Numbers 14:15

Now [if] thou shalt kill [all] this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,

Now if thou shalt kill {H4191} all this people {H5971} as one {H259} man {H376}, then the nations {H1471} which have heard {H8085} the fame {H8088} of thee will speak {H559}, saying {H559},

If you kill off this people at a single stroke, then the nations that have heard of your reputation will say

If You kill this people as one man, the nations who have heard of Your fame will say,

Now if thou shalt kill this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,

Commentary

Numbers 14:15 (KJV) is part of Moses' passionate intercession on behalf of the rebellious Israelites after their refusal to enter the Promised Land. Faced with divine judgment, Moses appeals to God's character and reputation among the surrounding nations.

Context

Following the disheartening report of ten of the twelve spies, the Israelite community at Kadesh-Barnea rebelled against the Lord and desired to return to Egypt. In response, the Lord declared His intention to strike them with pestilence and disinherit them, making a greater nation of Moses (Numbers 14:12). Moses, however, steps into the breach, reminding God of His immense power and renown demonstrated during the Exodus from Egypt. In this particular verse, Moses articulates the potential blasphemy that the surrounding nations would utter if God were to annihilate His chosen people after such a powerful deliverance.

Key Themes

  • God's Reputation and Glory: The central argument of Moses' plea is God's fame and honor among the Gentile nations. Moses understands that God's actions are observed by the world, and He is concerned with how His character is perceived. The destruction of Israel, after all God had done, would lead to a misinterpretation of His power and faithfulness.
  • Moses' Intercession: This verse highlights Moses' role as a powerful intercessor, standing between God's wrath and the people's sin. His prayer is not based on Israel's merit, but on God's own attributes and commitment to His name. This mirrors his earlier intercession after the golden calf incident in Exodus 32.
  • Consequences of Unbelief: While Moses pleads for mercy, the underlying tension is Israel's profound unbelief and disobedience, which brought them to the brink of destruction. This serves as a stark warning about the spiritual consequences of doubting God's promises.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kill all this people as one man" emphasizes a total, complete annihilation. It speaks of a decisive, sweeping judgment that would leave no survivors, akin to a single, unified act of destruction. The "fame of thee" (Hebrew: shema'ka) refers to God's renowned name, His reputation, and the reports of His mighty deeds that had spread throughout the region, particularly His miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage and His powerful presence among them.

Practical Application

Numbers 14:15 reminds us of the profound importance of God's glory in all circumstances. It teaches us about:

  • The Power of Intercessory Prayer: Moses' example encourages believers to pray boldly for others, appealing to God's character and promises even when circumstances seem dire.
  • Living for God's Glory: Our lives as believers should reflect God's character, as our actions can impact how others perceive Him. When we stumble, it can, unfortunately, bring reproach to His name, much like Moses feared would happen here.
  • God's Patience and Mercy: Despite Israel's repeated rebellion, God, in His sovereignty and patience, listened to Moses' plea, demonstrating His willingness to extend mercy even in the face of severe provocation (Numbers 14:20).
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Cross-References

  • Judges 6:16 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.