Numbers 11:23

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."

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 I am with number six hundred thousand on foot; and you say, "I will give them meat, that they may eat for a whole month'!
22 Are there enough flocks and herds to slaughter for them? Are there enough fish in the sea to catch 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; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent.
25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Heb [Lord's hand too short?]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.