But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

NUMBERS 14:10KJV
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Numbers 14:10 (KJV)

What does Numbers 14:10 mean?

Numbers 14:10 describes how the whole Israelite community wanted to stone Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb, but at that moment, the visible glory of the LORD appeared at the tabernacle in front of everyone. This sudden appearance stopped the people from carrying out their threat and shifted the focus to God’s response.

The setting is just after Joshua and Caleb urged the Israelites to trust God and enter the promised land, while most of the people wanted to turn back out of fear. The congregation’s anger turned violent, but God’s glory—His visible presence—intervened dramatically at the tabernacle, the central meeting place for worship, making it clear that God Himself was about to act.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 14:10

  • "Congregation" (עֵדָה, edah): This word refers to the entire assembly of Israelites, emphasizing that the threat came from the whole community, not just a few individuals.
  • "Glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word means weight, honor, or splendor. Here, it refers to the visible, awe-inspiring presence of God, which was unmistakable and signaled divine intervention.
  • "Tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, ohel): This is the tent of meeting, the sacred place where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites. The appearance of God’s glory here highlights the seriousness of the moment and the central role of the tabernacle in Israel’s relationship with God.

Why Numbers 14:10 matters

  • Numbers 14:10 shows just how far the Israelites’ fear and rebellion had gone—they were ready to kill their leaders rather than trust God’s promise.
  • The verse marks a turning point in the story: God’s sudden appearance interrupts the people’s plan and signals that He will now address their rebellion directly.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative of Numbers 13–14, where the people’s refusal to enter the land leads to a major crisis and God’s judgment on that generation.

Where else these words appear

“stone” Hebrew H7275 · used in 15 verses

  • Leviticus 20:2 Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.
  • Leviticus 24:23 And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Kings 12:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

“congregation” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.