defence. Hebrew. shadow. Note Figure of speech Ellipsis (App-6.) Literally "they [are] like our bread (= manna), their shadow hath turned aside from off them.". The manna when out of the shade melted, though hard (Compare Numbers 11:8 and Exodus 16:21): so the hearts of their enemies would melt away, not having Jehovah for their shadow, or defence. Compare Exodus 15:15.Joshua 2:9; Joshua 2:11.Isaiah 13:7; Isaiah 19:1.Ezekiel 21:7.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 14:9
Numbers 14:9
9 Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defencea is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.