Numbers 21

Numbers 21:1

The Indictment

Moses reminds Korah of his privileged position and task. Whoever becomes proud of what he has received from the Lord, exalts himself above others. The exercise of a ministry in the church should never be a reason for assuming a special function as mediator, which only the Lord Jesus has.

Numbers 21:2

The Indictment

Moses reminds Korah of his privileged position and task. Whoever becomes proud of what he has received from the Lord, exalts himself above others. The exercise of a ministry in the church should never be a reason for assuming a special function as mediator, which only the Lord Jesus has.

Numbers 21:3

The Indictment

Moses reminds Korah of his privileged position and task. Whoever becomes proud of what he has received from the Lord, exalts himself above others. The exercise of a ministry in the church should never be a reason for assuming a special function as mediator, which only the Lord Jesus has.

Numbers 21:4

The Indictment

Moses reminds Korah of his privileged position and task. Whoever becomes proud of what he has received from the Lord, exalts himself above others. The exercise of a ministry in the church should never be a reason for assuming a special function as mediator, which only the Lord Jesus has.

Numbers 21:5

Dathan and Abiram Refuse to Come Up

Dathan and Abiram reject Moses as leader. They accuse him of being an incompetent leader. He has not brought them into a land flowing with milk and honey. On the contrary, they say that he has taken them out of a land flowing with milk and honey. They also accuse Moses of blinding the eyes of the people with beautiful promises, but nothing has come true. But it is exactly the other way around: people who have Egypt in their mind as a land that is flowing with milk and honey, are totally blind to God’s plan and are also totally blind to their own failures. They blind the eyes of others with their false talk.

Here Moses loses his patience. However, he does not express himself against his opponents but against the LORD. He does not take the law into his own hands. He leaves justice to the LORD. He asks the LORD not to regard their offering. With this he aligns them with Cain who came with a selfish offering and whose offering was not accepted by the LORD either (Genesis 4:3; 5a).

He also pleads with God about the selflessness of his conduct. He has never enriched himself at their expense. And he never has done harm to them. He has never behaved like a ruler who demands of his subjects and oppresses them. Samuel, Nehemiah and Paul acted in the same way as Moses (1 Samuel 12:3-5; Nehemiah 5:17-18; Acts 20:33).

Numbers 21:6

Dathan and Abiram Refuse to Come Up

Dathan and Abiram reject Moses as leader. They accuse him of being an incompetent leader. He has not brought them into a land flowing with milk and honey. On the contrary, they say that he has taken them out of a land flowing with milk and honey. They also accuse Moses of blinding the eyes of the people with beautiful promises, but nothing has come true. But it is exactly the other way around: people who have Egypt in their mind as a land that is flowing with milk and honey, are totally blind to God’s plan and are also totally blind to their own failures. They blind the eyes of others with their false talk.

Here Moses loses his patience. However, he does not express himself against his opponents but against the LORD. He does not take the law into his own hands. He leaves justice to the LORD. He asks the LORD not to regard their offering. With this he aligns them with Cain who came with a selfish offering and whose offering was not accepted by the LORD either (Genesis 4:3; 5a).

He also pleads with God about the selflessness of his conduct. He has never enriched himself at their expense. And he never has done harm to them. He has never behaved like a ruler who demands of his subjects and oppresses them. Samuel, Nehemiah and Paul acted in the same way as Moses (1 Samuel 12:3-5; Nehemiah 5:17-18; Acts 20:33).

Numbers 21:7

Dathan and Abiram Refuse to Come Up

Dathan and Abiram reject Moses as leader. They accuse him of being an incompetent leader. He has not brought them into a land flowing with milk and honey. On the contrary, they say that he has taken them out of a land flowing with milk and honey. They also accuse Moses of blinding the eyes of the people with beautiful promises, but nothing has come true. But it is exactly the other way around: people who have Egypt in their mind as a land that is flowing with milk and honey, are totally blind to God’s plan and are also totally blind to their own failures. They blind the eyes of others with their false talk.

Here Moses loses his patience. However, he does not express himself against his opponents but against the LORD. He does not take the law into his own hands. He leaves justice to the LORD. He asks the LORD not to regard their offering. With this he aligns them with Cain who came with a selfish offering and whose offering was not accepted by the LORD either (Genesis 4:3; 5a).

