For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.
The Amalekites and Canaanites are waiting there ahead of you, and you will be killed in battle. Because you have turned away from the LORD, the LORD will not be with you.
God is warning that because the Israelites have rejected Him, He won't protect them in the upcoming battle and they will be defeated.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Numbers, the Israelites were at the brink of entering the Promised Land but had just heard a fearful report from the spies about the strong inhabitants, leading to widespread rebellion and a lack of faith in God's ability to deliver them. As punishment for their disobedience, God declared that this generation would wander in the wilderness for forty years and would face defeat if they attempted to invade without His support. This verse specifically warns the people that their turning away from God would result in vulnerability to enemies like the Amalekites and Canaanites, emphasizing the consequences of faithlessness.
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