God's Reputation

But Moses objected. “What will the Egyptians think when they hear about it?” he asked the LORD. “They know full well the power you displayed in rescuing your people from Egypt. [Numbers 14.13] 

I have always read this account of Moses interceding for Israel urging God to consider His own reputation with the idea that God would even feel compelled to protect His reputation. But, is God really concerned with His reputation? We need to think this through... If you are God and control absolutely everything, what does your reputation matter anyway?

First, Moses was not as concerned with what the Egyptians thought as much as with what they would say to the inhabitants of Canaan (where Israel was going).

Now if you destroy them, the Egyptians will send a report to the inhabitants of this land, who have already heard that you live among your people. They know, LORD, that you have appeared to your people face to face and that your pillar of cloud hovers over them. They know that you go before them in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Now if you slaughter all these people with a single blow, the nations that have heard of your fame will say, ‘The LORD was not able to bring them into the land he swore to give them, so he killed them in the wilderness.’ [Numbers 14.14-16]

As the Scriptures go on to reveal, it is made known that the inhabitants of The Promised Land were terrified of Israel.

Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk with them. “I know the LORD has given you this land,” she told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. For we have heard how the LORD made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed. No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below. [Joshua 2.8-11]

 As Israel was commanded to wipe out the inhabitants of Canaan (because their sin was so great), what did it matter what Canaan thought about God? What was the significance of Canaan's state of terror?

The Bible says:

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. [Proverbs 9-10]

Rahab, in good judgement out of fear AND knowledge of God, held out for mercy. Just as she knew God had performed incredible miracles on behalf of Israel, she would have known that God had shown Israel great mercy regarding their stupid stunts as well. Her request of the spies for protection demonstrated her belief that God was indeed to be feared, but was merciful by nature. And, you know what God did? He saved Rahab and her family.

What Moses did for Israel was demonstrate before God his understanding of God's will for mankind to be saved, not God's selfish concern with His reputation! In Old Testament imagery of Jesus Christ, Moses interceded that people might be saved. Rahab's salvation still testifies of God's love and mercy even today.

Had God wiped out Israel, He would have been seen only as an angry God of justice and not also the God of mercy. The apostle Paul had great insight into this:

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? [Romans 2.4]

What Moses interceded for was critical in Rahab's salvation. Preserving God's reputation wasn't for God's benefit, it was for Rahab's benefit. And, this same reputation is for our benefit today:

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [John 3.16] 

Father, help us to see Your reputation in Jesus Christ. Help us to wisely see Your anger against sin in contrast to Your love for mankind on the Cross. So be it.