Deuteronomy 9:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →At Kadesh-Barnea, Israel rebelled against God's command to enter the land and did not believe His word.
The Context of Deuteronomy 9:23
Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, refusing to enter the promised land, exemplifies their unbelief.
What Does Deuteronomy 9:23 Mean?
God sent Israel from Kadesh-Barnea to possess the land of Canaan. It was a direct command, and the land was presented as already given by God. Yet Israel rebelled, refusing to obey, refusing to believe that God could deliver it to them. They did not hearken to His voice.
This rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea was pivotal—it led to the 40-year wilderness judgment, the generation that rejected God's promise dying in the wilderness. The failure was not military but spiritual: they did not believe God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 9:23
What does Deuteronomy 9:23 mean?
At Kadesh-Barnea, Israel rebelled against God's command to enter the land and did not believe His word.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 9:23?
Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, refusing to enter the promised land, exemplifies their unbelief.