Numbers 14:13

Authorized King James Version

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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

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר said H559
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 13
to say (used with great latitude)
מֹשֶׁ֖ה And Moses H4872
מֹשֶׁ֖ה And Moses
Strong's: H4872
Word #: 2 of 13
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 3 of 13
near, with or among; often in general, to
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
הַזֶּ֖ה
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 12 of 13
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
מִקִּרְבּֽוֹ׃ from among H7130
מִקִּרְבּֽוֹ׃ from among
Strong's: H7130
Word #: 13 of 13
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

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.

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.

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