Numbers 14:42
Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.
Original Language Analysis
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּעֲל֔וּ
Go not up
H5927
תַּעֲל֔וּ
Go not up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
2 of 10
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֖ה
for the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם
is not among
H7130
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם
is not among
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
וְלֹא֙
H3808
וְלֹא֙
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִּנָּ֣גְפ֔וּ
you that ye be not smitten
H5062
תִּנָּ֣גְפ֔וּ
you that ye be not smitten
Strong's:
H5062
Word #:
8 of 10
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
Historical Context
Moses spoke this warning after God decreed wilderness wandering (14:26-35). The people's attempt to reverse judgment through self-initiated action demonstrates fundamental misunderstanding of covenant relationship—God determines blessing and judgment, not human religious activity.
Questions for Reflection
- What contemporary 'ministry initiatives' proceed without confirming God's presence and blessing?
- How can believers discern the difference between God-directed action and self-willed religious activity?
- What spiritual defeats in your life might trace back to proceeding without God's clear presence and approval?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Go not up, for the LORD is not among you—Moses' urgent warning (אַל־תַּעֲלוּ כִּי אֵין יְהוָה בְּקִרְבְּכֶם al-ta'alu ki ein YHWH bekirbekem) identifies the fatal flaw in Israel's plan: divine absence. The phrase is not among you reverses the covenant promise 'I will dwell among them' (Exodus 25:8), showing that presumptuous disobedience forfeits God's presence.
That ye be not smitten before your enemies—The verb smitten (נָגַף nagaph, routed/struck down) describes divinely-permitted military defeat. Throughout Israel's history, victories depended on covenant obedience (Joshua 6-8; Judges 7; 1 Samuel 14), while disobedience guaranteed defeat regardless of military strength (Joshua 7; 1 Samuel 4). Paul warns Christians against presuming on grace: 'Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall' (1 Corinthians 10:12).