Numbers 14:19

KJV

Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.

KJV (with Strong's)

Pardon {H5545}, I beseech thee, the iniquity {H5771} of this people {H5971} according unto the greatness {H1433} of thy mercy {H2617}, and as thou hast forgiven {H5375} this people {H5971}, from Egypt {H4714} even until now {H2008}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please! Forgive the offense of this people according to the greatness of your grace, just as you have borne with this people from Egypt until now."

Berean Standard Bible

Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people, in keeping with the greatness of Your loving devotion, just as You have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.”

American Standard Version

Pardon, I pray thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy lovingkindness, and according as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:19 captures Moses' fervent and pivotal intercessory prayer for the rebellious Israelites, appealing not to their merit or any inherent goodness, but solely to the boundless character of God. This plea arises after the nation's catastrophic failure of faith, expressed through their desire to return to Egypt following the disheartening report of ten spies, which provoked God's righteous anger and threat of disinheritance. In this critical moment, Moses stands as a mediator, passionately pleading for divine pardon based on the "greatness of thy mercy" and God's consistent faithfulness in forgiving His people "from Egypt even until now," thereby safeguarding God's divine reputation among the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic petition within Moses' profound intercessory prayer, recorded in [Numbers 14:13-19](/numbers/14-13-19 "Numbers 14:13-19 - Moses' Intercession for Israel"). It immediately follows a moment of profound national crisis: the Israelites, having heard the negative report from ten of the twelve spies sent into Canaan, succumbed to fear and unbelief. They openly grumbled against the Lord, Moses, and Aaron, even proposing to appoint a new leader to guide them back to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")). This egregious act of distrust and rejection of God's promise ignited the Lord's righteous anger, leading Him to threaten to strike the nation with pestilence and disinherit them, promising instead to make a greater nation from Moses ([Numbers 14:11-12](/numbers/14-11-12 "Numbers 14:11-12 - God's Judgment and Moses' Plea")). Moses' prayer is a direct, courageous, and selfless response to this divine judgment, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the covenant people despite their severe sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites at this juncture were a nascent nation, recently liberated from centuries of slavery in Egypt and having received the Law at Mount Sinai. They were positioned at the threshold of the Promised Land, yet their journey through the wilderness had been punctuated by repeated episodes of grumbling, testing God, and a nostalgic longing for the perceived security of Egypt, despite God's miraculous provision and palpable presence. In the ancient Near East, the honor and reputation of a deity were intrinsically linked to the success, power, and fate of their people. Moses' strategic appeal to God's reputation among the nations ([Numbers 14:13-16](/numbers/14-13-16 "Numbers 14:13-16 - Moses' Appeal to God's Reputation Among the Nations")) was a culturally potent argument, emphasizing that the destruction of Israel would diminish the Lord's glory in the eyes of surrounding peoples who had witnessed His mighty acts in Egypt and at the Red Sea. The concept of a mediator or intercessor was also well-understood, with individuals (such as priests or prophets) acting as advocates on behalf of a community before their deity.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully underscores several core theological themes. First, the **sovereignty and holiness of God** are vividly displayed in His righteous anger against sin and His inherent power to execute judgment. Second, the **persistent rebellion and profound unbelief of humanity** are starkly portrayed through the Israelites' repeated grumbling and their outright rejection of God's promise, despite overwhelming evidence of His faithfulness. This narrative serves as a potent warning about the dangers of a hardened heart, a theme powerfully echoed in [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7-19 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - The Danger of Unbelief and Disobedience"). Third, the **indispensable role of intercession** is championed by Moses' selfless and bold prayer, as he strategically positions himself between God's impending wrath and the people's egregious sin. Finally, and most profoundly, the **boundless mercy and unwavering faithfulness of God** are revealed as the ultimate basis for pardon. Moses' appeal to "the greatness of thy mercy" and God's consistent forgiveness "from Egypt even until now" emphasizes that divine pardon is rooted solely in God's unchanging character and covenant loyalty, rather than in any human merit or performance, echoing the profound self-revelation of God's character in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassionate and Gracious Character").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pardon (Hebrew, _çâlach'_):** From H5545, this verb specifically means "to forgive," "to pardon," or "to remit punishment." It is almost exclusively used in the Old Testament to describe God's act of forgiving sin, never human forgiveness of another. This emphasizes that forgiveness for sin against God is a divine prerogative and a unilateral act of grace. Moses is not asking God to overlook their sin, but to actively remit the deserved punishment, an act only God can perform.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, this term refers to perversity, moral evil, or fault. It denotes the twistedness or distortion of human actions that deviate from God's righteous standards, leading to guilt and deserving of punishment. In this context, it specifically refers to the Israelites' rebellion, their profound unbelief, and their open defiance against God's will and covenant. Moses acknowledges the gravity and moral culpability of their actions.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, this is a rich and multifaceted term, often translated as "mercy," "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "covenant loyalty." It denotes a loyal, unwavering love that is active in fulfilling obligations within a relationship, especially a covenantal one. When Moses appeals to the "greatness of thy mercy," he is invoking God's inherent character of loyal love and faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when Israel has been profoundly unfaithful. It's a love that goes beyond mere pity, actively seeking the well-being and restoration of the beloved party.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people":** Moses' opening plea is direct, urgent, and deeply personal. The imperative "Pardon" (סְלַח, _selach_) is a humble yet bold request for God to forgive. "I beseech thee" (נָא, _na_) adds a tone of earnest entreaty and desperation. The "iniquity" (עָוֹן, _avon_) refers to the people's profound guilt, their perversity, and the moral distortion of their actions, specifically their rebellion and unbelief in the face of God's promises. Moses does not minimize their sin but acknowledges its gravity while pleading for divine intervention to avert the deserved judgment.
* **"according unto the greatness of thy mercy":** This clause forms the theological core of Moses' argument and the foundation of his plea. He does not appeal to the people's repentance (which was notably absent) or their inherent worthiness, but solely to the magnanimity and vastness of God's character. The "greatness" (גֹּדֶל, _gôdel_) emphasizes the immense scale and abundance of God's mercy (_chesed_). This highlights that divine forgiveness is an act of sovereign grace, flowing purely from God's intrinsic nature, not from any human merit or condition. It is a profound declaration that God's capacity for compassion and loyal love far exceeds the depth of human sin.
* **"and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now":** Moses grounds his plea in God's consistent historical precedent and unchanging nature. He reminds God of His own past actions, citing a long and unbroken history of divine patience and forgiveness. "From Egypt" recalls the initial, foundational act of redemption from slavery and the numerous instances where God overlooked their grumbling and rebellion (e.g., at the Red Sea, Marah, Rephidim, Sinai). "Even until now" encompasses their most recent failures, including the golden calf incident and countless previous complaints in the wilderness. This appeals to God's unchanging nature and His covenant faithfulness, implying that to cease forgiving now would be inconsistent with His established character and His past dealings with His people, thereby providing a powerful basis for hope despite their present unworthiness.

