What does Numbers 27:14 mean?
"For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin." - Numbers 27:14

Numbers 27:14 (KJV) states: "For when thou shalt see the land, thou shalt see the land, and shall be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother was gathered." This verse comes from the book of Numbers in the Old Testament and is part of a passage where God is instructing Moses on the transfer of leadership after his death.
The context of this verse is important to understand its significance. In the preceding verses, Moses appeals to God to appoint a leader to succeed him, as he knows that he will not enter the Promised Land. God responds by telling Moses to affirm Joshua as his successor and to publicly commission him before the entire congregation. This verse, therefore, is part of God's assurance to Moses that his successor will indeed lead the people into the Promised Land.
One of the primary themes of this passage is the transition of leadership. Moses has been the leader of the Israelites for many years, and now he is being told that he will not enter the land flowing with milk and honey. This is a bittersweet moment for Moses, as he has devoted his life to leading the Israelites out of Egypt and towards the Promised Land. The verse serves as a comfort to Moses, assuring him that he will be "gathered unto thy people" just as his brother Aaron was. This provides closure for Moses and reaffirms his faith in God's plan.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The idea of being "gathered unto thy people" carries with it the imagery of being reunited with loved ones who have passed away. In the context of Moses and Aaron, it represents their passing from this life into the presence of God and being reunited with their ancestors. This conveys the idea of continuity and legacy, as the torch of leadership is passed from one generation to the next.
Furthermore, the land itself is a powerful symbol in the Bible, especially in the context of the Promised Land. It represents God's faithfulness and provision for His people. Throughout the Old Testament, the land is seen as a physical manifestation of God's promise and a place of blessing and abundance. Therefore, the verse can also be seen as a reminder of God's faithfulness and his promise to bring His people into a place of rest and abundance.
In addition to these themes and symbolism, the verse also raises questions about the nature of leadership and the role of faith in the face of transition and change. Moses' willingness to pass the mantle of leadership to Joshua demonstrates his trust in God's plan and his commitment to the well-being of the Israelites. It also challenges the reader to consider their own response to times of transition and change, and to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
In conclusion, Numbers 27:14 (KJV) is a powerful and poignant verse that speaks to the themes of transition, leadership, faith, and the faithfulness of God. It serves as a comforting assurance to Moses in the face of his impending death and provides insight into the nature of leadership and the legacy of faith. The imagery and symbolism in the verse also add depth and richness to its meaning, making it a profound and impactful passage in the biblical narrative.
Have questions about Numbers 27:14?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Numbers 27:14 Artwork
Numbers 27:14 - "For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin."
"For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin." - Numbers 27:14
Numbers 14:27 - "How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me."
Numbers 14:26-27 - "And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, "How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against me."
Numbers 27 1
NUMBERS 27:2
Numbers 27:5 - "And Moses brought their cause before the LORD."
Numbers 27:15 - "¶ And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,"
Numbers 27:6 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 33:27 - "And they departed from Tahath, and pitched at Tarah."
Numbers 34:27 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi."
Inheritance issue with The daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27
Numbers 26:27 - "These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred."
Numbers 10:27 - "And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan."
Numbers 14:8
Numbers 14:8
Numbers 14:8
1 Samuel 14:27
Numbers 29:27 - "And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:"
Psalm 27:13-14
Numbers 6:27 - "And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them."
Numbers 1:27 - "Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred."
Numbers 27:16 - "Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,"
Ending scene of numbers 14
Numbers 27:9 - "And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren."
Numbers 3:27 - "¶ And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites."
Numbers 7:27 - "One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:"
numbers 31:14-15
Numbers 21:27 - "Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:"
Numbers 20:27 - "And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation."