Numbers 14:9
14:9 Only do not rebel against the Lord, and do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. 1 Their protection 2 has turned aside from them, but the Lord is with us. Do not fear them!”
Numbers 14:42-43
14:42 Do not go up, for the Lord is not among you, and you will be 3 defeated before your enemies.
14:43 For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and you will fall by the sword. Because you have turned away from the Lord, the Lord will not be with you.”
1 sn The expression must indicate that they could destroy the enemies as easily as they could eat bread.
2 tn Heb “their shade.” The figure compares the shade from the sun with the protection from the enemy. It is also possible that the text is alluding to their deities here.
3 tn This verb could also be subordinated to the preceding: “that you be not smitten.”