Commentari biblici

The children of Israel murmur against Moses and Aaron, Numbers 14:1-4. Moses, Aaron, Caleb, and Joshua go to appease the people, Numbers 14:5-9; wherefore the people would have stoned them, Numbers 14:10. The Lord threateneth them with the pestilence, Numbers 14:11,12. Moses entreateth the Lord for the people, Numbers 14:13-19. The Lord heareth Moses, Numbers 14:20,21; yet promiseth that the murmurers shall never enter into the land of Canaan, Numbers 14:22,23. Judgments on the murmurers, Numbers 14:26-35. They that brought an evil report on the land die of the plague, Numbers 14:36,37. They who would take possession of the land contrary to God’s command are smitten, Numbers 14:40-45.

Except Caleb and Joshua, and some few others. A synecdochial expression, the whole for the greatest part.

Against Moses and against Aaron, as the instruments and occasions of their present calamity.

That we had died in the wilderness: it was not long before they had their desire, and did die in the wilderness.

From the instruments they rise higher, and strike at God the chief cause and author of their journey; by which we see the prodigious growth and progress of sin when it is not resisted. Should be a prey to the Canaanites, whose land we were made to believe we should possess.

A captain, instead of Moses, one who will be more faithful to our interest than he. This was but a purpose or desire, and yet it is imputed to them as if they had done it, Nehemiah 9:16,17, they appointed a captain, &c., even as Abraham’s purpose to offer up Isaac is reckoned for the deed, Hebrews 11:17.

Let us return into Egypt. Stupendous madness! Whence should they have protection against the many hazards, and provision against all the wants of the wilderness? Could they expect either God’s cloud to cover and guide them, or manna from Heaven to lead them? Who should conduct them over the Red Sea? or, if they went another way, who should defend them against those nations whose borders they were to pass? What entertainment could they expect if the Egyptians, whom they had deserted and brought to so much ruin?

As humble and earnest suppliants, either to the people, to entreat them to desist from their wicked and pernicious enterprise; or rather, to God, by comparing this with Numbers 16:4 20:6, the only refuge to which Moses resorted in all such straits, and who alone was able to still and govern this tumultuous and stiff-necked people.

Before all the assembly, that they might be awaked to apprehend their sin and danger, when they saw Moses at his prayers, whom God never used to deny, and never failed to defend, even with the destruction of his enemies.

To testify their hearty grief for the people’s blasphemy against God and sedition against Moses, and that dreadful judgment which they easily foresaw this must bring upon the congregation and people of God.

No text from Poole on this verse.

If by our rebellion and ingratitude we do not provoke God to loathe and forsake us.