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Numbers 17:12

Numbers 17:12 in Multiple Translations

Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost!

And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we perish, we are undone, we are all undone.

And the children of Israel said to Moses, Truly, destruction has come on us; an evil fate has overtaken us all.

Then the Israelites came and told Moses, “Can't you see we're all going to die? We'll be destroyed! We're all going to be killed!

And the children of Israel spake vnto Moses, saying, Behold, we are dead, we perish, we are all lost:

And the sons of Israel speak unto Moses, saying, 'Lo, we have expired; we have perished; we have all of us perished;

The children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, we perish! We are undone! We are all undone!

And the children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

And the children of Israel said to Moses: Behold we are consumed, we all perish.

Then the Israeli people said to Moses/me, “We are going to die! All of us are surely going to die!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 17:12

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 17:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח אַהֲרֹ֜ן כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבֶּ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֗ה וַ/יָּ֨רָץ֙ אֶל תּ֣וֹך הַ/קָּהָ֔ל וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה הֵחֵ֥ל הַ/נֶּ֖גֶף בָּ/עָ֑ם וַ/יִּתֵּן֙ אֶֽת הַ/קְּטֹ֔רֶת וַ/יְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל הָ/עָֽם
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַהֲרֹ֜ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
דִּבֶּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֗ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
וַ/יָּ֨רָץ֙ rûwts H7323 to run Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
תּ֣וֹך tâvek H8432 midst N-ms
הַ/קָּהָ֔ל qâhâl H6951 assembly Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part
הֵחֵ֥ל châlal H2490 to bore V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
הַ/נֶּ֖גֶף negeph H5063 plague Art | N-ms
בָּ/עָ֑ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּתֵּן֙ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/קְּטֹ֔רֶת qᵉṭôreth H7004 incense Art | N-fs
וַ/יְכַפֵּ֖ר kâphar H3722 to atone Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הָ/עָֽם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 17:12

וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אַהֲרֹ֜ן ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
מֹשֶׁ֗ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
וַ/יָּ֨רָץ֙ rûwts H7323 "to run" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
תּ֣וֹך tâvek H8432 "midst" N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הַ/קָּהָ֔ל qâhâl H6951 "assembly" Art | N-ms
A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body
Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
הֵחֵ֥ל châlal H2490 "to bore" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
הַ/נֶּ֖גֶף negeph H5063 "plague" Art | N-ms
A plague or a stumble is what this Hebrew word describes, used in Numbers to describe God's punishment and in Isaiah to describe human weakness. It can also mean a blow or a strike, and is used to convey the idea of something bad happening.
Definition: 1) blow, striking, plague 1a) blow, plague (fatal) 1b) striking
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: plague, stumbling. See also: Exodus 12:13; Numbers 17:11; Isaiah 8:14.
בָּ/עָ֑ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַ/יִּתֵּן֙ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶֽת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/קְּטֹ֔רֶת qᵉṭôreth H7004 "incense" Art | N-fs
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Definition: 1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice 1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice 1b) incense 1c) perfume
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (sweet) incense, perfume. See also: Exodus 25:6; Numbers 7:50; Psalms 66:15.
וַ/יְכַפֵּ֖ר kâphar H3722 "to atone" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/עָֽם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

Study Notes — Numbers 17:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 26:11 However, the line of Korah did not die out.
2 Isaiah 57:16 For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me, with the breath of those I have made.
3 Isaiah 6:5 Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”
4 Hebrews 12:5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you.
5 Proverbs 19:3 A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
6 Psalms 90:7 For we are consumed by Your anger and terrified by Your wrath.

Numbers 17:12 Summary

The Israelites were scared and felt like they were all going to die because they realized how holy and powerful God is, as seen in Numbers 17:10-11. They understood that if they approached God's tabernacle without being called, they would die, as stated in Numbers 17:13, similar to the warning given in Leviticus 10:1-3. This fear can be a natural response to God's power, but it's how we respond that matters, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and 1 John 1:9. We can learn from the Israelites' fear and desperation by recognizing our own sinfulness and humble ourselves before God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness, as encouraged in Romans 3:23 and Acts 3:19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of the Israelites' cry of desperation in Numbers 17:12?

The Israelites had just witnessed the miraculous sign of Aaron's staff budding, which was a demonstration of God's power and authority, as instructed in Numbers 17:10, and yet they still expressed fear and doubt, revealing their lack of trust in God's provision and care, similar to the concerns expressed in Exodus 16:3.

Why did the Israelites feel they were perishing?

The Israelites felt they were perishing because they had come to realize the gravity of their sin and rebellion against God, and they understood that anyone who approached the tabernacle of the Lord without proper authorization would die, as stated in Numbers 17:13, reminiscent of the warnings given in Leviticus 10:1-3.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Numbers 17?

