Numbers 14:43

43 for the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword; for as ye have turned away from Jehovah, Jehovah will not be with you.

Numbers 14:43 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 14:43

For the Amalekites and the Canaanites [are] there before you,
&c.] Having removed from the valley, ( Numbers 14:25 ) ; or else had detached a party to defend the pass on the top of the mountain, and where perhaps they designed to feign a retreat if they found it proper, and draw them into a combat in the valley:

and ye shall fall by the sword:
by the sword of the Amalekites and Canaanites:

because ye are turned away from the Lord:
from the word of the Lord, from hearkening to and obeying his command:

therefore the Lord will not be with you;
the consequence of which must be bad for them.

Numbers 14:43 In-Context

41 And Moses said, Why now do ye transgress the commandment of Jehovah? but it shall not prosper!

42 Go not up, for Jehovah is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies;

43 for the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword; for as ye have turned away from Jehovah, Jehovah will not be with you.

44 Yet they presumed to go up to the hill-top; but the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and Moses, did not depart from the midst of the camp.

45 And the Amalekites and the Canaanites who dwelt on that hill, came down and smote them, and cut them to pieces, as far as Hormah.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit. 'from after.'