Numbers 14:22-23
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God points out that these people haven't just forgotten His power; they've actively seen His glory and miracles firsthand, yet still chose not to obey. The phrase "ten times" isn't meant to be a literal count but emphasizes the overwhelming, repeated pattern of their defiance despite clear evidence of God's presence and might.
none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice, shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the spies returned with their terrifying report, the Israelites rebelled and demanded to return to Egypt, even threatening to stone Joshua and Caleb for their faithfulness. In response, God's glory appeared, and He declared His intention to strike them down and disinherit them. Moses interceded, pleading for God's mercy and reminding Him of His reputation among the nations, which led God to relent from immediate destruction but still pronounce a severe judgment.
You've seen the supernatural, the undeniable acts of God. What happens when that vision doesn't lead to trust?
This verse highlights a profound disconnect: these men saw God’s glory and witnessed His miracles, both in Egypt and in the wilderness. This wasn't a distant rumor; it was direct experience. They saw the pillar of cloud and fire, experienced the plagues, and witnessed the parting of the Red Sea. Yet, despite this overwhelming evidence of God's power and presence, they repeatedly tested Him.
This is crucial because seeing God's glory is not a passive experience. It carries immense weight and responsibility. When we witness God's mighty acts, it demands a response of faith and obedience. To see His glory and then turn away, to doubt, or to disobey is not a minor offense; it's a profound rejection of what has been clearly revealed.
What does it mean to 'test' God, especially after experiencing His power firsthand? It's more than just doubt; it's a deliberate challenge.
The phrase 'these ten times' isn't meant to be a precise mathematical count, though some traditions tried to list them. Instead, it signifies repeatedly, a pattern of behavior that had reached its full, exasperating limit. To 'test' or 'tempt' God, in this context, means to challenge His promises, His power, or His faithfulness. It's like saying, 'I don't really believe You can do what You said,' or 'I don't trust that You will provide.'
After seeing His glory and miracles, their continued testing shows a deep-seated rebellion. They weren't just forgetful; they were actively disobeying His voice— His commands and His spoken will, especially the command to go forward and possess the land.
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Understand the original words
nasah · Hebrew Verb
To examine or try God's patience, often involving distrust or rebellion; it implies a challenging of God's character or promises after having witnessed His past faithfulness.
shama · Hebrew Verb
To hear, pay attention to, or comply with; in a biblical context, it implies active obedience to the revealed will and commands of God.
na'ats · Hebrew Verb
To treat with contempt or lack of respect; in a covenantal context, it signifies a rejection of God's holiness, authority, and the significance of His actions.
This verse highlights a pivotal moment where the Israelites' repeated distrust, despite witnessing God's power firsthand from Egypt through the wilderness, seals their fate. Their persistent 'tempting' and disobedience lead to God's judgment of a 40-year wandering in the desert, as their eyes had seen His glory but failed to truly believe His promises.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through powerful signs and wonders, initiating their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Crossing the Red Sea
God miraculously parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape the pursuing Egyptian army, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.
c. 1446 BC
Complaints at Marah and Rephidim
The Israelites grumble about bitter water at Marah and lack of water at Rephidim, testing God's provision early in their wilderness journey.
c. 1446 BC
Manna and Quail Provision
God provides manna and quail for the hungry Israelites in the wilderness of Sin, yet they continue to murmur and test His patience.
c. 1446 BC
Rephidim - Water from the Rock
God provides water from a rock at Rephidim in response to Moses striking it, another instance where the people tested God.
c. 1446 BC
Golden Calf Incident
While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the Israelites fashion and worship a golden calf, a severe act of rebellion and idolatry.
c. 1446 BC
The Tabernacle is Erected
God's glory fills the newly constructed tabernacle, a visible sign of His presence among His people in the wilderness.
This passage shows God's anger at Israel's sin with the golden calf, mirroring the severe consequences of their repeated disobedience in Numbers 14, and Moses interceding just as he does here.
Psalm 106:6-27This psalm recounts Israel's history of rebellion from Egypt to the wilderness, directly referencing their temptation of God and His anger, which is the core theme of Numbers 14.
Hebrews 3:7-19The author of Hebrews explicitly warns believers not to harden their hearts as the Israelites did in the wilderness, drawing a direct parallel to the consequence of not entering God's rest due to disobedience.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13Paul uses the wilderness wanderings as an example of God's judgment on disobedience and unbelief, highlighting that even those who experienced God's miracles could fall, directly echoing the situation in Numbers 14.
calvinNumbers 14:10-38: "But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel."
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Tunc dixit tota multitudo, ut eos lapidibus obruerent: et gloria Jehovae apparuit in tabernaculo conventionis omnibus filiis Israel.
And the…
pulpitNumbers 14:22: "Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;"
Verse 22. - Because all those men. The particle כִּי is not to be rendered "because;" it simply introduces the substance of the oath: "As I live... all those men... shall not see." So the Septuagint. And have tempted me now these ten times. It is not in the least necessary to press this expres…
God points out that these people haven't just forgotten His power; they've actively seen His glory and miracles firsthand, yet still chose not to obey. The phrase "ten times" isn't meant to be a literal count but emphasizes the overwhelming, repeated pattern of their defiance despite clear evidence of God's presence and might.
After the spies returned with their terrifying report, the Israelites rebelled and demanded to return to Egypt, even threatening to stone Joshua and Caleb for their faithfulness. In response, God's glory appeared, and He declared His intention to strike them down and disinherit them. Moses interceded, pleading for God's mercy and reminding Him of His reputation among the nations, which led God to relent from immediate destruction but still pronounce a severe judgment.
After the spies returned with their terrifying report, the Israelites rebelled and demanded to return to Egypt, even threatening to stone Joshua and Caleb for their faithfulness. In response, God's glory appeared, and He declared His intention to strike them down and disinherit them. Moses interceded, pleading for God's mercy and reminding Him of His reputation among the nations, which led God to relent from immediate destruction but still pronounce a severe judgment.
"none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice, shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none…" — God points out that these people haven't just forgotten His power; they've actively seen His glory and miracles firsthand, yet still chose not to obey. The phrase "ten times" isn't meant to be a li…
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Last reviewed October 2026
