This is what your fathers didThis phrase refers to the actions of the Israelites' ancestors, specifically the generation that left Egypt. It highlights a pattern of behavior that is being repeated by the current generation. The "fathers" here are the spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan, whose report led to the Israelites' rebellion and subsequent 40-year wandering in the desert (Numbers 13-14). This serves as a warning against repeating past mistakes and emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands.
when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea
Kadesh-barnea is a significant location in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. It served as a major encampment and a launching point for the exploration of the Promised Land. Geographically, it is located in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula. Historically, it was here that the Israelites faced a critical test of faith. The mention of Kadesh-barnea underscores the gravity of the situation and the direct involvement of God in guiding His people. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, as the failure at Kadesh-barnea led to a generation being denied entry into the Promised Land.
to inspect the land.
The inspection of the land was a mission to assess the Promised Land's resources and inhabitants. This task was meant to prepare the Israelites for the conquest of Canaan. However, the negative report by ten of the twelve spies led to fear and rebellion among the people (Numbers 13:31-33). This inspection was not merely a reconnaissance mission but a test of faith in God's promise. The failure to trust in God's provision and power resulted in severe consequences. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise through Jesus Christ, who leads believers into the true Promised Land, symbolizing eternal life and rest.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is addressing the tribes of Reuben and Gad in this passage.
2.
Reuben and GadTwo tribes of Israel requesting to settle on the east side of the Jordan River instead of crossing into the Promised Land.
3.
Kadesh-barneaA significant location in the wilderness where the Israelites previously camped and from where the spies were sent to explore Canaan.
4.
The SpiesRepresentatives from each tribe sent to scout the Promised Land, whose report influenced the Israelites' faith and actions.
5.
The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of UnbeliefThe Israelites' failure to trust God at Kadesh-barnea led to a generation missing out on the Promised Land. Unbelief can have long-lasting consequences in our spiritual journey.
The Importance of Faithful LeadershipMoses' reminder to the tribes of Reuben and Gad highlights the need for leaders to encourage faith and obedience among God's people.
Learning from Past MistakesReflecting on past failures, like those at Kadesh-barnea, can help us avoid repeating them. We should learn from history to strengthen our faith.
Trusting in God's PromisesThe Promised Land was assured by God, yet the Israelites' fear overshadowed their trust. We must hold fast to God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting.
Unity in the Community of BelieversThe request of Reuben and Gad threatened the unity of Israel. As believers, we should strive for unity and support one another in fulfilling God's mission.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 32:8?
2.How does Numbers 32:8 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?
3.What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' actions in Numbers 32:8?
4.How does Numbers 32:8 connect with the theme of faithfulness in Hebrews 3:12?
5.In what ways can we avoid repeating the Israelites' mistakes in Numbers 32:8?
6.How can Numbers 32:8 inspire us to trust God's promises in our lives?
7.Why did the Israelites refuse to enter the Promised Land as described in Numbers 32:8?
8.How does Numbers 32:8 reflect on the theme of obedience and faith in God?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Numbers 32:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 32?
11.How did Joshua lead the Israelites into the Promised Land?
12.Deuteronomy 2:14 notes a 38-year delay, yet the Bible elsewhere often references 40 years; is there a timeline inconsistency?
13.Numbers 32:20-22: How do we reconcile Moses' instructions to engage in warfare and seize land with concepts of justice and morality today?
14.Why do the accounts in Numbers 13 seem to conflict with other passages about the Promised Land's inhabitants and geography?What Does Numbers 32:8 Mean
This is what your fathers did- “This is what your fathers did” recalls the faithless generation that refused to enter Canaan (Numbers 14:22-23).
- Moses warns the tribes of Reuben and Gad that they are repeating the same pattern of unbelief their forefathers showed after hearing the spies’ discouraging report (Numbers 13:31-33;Psalm 95:8-11;Hebrews 3:8-11).
- The phrase underscores continuity: God sees history clearly, and past disobedience serves as a sober lesson for the present.
when I sent them- God Himself initiated the mission: “Send out men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites” (Numbers 13:2; cf.Deuteronomy 1:22-23).
- Divine sending implies divine authority. Rejecting the mission was therefore direct rebellion against God (Numbers 14:11).
- Faith involves acting on God’s commissions, trusting that He equips what He commands (Joshua 1:9).
from Kadesh-barnea- Kadesh-barnea stood at the southern gateway to Canaan (Numbers 13:26). From that strategic point, Israel was a short march from promise or from wandering.
- Repeated references to Kadesh (Deuteronomy 1:19, 46) highlight how one decision at one place shaped forty years of wilderness discipline (Numbers 14:33-34).
- Location matters: spiritual crossroads often reveal whether a heart leans toward trust or toward fear.
to inspect the land- The spies were to “see what the land is and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak” (Numbers 13:18-20). The reconnaissance was meant to strengthen faith, not to manufacture doubt.
- Two reports emerged:
• Ten spies magnified obstacles (Numbers 13:28-29).
• Joshua and Caleb magnified God’s promise (Numbers 14:7-9).
- The assignment shows God welcomes investigation, yet expects conclusions that honor His Word (Romans 4:20-21).
summaryNumbers 32:8 is Moses’ pointed reminder that unbelief has a history—and consequences. The past generation’s failure at Kadesh-barnea warns the next to trust God’s clear commands, follow wherever He sends, seize opportunities at pivotal moments, and interpret every challenge through the certainty of His promise.
Verse 8. -
Thus did your fathers. It is impossible not to see that this mode of address is in striking contrast to that used in the Book cf. Deuteronomy (
e.g., in
Numbers 1:22, 27;
Numbers 5:3, 23). At the same time it is obviously the more natural, and the more in accordance with facts, because there was not a man left of all those who had rebelled at Kadesh. At Kadesh-Barnea. This mode of writing the name forms a link between the closing chapters of Numbers (here and in
Numbers 34:4) and the two following books. In Deuteronomy it occurs four times, and "Kadesh" twice. In Joshua "Kadesh-Barnea" occurs exclusively. In the later books "Kadesh" only is used, as in Genesis and in the previous chapters of Numbers. The meaning of the combination is uncertain, and the etymology of "Barnea" altogether obscure. It may be an old name attaching to the place before it became known as a sanctuary. The Septuagint has
Κάδης τοῦΒαρνή in one place, as though it were the name of a man.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
This is whatכֹּ֥ה(kōh)Adverb
Strong's 3541:Like this, thus, here, nowyour fathersאֲבֹתֵיכֶ֑ם(’ă·ḇō·ṯê·ḵem)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1:Fatherdidעָשׂ֖וּ(‘ā·śū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makewhen I sentבְּשָׁלְחִ֥י(bə·šā·lə·ḥî)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outthemמִקָּדֵ֥שׁ(miq·qā·ḏêš)Preposition
Strong's Hebrewfrom Kadesh-barneaבַּרְנֵ֖עַ(bar·nê·a‘)Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6947:Kadesh-barnea -- a place in the desertto look overלִרְא֥וֹת(lir·’ō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200:To seethe land.הָאָֽרֶץ׃(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land
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OT Law: Numbers 32:8 Your fathers did so when I sent (Nu Num.) 
