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Numbers 14:9 - Trust Hashem, not fear

Numbers 14:9 - במדבר 14:9

Hebrew Text

אַךְ בַּיהוָה אַל־תִּמְרֹדוּ וְאַתֶּם אַל־תִּירְאוּ אֶת־עַם הָאָרֶץ כִּי לַחְמֵנוּ הֵם סָר צִלָּם מֵעֲלֵיהֶם וַיהוָה אִתָּנוּ אַל־תִּירָאֻם׃

English Translation

Only rebel not against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.

Transliteration

Akh ba'Adonai al-timrodu ve'atem al-tira'u et-am ha'aretz ki lachmenu hem sar tzilam me'alehem va'Adonai itanu al-tira'um.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַ֣ךְ בַּיהֹוָה֮ אַל־תִּמְרֹ֒דוּ֒ וְאַתֶּ֗ם אַל־תִּֽירְאוּ֙ אֶת־עַ֣ם הָאָ֔רֶץ כִּ֥י לַחְמֵ֖נוּ הֵ֑ם סָ֣ר צִלָּ֧ם מֵעֲלֵיהֶ֛ם וַֽיהֹוָ֥ה אִתָּ֖נוּ אַל־תִּירָאֻֽם׃
אַ֣ךְ בַּיהֹוָה֮ אַל־תִּמְרֹ֒דוּ֒ וְאַתֶּ֗ם אַל־תִּֽירְאוּ֙ אֶת־עַ֣ם הָאָ֔רֶץ כִּ֥י לַחְמֵ֖נוּ הֵ֑ם סָ֣ר צִלָּ֧ם מֵעֲלֵיהֶ֛ם וַֽיהֹוָ֥ה אִתָּ֖נוּ אַל־תִּירָאֻֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 14:9) is part of the narrative where Yehoshua (Joshua) and Kalev (Caleb) attempt to reassure Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) not to fear entering Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) despite the intimidating reports of the other spies. The people had succumbed to fear, but Yehoshua and Kalev urged them to trust in Hashem.

Literal Interpretation (Peshat)

Rashi explains the phrase "כִּי לַחְמֵנוּ הֵם" ("for they are bread for us") metaphorically: just as bread is easily consumed, so too will the inhabitants of the land be easily conquered by Bnei Yisrael because Hashem has removed their protection ("סָר צִלָּם" – "their shadow [i.e., protection] has departed"). The verse emphasizes that rebellion against Hashem is the true danger, not the inhabitants of the land.

Moral and Theological Message (Derash)

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:20) elaborates that the phrase "אַל־תִּמְרֹדוּ" ("do not rebel") refers to rejecting Hashem’s command to enter the land, which would constitute a lack of faith. The Sforno adds that fearing the inhabitants of the land implies a lack of trust in Hashem’s promise to assist Bnei Yisrael in conquering it.

Spiritual Implications

  • Trust in Divine Providence: The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) teaches that true bitachon (trust in Hashem) requires recognizing that all obstacles are under His control. Fear of the Canaanites was misplaced because Hashem had already assured victory.
  • Rebellion vs. Faith: The Kli Yakar notes that rebellion against Hashem is worse than any external enemy, as it severs the divine protection that ensures success.

Historical and Ethical Lessons

The Talmud (Sotah 35a) discusses how the spies’ lack of faith led to the tragic decree of wandering in the wilderness. Yehoshua and Kalev’s plea serves as a timeless lesson: when faced with challenges, the proper response is not fear but renewed commitment to Torah and mitzvot, trusting in Hashem’s guidance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'they are bread for us' mean in Numbers 14:9?
A: Rashi explains that 'they are bread for us' means the inhabitants of the land will be as easy for us to conquer as bread is to eat—effortless and natural. Their protection (צִלָּם, 'their shadow') has been removed by Hashem, leaving them vulnerable.
Q: Why does the verse say 'do not fear the people of the land'?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 35a) teaches that the spies and the people lacked faith in Hashem's promise to give them the land. Yehoshua and Calev reassured them that with Hashem's help, there was no reason to fear, as He would fight for them (Devarim 1:30).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 14:9 today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 3:1) emphasizes that trusting in Hashem (bitachon) is a fundamental principle. Just as Yehoshua and Calev urged the people to rely on Hashem, we must remember that challenges are overcome with faith, not fear.
Q: Who is speaking in Numbers 14:9?
A: Yehoshua (Joshua) and Calev (Caleb) are speaking (Rashi on Bamidbar 14:6-9). They were the only two spies who opposed the negative report, encouraging Bnei Yisrael to trust in Hashem's promise to enter Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What does 'the Lord is with us' teach us about divine protection?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:20) states that when Hashem is 'with us,' no enemy can prevail. This echoes the principle in Tehillim (118:6): 'Hashem is for me—I will not fear.' His presence guarantees victory when we follow His will.