Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.

NUMBERS 14:16KJV
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Numbers 14:16 (KJV)

What does Numbers 14:16 mean?

Numbers 14:16 says that people might claim the LORD was not able to bring the Israelites into the land He promised them, so He killed them in the wilderness instead. The verse expresses a concern about how God's actions toward Israel could be misunderstood by others.

In context, Moses is speaking to God after Israel refuses to enter the promised land. Moses worries that if God destroys the Israelites, other nations will think God was powerless to fulfill His promise. The verse highlights the importance of God's reputation among the nations and the seriousness of Israel's rebellion.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 14:16

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. The verse centers on how God's character and ability are perceived by others.
  • able (יָכֹל, yakhol): This word means "to be able" or "to have power." The concern is that others might doubt God's strength or faithfulness.
  • sware (שָׁבַע, shava): This word means "to swear" or "to make an oath." The verse refers to God's solemn promise to give the land to Israel, making the accusation even more serious.
  • slain (שָׁחַט, shachat): This word means "to kill" or "to slaughter." It underlines the severity of the judgment that could be misunderstood as failure rather than justice.

Why Numbers 14:16 matters

  • Numbers 14:16 clarifies that Moses is not just concerned for Israel's fate, but also for how God's actions will be interpreted by other nations, showing the broader impact of Israel's story.
  • The verse reveals the seriousness of breaking faith with God, as it could lead to misunderstandings about God's character and power.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in the chapter of intercession, where Moses pleads for mercy based on God's reputation and promises, not just the people's needs.

Where else these words appear

“not” Hebrew H1115 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
  • Numbers 11:6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.
  • Job 14:12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

“slain” Hebrew H7819 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
  • Leviticus 9:8 Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
  • 2 Kings 10:14 And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them.