Numbers 32:10

And the LORD'S anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,

And the LORD'S {H3068} anger {H639} was kindled {H2734} the same time {H3117}, and he sware {H7650}, saying {H559},

ADONAI's anger blazed up on that day; and he swore,

So the anger of the LORD was kindled that day, and He swore an oath, saying,

And Jehovah’s anger was kindled in that day, and he sware, saying,

Commentary

Context of Numbers 32:10

Numbers 32:10 appears within a pivotal narrative where the tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half the tribe of Manasseh, approach Moses with a request to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan River, rather than crossing into Canaan with the rest of Israel. This verse marks God's immediate and stern reaction to their proposal. Moses initially perceived their request as a repetition of the disastrous actions of the previous generation, specifically the rebellion that occurred at Kadesh-barnea, when the Israelites refused to enter the Promised Land due to fear and unbelief.

The phrase "the same time" in Numbers 32:10 directly refers back to that earlier incident. The LORD had sworn an oath that none of the generation who had seen His glory and miracles, yet despised Him, would enter the land He promised. This divine judgment led to forty years of wilderness wandering, ensuring that the disobedient generation would perish before the new generation entered Canaan. Moses feared that the request of Reuben and Gad would rekindle this divine wrath, delaying or even jeopardizing the entire nation's entry into the Promised Land once more.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Anger Against Disobedience: The verse highlights God's righteous indignation when His people exhibit a lack of faith or prioritize self-interest over His divine plan. God's anger is not capricious but a just response to rebellion and unbelief.
  • Consequences of Past Actions: The phrase "the same time" emphasizes that God remembers and acts consistently based on His character. The consequences of the previous generation's sin (the forty-year wandering) serve as a stark warning against repeating similar errors.
  • The Seriousness of an Oath: When the text states "he sware," it underscores the absolute and binding nature of God's declarations. His word is immutable, and His promises and judgments are certain to be fulfilled.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The actions of a few tribes threatened to impact the entire community, demonstrating the principle that individual or tribal choices can have far-reaching consequences for the collective body.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "the LORD'S anger was kindled" uses the word 'aph (אף), often meaning "nose" or "nostril," and by extension, "anger," as anger is often expressed through flaring nostrils or heavy breathing. The verb ḥārâ (חרה) means "to burn" or "to be kindled," conveying intense, hot displeasure. This imagery vividly portrays God's strong emotional response to the potential for renewed rebellion.

The term "he sware" comes from the Hebrew root shāba' (שבע), which signifies making a solemn oath, often invoking oneself or a deity as a witness. When God swears, it signifies an unchangeable and unbreakable declaration, emphasizing the certainty of His subsequent pronouncements and judgments.

Practical Application

Numbers 32:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of learning from history, both personal and communal. Just as Moses feared a repeat of past failures, we are called to reflect on the consequences of disobedience and unbelief in our own lives and in the history of God's people. This verse encourages us to:

  • Prioritize God's Will: Be cautious of choices that prioritize personal convenience or gain over God's stated purposes or the welfare of the community.
  • Walk in Faith and Obedience: Understand that God takes our commitment seriously. Our actions have consequences, and genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience, even when it requires sacrifice or patience.
  • Respect God's Character: Recognize that God is both loving and just. While He is merciful, He also holds His people accountable for their actions and will respond to persistent unbelief and rebellion.

The anger of the LORD in this verse is not arbitrary but a reaction to a potential threat to His covenant plan and the spiritual well-being of His people, rooted in a history of their unfaithfulness. It calls us to consider our own hearts and ensure we are not repeating patterns of doubt and self-interest that provoke divine displeasure.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 14:11 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

  • Numbers 14:21 (2 votes)

    But [as] truly [as] I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.

  • Psalms 95:11 (2 votes)

    Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

  • Numbers 14:29 (2 votes)

    Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,

  • Deuteronomy 1:34 (2 votes)

    And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying,

  • Deuteronomy 1:40 (2 votes)

    But [as for] you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

  • Ezekiel 20:15 (2 votes)

    Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given [them], flowing with milk and honey, which [is] the glory of all lands;