By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
GOD JUDGES
Numbers 14:5–19
Throughout the book of Numbers the people of Israel continually complained against God, Moses and Aaron, or their food and water supply. With each rebellion God brought judgment.
Moses had sent 12 men, one from each tribe of Israel, to survey Canaan in preparation for claiming the land promised to Abraham. The majority report, brought by 10 of the men, stated that the land was plentiful but the enemy was insurmountable. They concluded that Israel could not take the land regardless of what God had promised in the past. Only two of the scouts, Joshua and Caleb, took God at His word.
In the verses immediately preceding our passage the people complained against Moses and Aaron. Immediately after our focal passage God stated His judgment. The people of Israel cried out, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt or if only we had died in this wilderness!” (Num. 14:2). As a result God granted their request. The 10 men died of a plague (Num. 14:36–37) and an entire generation of adults would die in the wilderness before Joshua could lead Israel into the promised land (Num. 14:28–35).
Our text reveals that God judged rebellion, either immediately or over time.
Challenge Issued (5–9)
Whenever Moses’ leadership was questioned he responded with humility (Num. 12:1–3; 14:5). Israel rejected Moses as God’s chosen leader and they rejected God’s chosen path. They wanted to choose their own leader and choose their own path by returning to Egypt. The people openly rebelled against God.
Joshua and Caleb mourned over the people’s rebellion by tearing their clothing. They warned the people not to stand against God and they declared victory was at hand because “the Lord is with us.”
Accountability Comes (10–12)
What was Israel’s response to their challenge? They picked up stones to kill Joshua and Caleb. This unregenerate group wanted to kill the men who told them God is trustworthy.
We see a similar response throughout Scripture. People wanted to stone Jesus (John 8:59; 10:31), others killed Stephen in Jerusalem (Acts 7:58–60) and still others left Paul for dead outside Lystra (Acts 14:19). Believers today who are being stoned for sharing the gospel are in good company.
We need to be careful when reading Numbers 14:11–12. When God asks questions He already knows the answers. Each question from God is an opportunity for those whom He questions to confess and repent of sin or to take God at His word. God asks, “How long?” He knows how long. God says, “I will make [Moses] into a greater and mightier nation than they are.” This is an invitation for Moses to confess confidence in what God has already revealed about Himself.
Grace Sought (13–19)
Here we encounter Moses’ selfless plea for God to fulfill His word. The Lord had released Israel from Egypt by His mighty hand (Ex. 13:16). God has led them by His glorious presence ever since they left Egypt (Ex. 13:21–22). Moses now pleads for the Lord not to allow His name to be dishonored among the nations by rejecting Israel. Moses quotes God’s own words back to Him (Num. 14:18–19; see Ex. 34:6–7) demonstrating his faith that the Lord is consistent in His character and faithful to His word. Moses asked for God to demonstrate His grace because God is gracious and to forgive their rebellion because God is forgiving.
On this side of the cross we can become so familiar with God’s grace that we assume it. Ten men faced God’s judgment for leading a rebellion. An entire generation died in the wilderness after rejecting God’s authority.
The psalmist later referred to such rebellion: “Today if you hear His voice do not harden your hearts” (Ps. 95:7–10). The New Testament echoes this warning (Heb. 3:7–18). Today is the day to repent.
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