He also pleads with God about the selflessness of his conduct. He has never enriched himself at their expense. And he never has done harm to them. He has never behaved like a ruler who demands of his subjects and oppresses them. Samuel, Nehemiah and Paul acted in the same way as Moses (1 Samuel 12:3-5; Nehemiah 5:17-18; Acts 20:33).

Numbers 21:8

Dathan and Abiram Refuse to Come Up

Dathan and Abiram reject Moses as leader. They accuse him of being an incompetent leader. He has not brought them into a land flowing with milk and honey. On the contrary, they say that he has taken them out of a land flowing with milk and honey. They also accuse Moses of blinding the eyes of the people with beautiful promises, but nothing has come true. But it is exactly the other way around: people who have Egypt in their mind as a land that is flowing with milk and honey, are totally blind to God’s plan and are also totally blind to their own failures. They blind the eyes of others with their false talk.

Here Moses loses his patience. However, he does not express himself against his opponents but against the LORD. He does not take the law into his own hands. He leaves justice to the LORD. He asks the LORD not to regard their offering. With this he aligns them with Cain who came with a selfish offering and whose offering was not accepted by the LORD either (Genesis 4:3; 5a).

He also pleads with God about the selflessness of his conduct. He has never enriched himself at their expense. And he never has done harm to them. He has never behaved like a ruler who demands of his subjects and oppresses them. Samuel, Nehemiah and Paul acted in the same way as Moses (1 Samuel 12:3-5; Nehemiah 5:17-18; Acts 20:33).

Numbers 21:9

Firepan and Incense

The LORD will make it clear who may approach Him by the means of the incense. The place where this happens is at the doorway of the tent of meeting.

Numbers 21:10

Firepan and Incense

The LORD will make it clear who may approach Him by the means of the incense. The place where this happens is at the doorway of the tent of meeting.

Numbers 21:11

Firepan and Incense

The LORD will make it clear who may approach Him by the means of the incense. The place where this happens is at the doorway of the tent of meeting.

Numbers 21:12

The Glory of the LORD Appears

The next day they all come to the doorway of the tent of meeting. Again God speaks about it that He wants to consume the whole people. But again the true shepherd reveals himself, to whom the people of God is dear. Moses does not take the opportunity to get rid of his opponents. That is a great contrast with Korah, Dathan and Abiram. They have no heart for the people, for they drag them with themselves into destruction. By the intercession of Moses God saves the people (Psalms 106:23).

God is called here the “God of the spirits of all flesh”. This name is also found in Numbers 27 (Numbers 27:16). This name indicates that God is omniscient, that He comprehends man’s heart, mind and will.

Numbers 21:13

The Glory of the LORD Appears

The next day they all come to the doorway of the tent of meeting. Again God speaks about it that He wants to consume the whole people. But again the true shepherd reveals himself, to whom the people of God is dear. Moses does not take the opportunity to get rid of his opponents. That is a great contrast with Korah, Dathan and Abiram. They have no heart for the people, for they drag them with themselves into destruction. By the intercession of Moses God saves the people (Psalms 106:23).

God is called here the “God of the spirits of all flesh”. This name is also found in Numbers 27 (Numbers 27:16). This name indicates that God is omniscient, that He comprehends man’s heart, mind and will.

Numbers 21:14

The Glory of the LORD Appears

The next day they all come to the doorway of the tent of meeting. Again God speaks about it that He wants to consume the whole people. But again the true shepherd reveals himself, to whom the people of God is dear. Moses does not take the opportunity to get rid of his opponents. That is a great contrast with Korah, Dathan and Abiram. They have no heart for the people, for they drag them with themselves into destruction. By the intercession of Moses God saves the people (Psalms 106:23).

God is called here the “God of the spirits of all flesh”. This name is also found in Numbers 27 (Numbers 27:16). This name indicates that God is omniscient, that He comprehends man’s heart, mind and will.

