Numbers 14:43

43 because the Amalekites and the Canaanites [are] there {before you}, and you will fall by the sword; because you have turned [back] from Yahweh, and Yahweh 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 But Moses said, "Why [are] you going against the command of Yahweh? It will not succeed.

42 You should not go up because Yahweh is not in your midst; do not let yourselves be defeated in the presence of your enemies,

43 because the Amalekites and the Canaanites [are] there {before you}, and you will fall by the sword; because you have turned [back] from Yahweh, and Yahweh will not be with you."

44 But they dared to go to the top of the mountain, and the ark of the covenant of Yahweh and Moses did not depart from the midst of the camp.

45 So the Amalekites and the Canaanites who were living on the mountain descended, and they beat them down, up to Hormah.

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew "Amalekite"
• [b]. Hebrew "Canaanite"
• [c]. Literally "in your presence"