Old Testament
Numbers 32:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If you turn away from following him, he'll abandon this people in the wilderness again, and you will be the ones who destroyed them all."
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For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and ye shall destroy all this people.
What Numbers 32:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Moses warns the tribes of Reuben and Gad about the consequences of abandoning their commitment to God. He emphasizes that if they choose to turn away from following God, it will lead to disastrous results not only for themselves but also for the entire Israelite community. The wilderness symbolizes a place of testing and hardship, and Moses is reminding them that their actions can have far-reaching effects. If they fail to support their fellow Israelites in the conquest of the Promised Land, God may withdraw His protection and guidance, leading to the destruction of the people. This serves as a serious reminder of the importance of unity and faithfulness in their journey. The verse highlights the responsibility that comes with leadership and the impact of individual choices on the collective well-being of the community.
How to apply Numbers 32:15 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of staying committed to our values and supporting our community. Just as the Israelites were warned about the consequences of turning away from God, we too must recognize that our choices can affect those around us. Staying united and faithful is crucial for collective success.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
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Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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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 32:15 mean?
Numbers 32:15 warns the tribes of Reuben and Gad about the dangers of abandoning their commitment to God. Moses emphasizes that turning away from God could lead to disastrous consequences for both themselves and the entire Israelite community.
What is the significance of the wilderness in Numbers 32:15?
In Numbers 32:15, the wilderness symbolizes a place of testing and hardship. Moses uses it to remind the Israelites that their actions can lead to God's withdrawal of protection, resulting in suffering for the community.
How does Numbers 32:15 relate to community responsibility?
Numbers 32:15 highlights the idea that individual choices can significantly impact the community. It serves as a reminder that staying committed and united is essential for the well-being and success of the group.
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