Numbers 14:36

¶ And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,

And the men {H582}, which Moses {H4872} sent {H7971} to search {H8446} the land {H776}, who returned {H7725}, and made all the congregation {H5712} to murmur {H3885}{H3885} against him, by bringing up {H3318} a slander {H1681} upon the land {H776},

The men whom Moshe had sent to reconnoiter the land and who, when they returned, made the entire community complain against him by giving an unfavorable report about the land -

So the men Moses had sent to spy out the land, who had returned and made the whole congregation grumble against him by bringing out a bad report about the land—

And the men, whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up an evil report against the land,

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 14:36 KJV

Numbers 14:36 describes the crucial moment of Israel's journey through the wilderness when the majority of the spies, sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land, returned with a disheartening report that incited fear and rebellion among the congregation. This verse highlights the immediate and devastating impact of their negative influence.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set shortly after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, as they stood on the threshold of entering Canaan, the land promised by God. Moses had sent twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to explore the land for forty days (Numbers 13:1-2). While all agreed the land was fertile, ten of these spies focused on the formidable inhabitants and fortified cities, presenting an overwhelming and terrifying picture (Numbers 13:31-33). Their report directly contradicted God's promise to give them the land, leading the entire community into a state of panic and complaint against Moses and Aaron, and ultimately, against God Himself (Numbers 14:1-4).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Power of Slander and Disbelief: The verse emphasizes that the spies "brought up a slander upon the land." This was not merely a bad report, but a distorted, faithless account designed to undermine confidence in God's ability to fulfill His promise. Their words sowed seeds of fear and doubt, leading to widespread murmuring.
  • Consequences of Negative Influence: The actions of the ten spies directly led to the congregation's rebellion. This highlights the immense responsibility of those in leadership or influential positions to speak truth and inspire faith, rather than fear.
  • Contrasting Faith with Fear: This incident starkly contrasts the unbelief of the ten spies with the unwavering faith of Joshua and Caleb, who gave a positive report, trusting in God's power (Numbers 14:6-9).
  • Human Perception vs. Divine Promise: The spies allowed their natural observations of giants and strong cities to overshadow God's supernatural promise and power, leading them to misrepresent the land and God's intentions.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "slander" translates the Hebrew term dibbah (דִּבָּה), which means an "evil report" or "defamation." It implies not just a negative statement, but one that is maliciously spread and designed to harm reputation or undermine truth. In this context, it was a slander against God's character and His promised provision, painting the land as unconquerable despite His omnipotence.

Practical Application

Numbers 14:36 offers timeless lessons:

  • Guard Your Words: This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive potential of negative speech and gossip. Our words can either build up or tear down, instill faith or spread fear (Proverbs 18:21).
  • Choose Faith Over Fear: When faced with challenges that seem insurmountable, it's easy to succumb to fear and doubt, much like the Israelites. This passage encourages us to trust in God's promises and power, rather than focusing on the obstacles.
  • Be a Source of Encouragement: We are called to be like Joshua and Caleb, speaking words of faith and encouragement, especially when others are struggling or doubting.
  • Beware of Negative Influences: Just as the congregation was swayed by the ten spies, we must be discerning about the voices we listen to and the influences we allow into our lives.

Ultimately, the actions of these spies and the congregation's response led to a forty-year wandering in the wilderness, preventing that generation from entering the Promised Land due to their unbelief (Hebrews 3:19). This verse underscores the serious consequences of rejecting God's promises through fear and slander.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 13:31 (3 votes)

    But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they [are] stronger than we.

  • Numbers 13:33 (3 votes)

    And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, [which come] of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

  • Numbers 13:4 (2 votes)

    And these [were] their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.

  • Numbers 13:16 (2 votes)

    These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.