Numbers Chapter 14 · Verse 13
And Moses said unto the LORD, Then the Egyptians shall hear it, (for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them;)
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְשָֽׁמְע֣וּ
shall hear
H8085
וְשָֽׁמְע֣וּ
shall hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
5 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Then the Egyptians
H4714
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Then the Egyptians
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
6 of 13
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הֶעֱלִ֧יתָ
it (for thou broughtest up
H5927
הֶעֱלִ֧יתָ
it (for thou broughtest up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בְכֹֽחֲךָ֛
in thy might
H3581
בְכֹֽחֲךָ֛
in thy might
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
9 of 13
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֥ם
this people
H5971
הָעָ֥ם
this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
11 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
Cross References
Psalms 106:23Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.Deuteronomy 32:27Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this.Ezekiel 20:9But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.Ezekiel 20:14But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.
Historical Context
Moses referenced the Exodus' fame among nations (Ex 15:14-16, Josh 2:10-11). Egypt and Canaan had heard of Yahweh's mighty acts. If Israel perished in wilderness, nations would attribute it to divine weakness, not Israel's unbelief. Moses' argument reflects his transformation from reluctant leader to one passionate for God's glory. His intercession parallels Abraham's (Gen 18:23-32) and anticipates Christ's (John 17). The successful appeal demonstrates that prayers aligned with God's purposes and character prevail. God delights when His people care supremely about His reputation among nations.
Questions for Reflection
- Do your prayers focus primarily on your comfort or on God's glory being displayed?
- How can you develop Moses' passion for God's name being honored among unbelievers?
Analysis & Commentary
Moses intercedes: 'Then the Egyptians shall hear it... And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land.' Moses appeals to God's reputation among nations - if God destroys Israel, pagans will conclude He lacked power to complete what He started. This argument proves effective (v.20). Moses understood that God's glory among nations matters supremely. His concern wasn't Israel's comfort but God's name. This illustrates proper prayer motivation - seeking God's glory, not our ease. Jesus taught us to pray 'Hallowed be thy name' (Matt 6:9) before personal requests. Missions exists because worship doesn't.