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Deuteronomy 9:7,23,24
Remember,and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD…

Isaiah 1:2
Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Isaiah 63:10
But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy,and he fought against them.

neither

Deuteronomy 7:18
Thou shalt not be afraid of them:but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;

Deuteronomy 20:3
And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

are bread

Numbers 24:8
God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and piercethem through with his arrows.

Deuteronomy 32:42
I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh;and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

Psalm 14:4
Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my peopleas they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

defence.

Psalm 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 121:5
The LORDis thy keeper: the LORDis thy shade upon thy right hand.

Isaiah 30:2,3
That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! …

the Lord

Genesis 48:21
And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Exodus 33:16
For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight?is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people thatare upon the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 7:21
Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy Godis among you, a mighty God and terrible.

fear them not

and do not be afraid of the people of the land
Fear is a natural human response, but in the biblical context, it often signifies a lack of faith in God's power and promises. The "people of the land" refers to the inhabitants of Canaan, who were perceived as giants and formidable foes. This phrase encourages the Israelites to trust in God's strength rather than their own. It parallels the exhortation inJoshua 1:9, where God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. The call to not fear is a reminder that God is sovereign over all nations and peoples.

for they will be like bread for us
This metaphor suggests that the Canaanites will be easily defeated and consumed, much like bread is eaten. It conveys confidence in God's promise to give the Israelites victory. The imagery of bread also connects to the provision of manna in the wilderness, symbolizing God's sustenance and faithfulness. This phrase foreshadows the eventual conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, where God's promise is fulfilled.

Their protection has been removed
This indicates that the divine favor or protection that the Canaanites might have had is no longer present. In the ancient Near Eastern context, cities and peoples were often thought to be under the protection of their gods. The removal of protection signifies that the true God, the LORD, has determined their defeat. This aligns with the biblical theme that God is the ultimate authority over all spiritual and earthly powers.

and the LORD is with us
The presence of the LORD with the Israelites is a central theme in their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It reassures them of divine support and guidance. This presence is symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant and the pillar of cloud and fire. The assurance of God's presence is a source of strength and courage, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like David, who declared inPsalm 23:4 that he would fear no evil because God was with him. This presence is ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, meaning "God with us."

Do not be afraid of them!
The repetition of the command to not fear underscores its importance. Fear can paralyze and prevent the fulfillment of God's promises. This command is a call to faith and action, trusting in God's power rather than succumbing to human weakness. It reflects the biblical principle that faith in God casts out fear, as seen in 1John 4:18. The exhortation to not fear is a timeless message for believers facing challenges, reminding them of God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

- Caleb and Joshua remind the frightened nation that resistance to God’s clear command is not a simple mistake; it is outright rebellion (seeDeuteronomy 9:7;1 Samuel 15:23).

- Rebellion in Scripture is always tied to unbelief (Hebrews 3:12). When we doubt God’s word, we quickly start treating His will as optional.

- The antidote is immediate surrender. God’s statutes are not suggestions; they are covenant terms given by the One who redeemed Israel—and us (Exodus 20:2).

- Fear had spread after ten of the twelve spies described fortified cities and giants (Numbers 13:28, 31-33).

- Yet every call of God includes His “Fear not” (Deuteronomy 1:29-30;Psalm 27:1).

- Faith looks at the promise, not the problem. If God commands toward Canaan, no human obstacle can veto Him (Romans 8:31).

- “Bread” pictures something easily consumed and even nourishing. What appeared threatening would actually become a means of growth and blessing (Genesis 50:20;Romans 8:37).

- God had already pledged to “send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter” (Exodus 23:27). The enemies’ size could not cancel God’s guarantee.

- The Hebrew idea is that their “shadow” or covering defense is gone. Whatever spiritual or military shelter they enjoyed has vanished (Job 1:10 shows how God can place—or lift—a hedge).

- Rahab later confirmed this: “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us” (Joshua 2:9-11). God had already stripped Canaan of courage.

- The decisive difference is never Israel’s skill but God’s presence (Exodus 33:14-16;Deuteronomy 31:6).

- When God stands with His people, He brings power, guidance, and victory that cannot be matched (2 Chronicles 32:7-8;Isaiah 41:10).

- This same promise is carried into the New Covenant: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

- The charge repeats because fear is stubborn. Faith must be spoken and re-spoken until the heart aligns with truth (Joshua 1:9;Philippians 4:6-7).

- Courage is not the absence of danger but confidence that the Lord of hosts rules every outcome (Psalm 118:6).

Numbers 14:9 is a rallying cry to trust God’s word over visible threats. Rebellion is rejecting His command; faith obeys without fear, knowing the enemy’s defenses are gone, God’s presence is sure, and victory is certain for those who move forward in His promise.

destruction. (Comp.Genesis 15:16;Leviticus 18:25;Leviticus 20:23.) . . .