Numbers 21:15

The Glory of the LORD Appears

The next day they all come to the doorway of the tent of meeting. Again God speaks about it that He wants to consume the whole people. But again the true shepherd reveals himself, to whom the people of God is dear. Moses does not take the opportunity to get rid of his opponents. That is a great contrast with Korah, Dathan and Abiram. They have no heart for the people, for they drag them with themselves into destruction. By the intercession of Moses God saves the people (Psalms 106:23).

God is called here the “God of the spirits of all flesh”. This name is also found in Numbers 27 (Numbers 27:16). This name indicates that God is omniscient, that He comprehends man’s heart, mind and will.

Numbers 21:16

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:17

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:18

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:19

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:20

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:21

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:22

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:23

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:24

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:25

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:26

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:27

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:28

Korah and His Followers Judged

The sin of these men is a sin to death. In the course of this chapter we see a picture of the developments in professing Christianity. There is talk of three days. The first day is the day of the uprising. We see this in the early days of professing Christianity, when a priesthood class is created. The second day is the day of intercession by Moses. On this basis God gives a way to escape judgment. That way is the way of separation from evil (Revelation 18:4; 2 Timothy 2:19b).

After all these centuries of unfaithfulness of the church, God has not destroyed the church, but has given it a new principle. That is the principle of separation from the evil of all human institutions. In church history we see that this mainly happens in the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) we see the picture that evil is being removed from the church. In this history we see that if evil is not removed from the church, the faithful themselves will have to depart.

Never before has it happened that people entered the realm of the dead alive (Psalms 55:15). It is the dishonor of the beast and the false prophet to be the first living beings to be cast into hell (Revelation 19:20). What will happen to the beast and the false prophet is yet another clear indication that this history refers to the end time of the Christian testimony on earth.

Numbers 21:29

The Bronze Censers

Here begins a special part of the book of Numbers. In this part, the priesthood in its glory is shown as the foundation for the entry of the people into the land. That a new section begins here, can be seen in some Bible translations. Those translations begin here with Numbers 17:1.

Eleazar is the third son of Aaron. The number three speaks of the resurrection. He is the son of the new life, he will become the high priest after Aaron’s death. He is ordered to remove the bronze censers from the fire and use them as a plating for the altar.

The bronze is not consumed by the fire. We can therefore say that the bronze speaks of the righteousness that can withstand the power of judgment. Herein we see a picture of the Lord Jesus, Who is not consumed by God’s judgment. Whoever sees the bronze altar is reminded of the judgment of Korah and his company and of what is resistant to the judgment. It is an enduring testimony, as is the sprouting staff, of the priesthood.

Numbers 21:30

The Bronze Censers

Here begins a special part of the book of Numbers. In this part, the priesthood in its glory is shown as the foundation for the entry of the people into the land. That a new section begins here, can be seen in some Bible translations. Those translations begin here with Numbers 17:1.

Eleazar is the third son of Aaron. The number three speaks of the resurrection. He is the son of the new life, he will become the high priest after Aaron’s death. He is ordered to remove the bronze censers from the fire and use them as a plating for the altar.

The bronze is not consumed by the fire. We can therefore say that the bronze speaks of the righteousness that can withstand the power of judgment. Herein we see a picture of the Lord Jesus, Who is not consumed by God’s judgment. Whoever sees the bronze altar is reminded of the judgment of Korah and his company and of what is resistant to the judgment. It is an enduring testimony, as is the sprouting staff, of the priesthood.

Numbers 21:31

The Bronze Censers

Here begins a special part of the book of Numbers. In this part, the priesthood in its glory is shown as the foundation for the entry of the people into the land. That a new section begins here, can be seen in some Bible translations. Those translations begin here with Numbers 17:1.

Eleazar is the third son of Aaron. The number three speaks of the resurrection. He is the son of the new life, he will become the high priest after Aaron’s death. He is ordered to remove the bronze censers from the fire and use them as a plating for the altar.

The bronze is not consumed by the fire. We can therefore say that the bronze speaks of the righteousness that can withstand the power of judgment. Herein we see a picture of the Lord Jesus, Who is not consumed by God’s judgment. Whoever sees the bronze altar is reminded of the judgment of Korah and his company and of what is resistant to the judgment. It is an enduring testimony, as is the sprouting staff, of the priesthood.

