Numbers 14:19 is Moses interceding with God on behalf of the Israelites after they refused to enter the Promised Land. Let's break down what the verse means:
"Please pardon the iniquity of this people...": Moses is acknowledging that the Israelites have sinned (committed "iniquity"). They have disobeyed God's command and shown a lack of faith. He's asking God to forgive them for this specific act of rebellion.
"...according to the greatness of your loving kindness...": This is a plea based on God's character. Moses isn't arguing that the people deserve forgiveness. Instead, he's appealing to God's inherent attribute of hesed (loving kindness, steadfast love, mercy, grace). He's asking God to forgive not because they're worthy, but because God is merciful and compassionate.
"...and just as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.”: This is a powerful part of Moses' argument. He reminds God of their past history. God had repeatedly forgiven them for their sins during the Exodus and their journey through the wilderness. He's essentially saying, "You've shown mercy and forgiveness before. Please continue to do so now, consistent with your past actions and your nature." From the time they left Egypt until this moment they had already been forgiven for many transgressions.
In summary:
Moses is pleading with God to forgive the Israelites' sin of rebellion. He's not arguing that they deserve it, but he's appealing to God's loving-kindness and reminding God of the history of forgiveness He has shown this people. He asks God to act consistently with His character and His past actions, and pardon them.
Essentially, it is a request for God's character and track record to be considered when judging and possibly punishing the Israelite people.
Numbers 14:19 is Moses interceding with God on behalf of the Israelites after they refused to enter the Promised Land. Let's break down what the verse means:
"Please pardon the iniquity of this people...": Moses is acknowledging that the Israelites have sinned (committed "iniquity"). They have disobeyed God's command and shown a lack of faith. He's asking God to forgive them for this specific act of rebellion.
"...according to the greatness of your loving kindness...": This is a plea based on God's character. Moses isn't arguing that the people deserve forgiveness. Instead, he's appealing to God's inherent attribute of hesed (loving kindness, steadfast love, mercy, grace). He's asking God to forgive not because they're worthy, but because God is merciful and compassionate.
"...and just as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.”: This is a powerful part of Moses' argument. He reminds God of their past history. God had repeatedly forgiven them for their sins during the Exodus and their journey through the wilderness. He's essentially saying, "You've shown mercy and forgiveness before. Please continue to do so now, consistent with your past actions and your nature." From the time they left Egypt until this moment they had already been forgiven for many transgressions.
In summary:
Moses is pleading with God to forgive the Israelites' sin of rebellion. He's not arguing that they deserve it, but he's appealing to God's loving-kindness and reminding God of the history of forgiveness He has shown this people. He asks God to act consistently with His character and His past actions, and pardon them.
Essentially, it is a request for God's character and track record to be considered when judging and possibly punishing the Israelite people.