Definition: And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we [be here], and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 14:40. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage in the Bible about a group of Israelites and their disobedience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: They were defying God: The Israelites were arguing with God – specifically, with Moses – over whether to follow his instructions. They were refusing to listen to him and were determined to do something they weren't supposed to. They were taken up: God told them to be brought up into a high place (a mountain) so they could see and understand what he wanted them to do. It’s like a signal or a point of reference for his will. They promised to go to the place God had promised: They made a solemn agreement that they would go to a specific location, guided by God's direction. They admit to sin: Finally, they confessed that they had sined – meaning, they had disobeyed him and broken his rules. Putting it together - A Simple Explanation: “And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, ‘Lo, we are here, and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned.’” Essentially, they were defiant. They made a promise to do something God told them not to do, and they acted in defiance of his command. They acknowledged that they had fallen short of his expectations. What’s the Significance? This is a crucial moment in the Old Testament because it's considered one of the first times God explicitly confronts humanity with sin. It sets the stage for some really difficult consequences and ultimately leads to the Israelites’ exile in the Promised Land. Important Note: The word "gat" (they) can be tricky. It means "brought up" or "lifted up." It's a bit more symbolic than literally lifting them up. It signifies a focused, deliberate action by God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you some context about what was happening at the time? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like obedience or sin)?