The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 14:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Be not rebellious against the Lord: and fear ye not the people of this land, for we are able to eat them up as bread. All aid is gone from them: the Lord is with us, fear ye not.

Douay-Rheims

אַ֣ךְ בַּֽיהוָה֮ אַל־תִּמְרֹדוּ֒ וְאַתֶּ֗ם אַל־תִּֽירְאוּ֙ אֶת־עַ֣ם הָאָ֔רֶץ כִּ֥י לַחְמֵ֖נוּ הֵ֑ם סָ֣ר צִלָּ֧ם מֵעֲלֵיהֶ֛ם וַֽיהוָ֥ה אִתָּ֖נוּ אַל־תִּירָאֻֽם׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

Caleb and Joshua confidently declared that the land was abundant and prosperous, believing that if the Lord favored them, He would lead them into it. They also maintained that the inhabitants would be overcome as long as God defended Israel. Caleb, son of Jephunneh, along with Jesus, felt compelled to take possession of the land, openly affirming its richness and suitability for cultivation. However, those who fostered doubt were denied the promised blessings, while these two were appointed as heirs, honored by God with heavenly recognition. Our Lord Jesus Christ bestowed the kingdom of heaven upon the faithful.

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In addition, He urged His followers to be spiritually courageous, encouraging them to stand firm against the adversities posed by the devil, declaring, ‘Behold, I give unto you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy’ (Luke 10:19).

Theophan the Recluse

19th centuryChurch Father

The interplay of emotions that arise from love, when combined, serves as both a testament to their existence and a means of supporting one another. This harmony is directed towards pleasing God and involves total submission to the will of His Savior, Guardian, and Father. For those who hope for His unique assistance and safeguarding, it is certain that all the promised blessings will indeed come to those who remain loyal to the Lord.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.