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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 11:16–23. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here God's gracious answer to both the foregoing complaints, wherein his goodness takes occasion from man's badness to appear so much the more illustrious.
I.Provision is made for the redress of the grievances Moses complains of.
If he find the weight of government lie too heavy upon him, though he was a little too passionate in his remonstrance, yet he shall be eased, not by being discarded from the government himself, as he justly might have been if God had been extreme to mark what he said amiss, but by having assistants appointed him, who should be, as the apostle speaks (Co1 12:28), helps, governments (that is, helps in government), not at all to lesson or eclipse his honour, but to make the work more easy to him, and to bear the burden of the people with him. And that this provision might be both agreeable and really serviceable,
1.Moses is directed to nominate the persons, Num 11:16. The people were too hot and heady and tumultuous to be entrusted with the election; Moses must please himself in the choice, that he may not afterwards complain. The number he is to choose is seventy men, according to the number of the souls that went down into Egypt. He must choose such as he knew to be elders, that is, wise and experienced men. Those that had acquitted themselves best, as rulers of thousands and hundreds (Exo 18:25), purchase to themselves now this good degree. "Choose such as thou knowest to be elders indeed, and not in name only, officers that execute their office." We read of the same number of elders (Exo 24:1) that went up with Moses to Mount Sinai, but they were distinguished only for that occasion, these for a perpetuity; and, according to this constitution, the Sanhedrim, or great council of the Jews, which in after ages sat at Jerusalem, and was the highest court of judgment among them, consisted of seventy men. Our Saviour seems to have had an eye to it in the choice of seventy disciples, who were to be assistants to the apostles, Lu. 10.
2.God promises to qualify them. If they were not found fit for the employ, they should be made fit, else they might prove more a hindrance than a help to Moses, Num 11:17. Though Moses had talked too boldly with God, yet God does not therefore break off communion with him; he bears a great deal with us, and we must with one another: I will come down (said God) and talk with thee, when thou art more calm and composed; and I will take of the same spirit of wisdom, and piety, and courage, that is upon thee, and put it upon them. Not that Moses had the less of the Spirit for their sharing, nor that they were hereby made equal with him; Moses was still unequalled (Deu 34:10), but they were clothed with a spirit of government proportionable to their place, and with a spirit of prophecy to prove their divine call to it, the government being a Theocracy. Note,
(1.)Those whom God employs in any service he qualifies for it, and those that are not in some measure qualified cannot think themselves duly called.
(2.)All good qualifications are from God; every perfect gift is from the Father of lights.
II.Even the humour of the discontented people shall be gratified too, that every mouth may be stopped.
They are ordered to sanctify themselves (Num 11:18), that is, to put themselves into a posture to receive such a proof of God's power as should be a token both of mercy and judgment. Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel, Amo 4:12.
1.God promises (shall I say?) - he threatens rather, that they shall have their fill of flesh, that for a month together they shall not only be fed, but feasted, with flesh, besides their daily manna; and, if they have not a better government of their appetites than now it appears they have they shall be surfeited with it (Num 11:19, Num 11:20): You shall eat till it come out at your nostrils, and become loathsome to you. See here,
(1.)The vanity of all the delights of sense; they will cloy, but not satisfy: spiritual pleasures are the contrary. As the world passes away, so do the lusts of it, Jo1 2:17. What was greedily coveted in a little time comes to be nauseated.
(2.)What brutish sins (and worse than brutish) gluttony and drunkenness are; they put a force upon nature, and make that the sickness of the body which should be its health; they are sins that are their own punishments, and yet not the worst that attend them.
(3.)What a righteous thing it is with God to make that loathsome to men which they have inordinately lusted after. God could make them despise flesh as much as they had despised manna.
2.Moses objects the improbability of making good this word, Num 11:21, Num 11:22. It is an objection like that which the disciples made, Mar 8:4, Whence can a man satisfy these men? Some excuse Moses here, and construe what he says as only a modest enquiry which way the supply must be expected; but it savours too much of diffidence and distrust of God to be justified. He objects the number of the people, as if he that provided bread for them all could not, by the same unlimited power, provide flesh too. He reckons it must be the flesh either of beasts or fishes, because they are the most bulky animals, little thinking that the flesh of birds, little birds, should serve the purpose. God sees not as man sees, but his thoughts are above ours. He objects the greediness of the people's desires in that word, to suffice them. Note, Even true and great believers sometimes find it hard to trust God under the discouragements of second causes, and against hope to believe in hope. Moses himself could scarcely forbear saying, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? when this had become the common cry. No doubt this was his infirmity.
