Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Numbers - Chapter 14 - Verse 6

14:6
And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

Meaning

When Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes in the biblical passage, it was a symbolic act of deep distress and mourning. In the context of the story, Joshua and Caleb had just returned from scouting the land of Canaan, which God had promised to the Israelites as their inheritance. They had brought back a positive report, affirming that the land was indeed bountiful and flowing with milk and honey. However, the other spies who accompanied them had given a negative report, instilling fear and doubt among the Israelites. As a response to the people's disobedience and lack of faith, Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes as a sign of despair and mourning over the people's unbelief and the consequences that would follow. This act symbolized their deep sorrow at the missed opportunity to enter the promised land due to the people's lack of faith.

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