Matthew Henry Commentary Numbers 14:5-10

"Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of them that spied out the land, rent their clothes: and they spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceeding good land. If Jehovah delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it unto us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not against Jehovah, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is removed from over them, and Jehovah is with us: fear them not. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of Jehovah appeared in the tent of meeting unto all the children of Israel." — Numbers 14:5-10 (ASV)

Moses and Aaron were astonished to see a people throw away their own mercies. Caleb and Joshua assured the people of the goodness of the land. They made little of the difficulties in the way of their gaining it. If people were convinced of the desirability of the gains of religion, they would not hesitate at its services.

Though the Canaanites dwelt in walled cities, their defense had departed from them. The other spies took notice of their strength, but these focused on their wickedness. No people can be safe when they have provoked God to leave them. Though Israel dwelt in tents, they were fortified.

While we have the presence of God with us, we need not fear the most powerful force against us. Sinners are ruined by their own rebellion. But those who, like Caleb and Joshua, faithfully stand for God, are certain to be taken under his special protection, and will be hidden from human rage, either under heaven or in heaven. (Numbers 14:11–19)