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Numbers 14:19 - Divine mercy overcomes sin

Numbers 14:19 - במדבר 14:19

Hebrew Text

סְלַח־נָא לַעֲוֺן הָעָם הַזֶּה כְּגֹדֶל חַסְדֶּךָ וְכַאֲשֶׁר נָשָׂאתָה לָעָם הַזֶּה מִמִּצְרַיִם וְעַד־הֵנָּה׃

English Translation

Pardon, I pray thee, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of thy love, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Miżrayim until now.

Transliteration

S'lach-na la'avon ha'am hazeh k'godel chasdecha v'cha'asher nasata la'am hazeh miMitzrayim v'ad-hena.

Hebrew Leining Text

סְלַֽח־נָ֗א לַעֲוֺ֛ן הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּ֖ה כְּגֹ֣דֶל חַסְדֶּ֑ךָ וְכַאֲשֶׁ֤ר נָשָׂ֙אתָה֙ לָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם וְעַד־הֵֽנָּה׃
סְלַֽח־נָ֗א לַעֲוֺ֛ן הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּ֖ה כְּגֹ֣דֶל חַסְדֶּ֑ךָ וְכַאֲשֶׁ֤ר נָשָׂ֙אתָה֙ לָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם וְעַד־הֵֽנָּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 14:19) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's plea to Hashem after the sin of the Meraglim (the spies), when Bnei Yisrael rejected the Land of Israel and displayed a lack of faith. Moshe intercedes on their behalf, asking for divine forgiveness.

Key Themes in Moshe's Prayer

  • סְלַח־נָא (Please Forgive): Rashi explains that Moshe uses the term "סלח" (forgive) rather than "נשא" (bear/carry) because he is asking for a complete erasure of the sin, not just temporary tolerance.
  • כְּגֹדֶל חַסְדֶּךָ (According to the Greatness of Your Kindness): The Sforno notes that Moshe appeals to Hashem's attribute of chesed (lovingkindness), emphasizing that divine mercy transcends strict justice.
  • וְכַאֲשֶׁר נָשָׂאתָה לָעָם הַזֶּה (As You Have Forgiven This People): Ramban explains that Moshe reminds Hashem of His past forgiveness, particularly after the Golden Calf (Exodus 34:9), setting a precedent for mercy.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 10) highlights that Moshe's plea mirrors the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy (Exodus 34:6-7). By invoking Hashem's past forgiveness "from Egypt until now," Moshe emphasizes that divine compassion has consistently outweighed judgment.

Halachic and Philosophical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:1) derives from this verse that sincere repentance, coupled with divine mercy, can achieve full atonement even for severe sins. Moshe's prayer serves as a model for how leaders—and all Jews—should advocate for others before Hashem.

Linguistic Nuances

The phrase "מִמִּצְרַיִם וְעַד־הֵנָּה" (from Egypt until now) is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as a reminder that Bnei Yisrael had already tested Hashem's patience multiple times (e.g., at the Red Sea, with the manna), yet He continued to sustain them—proof that His mercy endures.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the power of repentance and God's forgiveness, particularly in relation to the High Priest's service on Yom Kippur.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is cited in a discussion about God's mercy and the extent to which He forgives the sins of the Israelites, drawing a parallel to His past forgiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Numbers 14:19?
A: Numbers 14:19 is part of Moshe's (Moses') prayer to Hashem after the sin of the spies. The Jewish people doubted Hashem's promise to bring them into Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), leading to this plea for forgiveness. Rashi explains that Moshe was asking Hashem to forgive them based on His great kindness and past forgiveness.
Q: Why does Moshe mention Egypt in his prayer?
A: Moshe reminds Hashem of His mercy toward the Jewish people since their redemption from Egypt (Mitzrayim). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that Moshe was highlighting Hashem's consistent patience and forgiveness, asking Him to continue showing the same compassion despite their current sin.
Q: What does 'according to the greatness of Your love' mean?
A: The phrase 'כְּגֹדֶל חַסְדֶּךָ' ('according to the greatness of Your love') refers to Hashem's boundless kindness (chesed). The Rambam explains that true repentance is always accepted, but Moshe was asking for an extra measure of mercy beyond strict justice, based on Hashem's loving nature.
Q: How does this verse teach us about repentance?
A: This verse teaches that sincere prayer and appeal to Hashem's mercy can bring forgiveness, even for serious sins. The Talmud (Berachot 32a) derives from here that prayer is a powerful tool for seeking atonement, especially when we acknowledge Hashem's past kindnesses.
Q: How can we apply this verse in our lives today?
A: We learn from Moshe's prayer that we should always turn to Hashem with humility and trust in His mercy. The Sforno notes that recognizing Hashem's past kindnesses (like the Exodus) strengthens our prayers. Today, we too can ask for forgiveness by appealing to Hashem's endless compassion and our shared history with Him.