Numbers 14:19

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Context of Numbers 14:19

Numbers 14:19 captures a pivotal moment of intercession by Moses on behalf of the Israelite nation. This plea follows directly after the people's severe rebellion and lack of faith in the wilderness. After ten of the twelve spies brought back a discouraging report about the inhabitants of Canaan, the Israelites despaired, grumbled against the Lord and their leaders, and even proposed appointing a new leader to return to Egypt. Their profound distrust provoked God's righteous anger, leading Him to threaten to disinherit them and make a greater nation from Moses himself (Numbers 14:12). In this dire situation, Moses steps forward as a mediator, appealing to God's character rather than the people's merit.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Mercy and Forgiveness: Moses' primary appeal is to "the greatness of thy mercy." This highlights that God's willingness to pardon is not based on the people's worthiness or repentance in this specific moment, but on His inherent, boundless compassion and lovingkindness. It emphasizes that God is slow to anger and abounding in mercy, a core aspect of His character revealed throughout Scripture.
  • Moses' Intercessory Prayer: This verse is a powerful example of intercessory prayer. Moses places himself between God's wrath and the people's sin, demonstrating profound selflessness and devotion. He reminds God of His own reputation among the nations, arguing that destroying Israel would diminish God's glory (Numbers 14:16). His prayer is a model of persistent and bold mediation.
  • God's Enduring Faithfulness: Moses anchors his plea in God's past actions: "as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now." He reminds God of His consistent faithfulness in pardoning Israel throughout their journey, despite their repeated complaints and rebellions, such as at the Red Sea or Marah. This appeals to God's unchanging nature and His covenant loyalty.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated "mercy" in this verse is chesed (Χ—ΦΆΧ‘ΦΆΧ“). While often rendered simply as "mercy," chesed carries a richer meaning of "steadfast love," "covenant loyalty," or "lovingkindness." It speaks of a deep, abiding, and active love that is faithful to commitments, especially within a covenant relationship. Moses is appealing to God's faithful adherence to His covenant with Israel, despite their profound unfaithfulness.

Practical Application

Numbers 14:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It underscores the vital role and power of intercessory prayer, encouraging us to stand in the gap for others, even when they are undeserving. More importantly, it provides immense comfort by revealing the depth of God's mercy and His willingness to forgive. Our hope for pardon and restoration rests not on our own merit, but solely on the greatness of God's abundant compassion. It also reminds us to remember and trust in God's consistent faithfulness, knowing that His character and promises remain true, "from Egypt even until now," and forevermore.

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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

    ΒΆ 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.
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