Numbers Chapter 14 · Verse 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?
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).