Numbers 14:41
And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֥מָּה
H4100
לָ֥מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עֹֽבְרִ֖ים
Wherefore now do ye transgress
H5674
עֹֽבְרִ֖ים
Wherefore now do ye transgress
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
6 of 12
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פִּ֣י
the commandment
H6310
פִּ֣י
the commandment
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
8 of 12
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְהִ֖וא
H1931
וְהִ֖וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
This verse introduces Israel's disastrous attempt to invade Canaan after God decreed 40 years wilderness wandering for their unbelief (Numbers 14:26-35). The people's whiplash from cowardly refusal to presumptuous attack (within 24 hours) demonstrates spiritual instability under judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's swing from fearful disobedience to presumptuous action illustrate the dangers of self-directed religion?
- What's the difference between God-commanded courage and self-willed presumption in facing challenges?
- When have you attempted 'spiritual warfare' in your own strength rather than waiting for God's timing and blessing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD?—Moses' rhetorical question (לָמָּה זֶּה אַתֶּם עֹבְרִים lamah zeh atem ovrim) uses transgress (עָבַר avar, to pass over/violate) to characterize Israel's presumptuous advance as covenant rebellion. After refusing to enter Canaan in faith (14:1-10), they now attempted entry in presumption—replacing God-commanded courage with self-willed bravado.
But it shall not prosper (וְהִיא לֹא תִצְלָח vehi lo titslach)—Moses' prophetic warning uses the verb צָלַח (tsalach, to succeed/advance), which requires divine blessing. Human initiative divorced from God's timing and presence inevitably fails. This principle echoes throughout Scripture: Saul's unlawful sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8-14), Uzzah touching the ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7), disciples' powerless exorcism (Mark 9:14-29).