Numbers 14 10

Numbers 14:10 kjv

But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Numbers 14:10 nkjv

And all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Now the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel.

Numbers 14:10 niv

But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the LORD appeared at the tent of meeting to all the Israelites.

Numbers 14:10 esv

Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the LORD appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel.

Numbers 14:10 nlt

But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb. Then the glorious presence of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites at the Tabernacle.

Numbers 14 verses

Numbers 14 10 Meaning

Numbers 14:10 describes the moment of intense rebellion where the entire Israelite congregation unanimously decided to murder Caleb and Joshua by stoning them. This extreme act of hostility against God's faithful messengers was immediately interrupted by a visible manifestation of God's powerful and holy presence, as the glory of the LORD appeared prominently in the Tabernacle of Meeting before everyone, signifying His direct intervention against their wickedness.

Numbers 14 10 Context

Numbers chapter 14 describes the peak of Israel's rebellion after the twelve spies return from Canaan. Ten spies delivered a discouraging report, painting the inhabitants as giants and the land as impossible to conquer, while only Caleb and Joshua provided a positive, faith-filled assessment, urging the people to trust in God's power. Instead of heeding God's faithful messengers, the entire congregation of Israel dissolved into weeping, lamenting their fate, rejecting God's plan for them to enter the promised land, and plotting to appoint a new leader to take them back to Egypt. Caleb and Joshua bravely tore their clothes, reiterating their conviction and warning against rebelling against the LORD. It is at this moment, with Caleb and Joshua pleading with the rebellious multitude, that the congregation resolves to commit an act of murderous violence against them.

Numbers 14 10 Word analysis

• But all the congregation: (וְכָל־הָעֵדָה - wěkōl hā‘ēḏâ) "Congregation" (‘ēḏâ) refers to the assembled community of Israel, often with legal or judicial authority. The term "all" emphasizes the unanimous and collective nature of their intent, highlighting the widespread apostasy and deep-seated rejection of God's will by nearly the entire nation. It implies a mob mentality and consensus in rebellion.
• said to stone them with stones: (לִרְגּוֹם אֹתָם בָּאֲבָנִים - lirgōm ‘ōtām bā’ăḇānîm) "To stone them" (rāgam) is the prescribed method of execution for capital offenses, especially acts of idolatry or blasphemy. The repetition "with stones" emphasizes the intention to physically brutalize and execute Caleb and Joshua immediately and publicly. This was not a verbal threat but a firm resolve to murder for advocating obedience to God and challenging the popular, sinful opinion. It shows their contempt for God's leaders and their word.
• Now the glory of the LORD: (וּכְבוֹד יְהוָה - ūḵḇōḏ YHWH) "Glory" (kāḇôd) denotes the visible, awe-inspiring manifestation of God's presence, majesty, power, and holiness. It is often accompanied by cloud or fire. "The LORD" (YHWH) is God's covenant name, underscoring that this is a direct, personal intervention by Israel's sovereign God who remembers His covenant and responds to their defiance. This visible presence of God is a direct divine counterpoint to the human mob's violent intentions.
• appeared: (וַיֵּרָא - wayyērā') The verb is in the passive voice, indicating that the glory made itself visible or caused itself to be seen. It implies a sudden, unmistakable, and undeniably supernatural manifestation that none could ignore. This was not subtle but an overt, divine demonstration of power and authority.
• in the tabernacle of meeting: (בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד - bĕ’ōhel mô‘ēḏ) The "Tabernacle of Meeting" or "Tent of Meeting" was the central sanctuary where God communicated with Moses and manifested His presence among the Israelites. Its appearance there indicates that God's authority and judgment stemmed directly from the heart of their worship and covenant relationship, from the very place they were meant to meet with Him and receive His instructions. It underscores His sovereignty over Israel and their gathering place.
• before all the children of Israel: (אֶל־כָּל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל - ‘el-kol-bĕnê yiśrā’ēl) This phrase emphasizes the public nature of the divine manifestation. God did not appear secretly but openly before the entire assembled nation, making His presence and intervention undeniable. This visible appearance served as an immediate cessation of their planned violence and a clear declaration of divine disapproval and impending judgment against their rebellion.

Numbers 14 10 Bonus section

• The collective determination of "all the congregation" signifies the depth of the spiritual infection of unbelief. It was not merely a few dissenters but a widespread national turning away from the Lord.
• The appearance of God's glory often signals either revelation (as with the giving of the Law) or imminent judgment. Here, it is both: a revelation of God's presence defending His faithful, and the immediate precursor to severe judgment for their unbelief and intended violence.
• The placement of the glory's appearance "in the tabernacle of meeting" reinforces God's rightful authority stemming from the very center of their communal and spiritual life. Their rebellion was a direct affront to God in His own dwelling place among them.
• This moment highlights the eternal conflict between faith and unbelief, and the danger of succumbing to majority opinion when it contradicts divine truth. Caleb and Joshua stood alone, yet with God's presence, they were secure.

Numbers 14 10 Commentary

Numbers 14:10 marks a dramatic and pivotal turning point in Israel's wilderness journey. It contrasts the extreme depths of human rebellion against the swift, awe-inspiring reality of divine sovereignty. The people's unanimous decision to stone Caleb and Joshua showcases their complete rejection of faith, their hatred for God's true messengers, and their preference for worldly comfort over divine promise. This act of violence would have not only silenced Caleb and Joshua but symbolically stoned God's commission and the very purpose of their journey.

However, just as the mob prepares to execute its unholy decree, God intervenes. The sudden manifestation of the "glory of the LORD" directly from the Tabernacle serves as an undeniable visual declaration of His presence and authority. This appearance is not just for observation; it is an immediate cessation of human evil by divine power. It confirms that God Himself defends His faithful servants, even against His own rebellious people. This event leads directly to God's judgment and pronouncement that this generation would perish in the wilderness, preventing them from entering the Promised Land. The verse underscores God's faithfulness to His promises, His defense of those who trust Him, and His absolute intolerance for blatant rebellion among His people.