This verse highlights the Israelites' ongoing struggle with unbelief and rebellion, despite the many signs and wonders God had performed among them, as seen in Numbers 14:11 and Numbers 16:30-35, which ultimately points to their need for a savior and mediator, foreshadowing the role of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, as described in Hebrews 3:1-6.

What can we learn from the Israelites' fear and desperation in this verse?

We can learn that fear and doubt can be a natural response to God's holiness and power, but it is how we respond to those feelings that matters, as seen in Psalm 51:17, where David humbles himself and seeks God's mercy, and in 1 John 1:9, where we are encouraged to confess our sins and receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am struggling with fear and doubt, and how can I apply the lessons from Numbers 17:12 to those situations?
  2. In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be prone to rebellion and unbelief, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and provision, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:19?
  3. How can I balance the fear of God's holiness with the knowledge of His love and mercy, as described in 1 John 4:8 and Revelation 4:8?
  4. What are some ways I can, like Moses, intercede for others and point them to God's power and authority, as seen in Exodus 32:11-14 and Numbers 14:13-19?
  5. In what ways can I apply the principle of humility and recognition of my own sinfulness, as seen in the Israelites' cry of desperation, to my own life and relationships, as encouraged in James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:6?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:12

And the children of Israel spake unto Moses,.... The princes of the tribes, who had seen the miracle of the rod, and knew that it was laid up in the most holy place, and for what purpose, which gave

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:12

And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 17:12

Words of consternation arising, partly, from the remembrance of these severe and repeated judgments; partly, from the threatening of death upon ally succeeding murmurings; partly, from the sense of their own guilt and weakness, which made them fear lest they should relapse into the same miscarriages, and thereby bring the vengeance of God upon themselves.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 17:12

(12, 13) And the children of Israel spake unto Moses . . . —The special manifestations of Divine power which the Israelites had witnessed excited within them salutary emotions of awe and of anxious apprehension, but do not seem to have awakened within them any corresponding sense of gratitude either for their deliverance from the plague, or for the privileges which they enjoyed by reason of the Divine presence amongst them. The true answer to their inquiry whether they were doomed utterly to perish is contained in the following chapter, in which the priesthood of Christ is typically set forth as bearing the iniquity of the sanctuary, and thus making reconciliation for the sins and securing the acceptance of the imperfect service of His people.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 17:12

Verse 12. Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.] גוענו gavaenu signifies not so much to die simply, as to feel an extreme difficulty of breathing, which, producing suffocation, ends at last in death. See the folly and extravagance of this sinful people. At first, every person might come near to God, for all, they thought, were sufficiently holy, and every way qualified to minister in holy things. Now, no one, in their apprehension, can come near to the tabernacle without being consumed, Numbers 17:13. In both cases they were wrong; some there were who might approach, others there were who might not. God had put the difference. His decision should have been final with them; but sinners are ever running into extremes.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 17:12

12. we expire, we perish, we all perish] This and the following verse form a transition to ch. 18, in which the Levites guard the Tent, lest any layman should perish by approaching it, as Korah and his company had attempted to do.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 17:12

A new section should begin with these verses. They are connected retrospectively with Num. 16; and form the immediate introduction to Num. 18. The people were terror-stricken by the fate of the company of Korah and by the plague.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 17:12

12. We all perish — This miracle made a deeper impression upon the people than any other wrought in the wilderness except the terrific display of power at the giving of the law on Mount Sinai.

Sermons on Numbers 17:12

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Numbers by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into key chapters in the book of Numbers, highlighting the importance of obedience, discipline, and discernment in the journey of faith. It emphasizes the conseq
J. Wesley Adcock Eternity by J. Wesley Adcock In this sermon, the preacher uses various illustrations to emphasize the brevity of life and the importance of recognizing the limited time we have on Earth. He compares life to a
Octavius Winslow The Lord's Measured Correction by Octavius Winslow Octavius Winslow emphasizes the necessity of divine correction in our spiritual journey, illustrating that trials and afflictions are essential for our sanctification and moral fit
Andrew Strom How to Experience Personal Revival by Andrew Strom In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing revival in one's life. He explains that revival is a state of continuous, close communion with God. The founda
Art Katz And They Crucified Him by Art Katz This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the av
Leonard Ravenhill Revival by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah chapter 6 and highlights three key words: woe, love, and go. The first word, woe, represents confession and recognizing our own sinfu
Leonard Ravenhill Anahiem Talk on Revival by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a three-fold vision. He shares a story about a Welshman named Stephen Jeffries who was able to elicit a response fro

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