5 And Moses falleth—Aaron also—on their faces, before all the assembly of the company of the sons of Israel. 6 And Joshua son of Nun, and Caleb son of Jephunneh, of those spying the land, have rent their garments, 7 and they speak unto all the company of the sons of Israel, saying, 'The land into which we have passed over to spy it, 'is' a very very good land; 8 if Jehovah hath delighted in us, then He hath brought us in unto this land, and hath given it to us, a land which is flowing with milk and honey; 9 only, against Jehovah rebel not ye: and ye, fear not ye the people of the land, for our bread they 'are'; their defence hath turned aside from off them, and Jehovah 'is' with us; fear them not.' 10 And all the company say to stone them with stones, and the honour of Jehovah hath appeared in the tent of meeting unto all the sons of Israel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 14:5-10
Commentary on Numbers 14:5-10
(Read Numbers 14:5-10)
Moses and Aaron were astonished to see a people throw away their own mercies. Caleb and Joshua assured the people of the goodness of the land. They made nothing of the difficulties in the way of their gaining it. If men were convinced of the desirableness of the gains of religion, they would not stick at the services of it. Though the Canaanites dwell in walled cities, their defence was departed from them. The other spies took notice of their strength, but these of their wickedness. No people can be safe, when they have provoked God to leave them. Though Israel dwell in tents, they are fortified. While we have the presence of God with us, we need not fear the most powerful force against us. Sinners are ruined by their own rebellion. But those who, like Caleb and Joshua, faithfully expose themselves for God, are sure to be taken under his special protection, and shall be hid from the rage of men, either under heaven or in heaven.