#### Literary Devices
Moses' prayer in Numbers 14:19 is a masterful example of **Intercession**, where a chosen mediator courageously stands between an offended divine party (God) and an offending human party (Israel) to plead for mercy and avert judgment. He employs a powerful **Rhetorical Appeal** to God's character and reputation, implicitly arguing that divine judgment on Israel would undermine God's glory and standing among the nations who had witnessed His mighty acts ([Numbers 14:13-16](/numbers/14-13-16 "Numbers 14:13-16 - Moses' Argument for God's Reputation")). The phrase "from Egypt even until now" is a potent instance of **Recollection** or **Historical Allusion**, serving as a vivid reminder of God's consistent faithfulness and patience throughout Israel's tumultuous journey. This also functions as an **Argument from Character**, asserting that God's established nature as merciful and forgiving, demonstrated repeatedly through history, should prevail over His righteous anger, thereby providing a profound basis for hope for the undeserving.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:19 stands as a profound testament to the immutable character of God, revealing His inherent readiness to pardon even the most egregious sin when His own character is appealed to. It powerfully underscores that God's mercy is not a weakness or a compromise of justice, but rather a magnificent attribute of His greatness, flowing from His boundless love and unwavering covenant faithfulness. This passage highlights the profound tension between God's justice, which justly demands punishment for sin, and His mercy, which graciously offers forgiveness. Moses' intercession, deeply rooted in God's self-revelation at Sinai as "the Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin" ([Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Self-Revelation of His Character")), demonstrates that humanity's true hope for reconciliation and pardon lies not in human merit, but solely in God's inherent compassion and His covenant promises. The persistent rebellion of Israel, consistently met with God's persistent mercy through a divinely appointed mediator, foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect mediator and a greater, definitive act of divine forgiveness.

