What is the meaning of Numbers 14:19? Pardon, I pray Moses begins with a direct plea: “Pardon, I pray.” He is not debating or bargaining with God; he is appealing. Similar moments show up in Exodus 32:11–14 when Moses interceded after the golden-calf rebellion. By simply saying “Pardon,” Moses recognizes that only God can remove guilt and that mercy must be requested, not presumed (Psalm 130:3–4). the iniquity of this people The request is specific—“the iniquity,” not merely a mistake or lapse. The people have rejected the promised land (Numbers 14:1–4), an act Scripture calls rebellion (Deuteronomy 9:23–24). By naming sin plainly, Moses models honest confession (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). in keeping with the greatness of Your loving devotion Moses grounds his plea in God’s character, not Israel’s performance. “Loving devotion” translates the steadfast covenant love God declared in Exodus 34:6–7. Other prayers latch onto the same attribute—see 2 Chronicles 20:21 and Psalm 136. Moses is saying, “Act consistent with who You have always shown Yourself to be.” just as You have forgiven them History backs the request. God forgave the people at the Red Sea panic (Exodus 14:11–13), the bitter-water grumbling (Exodus 15:24–25), the manna complaints (Exodus 16:2–4), and the golden calf (Exodus 32:30–34). Remembering past grace fuels present faith (Psalm 77:11–12). ever since they left Egypt The timeframe stretches from the Exodus to this very moment—a pattern of mercy spanning years. Isaiah 63:9 echoes the same theme: “In all their distress, He too was distressed, and the Angel of His Presence saved them.” God’s continuous faithfulness is the surest argument for fresh forgiveness. summary Numbers 14:19 captures Moses interceding for a rebellious nation by: • Calling for pardon that only God can grant. • Naming sin honestly. • Anchoring the appeal in God’s steadfast love. • Rehearsing a track record of divine forgiveness. The verse teaches that believers approach God on the basis of His unchanging covenant mercy, confident that the One who has forgiven before will forgive again when genuine repentance is sought. |
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