Deuteronomy 1:42
And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.
And the Lord said unto me,.... When the people had armed themselves, and were in motion, or ready to set forward to ascend the hill:
Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; neither go up the hill, and if they did, contrary to this order, and should meet with enemies, not fight them, but retreat:
for I am not among you: the ark of the covenant, the symbol of his presence, was then among them, but it did not go with them, it continued in the camp, Numbers 14:44 nor did the Lord exert his power, or show himself present with them, or to be on their side, but left them to themselves, and to their enemies:
lest ye be smitten before your enemies; God not being with them to fight for them, protect and defend them, and give them victory.