In
very deed, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with Yahweh’s glory.
Numbers 14:21
Now please let the power of the Lord[a] be great, according as you have spoken, saying, ‘Yahweh is slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, forgiving iniquity and disobedience; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation.’ Please pardon the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of your loving kindness, and according as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.”
Numbers 14 [20.] Yahweh said, “I have pardoned according to your word: but in very deed, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with Yahweh’s glory; because all those men who have seen my glory, and my signs, which I worked in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have tempted me these ten times, and have not listened to my voice; surely they shall not see the land which I swore to their fathers, neither shall any of those who despised me see it. But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him I will bring into the land into which he went.
Footnotes:
a. Numbers 14:17 The word translated “Lord” is “Adonai.”
Meaning:
This verse is a powerful declaration made by God in response to the rebellion and lack of faith shown by the Israelites. It is set within a context of judgment, yet it also contains a profound promise and a reminder of God’s unchanging nature and purpose.
- Context of Numbers 14:21
To understand the significance of this verse, we need to look at the broader narrative in Numbers 13-14. The Israelites, after being delivered from Egypt and receiving God’s law at Mount Sinai, were on the brink of entering the Promised Land. Moses sent twelve spies to explore Canaan, and they returned with a report. Although the land was indeed "flowing with milk and honey" (Numbers 13:27), ten of the spies brought back a negative report, focusing on the formidable inhabitants and fortified cities. They instilled fear among the people, leading to widespread despair and rebellion. The Israelites even talked about returning to Egypt, refusing to trust in God’s promise.
In response to their lack of faith and their rejection of His plan, God declared His judgment: the current generation, except for Caleb and Joshua (the two faithful spies), would not enter the Promised Land. Instead, they would wander in the wilderness for forty years until that unbelieving generation had passed away.
- The Declaration of God’s Glory
Numbers 14:21 stands out as a firm declaration of God’s sovereignty and the certainty of His purpose. Despite the rebellion and faithlessness of His people, God declares, "As truly as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD."
God’s Unchanging Purpose: The phrase "as truly as I live" is an oath by God Himself. It underscores His absolute determination and the certainty of His word. God is essentially saying that His plans and purposes are not thwarted by human unbelief. His glory will be revealed and acknowledged throughout the earth, regardless of Israel's rebellion.
The Glory of the LORD: The declaration that "all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD" is a promise that points to a future reality. In Scripture, the "glory of the LORD" often refers to His manifest presence, power, and majesty. This glory is seen in God’s creation, His acts of redemption, and His judgment. It’s a reminder that God’s glory is not limited to one place or one people; it will ultimately be recognized by all creation.
The Broader Implications
This verse has profound implications for how we understand God’s sovereignty and His redemptive plan.
God’s Sovereignty Over All Creation: Numbers 14:21 reminds us that God is the sovereign ruler over all the earth. His glory is not confined to the tabernacle, to Israel, or even to the boundaries of the Promised Land. It extends to all creation. This theme is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim cry out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory!" and Habakkuk 2:14, which proclaims, "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."
A Promise of Future Fulfillment: While this declaration in Numbers is made in a context of judgment, it also carries a promise of future fulfillment. It points to the ultimate plan of God to redeem and restore all of creation. In the New Testament, this promise is further developed, pointing to the time when Jesus Christ will reign as King, and the glory of God will be fully revealed in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:23-24).
God’s Faithfulness Despite Human Unfaithfulness: The Israelites' rebellion did not negate God's promise. Although the generation that disobeyed would not see the Promised Land, God remained faithful to His covenant. His purpose—to fill the earth with His glory—would still be accomplished. This is a powerful reminder that God’s plans do not depend on human faithfulness. His purposes will stand, and His glory will be revealed, no matter what.
Application for Our Lives
For us today, Numbers 14:21 serves as both a challenge and a comfort.
A Challenge to Trust in God: The rebellion of the Israelites was rooted in a lack of trust in God’s promises. They saw the obstacles before them and chose to focus on their fears rather than on God’s power and faithfulness. We, too, are often faced with challenges that test our faith. This verse challenges us to trust in God, to believe that His purposes are good, and that He is able to fulfill His promises, no matter how impossible the situation may seem.
A Comfort in God’s Sovereignty: In a world that often seems chaotic and out of control, it’s comforting to know that God is sovereign, and His glory will fill the earth. We can take solace in the fact that God’s plans will ultimately prevail, and His glory will be revealed to all. This gives us hope and assurance, even in the midst of uncertainty.
Conclusion: Numbers 14:21 is a profound declaration of God’s unchanging purpose and the certainty that His glory will fill the earth. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty, His faithfulness, and the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan. As we reflect on this verse, may we be encouraged to trust in God’s promises and to live in the light of His coming glory, knowing that His purposes will prevail, and His glory will be seen by all.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible