Numbers 14:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This was expressed so that the affection of Moses would be made known: he intercedes for the people not out of fear of forfeiting his power, but from a place of love. It was assured to him that if the Hebrews were wiped out, he would reign over a larger multitude.

The unappreciative and deceitful crowd frequently rejected Moses and almost resorted to stoning him (Ex. 17: 4); nevertheless, with humility and endurance, he pleads on their behalf before the Lord.

A collection of emotions arising from love, collectively affirming and strengthening one another, finds expression in prayer, which serves as the ultimate manifestation of all spiritual sentiments. This practice nourishes and uplifts. See Num. 14:15