Numbers 14:18

The Lord is long suffering, &c.— See Exodus 34:6. Moses urges the general benignity and mercy of God; and, upon the strength of this, intercedes for the people, though confessedly deserving that punishment which God had decreed for the guilty. His argument turns upon the consideration of the divine goodness: "Thou hast been merciful and long suffering hitherto towards this people, rebellious and ungrateful as they are; but, though they are unworthy, thy goodness is still the same: Wilt not thou, therefore, spare them this once; and add this one instance of thy patience to the many thousands that thou hast already given?" And, indeed, when all other grounds of expecting pardon fail the children of men, the boundless extent of the divine goodness is still a foundation of hope to the chiefest of sinners. Are they but humbled into a penitent disposition, they have no reason to sink into despair; for the mercy of God endureth forever.

REFLECTIONS.—Justly displeased at so rebellious a people, God rises out of his place for judgment. (1.) He speaks to Moses, whom they had despised; for, however men reproach them those who honor him, he will honor. 1. God upbraids their unbelief. This was the root of bitterness whence all the evil sprung. Note; Unbelief is among the greater sins, and the cause of all others; and their perseverance in it was still more provoking after all the interpositions they had experienced. It is exceedingly sinful in the people of God, after experience of his mercies to distrust his faithfulness, and he will requite it at their hands. 2. God threatens to consume and disinherit them, and offers, in their stead, to raise up children of the promise from Moses's loins. In judgment, God will not forget his promises; but it is just to deprive those of the blessings, who undervalue and despise them.

(2.) Moses, as usual, turns advocate for the people. He was a true patriot, and preferred Israel's good to his private concerns. His prayer is abrupt and urgent, as from one who expected immediate wrath to break forth. 1. He pleads the honor of God: the eyes of the neighbouring nations were upon them, particularly Egypt and Canaan, who, if they were destroyed, would take occasion to reproach God's power and faithfulness. Note; (1.) God's honor is near the heart of every Israelite. (2.) The eyes of the world are intent upon the people of God, and glad to find any occasion to blaspheme. 2. He urges God's proclamation in Horeb. His power to save, and grace to pardon, to the utmost, have now an opportunity to be displayed; and never could be so wonderfully shewn his patience and long suffering as on the present occasion. It is good to approach God with his own word of promise, and we may well hope then that our prayers will succeed. 3. He prays importunately for pardon, according to the past experience of his mercies. O! what a God have we to do with, who after the deepest and repeated provocations may yet be applied to; and, desperate as our case may seem, there is yet hope in his mercy!