Numbers 11:23

23 The LORD said to Moses, "Is ¹the LORD'S power limited? Now you shall see whether ²My word will come true for you 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, "The people, among whom I am, are 600,000 on foot; yet You have said, 'I will give them meat, so that they may eat for a whole month.'

22 "Should flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to be sufficient for them? Or should all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to be sufficient for them?"

23 The LORD said to Moses, "Is the LORD'S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not."

24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the LORD . Also, he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people, and stationed them around the tent.

25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took of the Spirit who was upon him and placed Him upon the seventy elders. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do it again.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 50:2; Isaiah 59:1
• 2. Ezekiel 12:25; Ezekiel 24:14

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "hand short"
• [b]. Lit "befall you"