3.God gives a short but sufficient answer to the objection in that question, Has the Lord's hand waxed short? Num 11:23. If Moses had remembered the years of the right hand of the Most High, he would not have started all these difficulties; therefore God reminds him of them, intimating that this objection reflected upon the divine power, of which he himself had been so often, not only the witness, but the instrument. Had he forgotten what wonders the divine power had wrought for that people, when it inflicted the plagues of Egypt, divided the sea, broached the rock, and rained bread from heaven? Had that power abated? Was God weaker than he used to be? Or was he tired with what he had done? Whatever our unbelieving hearts may suggest to the contrary, it is certain,
(1.)That God's hand is not short; his power cannot be restrained in the exerting of itself by any thing but his own will; with him nothing is impossible. That hand is not short which measures the waters, metes out the heavens (Isa 40:12), and grasps the winds, Pro 30:4.
(2.)That it has not waxed short. He is as strong as ever he was, fainteth not, neither is weary. And this is sufficient to silence all our distrusts when means fail us, Is any thing too hard for the Lord? God here brings Moses to this first principle, sets him back in his lesson, to learn the ancient name of God, The Lord God Almighty, and puts the proof upon the issue: Thou shalt see whether my word shall come to pass or not. This magnifies God's word above all his name, that his works never come short of it. If he speaks, it is done.
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Summary
Numbers 11:23 captures a profound moment of divine confrontation and reassurance, as the LORD directly challenges Moses' human doubt with the rhetorical question, "Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?" This declaration serves as an unequivocal reaffirmation of God's boundless power, infinite capacity, and unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises, irrespective of the apparent impossibilities from a human perspective. It powerfully underscores God's omnipotence and the absolute reliability of His word, calling His servant—and all who follow—to trust in His infinite ability to provide and perform.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal narrative of Israelite discontent and Moses' profound leadership struggles in the wilderness. Following their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the people, weary of manna, express intense craving for meat, lamenting the diverse diet they enjoyed in Egypt, as detailed in Numbers 11:4-6. Overwhelmed by the immense burden of leading such a vast, grumbling multitude, Moses himself succumbs to despair, pouring out his frustration to God and feeling utterly incapable of meeting the people's insatiable demands, a poignant lament found in Numbers 11:11-15. In response to this crisis, God promises to provide an abundance of meat, so much that it would become loathsome to them, a divine decree outlined in Numbers 11:18-20. Moses, struggling to reconcile this divine promise with the logistical impossibility of feeding over 600,000 men, plus women and children, questions how such a feat could possibly be accomplished in the desolate wilderness, as expressed in Numbers 11:21-22. Numbers 11:23 is God's immediate, powerful, and direct rhetorical challenge to Moses' lack of faith, setting the stage for the miraculous provision of quail that follows.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites at this point were a vast, recently liberated nomadic community, traversing a harsh and barren wilderness. Their very survival was predicated entirely on divine provision, as the desert environment offered virtually no natural sustenance for such a massive population. The daily provision of "manna" served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's direct and miraculous care, yet the people's memory of Egyptian abundance fueled their discontent. In the ancient Near East, a king's or deity's "hand" (Hebrew: yad) was a powerful and pervasive metaphor for power, authority, and the ability to act decisively. Thus, for God's "hand" to be "shortened" would imply a severe limitation of His divine power, an unthinkable concept for the sovereign LORD of Israel, who had just demonstrated His might in the Exodus. The challenge posed to Moses was not merely about the logistics of food supply but about the very nature of God's omnipotence and His unwavering faithfulness in the face of human limitations and cultural expectations of provision.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphatically highlights God's Omnipotence, emphasizing that His power is limitless, unconstrained by human understanding, physical circumstances, or the vastness of human need. The rhetorical question directly refutes any notion of divine inadequacy or limitation. Secondly, it underscores Divine Faithfulness, asserting that God's word is absolutely reliable and will always come to pass, regardless of the challenges or the doubts of His people. His promises are inherently sure and effective. Thirdly, the passage deeply addresses the theme of Challenging Human Doubt, even in the most faithful of God's servants. Moses, despite having witnessed countless miracles and experiencing intimate communion with God, momentarily falters in his faith, prompting God to reorient his perspective from the visible limitations of the wilderness to the invisible, infinite power of the Almighty. This divine rebuke serves as a timeless lesson on the nature of faith and God's unwavering ability to provide, echoing the profound question posed in Genesis 18:14.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a primitive word, yâd refers to the hand, specifically the open one, indicating power, means, and direction. In this context, "the LORD's hand" is a powerful anthropomorphism representing God's active power, strength, and ability to intervene and accomplish His will. Its usage here emphasizes that God's capacity to act is not diminished or hindered.
