Numbers 14:1
And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּשָּׂא֙
lifted up
H5375
וַתִּשָּׂא֙
lifted up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 10
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה
And all the congregation
H5712
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה
And all the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
3 of 10
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
וַֽיִּתְּנ֖וּ
and cried
H5414
וַֽיִּתְּנ֖וּ
and cried
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֖ם
and the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
This occurred at Kadesh-barnea, on the threshold of entering the Promised Land after two years of God's faithful provision. Rather than celebrating imminent fulfillment of God's promise, they chose collective despair based on human assessment.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you distinguish between godly sorrow and self-pitying despair in your responses to difficulties?
- What does corporate unbelief look like in church communities today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The entire congregation's response to the evil report was corporate weeping and crying through the night. This emotional outburst revealed hearts gripped by fear rather than faith. Their mourning wasn't godly repentance but self-pitying despair, lamenting God's leadership rather than trusting His promises. Unbelief manifests not in mere doubt but in vocal opposition to God's revealed will.