MPV Commentary

1. The entire congregation raised their voices in protest and cried out - Not every Israelite participated in this rebellion.

2-4. If only we had died in Egypt - This outrageous statement showed the depth of the Israelites' degradation and ingratitude towards God. Their wish was granted, as they would eventually die in the wilderness due to their disobedience (Heb 3:17; Jude 5). A leader who could lead them back to Egypt was even mentioned (Ne 9:17) as if it were a real possibility. The Israelites' conduct is almost unbelievable, yet it's mirrored by many today who shy away from challenges and prefer to remain slaves to sin rather than striving for spiritual growth.

5. Moses and Aaron fell on their faces - They humbly and earnestly prayed either to the people or to God, seeking to calm the tumultuous crowd and soften their hearts.

6. Joshua and Caleb, who had explored the land, tore their clothes in grief and horror at the rebellion against Moses and blasphemy against God. They tried to persuade the people that they could easily possess the land if only they didn't provoke God's abandonment.

8. A land flowing with milk and honey - This description highlights a rich and fertile country, where milk and honey were among its primary products.

9. Their defense has departed from them - The favor of God was lost to those whose iniquities were full (Ge 15:16), and transferred to the Israelites.

10. The glory of the Lord appeared - It was timely revealed to rescue His ambassadors from their perilous situation.

12. The Lord said, ... I will strike them with a plague - This was not a final decree but a warning suspended until Moses' intercession and the people's repentance.

17. Let the power of my Lord be magnified - This phrase expresses a desire for God's glory to be displayed.

21. All the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord - Although this promise remains unfulfilled, it was used restrictively in this context to describe the report that would spread throughout the land about God's judgment on the rebellious Israelites (Ps 65:5).

22. Ten times - This phrase emphasizes the frequency of God's deliverance.

24. My servant Caleb - Joshua was also spared, but he is not mentioned because he had separated himself from the people and remained with Moses.

because he had another spirit within him, and has followed me fully - Under God's Spirit, Caleb demonstrated bold, generous, and heroic courage, unaffected by worldly anxieties and fears.

25. The Amalekites and Canaanites dwelt in the valley - They occupied the other side of the Idumean mountain, where they had set up camp to oppose the Israelites' further progress.

30. Save Caleb and Joshua - These two men were honored exceptions among the scouts and would later lead the people.

34. You shall know my breach of promise - This means that due to their covenant-breaking, God's promises would be nullified on His part, as He would withhold the blessings promised in exchange for obedience.

36-38. Those who brought up the evil report about the land died by the plague before the Lord - Ten spies were struck dead immediately, either by a pestilence or another judgment from God.

40-45. They rose early and ascended to the top of the mountain - Despite Moses' warning and the people's brief moment of remorse, they quickly returned to their rebellious ways, rushing to ascend the hill despite the danger. Their enemies, who had been lying in wait on the other side of the valley, attacked them from above and became instruments of God's judgment for their disobedience.

45. Even unto Hormah - This place was later named after the massive slaughter of Israelites that occurred there.