Old Testament
Numbers 14:35
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"I, the LORD, have spoken. I will certainly do this to every member of this wicked community that has banded together against me. They will waste away in this wilderness, and here they will die."
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I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
What Numbers 14:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His judgment on the Israelites who rebelled against Him. They had refused to enter the Promised Land due to fear and doubt, showing a lack of faith in God's promises. As a consequence, God states that this entire group will not see the land they longed for. Instead, they will wander in the wilderness until they die. This serves as a serious warning about the consequences of disobedience and disbelief. God emphasizes His authority and the certainty of His words, indicating that His decisions are final. The wilderness symbolizes a place of testing and punishment, where their lack of faith leads to their demise. This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God and following His guidance, as turning away from Him can lead to dire consequences.
How to apply Numbers 14:35 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of faith and obedience to God. When faced with challenges, we should trust in His promises rather than succumb to fear. Disobedience can lead to spiritual stagnation, so we must strive to follow God's guidance in our lives to avoid negative consequences.
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 14:35
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 14:35 mean?
Numbers 14:35 conveys God's judgment on the Israelites who rebelled against Him. It indicates that due to their lack of faith and disobedience, they will not enter the Promised Land and will instead die in the wilderness.
What is the significance of the wilderness in Numbers 14:35?
In Numbers 14:35, the wilderness symbolizes a place of testing and punishment. It represents the consequences of the Israelites' rebellion and serves as a backdrop for their spiritual failure and eventual demise.
What does God mean by 'this wicked community' in Numbers 14:35?
The phrase 'this wicked community' in Numbers 14:35 refers to the Israelites who banded together in rebellion against God. It highlights their collective disobedience and lack of faith, which led to God's judgment.
What are the consequences mentioned in Numbers 14:35?
The consequences mentioned in Numbers 14:35 include the Israelites wasting away in the wilderness and ultimately dying there. This reflects the serious repercussions of their rebellion against God's commands.
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