Israel makes the same mistake twice. First, they say, “we can’t,” then they say, “we can,” and they are wrong both times. Because the deciding factor was never their ability but weather God was with them.
After God’s judgment that the older generation would die in the wilderness, the people mourn and then attempt to take the Promised Land anyway. Moses gives them a clear warning that they will not succeed, because the Lord is not among them. The Ark and Moses remain in the camp, but the people presume they can move forward without God. They go their own way and are defeated exactly as Moses said.
Sermon Notes
Numbers 14:39 & 40 The people mourn the pronouncement, but attempt to take the promise land anyway
Numbers 14:41 – 43 Moses warns the people that they will not succeed without the Lord
Numbers 14:44 & 14 They went anyway and lost
Psalm 140:6 – 8 God covers you in battle
Psalm 144:1 – 8 God is our shield and stronghold
Romans 8:28 – 38 Because of God we are overwhelming conquerors
