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Informing the People of God’s Judgment

Text: Numbers 14:39-45
21 September 2015

INFORMING THE PEOPLE OF GOD’S JUDGMENT

1. Moses faithfully communicated God’s Judgment to the children of Israel   (Numbers 14:39)

2. This was not a pleasant task but it had to be done

FIRST REACTION OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL

1. The mourned greatly   (Numbers 14:39)

2. Understandably so!

SECOND REACTION OF THE PEOPLE

1. They rose early in the morning

2. They went up to the mountain to see Moses

3. Their words to Moses:

a) Here we are, and we will go up to the place which the LORD had promised
b) For we have sinned   (Numbers 14:40)

MOSES’ RESPONSE

1. This overture was rejected outright

2. This was adding sin upon sin

3. An explanation was given:

a) Why do you transgress the command of the LORD?
b) You will not succeed   (Numbers 14:41)
c) Do not go up, lest you be defeated by your enemies
d) For the LORD is not among you   (Numbers 14:42)
e) The Amalekites and Canaanites are there before you
f) You shall fall by the sword   (Numbers 14:43)
g) You have turned away from the LORD and the LORD will not be with you   (Numbers 14:43)

PRESUMPTION OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL

1. They presumed to go up to the mountaintop to fight with the enemies
2. The ark of the covenant of the LORD remained in the camp
3. Moses did not go with them   (Numbers 14:44)

THE DEFEAT OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL

1. The Amalekites and the Canaanites fought with the children of Israel

2. They came down from the mountaintop and drove the children away to Hormah

3. Hormah may be used symbolically

It means “total destruction”

4. Many lives were lost needlessly!