Bible Strands
Numbers 14:9
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joshua and Caleb address the Israelite congregation after surveying the Promised Land, urging them to trust God's promise rather than fear the inhabitants.
The words — The text commands תִמְרֹדוּ (timrōdū, "you rebel") and תִֽירְאוּ (tir'ū, "you fear"), ordering the people to cease opposing Yahweh and cease fearing the land's population.
The thread — This prohibition against fearing the land's people appears in Deuteronomy 7:18 and Deuteronomy 31:6, while the underlying logic of divine presence matches the assertion in Romans 8:31.
Why it lands — The verse demands immediate cessation of rebellion and fear, grounding the command in the stated fact that the enemies' protection has been removed and Yahweh remains present.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 7:18 But do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt:
- Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
- Numbers 24:8 God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.
- Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
- Psalms 74:14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert.
- 2 Chronicles 20:17 You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”
- 2 Chronicles 32:8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
- Deuteronomy 20:1 When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.
- Joshua 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.