faithfulness and His sovereign power to fulfill His covenant promises, contrasting sharply with the prevailing unbelief.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 14:8 is situated at a pivotal and tragic turning point in Israel's wilderness journey, immediately following the reconnaissance mission of the twelve spies detailed in [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan"). Moses had dispatched one leader from each tribe to explore the land of Canaan. While all twelve confirmed the land's fertility, ten spies returned with a report emphasizing the formidable strength of the inhabitants and their fortified cities, instilling widespread fear and despair among the people ([Numbers 13:28-29](/numbers/13-28 "Numbers 13:28-29 - The Spies' Fearful Report")). This fear quickly escalated into open rebellion against Moses, Aaron, and ultimately, against the LORD Himself, as the people contemplated choosing a new leader and returning to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion")). In stark contrast to this widespread unbelief, Caleb, and then Joshua, stood firm, attempting to rally the people with a message of faith and confidence in God's ability to deliver on His promises. Numbers 14:8 is the heart of their plea, a beacon of trust amidst the darkness of doubt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites at this point were a newly liberated nation, having experienced the miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the covenant at Mount Sinai. They were on the cusp of entering the land promised to their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The "giants" (Anakim) and fortified cities mentioned by the ten spies were real threats in the ancient Near East, where military might determined control of territory. However, Israel's history was defined by divine intervention, not human strength. Culturally, the concept of a "land flowing with milk and honey" was a well-understood idiom for extraordinary fertility and abundance, far surpassing the arid conditions of the wilderness. This promise was not merely about sustenance but represented God's generous provision and the fulfillment of their national identity as a people dwelling securely in their own land, under God's blessing. The people's fear reflected a failure to remember God's past deliverances and to trust in His continued power, despite overwhelming evidence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Favor and Delight**, emphasizing that God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promises are contingent upon His pleasure in His people, which often stems from their obedience and trust. This is not about human merit earning God's favor, but about a receptive heart that aligns with His will. Secondly, it underscores **God's Unwavering Promise** and covenant faithfulness; Caleb and Joshua's confidence was rooted in the divine oath to give Abraham's descendants the land of Canaan, a promise that God would uphold regardless of human obstacles ([Genesis 17:8](/genesis/17-8 "Genesis 17:8 - The Everlasting Covenant")). Thirdly, the verse presents a profound **Contrast between Faith and Fear**, serving as a powerful antidote to the unbelief that gripped the majority. Caleb and Joshua's message redirects focus from human limitations and perceived threats to God's omnipotence ([Numbers 13:30](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30 - Caleb's Call to Go Up")). Finally, it reiterates the theme of **The Promised Inheritance**, with "a land which floweth with milk and honey" serving as a recurring biblical motif for a place of divine abundance, fertility, and prosperity, signifying God's generous and complete provision for His people ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - God Promises to Bring Israel to a Good Land")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delight (Hebrew, _chaphets'_):** This verb (חָפֵץ) signifies more than mere passive acceptance; it conveys a strong desire, pleasure, or favorable disposition towards someone or something. When used of God, as here, it implies His active inclination and deep satisfaction. It suggests that God's willingness to bless and fulfill His promises is not arbitrary but flows from His character and is responsive to His people's faithfulness and trust. It is a profound expression of divine approval and affection.
* **Floweth (Hebrew, _zavath'_):** The verb (זָבַת) literally means "to flow" or "to gush." In the phrase "a land which floweth with milk and honey," it evokes an image of continuous, abundant outpouring. It paints a picture of a land so fertile and productive that its blessings are not merely present but are actively and ceaselessly overflowing, signifying unparalleled prosperity and natural richness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If the LORD delight in us":** This opening clause establishes a crucial conditional premise. It highlights that God's active pleasure and favorable disposition towards His people are foundational to their success. This "delight" is not earned by human merit but is a gracious response to Israel's faithfulness, trust, and obedience, contrasting sharply with the prevailing spirit of rebellion and unbelief. It implies a reciprocal relationship where God's favor is extended to those who walk in His ways and trust His promises.
* **"then he will bring us into this land, and give it us":** This segment declares the certain outcome of God's delight. The verbs "bring" (יָבִיא, _yavi'_) and "give" (וּנְתָנָהּ, _unetanah_) emphasize divine agency and sovereignty. It is God who acts, fulfilling His covenant promise to deliver the land to Israel. This is not a human conquest based on military might but a divine grant, a gift from the LORD, underscoring His faithfulness and power to overcome any obstacle, including the formidable inhabitants.
* **"a land which floweth with milk and honey":** This iconic phrase describes the nature of the promised inheritance. "Milk and honey" are symbolic of extraordinary fertility, abundance, and prosperity. Milk represents the richness of livestock and pastures, while honey (likely date honey or wild honey) signifies the sweetness and bounty of agricultural produce. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a land capable of sustaining life richly and generously, a stark contrast to the barren wilderness and a testament to God's lavish provision for His beloved people.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause** ("If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us..."), which sets up a cause-and-effect relationship between God's disposition and His actions, implicitly challenging the people to align their hearts with God's will. The phrase "a land which floweth with milk and honey" is a classic **Idiom** and **Metaphor**, a vivid and recurring biblical image that symbolizes unparalleled abundance, fertility, and divine blessing. This metaphor contrasts sharply with the desolation of the wilderness and the fearful reports of the spies, highlighting the stark choice between a life of scarcity driven by fear and a life of overflowing provision rooted in faith. Furthermore, the entire declaration by Caleb and Joshua stands in sharp **Contrast** to the fearful and rebellious report of the ten spies and the people's subsequent lament, serving as a rhetorical device to emphasize the profound difference between faith and unbelief and their respective consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:8 is a profound theological statement on God's character, His covenant faithfulness, and the essential role of human faith. It reveals that God's disposition towards His people—His "delight"—is foundational to His active intervention and the fulfillment of His promises. This delight is not arbitrary but is often elicited by a people who trust Him, obey Him, and align their will with His. The verse underscores that the promised land was not to be taken by Israel's might but given by God's hand, a testament to His sovereign power and unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham. It teaches that true security and prosperity come not from human strength or careful calculation of odds, but from a confident reliance on God's ability and His good pleasure. The contrast between Caleb and Joshua's faith and the nation's unbelief highlights the spiritual battle between trusting God's word and succumbing to worldly fears, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history.

