Numbers 14:17
And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֕ה
H6258
יִגְדַּל
be great
H1431
יִגְדַּל
be great
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
2 of 8
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
נָ֖א
H4994
נָ֖א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
3 of 8
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
כֹּ֣חַ
And now I beseech thee let the power
H3581
כֹּ֣חַ
And now I beseech thee let the power
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
4 of 8
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
according
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
according
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Matthew 9:6But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.Micah 3:8But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
Historical Context
This prayer preceded Moses' quotation of God's self-revelation from Exodus 34:6-7 (v.18). Moses witnessed this revelation after the golden calf incident when God proclaimed His character (Ex 34:5-7). Now Moses uses Scripture in prayer - a pattern for believers (Eph 6:17). His appeal succeeded because it aligned with God's revealed nature. The incident teaches that knowing Scripture enables effective prayer. We pray most powerfully when echoing God's own words back to Him, claiming His promises and character.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you view God's power primarily as might to judge or grace to save and transform?
- How can you incorporate Scripture more fully into your prayers, appealing to God's revealed character?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses prays: 'And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken.' Moses appeals to God's promised character, asking Him to demonstrate His power through mercy, not destruction. The Hebrew 'koach' (power/strength) here means strength to forgive and forbear, not merely strength to judge. Moses understood that grace requires greater power than wrath - it's harder to redeem than destroy. This foreshadows the gospel: God's power is 'made perfect in weakness' (2 Cor 12:9), supremely displayed in Christ's cross. The greatest divine power is loving enemies and transforming rebels into sons (Rom 5:8-10).