Numbers 14:16

Verse

‘Because the LORD was unable to bring this people into the land He swore to give them, He has slaughtered them in the wilderness.’

American Standard Version (1901)

Because Jehovah was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.

Bible in Basic English

Because the Lord was not able to take this people into the land which he made an oath to give them, he sent destruction on them in the waste land.

Free Bible Version

‘The Lord killed these people in the desert because he wasn't able to take them to the country he promised to give them. He's killed them all in desert!’

King James (Authorized) Version

Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.

One Unity Resource Bible

‘Because Adonai was not able to bring this people into the land which he swore to them, therefore he has slain them in the wilderness.’

Translation for Translators

‘Yahweh was not able to bring them into the land that he promised to give to them, so he killed them in the desert.’

Unlocked Literal Bible

'Because Yahweh could not take this people into the land that he swore to give them, he has killed them in the wilderness.'

Noah Webster Bible

Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he swore to them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.

World English Bible

‘Because Yahweh was not able to bring this people into the land which he swore to them, therefore he has slain them in the wilderness.’

Young's Literal Translation

From Jehovah's want of ability to bring in this people unto the land which He hath sworn to them — He doth slaughter them in the wilderness.

Context

Moses Intercedes for Israel

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 14:16, Moses pleads with God not to destroy the Israelites in the wilderness despite their disobedience and lack of faith. This verse showcases Moses' intercessory role as a mediator between the people and God, demonstrating his compassion and concern for their well-being. It also reveals God's patience and willingness to listen to the prayers of His servants, even when judgment seems imminent. Ultimately, this passage highlights the importance of prayer, repentance, and the mercy of God in the face of human shortcomings.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them,.... That though he brought them out of Egypt, he was not able to bring them through the wilderness into Canaan; and that though he had wrought many signs and wonders for them, he could work no more, his power failed him, he had exhausted all his might, and could not perform the promise and oath he had made: therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness; because he could not fulfil his word, and so made short work of it, destroying them all together, which Moses suggests would greatly reflect dishonour on him; and in this he shows, that he was more concerned for the glory of God than for his own.