Numbers 14:5 - Exposition

Moses and Aaron fell on their faces. After making ineffectual efforts to reason with the people, or rather with their leaders ( Deuteronomy 1:29-31 ). It was not, however, in this case an attitude of intercession, but the instinctive action of those who await in silent horror a catastrophe which they see to be inevitable; it testified to all who saw it that they were overwhelmed with shame and sorrow in view of the awful sin of the people, and of the terrible punishment which must follow.