Numbers 11:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 11:23
23 And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.
Chapter Context
Numbers 11 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, judgment, grace. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 11:23
23 And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.
Analysis
The LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD's hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.' God challenges Moses' doubt about providing meat for Israel. The rhetorical question 'Is the LORD's hand waxed short?' rebukes questioning God's power. The 'hand' represents God's power to accomplish His will. 'Waxed short' suggests insufficient strength—absurd regarding the Almighty. Moses had asked how God could feed 600,000 men with meat (Numbers 11:21-22), showing momentary unbelief. God's response asserts His unlimited capability. The promise 'thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass' declares certainty—God's word always accomplishes its purpose. This teaches that God's power isn't limited by circumstances that appear impossible. We must trust God's promises despite visible obstacles. Isaiah 50:2 and 59:1 echo this theme.
Historical Context
Moses' doubt came after God promised meat for a month (Numbers 11:18-20). The logistics seemed impossible—how could 600,000 men plus families have meat daily for thirty days? Moses calculated that slaughtering all their flocks and catching all the sea's fish wouldn't suffice (Numbers 11:22). This rare moment of Moses doubting God's provision contrasts with his usual faith. God's response came by sending quail in supernatural abundance (Numbers 11:31-32)—the people gathered vast quantities. The incident demonstrates God's power over nature to fulfill His word. The plague that followed (Numbers 11:33) judged Israel's greedy consumption, showing that receiving what we demand isn't always blessing. The phrase 'Is the LORD's hand waxed short?' became proverbial, appearing when Israel again questioned God's provision (Isaiah 50:2; 59:1).
Reflection
- What does God's challenge to Moses about His 'hand waxing short' teach about limiting God based on visible circumstances?
- How can we grow in trusting God's promises when fulfillment seems logistically impossible?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- References Lord: Genesis 18:14, Isaiah 59:1, Ezekiel 24:14
- Word: Ezekiel 12:25, Micah 2:7, Matthew 24:35
- Parallel theme: Numbers 23:19, Isaiah 50:2, Matthew 19:26, Luke 1:37