14 and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land . They have heard that You, O Lord , are in the midst of this people , for You, O Lord , are seen eye to eye , while Your cloud stands over them; and You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 14:14

Commentary on Numbers 14:11-19

(Read Numbers 14:11-19)

Moses made humble intercession for Israel. Herein he was a type of Christ, who prayed for those that despitefully used him. The pardon of a nation's sin, is the turning away the nation's punishment; and for that Moses is here so earnest. Moses argued that, consistently with God's character, in his abundant mercies, he could forgive them.