Moses was having trouble with "the children of Israel", since the departure from Egypt. Various rebellions and "murmuring" had to be dealt with.
In Num. 14, the situation reached a critical stage with a further show of resistance. The "spies" had lied in their report to Moses, except for Joshua and Caleb, who alone out of the "12", reported to Moses accurately.
However, the rebels were intent on killing Moses. At this stage Jehovah appears, and in His discussion with Moses is intent on drastic retribution on the rebels, even to the extent of starting a new Nation with Moses!
Moses argued against the apparent intentions of The Almighty, and gave various reasons why He should not eliminate Israel, (Num. 14:11-24). The reference to the "iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation" is part of the reasoning with God, that Moses is doing rhetorically.
The origin of the verse in question, is Exodus 20:5, and is a continuation of the 2nd Commandment, which is "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image". The full quote is; V.5, "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I Jehovah thy God (El.) am a zealous GOD, charging the perverseness of the fathers upon the sons unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me". (This is translated from the original Hebrew copy manuscripts). The next words from the 6th verse are hardly ever quoted. "And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me.
"When Moses and Almighty God were having their "dialogue" regarding Israel's sin and rebellion, as we know now, it was for "the record", in this case Scripture!
The stage was being set in words, for the understanding by mankind, (those that will look to understand), of sin, its consequences, and the solution, i.e. in Christ Jesus!
This particular verse causes much heartache when used without proper translation and understanding, as is often the case, and also without the full quote in context!
However, that at present is allowed to Satan! When used from the pulpit for wrong reasons, Satan is speaking!
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