Numbers 14:20

KJV

¶ And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, I have pardoned {H5545} according to thy word {H1697}:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI answered, "I have forgiven, as you have asked.

Berean Standard Bible

“I have pardoned them as you requested,” the LORD replied.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said, I have pardoned according to thy word:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:20 serves as a profound declaration of divine mercy and a powerful affirmation of the efficacy of intercessory prayer. Following Israel's egregious rebellion and God's just threat of destruction due to their unbelief, Moses' impassioned plea for the nation's pardon is met with an immediate and gracious divine response. This verse encapsulates God's sovereign act of forgiveness, showcasing His inherent character as a God "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love," even as the subsequent narrative reveals the enduring, albeit mitigated, consequences of the people's persistent lack of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 14:20 stands as the dramatic turning point in a critical confrontation between God's righteous indignation and Moses' fervent intercession. Immediately prior to this verse, the twelve spies had returned from Canaan, with ten delivering a faithless report that incited the entire congregation to grumble against the LORD and Moses, even proposing to appoint a new leader and return to Egypt, a direct rejection of God's leading and promises ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")). This profound act of rebellion, doubting God's power and faithfulness to deliver the land, provoked God to threaten to destroy the nation with a plague and raise up a new, more obedient people through Moses ([Numbers 14:11-12](/numbers/14-11-12 "Numbers 14:11-12 - God's Threat to Destroy Israel")). Moses, however, appeals to God's glory among the nations and reminds Him of His own self-declared character as a God who is "longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression" ([Numbers 14:13-19](/numbers/14-13-19 "Numbers 14:13-19 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")), specifically quoting from the divine revelation in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Character Revealed to Moses"). Verse 20 is God's direct, merciful response to this desperate and theologically astute plea, demonstrating His willingness to relent from immediate, complete destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 14 unfold in the wilderness, approximately two years after the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Israel, as a covenant nation, was expected to trust and obey Yahweh, their deliverer, sovereign King, and covenant partner. The grumbling and rebellion against God's direct command to enter the Promised Land represented a profound breach of this covenant relationship, akin to a corporate act of apostasy and a direct challenge to God's authority. In the ancient Near East, divine judgment for such offenses was common, often involving immediate and total destruction of rebellious groups or nations. However, the unique covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, established through Abraham and confirmed at Sinai, allowed for a mediator like Moses to "stand in the gap" and appeal to God's covenantal character and His reputation among other nations. The concept of a leader's intercession averting divine wrath was a significant aspect of Israelite understanding of divine-human interaction, highlighting the importance of faithful representation.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Forgiveness and Mercy**, showcasing God's readiness to pardon even in the face of egregious sin, especially when His own character and glory are invoked through faithful prayer. It underscores the **Power of Intercession**, demonstrating how the fervent prayer of a righteous mediator can significantly impact divine judgment and bring about grace for a rebellious people, echoing the importance of standing in the gap for others ([Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "Ezekiel 22:30 - Seeking One to Stand in the Gap")). Furthermore, the phrase "according to thy word" highlights **God's Faithfulness to His Own Revealed Character and the Prayers of His Servants**, emphasizing that God honors appeals that align with His nature and promises, particularly those grounded in His self-revelation at Sinai ([Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Compassion and Justice")). Lastly, while immediate pardon is granted, the subsequent verses ([Numbers 14:21-35](/numbers/14-21-35 "Numbers 14:21-35 - Consequences of Disobedience and Wilderness Wandering")) reveal the theme of **Consequences of Unbelief**, demonstrating that even with divine pardon for immediate destruction, sinful choices can still lead to significant disciplinary repercussions and a delay in the fulfillment of promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Yahweh." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. In this context, it highlights that the pardon comes from the sovereign God who has revealed Himself as merciful and steadfast, the very God to whom Moses appealed.
* **pardoned (Hebrew, _çâlach'_):** This primitive root specifically denotes a divine act of forgiveness, indicating God's unilateral removal of guilt or punishment. Unlike other Hebrew words for forgiveness that might imply a human act of letting go of resentment, _çâlach_ emphasizes God's sovereign authority to remit sin and restore relationship. It signifies a gracious act on God's part, a divine decision to not hold the iniquity against the offender, even if consequences may still follow.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** In this context, "thy word" refers to Moses' intercessory prayer, specifically his appeal to God's self-revelation in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Self-Revelation"). It signifies that God's pardon was not arbitrary but was granted in response to a prayer that was deeply rooted in God's own character and promises. This highlights the efficacy of prayer that aligns with divine truth and God's own nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said":** This phrase signals a direct, authoritative, and immediate divine pronouncement. It emphasizes that the pardon is not a human negotiation but a sovereign act of God, spoken directly in response to Moses' plea, underscoring God's attentiveness and responsiveness to the intercession of His servant. This divine speech act carries ultimate weight and authority.
* **"I have pardoned":** This declarative statement confirms God's decision to forgive. It is a completed action ("I have pardoned"), signifying that the immediate threat of total annihilation, as proposed in [Numbers 14:12](/numbers/14-12 "Numbers 14:12 - God's Threat of Destruction"), is averted. This demonstrates God's profound mercy, choosing not to execute the full measure of His just wrath upon the rebellious nation, even though their sin was grievous.
* **"according to thy word":** This crucial phrase highlights the efficacy of Moses' intercession. God's pardon is granted "according to" or "in response to" Moses' prayer. It underscores that Moses' prayer was not merely heard but was instrumental in mediating God's mercy. This does not imply that Moses manipulated God, but rather that God, in His sovereign plan, chose to work through the prayers of His faithful servant, honoring the appeal that was grounded in His own revealed character and covenant promises. It affirms the power of prayer that aligns with God's nature.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Divine Speech Act** is central, as God's spoken word directly brings about a change in the nation's status from condemned to pardoned, highlighting the inherent power and authority in God's declarations. The narrative also features **Intercession**, with Moses serving as a crucial mediator between a holy God and a sinful people, a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch that foreshadows a greater mediator. There is a strong element of **Contrast** in the immediate context, where God's boundless mercy in this verse stands in stark opposition to Israel's profound unbelief and rebellion, emphasizing the depth of divine grace in the face of human sin. Furthermore, the phrase "according to thy word" functions as a form of **Divine Affirmation**, validating Moses' role as a prophet and demonstrating God's faithfulness to His own character as invoked by Moses, reinforcing the covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:20 powerfully illustrates the tension between divine justice and divine mercy, ultimately showcasing God's profound inclination towards forgiveness when His own character is invoked. This act of pardon, though not negating all consequences for sin, reveals a fundamental aspect of God's nature: He is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." It underscores that God's covenant faithfulness extends even to a rebellious people, often mediated through the prayers of His chosen servants. This episode foreshadows the ultimate redemptive work of Christ, where a greater intercessor secures a more complete and lasting pardon for humanity. The power of intercessory prayer is also highlighted, demonstrating that God, in His sovereignty, chooses to work through human petitions that align with His will and character.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Compassion and Justice")
* [Psalm 103:8-10](/psalm/103-8-10 "Psalm 103:8-10 - God's Mercy and Forgiveness")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:20 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us of God's immense capacity for forgiveness and His readiness to pardon when we approach Him in humility and repentance. Even after significant failures or acts of rebellion, God's character remains consistent: He is merciful and willing to forgive. This verse also powerfully illustrates the vital role of intercessory prayer, urging us to pray for others, especially those who may be struggling in faith or in open rebellion against God. Just as Moses stood in the gap for Israel, believers are called to be intercessors, bringing the needs of the world before a merciful God, trusting that our prayers, aligned with His will, can have profound impact. While God graciously pardons, we are also reminded that our actions can still have consequences, underscoring the importance of living a life of faith and obedience in our journey with Him, recognizing that true repentance involves not only seeking pardon but also turning from the sin that necessitated it and embracing God's path.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's immediate pardon in Numbers 14:20 challenge or affirm your understanding of divine justice and mercy?**
* **In what specific ways are you called to be an intercessor for others, and what might hinder you from faithfully fulfilling this role?**
* **How does the balance between God's forgiveness and the enduring consequences of sin (as seen later in Numbers 14) inform your understanding of repentance and the ongoing process of discipleship?**