* [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession After the Golden Calf")
* [Psalm 103:8-12](/psalm/103-8-12 "Psalm 103:8-12 - God's Compassion and Forgiveness")
* [Jonah 4:2](/jonah/4-2 "Jonah 4:2 - God's Gracious and Merciful Nature")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:19 offers a powerful and enduring anchor for our faith, profoundly reminding us that God's capacity for mercy is truly "great" beyond human comprehension. In a world where our failures, sins, and shortcomings often lead to despair and self-condemnation, this verse resoundingly proclaims that pardon is available, not because we have earned it or because we are inherently worthy, but solely because God is inherently merciful and faithful to His character. It challenges us to embrace a theology of radical grace, understanding that our ultimate hope for forgiveness and reconciliation with God rests entirely on His unchanging character and boundless compassion, not on our performance, our level of repentance in a given moment, or our perceived goodness. This profound truth should cultivate within us a deep sense of humility, overwhelming gratitude, and unwavering trust. Furthermore, Moses' example serves as a profound and compelling call to intercessory prayer. Just as Moses courageously stood in the gap for a rebellious and undeserving people, we too are called to pray fervently and consistently for others, especially those who are lost, struggling, hardened in sin, or facing divine judgment. Our prayers, like Moses', should be bold, persistent, and rooted in an appeal to God's known character and His demonstrated past faithfulness, trusting that His mercy endures "from Egypt even until now," and indeed, forevermore.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' appeal to God's character, rather than the people's merit or repentance, reshape your understanding of divine forgiveness and grace?**
* **In what specific ways does the concept of God's mercy being "greatness" provide comfort, hope, and freedom in your own life and in moments of personal failure?**
* **How might Moses' powerful example of intercessory prayer inspire you to pray more boldly, persistently, and compassionately for others, even those who seem undeserving or resistant?**
* **What "from Egypt even until now" moments in your own spiritual journey can you recall and reflect upon to strengthen your faith in God's consistent, unwavering faithfulness and mercy?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses appeal to God's mercy and not the people's repentance?**

Answer: Moses appealed to God's mercy because, at this critical juncture, the people were not repentant. Instead, they were consumed by grumbling, rebellion, and even planned to appoint a new leader to guide them back to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")). Their hearts were hardened by unbelief. Moses, understanding the depth of their sin and their immediate spiritual state, knew that their only hope lay in God's inherent character of mercy and steadfast love (*chesed*), not in any merit or immediate change of heart from the people. This highlights that God's forgiveness is ultimately an act of His sovereign grace, not contingent on human worthiness, though it often calls for a later response of repentance and renewed obedience.

**How does this passage reconcile God's mercy with His justice?**

Answer: This passage vividly presents the tension between God's justice, which demands punishment for Israel's severe rebellion and unbelief (as seen in His threat in [Numbers 14:11-12](/numbers/14-11-12 "Numbers 14:11-12 - God's Threat to Destroy Israel")), and His mercy, which Moses appeals to. While God does pardon the immediate threat of complete destruction and disinheritance, His justice is still profoundly upheld through a different, severe judgment: the entire generation of grumblers (those 20 years and older, excluding Caleb and Joshua) is condemned to die in the wilderness, unable to enter the Promised Land ([Numbers 14:29-35](/numbers/14-29-35 "Numbers 14:29-35 - The Wilderness Generation's Judgment")). Thus, God's mercy provides a path to continued existence for the nation and the fulfillment of His covenant promises through the next generation, but His justice ensures that sin still carries severe, inevitable consequences, demonstrating that He is both perfectly just and the gracious justifier of those who trust in Him ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is Just and the Justifier")).

**What is the significance of "from Egypt even until now"?**

Answer: This phrase serves as a powerful historical reminder and a compelling appeal to God's consistent, unchanging character. "From Egypt" refers to the initial, miraculous act of redemption from slavery, where God powerfully demonstrated His sovereign power, faithfulness, and compassion in delivering His people. "Even until now" encompasses the entire tumultuous journey through the wilderness, marked by numerous instances of Israel's grumbling, rebellion, and God's repeated acts of patience, miraculous provision, and gracious forgiveness (e.g., the Golden Calf incident in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf"), the complaints at Taberah and Kibroth-hattaavah, the lack of water at Rephidim). Moses is essentially arguing that God's consistent pattern of mercy and covenant faithfulness throughout history should continue, appealing to God's unchanging nature and His steadfast loyalty, which has been demonstrated time and again despite Israel's persistent failures and unworthiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:19, with Moses' powerful intercession for a rebellious people based on the "greatness of thy mercy," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect work of Jesus Christ. Moses, acting as a divinely appointed mediator, bravely stands in the gap between a righteous God and a sinful people, appealing to God's character to avert deserved judgment. This crucial mediating role finds its fullest and most glorious fulfillment in Christ, who is the one true and perfect mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus")). The "greatness of thy mercy" that Moses appeals to finds its most profound and costly expression in the cross, where God's boundless love, unwavering steadfastness, and covenant faithfulness are perfectly demonstrated through the sacrificial death of His own Son. It is through Christ's atoning work that God can be both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is Just and the Justifier")). Just as God graciously forgave Israel "from Egypt even until now" through Moses' heartfelt plea, so too does God offer complete and eternal pardon for all our iniquities—past, present, and future—through the shed blood of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness in Christ Through the Cross")). Christ is our compassionate High Priest, who "always lives to make intercession for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), ensuring that God's great mercy continues to flow to His people, not based on our fleeting merits or imperfect repentance, but solely on His perfect, eternal, and all-sufficient sacrifice.

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

Exodus 34:9

And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it [is] a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.

Psalms 78:38

But he, [being] full of compassion, forgave [their] iniquity, and destroyed [them] not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

Psalms 106:45

And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

Psalms 51:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Psalms 51:2

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Exodus 32:32

Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.