Numbers 14:43

43 for the Amalekite and the Canaanite [are] there before you, and ye have fallen by the sword, because that ye have turned back from after Jehovah, and Jehovah is not 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 saith, `Why [is] this? -- ye are transgressing the command of Jehovah, and it doth not prosper;

42 go not up, for Jehovah is not in your midst, and ye are not smitten before your enemies;

43 for the Amalekite and the Canaanite [are] there before you, and ye have fallen by the sword, because that ye have turned back from after Jehovah, and Jehovah is not with you.'

44 And they presume to go up unto the top of the mountain, and the ark of the covenant of Jehovah and Moses have not departed out of the midst of the camp.

45 And the Amalekite and the Canaanite who are dwelling in that mountain come down and smite them, and beat them down -- unto Hormah.