“And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word.”
Context: Numbers 14:20 is part of the account of the Israelites’ rebellion and lack of faith after they received the report from the twelve spies who explored the land of Canaan. Despite God’s promise to give them the land, the majority of the spies brought back a negative report, causing the people to doubt and complain against God and Moses.
God’s Response of Judgment: In the preceding verses (Numbers 14:11-19), God expresses His anger and disappointment at the Israelites’ lack of faith and rebellion. He declares that He will strike them with a pestilence and disinherit them, starting anew with Moses as a great nation.
Moses’ Intercession: In response to God’s judgment, Moses intercedes for the people. He pleads for God to show mercy and forgive the people’s transgressions. Moses reminds God of His character and reputation, emphasizing His slow-to-anger nature, abundant mercy, and steadfast love.
God’s Pardon and Response: In Numbers 14:20, we see God’s gracious response to Moses’ intercession. The Lord declares that He has pardoned the people according to Moses’ word. Despite their rebellion, God extends His mercy and forgives them. This act of forgiveness demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and His willingness to give His people another chance.
Key Lessons:
- God’s Mercy and Forgiveness: Numbers 14:20 highlights God’s readiness to forgive, even in the face of His people’s rebellion. This passage reveals God’s character of mercy and His willingness to show grace when His people repent and seek His forgiveness.
- The Power of Intercession: Moses’ intercession on behalf of the people serves as a powerful reminder of the role of intercessory prayer. Moses stood in the gap, pleading for mercy and forgiveness, and God responded positively to his plea. This teaches us the significance of interceding for others and seeking God’s mercy on their behalf.
- The Consequences of Unbelief: Although God forgave the Israelites, their lack of faith and rebellion resulted in consequences. Because of their disbelief, they were denied entrance into the Promised Land, and that generation wandered in the wilderness for forty years. This serves as a reminder that unbelief and disobedience have consequences, even if God extends forgiveness.
Application:
- Seek God’s Forgiveness: Numbers 14:20 encourages us to approach God with repentance and seek His forgiveness. No matter how great our sins or how far we’ve strayed, God is willing to forgive us when we humbly seek His mercy and turn back to Him.
- Intercede for Others: We can learn from Moses’ example of intercession. Let us intercede for others, bringing their needs and struggles before God, asking for His mercy and forgiveness on their behalf.
- Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Despite the consequences the Israelites faced, God remained faithful to His promises. Let us trust in God’s faithfulness in our lives, knowing that He forgives, guides, and fulfills His plans even in challenging times.
Remember to read and study the Bible in its entirety to gain a complete understanding of God’s message and His character.
