Numbers 14:10-25
Q.1. What was so amazing about the intercession of Moses? About whom was Moses really concerned? – (Num.14:10-19)
The crowd was preparing to stone Moses, Aaron, Caleb, and Joshua. Their evil intent was cut short by the appearance of the Glory of God (Num.14:10). God could have struck the rebels down, but He chose to test Moses – I will smite them with pestilence and dispossess them, and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they (Num.14:12). The offer to Moses that he could be the first of a greater and mightier nation would have been hard to resist. However, Moses instantly showed his godliness, when he pleaded with God to pardon the sins of the people – Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness, just as You also have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now (Num.14:19). Even more impressive was Moses’ heart and concern for the honour of God. He argued that if God did destroy His people, this would detract from His renown amongst the nations (Num.14:13-17). Moses invoked God’s promises, based on His name and character – `The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression … Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness … (Num.14:18-19). He was truly a humble man (c.f. Exo.2:11-12; Num.12:3).
Q.2. Did God’s pardon of the sin of Israel mean that they would avoid chastening? Why was Israel being punished? – (Num.14:20-23)
It is incredible to read that the Lord declared that – I have pardoned them according to your word (Num.14:20). If He had not forgiven the people at that time, all the nation would have perished. However, God responded to the pleas of Moses, and established this principle – Indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord (Num.14:21 c.f. Hab.2:14; Jn.17:24). In other words, whatever God does, is for His glory. Consequently – 22 Surely all the men who have seen My glory and My signs which I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, 23 shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who spurned Me see it (Num.14:22-23).
Q.3. Why were Caleb and Joshua excluded from the punishment of Israel? What is the lesson for us? – (Num.14:6-9, 24)
Joshua and Caleb disregarded the obstacles, based on their belief in the sovereign power of their God – If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us–a land which flows with milk and honey (Num.14:8). The Lord esteemed their faith and courage – 24 But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it (Num.14:24). Joshua and Caleb would later enter the Promised Land, along with the next generation of Israelites.