Numbers 14:5

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell down with their faces [to the ground] in front of the whole assembly of the Israelite community.

Numbers 14:5 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 14:5

Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces
Through shame and confusion of face for them, at hearing so shocking a proposal made, and such wretched ingratitude expressed; they blushed at it, and were in the utmost distress on account of it, and therefore threw themselves into this posture; or it may be this was done either to beg of them that they would lay aside all thoughts of this kind, or to supplicate the divine Majesty that he would convince them of their sin and folly, and give them repentance for it and forgiveness of it; and this they did

before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel;
to affect them the more with a sense of their sin and danger.

Numbers 14:5 In-Context

3 Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to die by the sword? Our wives and little children will become plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?"

4 So they said to one another, "Let's appoint a leader and go back to Egypt."

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell down with their faces [to the ground] in front of the whole assembly of the Israelite community.

6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who scouted out the land, tore their clothes

7 and said to the entire Israelite community: "The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land.