Numbers 14:20-23
Then the LORD said, “I have pardoned, according to your word. But truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD, none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice, shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God declares He has pardoned, but the phrase "according to your word" highlights that this mercy is directly tied to Moses' courageous intercession, not a unilateral change of mind from God. It reveals how powerfully one person's pleading can impact the destiny of many.
The people have just heard the terrifying report from the ten spies, fueling their fear and leading them to rebel by attempting to stone Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb. In response, God's glory appears, and He declares His intent to destroy the entire nation, starting a new people through Moses. Moses, however, intercedes, appealing to God's mercy and the potential shame it would bring to God's name among the surrounding nations.
When the people rebelled, God's judgment seemed sealed. Yet, Moses' plea altered the course of disaster. What does this reveal about prayer?
In Numbers 14, the Israelites’ rebellion and distrust were so profound that God declared, 'I will smite them with the pestilence and disinherit them' (v. 12). This wasn't a light threat; it was a response to their repeated defiance and disbelief, even after witnessing God's mighty acts. However, Moses stepped into the breach, interceding on behalf of the people. His prayer, grounded in God's own character (mercy, longsuffering) and concern for God's reputation among the nations, moved God. The Lord's response, 'I have pardoned, according to your word' (v. 20), highlights a profound truth: God, in His sovereignty, grants efficacy to the prayers of His people. This doesn't mean prayer manipulates God, but rather that God has designed His relationship with humanity to include the powerful influence of intercessory prayer.
The people deserved utter destruction, yet God's response wasn't solely punitive. How does God balance His justice and His mercy?
The Israelites had repeatedly tested God, refusing to believe His promises and rebelling against His commands. Their actions warranted complete annihilation, as God states they had 'tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice' (v. 22). Despite this, God declares, 'I have pardoned' (v. 20). This pardon, however, was not a complete absolution from consequences. While the nation was spared immediate, total destruction, a significant portion of that generation would not enter the Promised Land (v. 23). This illustrates a crucial biblical principle: God's mercy is often expressed through tempering justice, not by erasing it. His justice demands consequences for sin, but His mercy allows for reprieve and continued relationship, even when judgment is still necessary. The pardon here means God did not carry out the threatened complete destruction of the entire people, but rather brought forth judgment on the rebellious generation while preserving the nation's future through a remnant.
Moses' intercession wasn't just about saving the people; it was also about God's image. Why is God concerned with what the nations think?
Understand the original words
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and character; in this context, it refers to the undeniable demonstration of His power that commands universal recognition.
nasah · Hebrew Verb
To examine or try God's patience, often involving distrust or rebellion; it implies a challenging of God's character or promises after having witnessed His past faithfulness.
shama · Hebrew Verb
To hear, pay attention to, or comply with; in a biblical context, it implies active obedience to the revealed will and commands of God.
na'ats · Hebrew Verb
To treat with contempt or lack of respect; in a covenantal context, it signifies a rejection of God's holiness, authority, and the significance of His actions.
This verse marks a pivotal moment where God, in His mercy, answers Moses' intercession, averting the total destruction of Israel. It highlights the profound impact of a righteous mediator and God's commitment to His promises, even in the face of severe human rebellion.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, demonstrating His power through the Ten Plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God established His covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, giving them the Ten Commandments and other laws to guide their lives.
c. 1445 BC
Gathering at Kadesh Barnea
The Israelites arrived at the border of the Promised Land after over a year of wandering since their exodus from Egypt.
c. 1445 BC
The Spies Explore Canaan
Moses sent twelve spies to survey the land of Canaan. Ten returned with a negative report, instilling fear in the people.
c. 1445 BC
This passage shows Moses interceding for the Israelites after they made the golden calf, mirroring his plea here to avert God's judgment based on God's own promises and character.
Psalm 106:23This verse directly references Moses standing in the breach, highlighting his role as an intercessor and the impact of his prayer in turning away God's wrath, just as seen in Numbers 14.
Jeremiah 18:7-10This passage illustrates God's responsive nature to repentance and His willingness to withhold judgment, showing a principle that when a nation turns from its evil, God relents, echoing the divine response in Numbers 14.
2 Samuel 12:13After David repents for his sin with Bathsheba, Nathan declares that the Lord has 'caused the death of death to pass from you,' signifying forgiveness and the removal of the death penalty, similar to God's pardon to Israel here.
Romans 8:34This New Testament passage speaks of Christ interceding for believers, emphasizing that God's mercy and the work of Christ prevail even over sin, providing a theological parallel to God's gracious response to Moses' intercession.
calvinNumbers 14:10-38: "But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel."
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Tunc dixit tota multitudo, ut eos lapidibus obruerent: et gloria Jehovae apparuit in tabernaculo conventionis omnibus filiis Israel.
And the…
pooleNumbers 14:20: "And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:"
So far as not utterly to destroy them, as I threatened, Numbers 14:12 , and thou didst fear, and beg the prevention of it, Numbers 14:15 .
God declares He has pardoned, but the phrase "according to your word" highlights that this mercy is directly tied to Moses' courageous intercession, not a unilateral change of mind from God. It reveals how powerfully one person's pleading can impact the destiny of many.
The people have just heard the terrifying report from the ten spies, fueling their fear and leading them to rebel by attempting to stone Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb. In response, God's glory appears, and He declares His intent to destroy the entire nation, starting a new people through Moses. Moses, however, intercedes, appealing to God's mercy and the potential shame it would bring to God's name among the surrounding nations.
The people have just heard the terrifying report from the ten spies, fueling their fear and leading them to rebel by attempting to stone Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb. In response, God's glory appears, and He declares His intent to destroy the entire nation, starting a new people through Moses. Moses, however, intercedes, appealing to God's mercy and the potential shame it would bring to God's name among the surrounding nations.
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Moses’ argument to God in Numbers 14:13-16 is strategic. He reminds God that the Egyptians and surrounding nations had heard of God's power in delivering Israel. If God were to destroy them all in the wilderness, these nations would blaspheme God's name, saying, 'Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land which he swore unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness' (v. 16). This appeals to God's own glory and the integrity of His promises. God desires that His name be honored among all peoples. Therefore, He responded not only to Moses' plea but also acted in a way that would vindicate His power and faithfulness before the nations. The ultimate fulfillment of His promises, even with judgment upon the disobedient, would demonstrate His character and power to the world.
Israel Rejects the Promised Land
The people rebelled against God and Moses, refusing to enter Canaan despite the encouragement of Joshua and Caleb. They even attempted to stone them.
c. 1445 BC
Divine Judgment and Pardon
God declared He would destroy the people, but due to Moses' intercession and the memory of His promises, He pardoned them from utter destruction, though they would wander for 40 years.
c. 1445 BC
Exclusion from the Land
Those who were twenty years old and upward at the time of the rebellion were doomed to die in the wilderness; only Caleb and Joshua would enter the Promised Land.
"Then the LORD said, “I have pardoned, according to your word. But truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD, none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wildern…" — God declares He has pardoned, but the phrase "according to your word" highlights that this mercy is directly tied to Moses' courageous intercession, not a unilateral change of mind from God. It revea…
