Numbers 14:17
“Now please let the power of the Lord be great, according as you have spoken, saying,”
What does Numbers 14:17 mean?
Moses is asking God to make good on His own words. Earlier, God had described Himself as "slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, forgiving iniquity and disobedience" (verse 18), and now Moses is essentially holding up a mirror: "You said you're merciful and forgiving, so please be that now." It's a bold but respectful appeal that takes God at His word instead of assuming the worst. This comes after the Israelites have just complained about going into the promised land and expressed doubt about God's ability to deliver them. Rather than arguing or defending the people, Moses asks God to demonstrate the very character traits God Himself claimed to possess. There's something beautiful about the prayer here: Moses isn't begging for an exception to God's nature, but asking God to be fully Himself.