Deuteronomy 1:34
And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵיכֶ֑ם
of your words
H1697
דִּבְרֵיכֶ֑ם
of your words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וַיִּקְצֹ֖ף
and was wroth
H7107
וַיִּקְצֹ֖ף
and was wroth
Strong's:
H7107
Word #:
6 of 8
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
Historical Context
Occurred at Kadesh-barnea (circa 1445 BC) following the evil report of ten spies. God declared that none of the adults (age 20+) who left Egypt would enter Canaan except Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 14:26-35). This divine oath sentenced an entire generation to wilderness death—approximately 1.2 million people died over 38 years, averaging about 85 funerals daily.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's wrath against unbelief demonstrate both His holiness and the seriousness of covenant faithfulness?
- What warning does this passage give regarding the danger of hardening your heart against God's promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's anger ('wrath') at Israel's unbelief demonstrates His holiness and justice. The Hebrew 'qatsaph' denotes righteous indignation at covenant violation. God swore in His wrath—divine oaths are immutable (Hebrews 6:17-18). This verse reveals that God's wrath is not capricious but covenantal response to faithlessness. The exclusion of the wilderness generation from Canaan rest typifies the eternal judgment awaiting unbelievers (Hebrews 3:7-11). Yet God's wrath always serves His redemptive purposes—the second generation would inherit the promise.