Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Da sa Herren til Moses: «Hvor lenge vil dette folket forakte Meg? Og hvor lenge vil de la være å tro på Meg, tross alle tegnene Jeg har gjort blant dem? Jeg vil slå dem med pest og ta fra dem arven og gjøre deg til et folk som er større og mektigere enn dem.» Moses svarte: «Dersom du dreper dette folket, vil egypterne få høre om det. Ved hjelp av Din makt er dette folket sluppet ut av Egypt. Ryktene vil spre seg til dem som bor i dette landet. Det de nå har hørt, er hvordan Du, Herren, er midt iblant dette folket, og viser Deg for dem ansikt til ansikt, og at Din sky står over dem og leder dem som en skysøyle om dagen og i en ildsøyle om natten. Hvis Du dreper dette folket som én mann, vil alle folkeslagene som har hørt alt dette gode om deg, si: ‘Fordi Herren ikke klarte å føre dette folket inn i landet Han ville gi dem, har Han slaktet dem ned i ørkenen.’ Men nå – jeg ber Deg – Vis heller Din mektige kraft slik Du selv tidligere har sagt: ‘Herren er ikke snar til å bli sint, men viser villig sin store nåde. Han tilgir menneskers feiltrinn og synder. Men Han lar ikke den skyldige slippe straff, men straffer barna i tredje og fjerde ledd for forfedrenes synd.’ Jeg ber Deg: ‘Tilgi dette folket! Vis Din store nåde og tilgi oss, slik Du har tilgitt dette folket hele veien fra Egypt og helt til nå.’»
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from Numbers, God is speaking to Moses and expressing frustration at the people's lack of trust in Him, despite all the miracles He has performed for them. He wants to know how much longer He will have to deal with their lack of faith.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing with your friend, and you've shown them all your cool magic tricks. But no matter how many times you show them, they still don't believe you can do it. That's how God feels in this verse. He's asking Moses why the people don't trust Him even after He's shown them so many amazing things.
Historical Background
Numbers was written by Moses around 1446-1406 B.C. as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was one of uncertainty and lack of trust in God's promises.
Living It Out Today
This verse can apply to situations where a leader or parent feels frustrated when their followers or children do not trust them, even after many acts of goodwill or proof of reliability. For example, a manager who has repeatedly shown the benefits of a new process but still faces employee skepticism might relate to God's frustration.
God feels frustrated because the Israelites doubted Him repeatedly despite His proven reliability through numerous miracles and signs.
What does this verse teach about faith?
It teaches that faith requires believing in God's promises even when we haven't seen them fulfilled, and that persistent doubt can lead to frustration for both God and His followers.
How can this verse apply to leadership?
Leaders can use this verse to reflect on the importance of building trust through consistent action and reliability, and to be patient with those who struggle to trust.
What are some examples of God's signs to the Israelites?
Examples include the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the manna in the wilderness, all signs of God's power and care for His people.