share torah logo

Numbers 14:40 - Repentance after divine decree?

Numbers 14:40 - במדבר 14:40

Hebrew Text

וַיַּשְׁכִּמוּ בַבֹּקֶר וַיַּעֲלוּ אֶל־רֹאשׁ־הָהָר לֵאמֹר הִנֶּנּוּ וְעָלִינוּ אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־אָמַר יְהוָה כִּי חָטָאנוּ׃

English Translation

And they rose up early in the morning, and went up to the top of the mountain, saying, We are here, and will go up to the place which the Lord has promised: for we have sinned.

Transliteration

Vayashkimu vaboker vaya'alu el-rosh-hahar lemor hinenu ve'alinu el-hamakom asher-amar Adonai ki chatanu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣מוּ בַבֹּ֔קֶר וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּ אֶל־רֹאשׁ־הָהָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֑ר הִנֶּ֗נּוּ וְעָלִ֛ינוּ אֶל־הַמָּק֛וֹם אֲשֶׁר־אָמַ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה כִּ֥י חָטָֽאנוּ׃
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣מוּ בַבֹּ֔קֶר וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּ אֶל־רֹאשׁ־הָהָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֑ר הִנֶּ֗נּוּ וְעָלִ֛ינוּ אֶל־הַמָּק֛וֹם אֲשֶׁר־אָמַ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה כִּ֥י חָטָֽאנוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 14:40) appears in the aftermath of the sin of the spies, where the Israelites initially refused to enter Eretz Yisrael due to the negative report of the ten spies. After Hashem decreed that the generation would wander in the desert for 40 years, some individuals attempted to ascend the mountain the next morning in repentance, despite Moshe's warning that their efforts would be in vain.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיַּשְׁכִּמוּ בַבֹּקֶר" ("they rose up early in the morning") indicates their eagerness to correct their mistake. However, their declaration "הִנֶּנּוּ וְעָלִינוּ" ("we are here, and will go up") was misguided because they ignored Moshe's warning that Hashem would not be with them in this endeavor. Rashi emphasizes that true repentance requires adherence to divine instruction, not self-directed actions.

Rambam on Repentance

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 2:1) teaches that proper repentance involves:

  • Recognizing the sin ("כִּי חָטָאנוּ"—"for we have sinned")
  • Abandoning the sinful behavior
  • Resolving not to repeat the transgression

In this case, while the people acknowledged their sin, their attempt to proceed without divine approval demonstrated incomplete repentance.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 10) compares this episode to a servant who disobeys his master's command and then tries to rectify the situation on his own terms. The Amalekites and Canaanites defeated them (Numbers 14:45), showing that repentance must align with Torah guidance to be effective.

Spiritual Lesson

This incident teaches that:

  • Repentance requires both remorse and proper action under Torah authority
  • Zeal without halachic guidance can lead to further transgression
  • True return to Hashem means submitting to His will as conveyed through Torah leadership

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 14:40 mean?
A: Numbers 14:40 describes the Israelites' attempt to enter the Land of Israel after initially refusing to do so. Despite being told by Moshe (Moses) that Hashem would not be with them, they tried to ascend the mountain to conquer the land, admitting their earlier sin of lacking faith. Rashi explains that their declaration 'we have sinned' refers to their previous mistake of listening to the spies' negative report instead of trusting in Hashem's promise.
Q: Why is Numbers 14:40 important?
A: This verse is important because it teaches the consequences of lacking faith in Hashem and the importance of sincere repentance. The Israelites realized their mistake too late—after Hashem had already decreed that they would wander in the desert for 40 years. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 104b) discusses this as an example of missed opportunities when repentance is delayed.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 14:40?
A: We learn that while admitting one's mistakes is crucial, timing and sincerity matter. The Israelites acknowledged their sin, but their repentance was incomplete because they still acted against Hashem's command by trying to enter the land without His support. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:1) teaches that true repentance requires both regret and a commitment not to repeat the sin, which they did not fully demonstrate.
Q: How does Numbers 14:40 apply today?
A: This verse reminds us that recognizing our mistakes is only the first step—we must also align our actions with Hashem's will. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Shelach 9) compares this to someone who disobeys a doctor's orders and then tries to fix their mistake without guidance. Today, we must seek proper teshuvah (repentance) by following Torah and halachah (Jewish law) sincerely and humbly.