Numbers 14:43
For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָעֲמָֽלֵקִ֨י
For the Amalekites
H6003
הָעֲמָֽלֵקִ֨י
For the Amalekites
Strong's:
H6003
Word #:
2 of 17
an amalekite (or collectively the amalekites) or descendants of amalek
וְהַכְּנַֽעֲנִ֥י
and the Canaanites
H3669
וְהַכְּנַֽעֲנִ֥י
and the Canaanites
Strong's:
H3669
Word #:
3 of 17
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
שָׁם֙
H8033
לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם
are there before
H6440
לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם
are there before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וּנְפַלְתֶּ֖ם
you and ye shall fall
H5307
וּנְפַלְתֶּ֖ם
you and ye shall fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
6 of 17
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
בֶּחָ֑רֶב
by the sword
H2719
בֶּחָ֑רֶב
by the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
7 of 17
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֤ן
H3651
כֵּ֤ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
שַׁבְתֶּם֙
because ye are turned
H7725
שַׁבְתֶּם֙
because ye are turned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
11 of 17
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
away
H310
מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
away
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
יְהוָ֖ה
from the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
from the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
15 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
2 Chronicles 15:2And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.Numbers 13:29The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.Numbers 14:25(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.
Historical Context
Amalekites had attacked Israel at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16), earning divine judgment. Canaanites controlled the hill country north of Kadesh-barnea. Both groups would have observed Israel's 40-day spy mission and prepared defenses against invasion, making Israel's unsanctioned attack doubly foolish.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'turning away from the LORD' manifest in presumptuous religious activity rather than humble obedience?
- What 'spiritual enemies' seem insurmountable without God's presence and power in your battles?
- How can churches discern when they're 'following the LORD' versus pursuing self-directed agendas?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you—Moses identifies specific enemies (עֲמָלֵקִי וְהַכְּנַעֲנִי Amaleqi vehakena'ani) occupying the terrain, emphasizing concrete military realities Israel would face without divine intervention. Amalek symbolized perpetual opposition to God's people (Exodus 17:8-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19), while Canaanites represented entrenched wickedness Israel was commissioned to judge.
Because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you—The causal connection (כִּי... עַל־כֵּן ki... al-ken, because... therefore) establishes covenant principle: turning from God (שׁוּב מֵאַחֲרֵי יְהוָה shuv me'acharei YHWH, returning from following the LORD) results in divine withdrawal. God's presence depends on covenant faithfulness, not presumptuous demands. Jesus warned that branches severed from the vine wither and bear no fruit (John 15:4-6).