From a primitive root, qâtsar means "to dock off," "to curtail," or "to be short." When combined with yâd ("hand"), as in the phrase "Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?", it forms an idiom signifying a limitation of power, ability, or reach. God's rhetorical question directly challenges Moses' implicit assumption that God's power might be insufficient to provide for such a vast multitude in the desert. It asserts the absolute and unconstrained nature of God's omnipotence, implying that His power is never diminished or limited by any circumstance or human need.
From the root דָבַר (dâbar), dâbâr encompasses not only a spoken utterance but also a matter, an affair, or a thing. It carries the weight of divine decree and action. God's declaration, "thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not," emphasizes the inherent power and reliability of His spoken word. Unlike human promises, God's word is intrinsically effective; it accomplishes what it declares. This statement serves as a direct assurance to Moses that what God has promised—the provision of meat—will indeed materialize, demonstrating the infallible nature of divine prophecy and promise.
Verse Breakdown
"And the LORD said unto Moses"
This opening clause immediately establishes the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of the divine communication. It signifies a profound moment where the sovereign God directly addresses His chosen leader, underscoring the gravity and importance of the words that follow. This is not a message delivered through an intermediary but a direct divine teaching and correction.
"Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?"
This is the heart of God's rhetorical challenge, a question that demands a resounding "No!" The "hand of the LORD" serves as a potent anthropomorphism, symbolizing God's active power, strength, and boundless ability to intervene and accomplish His will. By asking if His hand has "waxed short," God directly confronts Moses' doubt about His capacity to provide for the people. It implies that Moses, in his despair, has inadvertently projected his own human limitations and logistical constraints onto God's infinite power.
"thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not"
This is God's firm declaration of intent and an immediate promise of demonstration. It is a divine guarantee that His spoken word will be fulfilled, and Moses will witness its accomplishment firsthand. This statement functions as both a gentle rebuke and a powerful reassurance, shifting Moses' focus from his own inadequacy and the people's insatiable demands to the absolute certainty of God's faithfulness and the inherent efficacy of His promises. It is an invitation to observe God's power in action, confirming the infallibility of His divine decree.
Literary Devices
Numbers 11:23 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological weight and pedagogical purpose. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question, "Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful, undeniable assertion about God's unlimited power and to challenge Moses' erroneous assumption of divine limitation. Its purpose is to correct Moses' perspective and re-establish the absolute truth of God's omnipotence. Secondly, Anthropomorphism is skillfully employed through the phrase "the LORD'S hand," attributing a human body part (hand) to God to vividly describe His power, strength, and active involvement in the world. This makes God's transcendent power more relatable and comprehensible to human understanding. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful Divine Challenge or Rebuke. While gentle in tone, God's words serve as a direct confrontation to Moses' doubt, calling him to a higher level of faith and trust in the face of overwhelming circumstances. It is a didactic moment designed to instruct both Moses and future generations about the unwavering nature of God's promises and His limitless power.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 11:23 stands as a powerful testament to the unassailable character of God, particularly His omnipotence and faithfulness. It teaches us that God's ability is never constrained by human limitations, logistical challenges, or even the depth of human doubt. Moses' question, born of despair, reflects a common human tendency to project our finite capacities onto the infinite God. God's response is a profound theological statement: His "hand"—His power, His ability to act—is never "shortened." This means there is no situation too difficult, no need too great, and no promise too vast for Him to fulfill. The verse reinforces the truth that God's word is not merely a suggestion or a possibility, but a divine decree that carries its own inherent power to bring itself to pass. It calls believers to a radical trust in God's sufficiency, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly impossible, reminding us that true faith looks beyond visible obstacles to the invisible, all-powerful God.