### FAQ

**Does God's pardon in Numbers 14:20 mean there were no consequences for Israel's sin?**

Answer: No, God's pardon in Numbers 14:20 averted the immediate and complete destruction of the nation, as He had threatened in [Numbers 14:12](/numbers/14-12 "Numbers 14:12 - God's Threat of Destruction"). However, it did not negate all consequences for their profound unbelief and rebellion. The subsequent verses ([Numbers 14:21-35](/numbers/14-21-35 "Numbers 14:21-35 - The Wilderness Wandering and Consequences")) clearly state that the generation of Israelites who grumbled and refused to enter the Promised Land, with the exceptions of Caleb and Joshua, would wander in the wilderness for forty years and die there, never entering the land. This demonstrates a crucial theological principle: while God graciously pardons the ultimate penalty of sin (e.g., immediate judgment or eternal condemnation), there can still be disciplinary or natural consequences for sinful choices, even for those who are forgiven. God's mercy is profound, but His justice also ensures that sin carries a cost.

**How could Moses' prayer influence God's decision to pardon? Does it mean God changes His mind?**

Answer: Moses' prayer did not change God's character or His ultimate sovereign plan, but it aligned with God's revealed will and nature. Moses appealed to God's own self-declaration in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Character Revealed"), reminding Him of His mercy and steadfast love. God, in His sovereignty, chooses to work through the prayers of His people. Moses' intercession was not an attempt to manipulate God but an act of faithful alignment with God's merciful heart, demonstrating a deep understanding of His character. It highlights that God desires human participation in His redemptive purposes, and He honors prayers that are rooted in His character and seek His glory. This dynamic illustrates the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where God invites His people to participate in His work through prayer, not by changing His mind, but by fulfilling His purposes through the means He has ordained, including intercession.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:20, where God pardons Israel "according to thy word" (Moses' intercession), finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moses, as the great intercessor for Israel, foreshadows Christ, the perfect and ultimate Mediator between God and humanity. Just as Moses stood in the gap to avert God's wrath from a rebellious people, Jesus Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His death and resurrection constitute the ultimate "word" or plea for humanity's pardon, a plea that God the Father eternally honors because it perfectly satisfies divine justice and expresses divine love. Unlike the pardon in Numbers, which still carried temporal consequences, the forgiveness offered through Christ is complete and eternal, securing not just the averting of wrath but full reconciliation and adoption into God's family ([Romans 5:10-11](/romans/5-10-11 "Romans 5:10-11 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Jesus is the one through whom we have access by faith into this grace ([Romans 5:2](/romans/5-2 "Romans 5:2 - Access to Grace Through Christ")), and He ever lives to make intercession for us at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Thus, the divine pardon granted in Numbers 14:20, though significant, points forward to the infinitely greater and more comprehensive pardon secured by the perfect intercession and sacrifice of Christ, our Lord and Savior ([1 John 2:1-2](/1_john/2-1-2 "1 John 2:1-2 - Christ Our Advocate")).

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

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Micah 7:20

Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, [and] the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.

Psalms 106:23

Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.