Numbers 14 Commentary
We have a very low point here. You thought the golden calf experience was bad enough, but here we are again! Israel no longer wants to proceed into the Promised Land. They want to choose another leader and go back to Egypt.
Real mutiny in the Camp!
God’s view of everything is interesting. He reacts by serving Israel a menu of both justice and love – in equal measure.
There is forgiveness and the 600,000 men will inherit the land. But after 40 years! And it won’t be them but their children!
Sin is scary!
Moses speaks the heart of the LORD. Through his words, the LORD God displays the compassionate side of His being. Remember the LORD’s name: Compassionate and gracious, yet punishing sin.
The military charge into Canaan is called off and the people must wonder about in the wilderness for 40 years
We have more drama before the chapter ends. Israel quickly realizes her sin and attempts to correct the situation, not by repentance, but by going ahead with the mission – yet another sin.
The book reaches its climax here. Next are chapters through the rest of the 40 years of less grace, less faith, and less generosity as the LORD God clears out the dead and bad wood. But there is a generation that is taking over. So the LORD will repeat laws, generosity, and care for the sake of the new crop. It is a mixed menu but very instructive.
Chapter 15 exists because the LORD God is compassionate! He takes it up with Israel like nothing happened! But in the background, the clearing process is in progress – natural causes, self-inflicted accidents, punishments… this number, 600,000, in the first census must be deleted and a new one installed.
So, more laws are repeated, and so is the census—the second census in Chapter 26. The LORD always wants to get to what He plans. You cannot escape it!
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