Numbers 14:10
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה
But all the congregation
H5712
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה
But all the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
3 of 15
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
אֹתָ֖ם
H853
אֹתָ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּכְב֣וֹד
And the glory
H3519
וּכְב֣וֹד
And the glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נִרְאָה֙
appeared
H7200
נִרְאָה֙
appeared
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
9 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
10 of 15
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Exodus 17:4And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.Leviticus 9:23And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.Exodus 16:10And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.Exodus 16:7And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?Matthew 23:37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!Numbers 16:42And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.Numbers 16:19And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.Numbers 20:6And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.1 Samuel 30:6And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
Historical Context
This crisis moment came after ten spies gave their bad report and the congregation agreed to choose new leadership and return to Egypt (v.1-4). When Caleb and Joshua pleaded for faith, the people threatened stoning - showing mob mentality's dangerous irrationality. God's glory appearing at this precise moment prevented murder of His faithful servants and initiated judgment on the rebellious generation. Similar divine interventions protected Daniel (Dan 6), Peter (Acts 12), and Paul (Acts 23:11). The pattern continues - God protects His witnesses, though He may allow martyrdom for His greater purposes (Rev 6:9-11).
Questions for Reflection
- When facing majority opposition for your faith, do you trust God's protective presence even if deliverance doesn't come immediately?
- How does God's intervention for Caleb and Joshua encourage you to stand firm in minority positions when God's truth requires it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
As Israel prepared to stone Caleb and Joshua, 'the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle... before all the children of Israel.' God's sudden manifestation stopped the stoning, demonstrating His protective intervention for faithful servants. The Hebrew 'kabod' (glory) suggests visible, weighty presence - possibly the cloud's intensified brightness. God's appearance shows He won't abandon those wholly following Him, even when the majority opposes them. This encourages believers facing persecution - God sees and will vindicate. Christ promised similar protection: 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee' (Heb 13:5), even when the whole world opposes.