Reflection and Application
Numbers 11:23 offers a timeless and deeply relevant message for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of life. In moments of overwhelming difficulty, when our resources seem depleted, our strength wanes, and the path forward appears impossible, it is natural to feel a sense of despair, much like Moses. We might, consciously or unconsciously, begin to doubt God's ability to intervene, to provide, or to fulfill His promises in our specific circumstances. This verse serves as a powerful divine corrective, challenging us to re-evaluate our perception of God. It reminds us that our limitations are not His, and our impossibilities are not His. God's "hand" is never "shortened"; His power is infinite, His resources boundless, and His word infallible. The call to us is to move beyond our human logic and finite sight, to fix our gaze on the omnipotent God who delights in demonstrating His faithfulness. When doubt whispers, "How can this be?" God's thunderous reply from Numbers 11:23 echoes, "Is My hand waxed short? You shall see!" This invites us to step out in faith, trusting that what God has promised, He will surely bring to pass, often in ways far exceeding our imagination and human capacity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?" truly mean?
This rhetorical question is God's direct challenge to Moses' doubt about His ability to provide for the vast Israelite multitude in the wilderness. The phrase "hand waxed short" (Hebrew: qatsar yad) is an idiom signifying a limitation of power, ability, or reach. God is essentially asking, "Has My power diminished? Am I no longer capable?" The implied answer is a resounding "No!" God's hand, a metaphor for His strength and active power, is never shortened or limited. It underscores His absolute omnipotence and infinite capacity to accomplish anything He purposes, regardless of the apparent impossibility from a human perspective. It's a divine assertion that His power is boundless and unconstrained by any earthly or human limitation.
Why did God challenge Moses' faith so directly in this moment?
God challenged Moses directly not to condemn him, but to reorient his perspective and strengthen his faith. Moses, burdened by the immense responsibility of leadership and the people's incessant complaining, had become overwhelmed by the logistical impossibility of feeding such a vast crowd in the desert, as he articulated in Numbers 11:21-22. God's direct question and subsequent declaration ("thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not") served several crucial purposes: to correct Moses' limited human view of God's power, to reaffirm His own unwavering faithfulness, to demonstrate His sovereignty over all circumstances, and to teach Moses (and by extension, the Israelites and future generations) that divine promises are always fulfilled, even when human reason fails to grasp how. It was a moment of profound spiritual instruction and a powerful reminder that God's capabilities far exceed human comprehension.
How does this verse apply to believers facing impossible situations today?
Numbers 11:23 offers immense encouragement and a vital challenge to believers today. When we face seemingly insurmountable problems—whether personal, relational, financial, or global—it's easy to succumb to doubt and question God's ability or willingness to intervene. This verse powerfully reminds us that God's power is not diminished by our circumstances, our lack of resources, or our limited understanding. His "hand" is never "shortened." It calls us to trust in His infinite capacity, to rely on the absolute certainty of His word, and to look beyond our immediate impossibilities to the God for whom all things are possible, as Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 19:26. It encourages us to pray boldly, believing that what God has promised, He will surely bring to pass, often in ways we cannot foresee, demonstrating His glory and faithfulness in our lives.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Numbers 11:23, with its resounding declaration of God's unshortened hand and unfailing word, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's power and the living Word made flesh, as beautifully articulated in John 1:1 and John 1:14. The omnipotence of the Father, which Moses was challenged to believe, is perfectly displayed in the Son. Jesus' miracles—feeding the five thousand with a few loaves and fish, as recounted in Matthew 14:15-21; calming raging storms with a word, as seen in Mark 4:35-41; healing the sick; and raising the dead—are all irrefutable demonstrations that the "LORD'S hand" is indeed not "waxed short." He is the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him," a truth proclaimed in Colossians 1:16. Furthermore, the certainty that God's "word shall come to pass" is perfectly realized in Christ, who is the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" (Revelation 3:14) and in whom "all the promises of God find their Yes and Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). His resurrection from the dead is the ultimate proof that God's power is limitless, conquering even death itself. For believers, the power of God's unshortened hand is now at work within us through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to do "far more abundantly than all that we ask or think," as promised in Ephesians 3:20. Thus, the challenge to Moses to trust in God's boundless ability becomes an invitation for us to trust in Christ, the one in whom all divine power and promises are perfectly manifested and fulfilled for our salvation and sanctification.