Numbers 14 9

Numbers 14:9 kjv

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

Numbers 14:9 nkjv

Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them."

Numbers 14:9 niv

Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."

Numbers 14:9 esv

Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them."

Numbers 14:9 nlt

Do not rebel against the LORD, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don't be afraid of them!"

Numbers 14 verses

Numbers 14 9 Meaning

Numbers 14:9 is an impassioned plea by Joshua and Caleb to the fearful and rebellious Israelites, urging them not to defy the Lord or be afraid of the inhabitants of Canaan. It affirms that the Canaanites are easily conquerable, metaphorically "bread for us," because their divine or inherent protection has departed. The verse powerfully contrasts human fear with God's unwavering presence, assuring Israel of victory as "the Lord is with us." It emphasizes faith, obedience, and divine reliance over fear and perceived human weakness.

Numbers 14 9 Context

Numbers chapter 14 describes the immediate aftermath of the twelve spies’ reconnaissance mission into Canaan. Ten of the spies return with a daunting report, emphasizing the strength of the land’s inhabitants—giants (Anakim), fortified cities, and formidable armies. This report triggers widespread fear, wailing, and rebellion among the Israelites, who even contemplate returning to Egypt and appointing a new leader. Amidst this despair, Joshua and Caleb stand in stark contrast. They tear their clothes in dismay and valiantly attempt to convince the people to trust God's promise. This verse (Num 14:9) encapsulates their powerful appeal, serving as a desperate last-ditch effort to stem the tide of unbelief and save the nation from imminent judgment for their rebellion against the Lord. It directly challenges the people's fear-driven perception with a bold declaration of divine truth and capability, highlighting the Israelites' ongoing covenant relationship with YHWH who had miraculously delivered them from Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness.

Numbers 14 9 Word analysis

• Only (Hebrew: רַק, raq): This word sets a strict condition, highlighting that what follows is the singular and essential action required. It emphasizes the profound necessity of their instruction, presenting it as the critical pivot point for their future.
• rebel not ye against the Lord (Hebrew: אַל־תִּמְרְדוּ בַּיהוָה, al-timredu b-YHWH):
  • rebel (תִּמְרְדוּ, timredu, from root marad): Signifies a deliberate act of defiant disobedience, an active insurrection or disloyalty against a higher authority. It's not passive failing but an intentional turning away. In this context, it is rebellion against YHWH, their covenant God.
  • the Lord (יהוה, YHWH): Refers to the personal, covenant God of Israel. Rebelling against Him is breaking the covenant and questioning His power, promise, and authority, especially after His numerous demonstrations of deliverance.
  • This phrase forms a direct and stern command against defying the one true God who had proven His faithfulness. It directly addresses the Israelites' proposed actions (appointing a new leader and returning to Egypt), which fundamentally denied God's plan and power.
• neither fear ye (Hebrew: וְאַל־תִּירְאוּ, ve'al-tira'u): A parallel negative command, emphasizing the danger of succumbing to fear. This is distinct from reverent awe of God; it's a crippling, destructive fear of external threats that blinds one to God's capabilities.
• the people of the land (Hebrew: אֶת־עַם־הָאָרֶץ, et-am-ha'aretz): Refers specifically to the Canaanite inhabitants, described by the fearful spies as giants and mighty warriors in fortified cities. This phrase represents the immediate human opposition perceived as a major obstacle.
• for they are bread for us (Hebrew: כִּי־לַחְמֵנוּ הֵם, ki-lachmenu hem): A powerful and defiant metaphor.
  • bread (לַחְמֵנוּ, lachmenu): Literally "our bread." Implies that the enemy is easily digestible, readily consumed, or effortlessly conquered. It means they are a source of sustenance or spoils, not a threat. It conveys a complete lack of genuine danger, akin to an easy meal. This statement showcases supreme confidence born from faith in God's power.
  • This phrase starkly contrasts the spies' fearful report of insurmountable foes, re-framing them as easy prey.
• their defence is departed from them (Hebrew: סָר צִלָּם מֵעֲלֵיהֶם, sar tzillam me'alehem):
  • defence (צִלָּם, tzillam): Literally "their shade" or "their shadow." "Shade" often symbolizes protection, shelter, or refuge (as in the shade of a tree offering protection from the sun). Here, it metaphorically refers to whatever was perceived as their source of strength, protection, or divine favour—perhaps their false gods, their courage, or their physical fortifications.
  • is departed (סָר, sar, from root sur): Means "has turned away," "has gone," or "has been removed." This implies a divine action; God Himself has removed the source of their strength or protection. Their might is diminished because God has taken away their supposed shield. This sets up the direct contrast with "the Lord is with us."
• and the Lord is with us (Hebrew: וַיהוָה אִתָּנוּ, v-YHWH ittánu):
  • the Lord (יהוה, YHWH): Again, the covenant God.
  • is with us (אִתָּנוּ, ittánu): A profound theological declaration. The 'Immanuel' principle. God's active, supportive, and protective presence among His people is the ultimate guarantee of victory. This statement is the bedrock of Joshua and Caleb's faith and the true reason why the Canaanites are "bread." It counters all fear and justifies confidence.
  • This phrase is the fundamental premise of their argument, the source of their unwavering optimism in the face of daunting odds.
• fear them not (Hebrew: אַל־תִּירָאֻם, al-tira'um): A repeated, emphatic command to conclude the appeal, mirroring "neither fear ye." It reiterates the central admonition against fear, serving as a decisive call to action rooted in the preceding divine assurance.

Numbers 14 9 Bonus section

• This verse stands as a minority report, representing the voices of faith against the majority of fear. The response to Joshua and Caleb's prophetic insight was overwhelmingly negative, with the people even threatening to stone them (Num 14:10). This highlights the cost of standing for truth in a prevailing culture of unbelief.
• The "bread" metaphor also carries a deeper implication related to "devouring." Just as Israel consumed manna, God intended for them to "consume" the land and its inhabitants, but through divine victory, not human strength. It shifts the power dynamic entirely from human fear to divine action.
• The contrast between "their defence is departed from them" and "the Lord is with us" serves as a direct polemic against the strength or perceived power of pagan deities. It implies that Yahweh, the true God, has disarmed or stripped power from any supernatural entities the Canaanites may have believed protected them, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty.
• This moment was a critical "turning point" for the Israelites' generation in the wilderness. Their failure to heed Joshua and Caleb's faithful words led to a forty-year delay in entering the Promised Land and the death of an entire generation, emphasizing the severe consequences of unbelief and rebellion against God's direct command and promise.

Numbers 14 9 Commentary

Numbers 14:9 is a microcosm of true faith battling against crippling fear and unbelief. Joshua and Caleb present a compelling theological argument: the Canaanites are not to be feared because their "defense" – whatever perceived strength, deity, or human courage they possessed – has been divinely stripped away. This is starkly contrasted with the reality that "the Lord is with us," signifying God's active presence, power, and covenant commitment to Israel. The phrase "they are bread for us" vividly portrays God's enemies as utterly insignificant and easily conquerable when God fights for His people. The central lesson is that an obstacle's true form is determined not by human perception, but by the divine presence (or absence) associated with it. When God is "with us," perceived giants become insignificant. The consequence of ignoring this truth was severe, leading to the entire generation (except Joshua and Caleb) perishing in the wilderness due to their unbelief and rebellion, demonstrating the critical importance of courage born from faith in God's promises. This verse powerfully reminds believers that facing challenges with a confident recognition of God's active presence is paramount, rather than succumbing to the "what if" scenarios fueled by fear.