Numbers 14:19

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."

Study Bible

Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people
This phrase is a plea for forgiveness, highlighting the intercessory role of Moses. The term "iniquity" refers to the sin and rebellion of the Israelites, who doubted God's promise and power. This reflects the recurring theme of Israel's disobedience and need for divine mercy. Moses' prayer is reminiscent of Abraham's intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33), emphasizing the importance of intercessory prayer in the biblical narrative.

in keeping with the greatness of Your loving devotion
The phrase underscores God's steadfast love, often translated as "chesed" in Hebrew, which denotes covenantal loyalty and mercy. This appeal to God's character is a common motif in Scripture, where God's nature is the basis for His actions (Exodus 34:6-7). It reflects the theological understanding that God's mercy is not earned but is a part of His divine nature.

just as You have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.
This recalls the numerous instances of God's forgiveness since the Exodus, such as the golden calf incident (Exodus 32) and the complaints in the wilderness (Numbers 11). It highlights God's patience and long-suffering with His people, despite their repeated failures. This historical context serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the continuity of His redemptive plan, which ultimately points to the ultimate forgiveness found in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:15).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who intercedes on behalf of the people, asking God to forgive their sins.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who have repeatedly sinned and rebelled against Him, particularly in their lack of faith to enter the Promised Land.

3. God (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God who is both just and merciful, and who has been guiding the Israelites from Egypt.

4. Egypt
The place of bondage from which God delivered the Israelites, symbolizing their past sins and God's redemptive power.

5. The Promised Land (Canaan)
The land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, representing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

Teaching Points

The Power of Intercession
Moses' prayer demonstrates the importance and power of interceding for others. Believers are called to pray for one another, seeking God's mercy and grace.

Understanding God's Character
God's loving devotion (Hebrew: "chesed") is central to His nature. Understanding this helps believers trust in His willingness to forgive and restore.

The Consequences of Unbelief
The Israelites' failure to trust God serves as a warning. Believers must cultivate faith and obedience to avoid similar pitfalls.

The Necessity of Repentance
True repentance involves acknowledging sin and turning back to God. This is essential for receiving His forgiveness and maintaining a right relationship with Him.

God's Faithfulness Over Time
Just as God was faithful to forgive the Israelites from Egypt onward, He remains faithful to forgive us today. This encourages perseverance in faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' intercession for the Israelites in Numbers 14:19 inspire you to pray for others in your life?

2. In what ways can understanding God's "loving devotion" (chesed) deepen your relationship with Him?

3. Reflect on a time when you struggled with unbelief. How can the account of the Israelites encourage you to trust God more fully?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that repentance is a regular part of your spiritual life?

5. How does the faithfulness of God, as demonstrated from Egypt to the Promised Land, give you confidence in His promises today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34:6-7
This passage describes God's character as merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, which Moses appeals to in Numbers 14:19.

Psalm 103:8-12
This Psalm echoes the themes of God's forgiveness and loving devotion, similar to Moses' plea for pardon.

1 John 1:9
This New Testament verse speaks to the assurance of forgiveness when we confess our sins, reflecting the same divine mercy Moses sought.

Hebrews 3:7-19
This passage warns against the unbelief and rebellion of the Israelites, using their example as a caution for believers today.

Matthew 18:21-22
Jesus teaches about the necessity of forgiveness, which parallels the forgiveness Moses requests from God for the Israelites.