Old Testament
Numbers 14:31
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But your little ones, whom you said would be a prey, I will bring them in, and they will know the land you rejected.
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But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.
What Numbers 14:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God reassures the Israelites that despite their lack of faith and their rejection of the Promised Land, their children will be allowed to enter and inherit it. The adults had doubted God's promise and feared the challenges ahead, but God highlights that their children, whom they thought would be vulnerable, will actually experience the blessings of the land. This serves as a reminder that God’s plans can transcend human doubts and failures. The children represent hope and a new beginning, showing that faith can be passed down to the next generation. This moment emphasizes God's mercy and the importance of trusting in His promises, even when circumstances seem daunting. It also illustrates the consequences of disbelief, as the adults would not enter the land they had rejected, while the innocent would receive the blessings they had forfeited.
How to apply Numbers 14:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's promises, even when we face challenges that make us doubt. It reminds us that our actions and beliefs can impact future generations. We should strive to cultivate faith in our lives and pass it on to those who come after us, ensuring they experience God's blessings.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Refuses to Enter the Land (Numbers 14:1–45)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Numbers 14:31
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 14:31 mean?
Numbers 14:31 means that God will allow the children of the Israelites, whom the adults feared would be vulnerable, to enter the Promised Land. This highlights God's mercy and the idea that despite the adults' disbelief, the next generation will experience the blessings of the land.
What is the significance of 'little ones' in Numbers 14:31?
The 'little ones' in Numbers 14:31 represent the children of the Israelites who will inherit the Promised Land despite their parents' lack of faith. This signifies hope and the idea that faith can be passed down to future generations.
How does Numbers 14:31 relate to generational blessings?
Numbers 14:31 illustrates generational blessings by showing that while the adults who doubted God would not enter the land, their children would. This indicates that faith and God's promises can benefit future generations.
What lessons can we learn from Numbers 14:31?
From Numbers 14:31, we learn the importance of trusting in God's promises and the impact of our beliefs on future generations. It encourages us to cultivate faith in our lives to ensure that blessings are passed down.
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