The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon their children to the third and fourth generation.' The LORDThe Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "YHWH," often vocalized as Yahweh. This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and unchanging nature. In the context of Numbers, it reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness and His personal relationship with them. This name is a constant reminder of His sovereignty and His role as the ultimate authority and protector of His people. is slow to anger
The phrase "slow to anger" comes from the Hebrew "erek apayim," which literally means "long of nostrils." This idiom reflects the idea of patience and restraint. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this characteristic of God contrasts with the often capricious and quick-tempered deities of surrounding cultures. It highlights God's patience and willingness to give people time to repent and turn back to Him. and abounding in loving devotion
"Loving devotion" is translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," which encompasses love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness. This word is central to understanding God's covenantal love for Israel. It is a steadfast, loyal love that is not dependent on the actions of the people but on God's own character. This phrase reassures believers of God's unwavering commitment to His promises. forgiving iniquity and transgression
The Hebrew words for "iniquity" (avon) and "transgression" (pesha) cover a range of sins, from moral failings to outright rebellion. God's willingness to forgive these indicates His grace and mercy. In the historical context, this forgiveness is crucial for the Israelites, who repeatedly fall short of God's standards. It points to the future work of Christ, who provides ultimate forgiveness for all sin. yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished
This phrase underscores God's justice. The Hebrew word for "guilty" (asham) refers to those who are culpable and deserving of punishment. God's justice is as much a part of His character as His mercy. This balance ensures that while God is forgiving, He also upholds righteousness and holds individuals accountable for their actions. He visits the iniquity of the fathers on their children
The concept of "visiting" iniquity (paqad) involves a careful accounting or reckoning. This phrase reflects the communal and generational nature of sin in the ancient world, where the actions of one generation could impact the next. It serves as a warning of the consequences of sin, emphasizing the importance of living righteously. to the third and fourth generation
This expression indicates the far-reaching consequences of sin, not a deterministic curse. In the cultural context, it serves as a deterrent against sin, encouraging individuals to consider the long-term impact of their actions. It also highlights the need for each generation to seek God and break the cycle of sin through repentance and obedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, characterized by His attributes of patience, love, and justice. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who intercedes for the people in the wilderness. 3. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are wandering in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith. 4. Wilderness of ParanThe location where the Israelites are camped when this declaration is made. 5. The Iniquity of the FathersRefers to the sins and transgressions of the ancestors that have consequences for future generations. Teaching Points God's Patience and MercyGod is "slow to anger," demonstrating His patience and desire for repentance rather than immediate judgment. Application: We should emulate God's patience in our interactions with others, offering grace and forgiveness. Abounding in Loving DevotionGod's love is steadfast and abundant, providing a foundation for His forgiveness. Application: Trust in God's unwavering love, even when facing the consequences of sin. Forgiveness and JusticeWhile God forgives iniquity and transgression, He also upholds justice by not leaving the guilty unpunished. Application: Recognize the balance of God's mercy and justice in our lives, and strive to live righteously. Generational ConsequencesThe impact of sin can extend to future generations, highlighting the importance of living faithfully. Application: Consider the legacy we leave for future generations and seek to break cycles of sin through repentance and obedience. Intercession and AdvocacyMoses' role as an intercessor for the Israelites demonstrates the power of prayer and advocacy. Application: Be an advocate for others in prayer, seeking God's mercy and guidance for those in need. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's patience and mercy in Numbers 14:18 influence your view of His character? 2. In what ways can you demonstrate God's loving devotion in your relationships with others? 3. How do you reconcile the concepts of God's forgiveness and justice in your personal life? 4. What steps can you take to address any generational patterns of sin in your family or community? 5. How can you be an intercessor like Moses, advocating for others in prayer and action? