As for you, turn around now and go on back through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.’
Parallel translations
- WEB But as for you, turn, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea.”
- KJV But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.
- BSB But you are to turn back and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea.”
- NKJV But as for you, turn and take your journey into the wilderness by the Way of the Red Sea.’
- NASB But as for you, turn around and set out for the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea.’
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
God commanded the unbelieving generation to turn back into the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Their refusal to advance meant a return to wandering.
Overview
Rather than entering the land, Israel is sent back into the wilderness, the direct consequence of their unbelief. The forward path of promise is exchanged for years of wandering. This sober outcome illustrates that distrust of God forfeits present blessing and brings discipline. Yet even the wilderness years remain under God's sovereign care, and they magnify the grace that finally brings God's people into rest through Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 1
- Num 14:25Since the Amalekite and the Canaanite dwell in the valley, tomorrow turn, and go into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea.”
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Christ at the center
Moses promised a Prophet like himself to whom Israel must listen (18:15); Jesus is that Prophet, the one who keeps the covenant we broke and becomes the curse for us by hanging on a tree (Gal 3:13).
How Deuteronomy 1:40 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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