KJV ORIGINAL
But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
But they stubbornly decided to go up to the hilltop anyway. However, the ark of the covenant of the LORD and Moses did not leave the camp.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is showing how the Israelites foolishly tried to attack on their own after God had withdrawn His presence and support from their mission.
📚 Historical Context
This follows immediately after God's judgment that the Israelites would wander 40 years in the wilderness for their rebellion at Kadesh-barnea. When the people realized their mistake, they tried to attack the Promised Land anyway, but without God's blessing or Moses' leadership. The ark of the covenant represented God's presence with His people in battle.
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