Numbers 14:1-25, Reviewing Kadesh Barnea (2)

·       14:1-10: After the 10-2 vote of the leading men who had spied out the land the people spent the night in anguish and anger (14:1).  And it was the fault of Moses and Aaron (14:2, that’s the political answer) and it was the LORD’s fault (v3, that’s the theological answer).  In good democratic fashion, they decided to choose another leader (14:4).  But Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb knew this would be a very bad choice, that will only end up hurting the Nation.  The action of Moses and Aaron was one of humble pleading with the people.  The words of Joshua and Caleb are what Hebrews calls “the preaching of the gospel” (Heb. 4:2).  The people would have none of it.  And neither would the LORD have any of the attitude and decision of the people.  “Now the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel.” 

·       14:11-19: This shows the weakness of a form of government that depends on the will of the people.  The “people” can be, and eventually will be, quite fickle.  God had given them every reason to trust in Him, providing for them in Egypt and out of Egypt. for the 2 years it took to make it to Sinai and then Kadesh.  Now God works to actually elevate Moses as the leader, even though it may seem he has lost the support of the people.  He is God’s man.  So, God threatens to kill them all and start again with a people through Moses.  Moses again shows how he had grown as Israel’s shepherd: he intercedes with a great prayer.  He bases his prayer on the glory of God (v13-16) and on the “God-proclaimed” character of God (v17-19; cf. Ex. 34:6-7). 

o   It is important to note, for the sake of Heb. 3, that God makes this a “faith” issue (14:11).  “How long will they not believe me.”  This word is first used in Gen. 15:6: “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness.”

·       14:20-25: God’s answer perfectly fulfills both these arguments in Moses’ prayer.  He does show mercy and pardons the sin of Israel (v20).  But at the same time, He maintains His glory.  Those people are pardoned, but they will still suffer the consequence of not entering the land.  They will all die in the wilderness, all but the two who voted to enter the land, Caleb and Joshua.

·       14:26-38: Having spoken with Moses, the LORD now speaks with Aaron also and tells them to inform the people: “your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness” (v29,32).  It is a judgment that fits the sowing and reaping: according to the 40 days they spied out the land, so they will end up 40 years in the desert (14:34).  Then God gives another sign to Israel when the 10 spies die by a plague from the LORD while sparing Joshua and Caleb.

·       14:39-45: This conclusion is also important for Hebrews.  There is no room for repentance, for Israel to change their mind.  The decision had been made and God would not change His mind about their death in the desert.  “Because you have turned away from the LORD, the LORD will not be with you” (14:43).

Remember: God forgives sin, based on the blood of Christ.  But we still suffer the consequences.  We reap a harvest of what we sow.