The Unfailing Promise of God
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not." - Numbers 11:23

In the narrative of Numbers 11:23, we encounter a profound moment of divine reassurance directed towards Moses. The verse reads, "And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not." This statement from God holds immense significance, especially when we consider the context and the challenges faced by Moses and the Israelites.
At this point in the story, the Israelites are weary and discontent, longing for the comforts of their former life in Egypt. They crave meat, complaining against the miraculous provision of manna, which they have grown tired of. Moses, overwhelmed by their demands and his own weariness of leadership, brings his grievances before God. He laments his inability to manage the burdens of the people and, feeling inadequate, questions God's ability to provide for their needs.
God's response to Moses is striking. He asks, "Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?" This rhetorical question serves to challenge Moses’ perception of God’s power. It is as if God is saying: "Do you doubt my capability? Do you think my resources are limited? Have you forgotten who I am?" God’s hand represents His might, His authority, and His providence. In declaring that His hand has not waxed short, God is reminding Moses—and us—that His power is limitless, that His promises will not, cannot, fail.
This powerful moment invites us to reflect on our own doubts and struggles. How often do we find ourselves resembling Moses? Faced with overwhelming circumstances, we sometimes question God’s ability to intervene. We may ask ourselves, "Can God really meet this need? Can He change my situation? Does He see my pain?" Just as God urged Moses to recognize His sovereignty, He invites us to trust in His omnipotence and His faithfulness.
The phrase "thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not" is a call to faith. God is issuing a divine challenge to Moses to witness His power manifest in reality. The challenge for us today remains similar. We are called to believe in God's word, to hold fast to His promises, and to anticipate His actions in our lives. God’s willingness to fulfill His word does not depend on our understanding or our limited perspective. Rather, it is anchored in His eternal character and unchanging nature.
As we meditate on this scripture, let us take comfort in the assurance that God’s hand is not shortened. He who established the universe with a word, who delivered His people from the bondage of Egypt, and who raised Christ from the dead has the power to fulfill His promises in our lives. We may face plagues of doubt, sickness, lack, and fear, but in each of these, God’s capability to deliver us remains unchanged.
Let this passage remind us to shift our focus from our circumstances to the God who stands above them. May we choose to respond to life's questions and challenges with faith, declaring our confidence in the hand of the Lord. Let us remember that God operates outside of our limitations and that what seems impossible to us is well within His reach. His promises are as reliable today as they were in the days of Moses. Let us walk boldly in faith, expecting to see God move according to His word and His will.
In conclusion, as you face the trials of your life this week, remember the words of the Lord to Moses. Affirm in your heart: the Lord's hand is never shortened, and His words will come to pass in our lives. Let faith fill your heart and strengthen your resolve as you anticipate the unfolding of God's promises.
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Numbers 11:23 Artwork
Numbers 11:23 - "And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not."
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not." - Numbers 11:23
Numbers 23:11 - "And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether."
Numbers 11. 4 to 6
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Numbers 11
Numbers 8:23 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 16:23 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 33:23 - "And they went from Kehelathah, and pitched in mount Shapher."
Numbers 11:17
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Numbers 11:15
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Numbers 3:23 - "The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward."
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Genesis 23:11
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Numbers 11:16-26
Numbers 23:23 - "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!"
Numbers 10:23 - "And over the host of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur."
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Deuteronomy 11:23
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Numbers 34:23 - "The prince of the children of Joseph, for the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod."
Numbers 1:11 - "Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni."
Numbers 26:11 - "Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not."