Numbers 32:7
And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?
Original Language Analysis
וְלָ֣מָּה
H4100
וְלָ֣מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
תְנוא֔וּן
And wherefore discourage ye
H5106
תְנוא֔וּן
And wherefore discourage ye
Strong's:
H5106
Word #:
2 of 13
to refuse, forbid, dissuade, or neutralize
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֵ֖ב
the heart
H3820
לֵ֖ב
the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 13
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מֵֽעֲבֹר֙
from going over
H5674
מֵֽעֲבֹר֙
from going over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
7 of 13
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Moses' immediate recognition of this request's danger demonstrated wisdom learned through painful experience. The spy narrative was deeply embedded in Israel's consciousness as the defining failure. Any action recalling that sin required strong confrontation. Leaders must identify and oppose attitudes that could spread discouragement.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your choices encourage or discourage others in pursuing God's promises?
- What responsibility do you bear for the effect your decisions have on community faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses confronted them: 'wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?' Their choice would demoralize others, just as the unfaithful spies had. Individual decisions affect the whole community; refusing God's best not only harms you but discourages others from pursuing it.