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 34:6-7This passage similarly describes God's character as merciful and just, emphasizing His forgiveness and the consequences of sin. Psalm 103:8-10Highlights God's compassion and mercy, echoing the themes of forgiveness and justice found in Numbers 14:18. Deuteronomy 5:9-10Discusses the generational impact of sin and God's steadfast love for those who love Him and keep His commandments. Ezekiel 18:20Clarifies individual responsibility for sin, balancing the concept of generational consequences with personal accountability. 2 Peter 3:9Reflects on God's patience and desire for repentance, aligning with His character as described in Numbers 14:18. People Aaron, Amalekites, Caleb, Canaanites, Egyptians, Israelites, Jephunneh, Joshua, Moses, NunPlaces Egypt, Hormah, Kadesh-barnea, Red SeaTopics Abounding, Abundant, Acquitting, Anger, Bearing, Charging, Clear, Clearing, Disobedience, Entirely, Evil, Fathers, Forgiving, Fourth, Free, Generation, Generations, Goodness, Guilty, Iniquity, Kindness, Leave, Long-suffering, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Mercy, Overlooking, Plenteous, Punishes, Punishment, Rebellion, Sending, Sin, Sins, Slow, Sons, Steadfast, Third, Transgression, Unpunished, Visiting, Wrath, Wrongdoers, Wrongdoing, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 14:18 1095 God, patience of
1310 God, as judge
5668 children, responsibilities to parents
5694 generation
5934 restraint
6160 fathers, sin of
6173 guilt, and God
8282 intolerance
8331 reliability
8844 unforgiveness Numbers 14:10-20 4843 plague Numbers 14:11-19 8611 prayer, for others Numbers 14:13-19 8640 calling upon God Numbers 14:13-39 6257 unbelievers Numbers 14:17-19 1443 revelation, OT Numbers 14:17-20 6653 forgiveness, divine Numbers 14:18-19 6688 mercy, demonstration of God's Numbers 14:18-20 2060 Christ, patience of Library Moses the Intercessor
'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.' --NUM. xiv. 19. See how in this story a divine threat is averted and a divine promise is broken, thus revealing a standing law that these in Scripture are conditional. This striking incident of Moses' intercession suggests to us some thoughts as to I. The ground of the divine forgiveness. The appeal is not based on anything in the people. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWeighed, and Found Wanting
'And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron; and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! 3. And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? 4. And they said one …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Order and Argument in Prayer
It is further observable that though a good man hastens to God in his trouble, and runs with all the more speed because of the unkindness of his fellow men, yet sometimes the gracious soul is left without the comfortable presence of God. This is the worst of all griefs; the text is one of Job's deep groans, far deeper than any which came from him on account of the loss of his children and his property: "Oh that I knew where I might find HIM!" The worst of all losses is to lose the smile of my God. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 12: 1866 The Spies
THE UNBELIEF OF THE CHILDREN of Israel, prompted them to send spies into Canaan. God had told them that it was a good land, and he had promised to drive out their enemies, they ought therefore to have marched forward with all confidence to possess the promised heritage. Instead of this, they send twelve princes to spy out the land, and "alas, for human nature," ten of these were faithless, and only two true to the Lord. Read over the narrative, and mark the ill effect of the lying message, and the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Afraid of Giants
'And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain; 18. And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19. And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20. And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power Exploring Canaan by Faith
EXPLORING CANAAN BY FAITH I can not understand faith. What is faith, anyway? I try to believe; sometimes I feel that my faith is strong, but at other times I feel that my faith is giving way. Can you help me in this matter? Faith seems such a hazy, intangible, elusive thing; now I think I have it, now it seems certain I have it not. I feel at times that my faith is so strong I could believe anything, then again I feel that every bit of faith I had is gone. Can you give me any instructions that will …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Trinity Sunday the Doctrine of the Trinity.
Second Sermon. Text: Romans 11, 33-36. THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon was first printed in 1535, at Wittenberg.] 1. This festival requires us to instruct the people in the dogma of the Holy Trinity, and to strengthen both memory and faith concerning it. This is the reason why we take up the subject once more. Without proper instruction and a sound foundation in this regard, other dogmas cannot be rightly and successfully treated. The other festivals of the year present …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 14:18 NIVNumbers 14:18 NLTNumbers 14:18 ESVNumbers 14:18 NASBNumbers 14:18 KJV
Numbers 14:18 Commentaries
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