Numbers 14:44

“But they presumed to go up unto the hill top, etc.] In a bold, audacious, and presumptuous manner; they attempted to go up to the top of the hill, notwithstanding the remonstrances of Moses against it, and the danger they would be exposed unto; but withdrawing themselves from God and his ministers, and lifted up in themselves, and confident of their own strength, ventured on this rash enterprise: the Vulgate Latin version is, “being darkened they went up”: either having their understandings darkened, and being given up to a judicial blindness and hardness of heart; or else they went up in the morning while it was dark, before daylight; which latter sense is favoured by the Targum of…”

“14:44 The Ark symbolized God’s presence and blessings (cp. 1 Sam 4:1-11).”

“they presumed: This miserable people a short time ago, thought that, though Omnipotence was with them, they could not conquer and possess the land! Now they imagine, that though God himself go not with them, yet they shall be sufficient to drive out the inhabitants, and take possession of their country! Man is ever supposing he can do all things, or do nothing. he is therefore sometimes presumptuous, and at other times in despair. Num 15:30; Deu 1:43 the ark: Num 10:33; Sa1 4:3-11 Numbers 14:45”