Deuteronomy 1:42
And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַֽעֲלוּ֙
unto them Go not up
H5927
תַֽעֲלוּ֙
unto them Go not up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
7 of 16
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֵינֶ֖נִּי
H369
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם
for I am not among
H7130
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם
for I am not among
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
וְלֹא֙
H3808
וְלֹא֙
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִּנָּֽגְפ֔וּ
you lest ye be smitten
H5062
תִּנָּֽגְפ֔וּ
you lest ye be smitten
Strong's:
H5062
Word #:
14 of 16
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
Historical Context
Set at Kadesh-barnea circa 1445 BC. Moses, speaking as God's prophet, warned Israel that their presumptuous attack would fail because God had withdrawn His presence as judgment for their previous unbelief. The Ark of the Covenant—symbol of God's presence—and Moses both remained in camp, signifying divine non-participation in this unauthorized military campaign (Numbers 14:44).
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's warning 'I am not among you' teach about the necessity of divine presence for success in any endeavor?
- How does this passage challenge presumptuous religious activity undertaken without clear divine authorization?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's explicit command 'Go not up, neither fight' followed by the warning 'for I am not among you' reveals the futility of religious activity divorced from divine presence. The promise that 'ye shall be smitten' demonstrates God's sovereign control over outcomes—human zeal cannot substitute for divine authorization. This verse illustrates the Reformed principle that God's blessing depends on His presence, not human effort. Without God's Spirit empowering, all endeavors fail (Zechariah 4:6). The LORD's absence guarantees defeat, regardless of human resources or enthusiasm.