Numbers 14:36-37

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 14:36-45

Here is, I. The sudden death of the ten evil spies. While the sentence was passing upon the people, before it was published, they died of the plague before the Lord, Num. 14:36, 37. Now, 1. God hereby showed his particular displeasure against those who sinned and made Israel to sin. (1.) They sinned themselves, in bringing up a slander upon the land of promise. Note, Those greatly provoke God who misrepresent religion, cast reproach upon it, and raise prejudices in men's minds against it, or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 14:36

And the men which Moses sent to search the land ,.... Ten of them: who returned ; as they all did, who were sent to search it: and made all the congregation to murmur against him ; against, Moses that sent them; they murmured themselves, and made others murmur: by bringing up a slander upon the land ; that it ate up its inhabitants, and that the inhabitants of it were of such a stature, and so gigantic and strong, and dwelt in such walled cities, Numbers 13:28 , that there was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 14:37

Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land ,.... They, and they only at this time: died by the plague before the Lord ; either by the pestilence immediately sent upon them by the Lord, or by a flash of lightning from him, or in some other way; however, by the immediate hand of God, and in his presence, being in the tabernacle of the congregation, Numbers 14:10 ; though the Jews differently relate the manner of their death; some say worms came out of their navels,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 14:37

Those men that did bring up the evil report died - Thus ten of the twelve that searched out the land were struck dead, by the justice of God, on the spot! Caleb, of the tribe of Judah, and Joshua, of the tribe of Ephraim, alone escaped, because they had followed God fully. Let preachers of God's word take heed how they straiten the way of salvation, or render, by unjust description, that way perplexed and difficult which God has made plain and easy. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 14:36

Verse 36 36.And the men, which Moses sent to search the land. I do not at all approve of the view which some take, that this is recorded by anticipation; for there is no question but that Moses recounts the special punishment which was inflicted by God upon the perfidious spies. He had previously treated of the general punishment of the whole people; when he now relates that the ten men were smitten by the plague, he intimates that God would begin with them, so as to manifest by this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 14:1-45

1 . Brought very nigh to the promised rest, almost within sight, and actually within taste. 2 . Refusing to enter that rest through disbelief. 3 . Sentenced to exile from the rest they would not enter. 4 . Attempting ( vainly ) to eater that rest in their own unbidden and unblessed ways. And subordinately to this great and striking lesson, we have other lessons and examples both of good and evil. I. CONSIDER , THEREFORE , IN RESPECT OF THIS ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 14:1-45

I. WHERE THIS PROPOSAL TO SEND FORWARD SPIES ORIGINATED . Thirty-eight years later, Moses laid the blame of it on the people ( Deuteronomy 1:22 ). He adds, however, that "the saying pleased him well," and that it was agreed to without difficulty, so that the statement in the text which represents the Lord as directing the spies to be sent is quite consistent with the one in Deuteronomy. There was nothing in itself sinful in the people's proposal, and it received the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 14:1-45

II. THE MEN WHO WERE SENT . Whether by choice of Moses or the people we are not told, but probably there was much careful consultation on the matter, according to human wisdom. Doubtless they seemed the best men for the purpose; chosen for physical endurance, quickness of eye, tact in emergencies, and good judgment of the land and people. Yet some very important requisites were evidently not considered. Out of the twelve, only two were men of faith in God and deep convictions ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 14:1-45

II. THE REPORT . After forty days riley came back, bearing on a staff between two of them the cluster of grapes—bearing it thus, as some think, because of its weight; as others, that the fruit might keep its shapeliness and bloom. And, indeed, along' with the pomegranates and figs, which were doubtless choice samples, this fruit was God's own beautiful testimony. Human messengers might differ and deceive, but these sweet silent messengers seemed to intimate that God had been making ready... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 14:1-45

I. THESE CONFLICTING COUNSELS WERE THE CONSEQUENCE OF BACKSLIDING FROM GOD . The people had turned away from their true Guide, and the consequence of being in a wrong path very soon appears. God is one, and in his infinite wisdom and power can make all things work together for good to them that love him, and are called according to his purpose. But men are many and diverse, and if those who are called according to his purpose fad from the obedience which shows their... read more

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