“Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you”
Context: Numbers 14 recounts the Israelites’ rebellion and lack of faith when they approached the Promised Land. After sending twelve spies to explore Canaan, ten of them returned with a negative report, causing the people to doubt God’s promise and express a desire to return to Egypt. As a result, God declared that the entire generation of Israelites, twenty years old and above, would not enter the Promised Land but would wander in the wilderness for forty years until they perished. Numbers 14:28 is part of God’s response to their lack of faith.
God’s Declaration: In this verse, God speaks to Moses and instructs him to relay a message to the people. God begins by emphasizing His authority and faithfulness, saying, “As truly as I live, saith the LORD.” This statement underscores the certainty of God’s words and the unchanging nature of His character.
The Principle of Reaping and Sowing: The second part of the verse states, “As ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you.” This highlights an important principle in Scripture: the principle of reaping and sowing. God declares that He will respond to the Israelites’ words and attitudes accordingly. In essence, their lack of faith and negative words will have consequences.
The Power of Words and Faith: The Israelites’ negative report and lack of faith revealed a deep-rooted issue. Their words demonstrated their lack of trust in God’s ability to fulfill His promise. This serves as a reminder of the power of our words and the significance of having faith in God’s promises. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Our words have the potential to either build up or tear down, and they reflect the condition of our hearts.
The Consequences of Unbelief: God’s response to the Israelites’ lack of faith was severe. The entire generation was denied entry into the Promised Land, and they were destined to wander in the wilderness until they perished. This highlights the seriousness of unbelief and the importance of trusting in God’s promises. Hebrews 3:19 provides further insight into the consequences of unbelief, stating that the Israelites could not enter God’s rest because of their disobedience and lack of faith.
Lessons for Today: Numbers 14:28 serves as a reminder for us today. It encourages us to examine our own hearts and the words we speak. Are we speaking words of faith, trust, and encouragement, or are we allowing doubt and negativity to dominate our speech? This verse also highlights the significance of trusting in God’s promises and the consequences of unbelief. We are called to have faith in God, even when circumstances appear challenging, and to remember that God is faithful to His word.
In conclusion, Numbers 14:28 emphasizes the power of words, the importance of faith, and the consequences of unbelief. It serves as a reminder to trust in God’s promises, speak words of faith, and avoid allowing doubt and negativity to influence our hearts and speech.
