Numbers 14:15

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

If You kill this people as one man, the nations who have heard of Your fame will say,

American Standard Version (1901)

Now if thou shalt kill this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,

Bible in Basic English

Now if you put to death all this people as one man, then the nations who have had word of your glory will say,

Free Bible Version

If you kill all these people in one go, the nations who have heard about you will say,

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,

One Unity Resource Bible

Now if you killed this people as one man, then the nations which have sh'ma ·heard obeyed· the fame of you will speak, saying,

Translation for Translators

If you kill these people all at one time, the people-groups who have heard about your power will say,

Unlocked Literal Bible

Now if you kill this people as one man, then the nations that have heard of your fame will speak and say,

Noah Webster Bible

Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,

World English Bible

Now if you killed this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of you will speak, saying,

Young's Literal Translation

'And Thou hast put to death this people as one man, and the nations who have heard Thy fame have spoken, saying,

Context

Moses Intercedes for Israel

¹⁴And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have already heard that You, O LORD, are in the midst of this people, that You, O LORD, have been seen face to face, that Your cloud stands over them, and that You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.¹⁵If You kill this people as one man, the nations who have heard of Your fame will say,¹⁶‘Because the LORD was unable to bring this people into the land He swore to give them, He has slaughtered them in the wilderness.’

Summary

In Numbers 14:15, Moses intercedes on behalf of the Israelites, pleading with God to forgive their sins and not destroy them in the wilderness. This verse showcases Moses' deep concern and compassion for his people, reflecting his role as a mediator between the Israelites and God. Despite the Israelites' rebellion and lack of faith, Moses demonstrates his unwavering commitment to intercede for them, highlighting the importance of prayer and seeking forgiveness for others. This passage underscores the significance of a leader's role in advocating for the well-being and salvation of the community, even in the face of disobedience and consequences.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Now if thou shall kill all this people, as one man,.... Suddenly, and at once, as might be done by a pestilence; and as 185,000 were smitten at once, and as thought by the same disease, by the Angel of the Lord in the camp of the Assyrians, in later times, Kg2 19:35, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee; the Egyptians, Canaanites, and others, as Aben Ezra observes; who had heard the report of the wonderful things done by him for Israel, and of the great favours he had bestowed upon them, and so of his power, and goodness, and other perfections displayed therein, which made him appear to be preferable to all the gods of the Gentiles: will speak, saying; as follows.