Numbers 14:17 - Now please let the power of the Lord be great, according as you have spoken, saying,
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What does "Numbers 14:17" mean?
This verse, Numbers 14:17, is part of Moses' powerful intercession for the Israelites after they rebelled against God and refused to enter the Promised Land. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context.
The Rebellion: The Israelites, after hearing the discouraging report from ten of the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan, were terrified and wanted to return to Egypt. They lost faith in God's ability to deliver them.
God's Anger: God was understandably angry and threatened to destroy the Israelites and start a new nation with Moses.
Moses' Intercession: Moses steps in to plead for the people. He appeals to God's reputation and His own promise.
Now, let's break down the verse itself:
"Now please let the power of the Lord be great...": Moses is imploring God to demonstrate His greatness. However, it's not a simple request for a display of force. It's a request for God to act in a way that aligns with His character and promises. Moses is acknowledging God's power, but also reminding Him of what's at stake: God's own glory.
"...according as you have spoken, saying...": This is the crucial part. Moses is invoking God's past pronouncements. He's reminding God of the attributes He has declared about Himself. What had God spoken? In the verses following (Numbers 14:18-19), Moses reminds God that He is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation."
In essence, Moses is saying: "God, you have declared yourself to be merciful and forgiving. Act in accordance with that declaration. Show your power not by destroying them (which is an easy demonstration of power), but by demonstrating your power to forgive and be merciful, which is a far greater demonstration of your character."
The overall meaning is: Moses is urging God to act in a way that reflects His own self-proclaimed character of mercy, forgiveness, and steadfast love, even in the face of the Israelites' rebellion. He is appealing to God's self-consistency and reputation, arguing that destroying the people would make God's enemies question His power and His ability to fulfill His promises. He is asking God to show his power through forgiveness and patience, rather than through destruction.
Think of it like this: A powerful leader might be tempted to crush dissent with force. But a truly great leader shows power by finding a way to lead with justice and mercy, even when dealing with those who oppose them. Moses is asking God to be that truly great leader.
Numbers 14:17 - Now please let the power of the Lord be great, according as you have spoken, saying,
What does "Numbers 14:17" mean?
This verse, Numbers 14:17, is part of Moses' powerful intercession for the Israelites after they rebelled against God and refused to enter the Promised Land. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context.
The Rebellion: The Israelites, after hearing the discouraging report from ten of the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan, were terrified and wanted to return to Egypt. They lost faith in God's ability to deliver them.
God's Anger: God was understandably angry and threatened to destroy the Israelites and start a new nation with Moses.
Moses' Intercession: Moses steps in to plead for the people. He appeals to God's reputation and His own promise.
Now, let's break down the verse itself:
"Now please let the power of the Lord be great...": Moses is imploring God to demonstrate His greatness. However, it's not a simple request for a display of force. It's a request for God to act in a way that aligns with His character and promises. Moses is acknowledging God's power, but also reminding Him of what's at stake: God's own glory.
"...according as you have spoken, saying...": This is the crucial part. Moses is invoking God's past pronouncements. He's reminding God of the attributes He has declared about Himself. What had God spoken? In the verses following (Numbers 14:18-19), Moses reminds God that He is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation."
In essence, Moses is saying: "God, you have declared yourself to be merciful and forgiving. Act in accordance with that declaration. Show your power not by destroying them (which is an easy demonstration of power), but by demonstrating your power to forgive and be merciful, which is a far greater demonstration of your character."
The overall meaning is: Moses is urging God to act in a way that reflects His own self-proclaimed character of mercy, forgiveness, and steadfast love, even in the face of the Israelites' rebellion. He is appealing to God's self-consistency and reputation, arguing that destroying the people would make God's enemies question His power and His ability to fulfill His promises. He is asking God to show his power through forgiveness and patience, rather than through destruction.
Think of it like this: A powerful leader might be tempted to crush dissent with force. But a truly great leader shows power by finding a way to lead with justice and mercy, even when dealing with those who oppose them. Moses is asking God to be that truly great leader.