Numbers 16:23
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 5
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Biblical intercession follows a pattern: Abraham for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33), Moses for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14), Samuel for Israel (1 Samuel 7:5-9). Here Moses and Aaron intercede jointly, modeling the cooperation between prophetic and priestly offices that often conflicted in Israel's later history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage shape your understanding of intercessory prayer—that God invites us to 'negotiate' with Him for mercy?
- What's the difference between presumptuous prayer (demanding God change) and faithful intercession (appealing to His character)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying—After Moses and Aaron intercede (v. 22), God speaks again, now with refined judgment. This second divine speech (following v. 20) shows God's responsiveness to intercession: He will not destroy all Israel, but will precisely target the rebels. The repetition of dabar (דָּבַר, spoke) emphasizes prophetic authority—this isn't Moses's plan but divine directive.
The narrative structure (divine speech → intercession → modified divine speech) teaches the efficacy of priestly mediation. God's justice remains (rebels will perish), but His mercy extends to the innocent (congregation will be spared if they separate). This tension between justice and mercy runs throughout Scripture, ultimately resolved at the cross where both are satisfied.