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Numbers 14:20 - Divine mercy after pleading.

Numbers 14:20 - במדבר 14:20

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה סָלַחְתִּי כִּדְבָרֶךָ׃

English Translation

And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word:

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai salachti kidvarecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהֹוָ֔ה סָלַ֖חְתִּי כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהֹוָ֔ה סָלַ֖חְתִּי כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 14:20) appears in the aftermath of the sin of the spies, when the Israelites rejected the Land of Israel and expressed a lack of faith in Hashem's promise. Moshe Rabbeinu intercedes on their behalf, pleading for divine mercy. Hashem responds with this declaration of forgiveness: "סָלַחְתִּי כִּדְבָרֶךָ" ("I have pardoned according to thy word").

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Hashem's forgiveness is conditional—He pardons the nation "כִּדְבָרֶךָ" ("according to your word"), meaning in the merit of Moshe's prayer. However, Rashi notes that while the decree of immediate annihilation was lifted, the punishment of wandering in the wilderness for forty years remained (based on Numbers 14:34). This teaches that even when Hashem forgives, consequences may still follow to instill proper reverence.

Rambam on Divine Forgiveness

The Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Teshuvah (2:1) explains that true divine forgiveness requires sincere repentance. Here, Hashem's pardon is granted due to Moshe's advocacy, but the people's lack of complete teshuvah (repentance) resulted in lingering consequences. This aligns with the principle that divine mercy operates alongside justice.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 10) emphasizes Moshe's role as an intermediary, illustrating the power of a righteous leader's prayer. The phrase "כִּדְבָרֶךָ" highlights that Moshe's words—modeled after the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy (Exodus 34:6-7)—activated divine compassion.
  • The Sifrei (on Numbers 14:20) notes that Hashem's forgiveness was partial, sparing the nation from total destruction but not absolving them entirely. This reflects the balance between rachamim (mercy) and din (judgment).

Kabbalistic Perspective

The Zohar (III, 120a) interprets "סָלַחְתִּי" as an elevation of the people's souls despite their physical punishment. The term "סליחה" (forgiveness) is linked to the sefirah of Tiferet, harmonizing strict justice with compassion through Moshe's intervention.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 32a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the power of prayer and Moses' intercession for Israel after the sin of the golden calf.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine forgiveness and the merit of the righteous in securing pardon for the people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I have pardoned according to thy word' mean in Numbers 14:20?
A: This verse refers to Hashem accepting Moshe's plea for forgiveness after the sin of the spies. Rashi explains that Hashem granted partial forgiveness - the current generation would not enter Israel, but their children would inherit the land.
Q: Why is Moshe's prayer in this verse important?
A: This shows the power of righteous prayer. The Talmud (Berachos 32a) teaches that Moshe's prayer was effective because he appealed to Hashem's mercy and reputation among the nations. This sets an example for how we should pray for forgiveness.
Q: What can we learn from Hashem's response in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Shelach 13) teaches that this shows Hashem's attribute of mercy - even when justice demands punishment, Hashem finds ways to show compassion when we sincerely repent.
Q: How does this verse about forgiveness apply today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 2:1) explains that this teaches us that sincere repentance is always accepted by Hashem, though consequences of our actions may remain. We learn that prayer can change decrees.
Q: Why did Hashem say 'according to thy word' when forgiving?
A: Rashi explains this means Hashem granted forgiveness in the specific way Moshe requested - sparing the nation from complete destruction, though not removing all consequences. This shows Hashem's careful consideration of righteous prayers.