Numbers 14:5

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there.

Numbers 14:5 in Other Translations

KJV
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
ESV
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the people of Israel.
NLT
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell face down on the ground before the whole community of Israel.
MSG
5 Moses and Aaron fell on their faces in front of the entire community, gathered in emergency session.
CSB
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 to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?”
4 And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there.
6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes
7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Leviticus 9:24; Nu 16:4,22,45; Numbers 20:6; Joshua 5:14; 2 Samuel 14:4; 1 Chronicles 21:16; Ezekiel 1:28
  • 2. S Leviticus 19:2
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