Numbers 14:5

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell with their faces to the ground. They did it in front of the whole community of Israel that was gathered there.

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 to this land? We're going to be killed with swords. Our enemies will capture our wives and children. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?"

4 They said to one another, "We should choose another leader. We should go back to Egypt."

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell with their faces to the ground. They did it in front of the whole community of Israel that was gathered there.

6 Joshua, the son of Nun, tore his clothes. So did Caleb, the son of Jephunneh. Joshua and Caleb were two of the men who had checked out the land.

7 They spoke to the whole community of Israel. They said, "We passed through the land and checked it out. It's very good.