Numbers 11:23

KJV

And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Is the LORD'S {H3068} hand {H3027} waxed short {H7114}? thou shalt see {H7200} now whether my word {H1697} shall come to pass {H7136} unto thee or not.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI answered Moshe, "Has ADONAI's arm grown short? Now you will see whether what I said will happen or not!"

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Is Jehovah’s hand waxed short? now shalt thou see whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 11:23 captures a pivotal moment of divine intervention where the LORD directly confronts Moses' human doubt with a profound rhetorical question, "Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?" This declaration serves as an unequivocal reaffirmation of God's boundless power and unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises, irrespective of the apparent impossibilities from a human perspective. It underscores God's omnipotence and the absolute reliability of His word, challenging His servant to trust in His infinite capacity to provide and perform.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical narrative of testing and complaint following the Israelites' miraculous deliverance from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness. The people, tired of manna, express intense craving for meat, recalling the diverse diet they enjoyed in Egypt ([Numbers 11:4-6](/numbers/11-4 "The People's Craving for Meat")). Overwhelmed by the burden of leadership and the incessant grumbling of the vast multitude, Moses himself succumbs to despair, expressing his profound frustration and feeling utterly incapable of meeting the people's demands ([Numbers 11:11-15](/numbers/11-11 "Moses' Complaint to God")). In response, God promises to provide an abundance of meat, so much that it would become loathsome to them ([Numbers 11:18-20](/numbers/11-18 "God Promises Quail")). 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 be accomplished in the desolate wilderness ([Numbers 11:21-22](/numbers/11-21 "Moses' Doubt")). 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.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were a vast nomadic community, recently freed from slavery, traversing a harsh and barren wilderness. Their survival depended entirely on divine provision, as the desert offered little sustenance for such a large population. The concept of "manna" as daily miraculous bread was a constant reminder of God's direct care, yet their memory of Egyptian abundance led to discontent. Leaders like Moses bore immense responsibility, often seen as directly accountable for the welfare of the people. In the ancient Near East, a king's or deity's "hand" (Hebrew: *yad*) was a common metaphor for power, authority, and ability to act. Thus, for God's "hand" to be "shortened" would imply a limitation of His divine power, an unthinkable concept for the sovereign LORD of Israel. The challenge posed to Moses was not merely about food but about the very nature of God's omnipotence and 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 Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **God's Omnipotence**, emphasizing that His power is limitless and unconstrained by human understanding or physical circumstances. The rhetorical question directly refutes any notion of divine inadequacy. 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 sure. Thirdly, the passage addresses the theme of **Challenging Human Doubt**, even in the most faithful of God's servants. Moses, despite witnessing countless miracles, momentarily falters, 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, as seen in other instances where God asks "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" ([Genesis 18:14](/genesis/18-14 "Is Anything Too Hard for the LORD?")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand waxed short (Hebrew, _qatsar yad'_):** The phrase "waxed short" translates from the Hebrew verb *qatsar* (קָצַר), meaning "to be short," "to be cut off," or "to be impatient." When combined with *yad* (יָד), "hand," it forms an idiom signifying a limitation of power, ability, or reach. In this context, God's rhetorical question "Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?" 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. This echoes the sentiment found in [Genesis 18:14](/genesis/18-14 "Genesis 18:14 - Is Anything Too Hard for the LORD?"), "Is anything too hard for the LORD?"
* **My word shall come to pass (Hebrew, _davar_):** The Hebrew word for "word" here is *davar* (דָּבָר), which 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 highlights the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of the divine communication. It's not a message delivered through an intermediary but a direct address from the sovereign God to His chosen leader, underscoring the gravity and importance of the words that follow. It signifies a moment of divine teaching and correction.
* **"Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?":** This is the core of God's rhetorical challenge. It is a question that expects a resounding "No!" The "hand of the LORD" is a powerful anthropomorphism representing God's active power, strength, and ability to intervene and accomplish His will. By asking if His hand has "waxed short," God is directly confronting Moses' doubt about His capacity to provide for the people. It implies that Moses has, in his despair, inadvertently limited God's infinite power to his own human understanding and logistical constraints.
* **"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 serves 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 efficacy of His promises. It is an invitation to observe God's power in action.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 11:23 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological weight. 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 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 employed through the phrase "the LORD'S hand," attributing a human body part (hand) to God to describe His power, strength, and active involvement in the world. This makes God's power more relatable and understandable while still affirming His transcendence. Finally, the verse functions as a **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 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 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.

* [Jeremiah 32:17](/jeremiah/32-17 "Jeremiah 32:17 - Nothing Is Too Hard for God")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - With God All Things Are Possible")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What current "impossible" situation in your life or the world are you tempted to believe is too great for God's "hand"?**
* **How does Moses' doubt, despite witnessing God's miracles, resonate with your own struggles with faith?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively remember and rely on God's unlimited power and the certainty of His word when faced with overwhelming challenges?**
* **What specific promise of God can you cling to today, trusting that His word "shall come to pass"?**

### FAQ

**What does "Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?" truly mean?**

Answer: 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.

**Why did God challenge Moses' faith so directly in this moment?**

Answer: 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 ([Numbers 11:21-22](/numbers/11-21 "Moses' Doubt")). God's direct question and subsequent declaration ("thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not") served several purposes: to correct Moses' limited 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?**

Answer: 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 ([Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "With God All Things Are Possible")). 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.

### 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 ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "In the Beginning Was the Word"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). 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 ([Matthew 14:15-21](/matthew/14-15 "Feeding the Five Thousand")), calming storms ([Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35 "Jesus Calms the Storm")), healing the sick, and raising the dead—are all 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" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Christ, Creator of All Things")). 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](/revelation/3-14 "The Faithful and True Witness")) and in whom "all the promises of God find their Yes" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises Are 'Yes' in Christ")). 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" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "God's Power Within Us")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 59:1

¶ Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Isaiah 50:2

Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst.

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Ezekiel 12:25

For I [am] the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

Genesis 18:14

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Luke 1:37

For with God nothing shall be impossible.