Numbers 11:23

23 And Yahweh said to Moses, "{Is Yahweh's power limited}? Now you will see if my word will happen or not."

Numbers 11:23 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 11:23

And the Lord said unto Moses
In answer to his objection, without upbraiding him with his sin of unbelief:

is the Lord's hand waxed short?
or his power diminished since the creation, when he formed all things out of nothing, and what is it then he is not able to do? or since he wrought the wonders in Egypt, divided the Red sea, rained down manna from heaven, and smote the rock at Horeb, from whence waters flowed sufficient for all this people, and their flocks and herds; and he that did all this could give them flesh that would suffice them a whole month, see ( Isaiah 59:1 ) ;

thou shall see now whether my words shall come to pass unto thee or
no;
whether I am able to make good my promise; a short time will decide it, it shall be seen presently whether I am and will do what I have said.

Numbers 11:23 In-Context

21 But Moses said, "[There are] six hundred thousand on foot, among whom I [am] in the midst, and you yourself said, 'I will give meat to them, and they will eat for a whole month.'

22 Should flocks and cattle be slaughtered for them? Should all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to be enough for them?"

23 And Yahweh said to Moses, "{Is Yahweh's power limited}? Now you will see if my word will happen or not."

24 So Moses went out, and he spoke the words of Yahweh to the people, and he gathered [together] seventy men from the elders of the people, and he {made them stand} all around the tent.

25 Then Yahweh went down in the cloud and spoke to him, and he took away the spirit that [was] on him, and he {put it} on the seventy elders. And as soon as the spirit was resting on them they prophesied, but they did not do it again.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "Is Yahweh's hand short?"