Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.' Joshua and Caleb urge Israel not to rebel against God's command to enter Canaan. The phrase 'rebel not ye against the LORD' identifies refusing God's command as rebellion. Their military assessment 'they are bread for us' uses a metaphor suggesting the Canaanites will be easily consumed. The statement 'their defence is departed from them' indicates God had removed His protection from Canaan's inhabitants—their time of judgment had come (Genesis 15:16). The assurance 'the LORD is with us' makes victory certain regardless of enemy strength. This demonstrates that faith considers God's presence more significant than circumstances. The contrast between 'fear ye the people' and 'the LORD is with us' shows faith and fear are incompatible. Caleb and Joshua's minority report illustrates that truth and faith don't depend on majority opinion.
Historical Context
This plea came after the ten spies' fearful report about Canaanite giants and fortified cities (Numbers 13:28-29, 32-33). Joshua and Caleb gave the minority faithful report. The phrase 'their defence is departed from them' (literally 'their shadow,' tsel, צֵל) suggests protective covering or military strength. God had indeed determined Canaan's judgment—'the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full' (Genesis 15:16) referred to waiting until their sin warranted destruction. Archaeological evidence confirms Canaan's Late Bronze Age cities were fortified, making the spies' report factually accurate but faithlessly fearful. The people's response was to threaten stoning Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:10), showing how unpopular faith can be. God's judgment meant the entire unbelieving generation died in the wilderness except Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:29-30). Their faith was vindicated forty years later when they entered Canaan. Hebrews 3:18-19 uses this incident to warn against unbelief.
Questions for Reflection
How does Joshua and Caleb's confidence in God's presence despite obvious obstacles illustrate genuine faith?
What does the people's desire to stone the faithful minority teach about the cost of standing for truth?
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Analysis & Commentary
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.' Joshua and Caleb urge Israel not to rebel against God's command to enter Canaan. The phrase 'rebel not ye against the LORD' identifies refusing God's command as rebellion. Their military assessment 'they are bread for us' uses a metaphor suggesting the Canaanites will be easily consumed. The statement 'their defence is departed from them' indicates God had removed His protection from Canaan's inhabitants—their time of judgment had come (Genesis 15:16). The assurance 'the LORD is with us' makes victory certain regardless of enemy strength. This demonstrates that faith considers God's presence more significant than circumstances. The contrast between 'fear ye the people' and 'the LORD is with us' shows faith and fear are incompatible. Caleb and Joshua's minority report illustrates that truth and faith don't depend on majority opinion.