* [Deuteronomy 10:15](/deuteronomy/10-15 "Deuteronomy 10:15 - God's Delight in Israel")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Lord Delights in the Way of the Righteous")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith Pleases God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:8 offers timeless principles for believers navigating the challenges of life. It calls us to cultivate a radical trust in God's character and His promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly against us. Just as God was able to bring the Israelites into a land flowing with milk and honey despite formidable obstacles, He remains faithful to fulfill His purposes and promises in our lives today. This verse encourages us to shift our gaze from the "giants" and "fortified cities" of our fears—whether they be financial burdens, health crises, relational struggles, or spiritual battles—to the omnipotent God who delights in His children. Living in a way that pleases God, through obedience, unwavering faith, and a willingness to follow His leading, opens the door for His blessings and the realization of His divine purposes. It reminds us that our spiritual inheritance and victory are secured not by our strength, but by His delightful presence and powerful hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or "fortified cities" in your life are causing you to doubt God's promises today?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper "delight" in the LORD, and how might that impact your perspective on challenges?**
* **How does your current level of trust in God's promises compare to the faith demonstrated by Caleb and Joshua?**
* **What specific actions can you take this week to live in a way that you believe would bring delight to the LORD?**

### FAQ
**What does "If the LORD delight in us" truly mean for God's action, and is it conditional on human merit?**

Answer: The phrase "If the LORD delight in us" signifies that God's favorable disposition and active pleasure towards His people are foundational to His intervention. It is not conditional on human merit in the sense of earning salvation or favor through perfect performance, but rather on a heart of faith, trust, and obedience that responds to His grace. God's delight is a gracious gift, but it is often expressed towards those who walk in His ways and trust His promises, as Caleb and Joshua did. Their faith was a response to God's character and covenant, not a means to manipulate Him. When God delights in His people, He is inclined to act on their behalf, fulfilling His promises and demonstrating His power, as seen in His intent to bring Israel into the promised land. This delight is a reflection of His covenant love and faithfulness, which calls for a faithful response from His people.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "unbelief" in Numbers 14?**

Answer: Numbers 14:8 stands in stark contrast to the widespread unbelief that gripped the Israelite nation following the spies' report. While ten spies focused on the insurmountable obstacles and instilled fear, Caleb and Joshua's declaration was a powerful counter-narrative rooted in faith in God's omnipotence and faithfulness. The people's unbelief led them to despair, rebellion, and a desire to return to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion")), ultimately resulting in God's judgment that the generation would perish in the wilderness ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). Caleb and Joshua's faith, encapsulated in this verse, was the exception that proved the rule of the generation's unbelief. Their confidence in God's delight and ability was a direct challenge to the people's fear-driven lack of trust, highlighting the profound consequences of choosing unbelief over faith in the face of God's promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:8, with its emphasis on God's delight and the promise of an abundant land, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise pointed to a physical land, Christ is the spiritual "land" and the true inheritance for all who believe. God's ultimate "delight" is found in His Son, Jesus, in whom He is "well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Delight in Jesus")). Through Christ, God brings us into a new covenant reality, not merely a geographical territory, but into His very presence and kingdom, a spiritual "land flowing with milk and honey" of grace, peace, and eternal life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Offers Abundant Life")). The "giants" that prevented Israel's entry—sin, death, and the power of the enemy—have been decisively overcome by Christ's victory on the cross and His resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Victory Over Principalities")). Through faith in Him, we receive an imperishable inheritance, a spiritual rest that the physical land could only foreshadow ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Promise of Rest")). Thus, Numbers 14:8 points beyond a temporary earthly promise to the eternal, abundant life and secure inheritance found solely in Jesus, the one in whom God delights and through whom all His promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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 Samuel 22:20

He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Numbers 13:27

And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this [is] the fruit of it.

Deuteronomy 10:15

Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, [even] you above all people, as [it is] this day.

Psalms 147:10

He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

Psalms 147:11

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?