Deuteronomy Chapter 1 · Verse 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?
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.