King James Version
What Does Numbers 14:17 Mean?
“And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying,”
Context
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,
16
Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.
17
And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying,
18
The LORD is longsuffering , and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
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. until: or, hitherto
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17, 18) **And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great.—**The word *Lord *in Numbers 14:17 should not be printed in large capitals in this place, as in the Authorised Version of 1611, inasmuch as it is the rendering of *Adonai, *not of *Jehovah, *as in Numbers 14:18. Moses here employs a second argument, founded on the revelation of God’s name (*i.e., *His nature), as made to him on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:6-7), the substance of which he here recites in the same terms.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 14:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 14:17
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge