King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:10 Mean?

Numbers 14:10 in the King James Version says “But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congre... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 14:10 · KJV


Context

8

If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

9

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. defence: Heb. shadow

10

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.

11

And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

12

I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As Israel prepared to stone Caleb and Joshua, 'the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle... before all the children of Israel.' God's sudden manifestation stopped the stoning, demonstrating His protective intervention for faithful servants. The Hebrew 'kabod' (glory) suggests visible, weighty presence - possibly the cloud's intensified brightness. God's appearance shows He won't abandon those wholly following Him, even when the majority opposes them. This encourages believers facing persecution - God sees and will vindicate. Christ promised similar protection: 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee' (Heb 13:5), even when the whole world opposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This crisis moment came after ten spies gave their bad report and the congregation agreed to choose new leadership and return to Egypt (v.1-4). When Caleb and Joshua pleaded for faith, the people threatened stoning - showing mob mentality's dangerous irrationality. God's glory appearing at this precise moment prevented murder of His faithful servants and initiated judgment on the rebellious generation. Similar divine interventions protected Daniel (Dan 6), Peter (Acts 12), and Paul (Acts 23:11). The pattern continues - God protects His witnesses, though He may allow martyrdom for His greater purposes (Rev 6:9-11).

Reflection Questions

  1. When facing majority opposition for your faith, do you trust God's protective presence even if deliverance doesn't come immediately?
  2. How does God's intervention for Caleb and Joshua encourage you to stand firm in minority positions when God's truth requires it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙1 of 15

bade

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּל2 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה3 of 15

But all the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

לִרְגּ֥וֹם4 of 15

stone

H7275

to cast together (stones), i.e., to lapidate

אֹתָ֖ם5 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּֽאֲבָנִ֑ים6 of 15

them with stones

H68

a stone

וּכְב֣וֹד7 of 15

And the glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָ֗ה8 of 15

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

נִרְאָה֙9 of 15

appeared

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּאֹ֣הֶל10 of 15

in the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֔ד11 of 15

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

אֶֽל12 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל13 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵ֖י14 of 15

before all the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 15

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 14:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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