“Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.”
Context: The book of Numbers records the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. In this particular verse, the Israelites had reached the border of the promised land of Canaan, and twelve spies were sent to explore the land and bring back a report.
Rebellion and Fear: The verse begins with an admonition against rebellion. The Israelites had a history of grumbling and rebelling against God’s leadership. Despite witnessing God’s miraculous acts and His faithfulness in leading them, they often doubted His promises. Here, Moses encourages them not to rebel against the Lord.
Fear of the People: The spies returned with a report describing the land of Canaan as abundant, but inhabited by strong and fortified nations. Ten of the twelve spies focused on the challenges and instilled fear in the hearts of the Israelites, causing them to doubt God’s ability to fulfill His promise of giving them the land.
Faith in God’s Presence: In contrast to the spies’ report, Joshua and Caleb exhibited faith and trust in God. They urged the people not to fear the inhabitants of the land, emphasizing that the Lord was with them. They believed that God would provide victory over their enemies, as He had done in the past.
Seeing the Inhabitants as Bread: Joshua and Caleb made a bold statement, saying, “they are bread for us.” This expression can be understood metaphorically, suggesting that the Israelites would consume their enemies and conquer the land with God’s help. They recognized that the inhabitants’ strength was no match for the power of God.
Lessons for us: This verse teaches us several lessons. First, we should not rebel against the Lord but rather trust in His promises and leading. Second, we must guard against succumbing to fear, especially when faced with challenges and obstacles. Third, it reminds us of the importance of having faith in God’s presence and His ability to overcome any opposition we may face.
Application: In our own lives, we may encounter situations where fear and doubt try to discourage us. It is important to remember that God is with us and that His power is greater than any obstacle we face. We should trust in Him, rely on His guidance, and not be afraid to step out in faith when He calls us to do so.
Remember that this verse is part of a larger narrative, and studying the surrounding verses will provide a deeper understanding of the context and the Israelites’ response to God’s promises.
