Numbers Chapter 14 · Verse 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?
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).