Matthew Henry on Numbers 14:5-10
The friends of Israel here interpose to save them if possible from ruining themselves, but in vain. The physicians of their state would have healed them, but they would not be healed; their watchmen gave them warning, but they would not take warning, and so their blood is upon their own heads.
I. The best endeavours were used to still the tumult, and, if now at last they would have understood the things that belonged to their peace, all the following mischief would have been prevented.
1. Moses and Aaron did their part, Num 14:5. Though it was against them that they murmured (Num 14:2), yet they bravely overlooked the affront and injury done them, and approved themselves faithful friends to…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:5
Moses and Aaron fell on their faces--as humble and earnest suppliants--either to the people, entreating them to desist from so perverse a design; or rather, to God, as the usual and only refuge from the violence of that tumultuous and stiff-necked rabble--a hopeful means of softening and impressing their hearts.
John Gill on Numbers 14:5
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces,.... Through shame and confusion of face for them, at hearing so shocking a proposal made, and such wretched ingratitude expressed; they blushed at it, and were in the utmost distress on account of it, and therefore threw themselves into this posture; or it may be this was done either to beg of them that they would lay aside all thoughts of this kind, or to supplicate the divine Majesty that he would convince them of their sin and folly, and give them repentance for it and forgiveness of it; and this they did
before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel; to affect them the more with a sense of their sin and danger.
John Calvin on Numbers 14:1-9
Numbers 14:1-9
1. And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
1. Tunc sustulit universus coetus, edideruntque vocem suam, et flevit populus nocte illa.
2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron; and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or, would God we had died in this wilderness!
2. Et murmuraverunt adversus Mosen et adversus Aharon omnes filii Israel: ac dixerunt universa multitudo, Utinam mortui essemus in terra AEgypti: aut in deserto hoc utinam mortui essemus.
3. And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wive…
