Definition: And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 14:11. It's a really important and sobering verse in the Bible that speaks about Israel's behavior and God’s perspective. Here’s what it means, explained simply: What it says: “And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?” Let's unpack it piece by piece: "The LORD said unto Moses..." : This establishes a direct relationship between God and Moses – He’s speaking to him, as a leader. "...How long will this people provoke me?" : This is the core of the verse. Moses was worried about Israel . He felt they were deliberately trying to annoy or upset him. "Provoke" means to cause trouble, to make things difficult for God. "...and how long will it be ere they believe me?" : This is a crucial part. God is saying that He has already shown Israel signs – hints, warnings, and even punishments – that they weren’t ready to understand . He's expecting them to not believe Him until He brings about the consequences of their behavior. It’s like planting seeds – they need time to grow before they can harvest a good crop. What it means in a broader sense (historical context): This verse is often interpreted as a warning about Israel's history, particularly concerning their rebellion against God throughout the Old Testament. Here's how it connects to events: The Rebellion of Deuteronomy: The verse comes after the Israelites had rebelled against Moses and God repeatedly. This was a significant turning point in Israel’s relationship with God. God’s Perspective: It highlights that God is watching over His people. He isn't just passively allowing things to happen; He is actively observing their actions and intentions. The Need for Spiritual Maturity: The verse suggests that Israel needed to grow in their faith, understanding, and obedience before they could truly be with God. They needed to move beyond the superficial and become more receptive to His word. In short, it’s a plea from God to watch over Israel and to encourage them to change their ways so they might eventually recognize and receive Him. Important Note: This verse isn't about our actions; it’s about Israel's behavior. It emphasizes that God’s judgment is always coming, but He’s also waiting for a time when they will be ready to accept His grace and return to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific event in biblical history? Discuss the meaning of "signs" in the context of the Old Testament?