Numbers 14:44
But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.
Original Language Analysis
לַֽעֲל֖וֹת
to go up
H5927
לַֽעֲל֖וֹת
to go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
2 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
רֹ֣אשׁ
top
H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ
top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
4 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הָהָ֑ר
unto the hill
H2022
הָהָ֑ר
unto the hill
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
5 of 13
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
בְּרִית
of the covenant
H1285
בְּרִית
of the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
7 of 13
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מָ֖שׁוּ
departed
H4185
מָ֖שׁוּ
departed
Strong's:
H4185
Word #:
11 of 13
to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
Historical Context
The ark remained in the Kadesh-barnea camp while Israel attacked northward into the Negev hill country. This was the first military action undertaken without the ark since Jericho's conquest formula was established, making defeat inevitable (cf. Joshua 7 where hidden sin, not ark absence, caused defeat).
Questions for Reflection
- What's the difference between faith-filled courage and presumptuous self-will when facing opposition?
- How do spiritual leaders like Moses maintain prophetic integrity when popular opinion demands different action?
- What 'arks of God's presence' (corporate worship, Scripture, prayer) do we abandon when pursuing self-directed plans?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But they presumed to go up unto the hill top—The verb presumed (וַיַּעְפִּלוּ vaya'apilu, to act presumptuously/swell up) suggests arrogant self-will despite clear divine prohibition. Their upward march (עָלָה alah) toward the hill country defied both God's judgment and Moses' warnings—epitomizing stiff-necked rebellion masquerading as courageous faith.
Nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp—The ark's absence underscores divine withdrawal from this unauthorized mission. Throughout Israel's history, ark presence signified God's power (Joshua 6:6-20; 1 Samuel 4-6), while its absence spelled doom. Moses' refusal to accompany them demonstrated prophetic solidarity with God's will over popular sentiment—the true leader serves God's purposes, not crowd demands.