Charles Ellicott Commentary Numbers 14:42

"Go not up, for Jehovah is not among you; that ye be not smitten down before your enemies." — Numbers 14:42 (ASV)

Go not up, for the Lord is not among you. —Moses had already received the command which is contained in Numbers 14:25. He knew, therefore, that the Israelites would not have the guidance of the cloud, the visible token of the Divine presence.