Numbers 21:32

The Bronze Censers

Here begins a special part of the book of Numbers. In this part, the priesthood in its glory is shown as the foundation for the entry of the people into the land. That a new section begins here, can be seen in some Bible translations. Those translations begin here with Numbers 17:1.

Eleazar is the third son of Aaron. The number three speaks of the resurrection. He is the son of the new life, he will become the high priest after Aaron’s death. He is ordered to remove the bronze censers from the fire and use them as a plating for the altar.

The bronze is not consumed by the fire. We can therefore say that the bronze speaks of the righteousness that can withstand the power of judgment. Herein we see a picture of the Lord Jesus, Who is not consumed by God’s judgment. Whoever sees the bronze altar is reminded of the judgment of Korah and his company and of what is resistant to the judgment. It is an enduring testimony, as is the sprouting staff, of the priesthood.

Numbers 21:33

The Bronze Censers

Here begins a special part of the book of Numbers. In this part, the priesthood in its glory is shown as the foundation for the entry of the people into the land. That a new section begins here, can be seen in some Bible translations. Those translations begin here with Numbers 17:1.

Eleazar is the third son of Aaron. The number three speaks of the resurrection. He is the son of the new life, he will become the high priest after Aaron’s death. He is ordered to remove the bronze censers from the fire and use them as a plating for the altar.

The bronze is not consumed by the fire. We can therefore say that the bronze speaks of the righteousness that can withstand the power of judgment. Herein we see a picture of the Lord Jesus, Who is not consumed by God’s judgment. Whoever sees the bronze altar is reminded of the judgment of Korah and his company and of what is resistant to the judgment. It is an enduring testimony, as is the sprouting staff, of the priesthood.

Numbers 21:34

Judgment and Atonement

On the third day the people assemble again against Moses and Aaron. Yesterday the leaders were judged. The people have not yet been judged. Yesterday the people fled, but what happened did not change their minds. Now the evil of the people is revealed. They speak of the rebels as “the LORD’s people” and blame Moses and Aaron for their death! And this while Moses has prayed for the people that the LORD will spare them (Numbers 16:22). They have not let themselves be warned by the judgment they have seen.

Because of this attitude, God judges immediately. Moses sees how the crowd starts to fall. And again we see Moses’ love for his people and even more how much he knows what is in God’s heart of the plans He has with his people. He orders Aaron to take his censer with which he enters the sanctuary on the day of atonement. The incense on it speaks of the Lord Jesus. If God smells this, it is for Him the reason to stop the plague. When God is reminded of the Lord Jesus, He can show mercy.

Atonement here is done by incense and not by blood. That is exceptional. Moses has insight into the heart of God. The Lord Jesus once on the cross brought about atonement by pouring His blood. If we as believers sin, we must confess our sins and there is the “Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1-2). Incense represents prayer (Psalms 141:2; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3-4). Because of the intercession of the Lord Jesus not all the people are killed. He can point out to God what He has done on the cross and to Whom He is in the perfection of His Person.

We have arrived in the history of professing Christianity on the third day. The hallmark of that day is that the whole people are carried away by new teachings, ecumenism and charismatic movement, following what the leaders proclaim. Around us, people in large numbers fall prey to all these doctrines and practices. In order to remain standing, we need the Advocate, Whom we see in the midst of the church of God. Seeing Him and His loveliness to God is the only thing that keeps us from grumbling and rebellion.

Numbers 21:35

Judgment and Atonement

On the third day the people assemble again against Moses and Aaron. Yesterday the leaders were judged. The people have not yet been judged. Yesterday the people fled, but what happened did not change their minds. Now the evil of the people is revealed. They speak of the rebels as “the LORD’s people” and blame Moses and Aaron for their death! And this while Moses has prayed for the people that the LORD will spare them (Numbers 16:22). They have not let themselves be warned by the judgment they have seen.

Because of this attitude, God judges immediately. Moses sees how the crowd starts to fall. And again we see Moses’ love for his people and even more how much he knows what is in God’s heart of the plans He has with his people. He orders Aaron to take his censer with which he enters the sanctuary on the day of atonement. The incense on it speaks of the Lord Jesus. If God smells this, it is for Him the reason to stop the plague. When God is reminded of the Lord Jesus, He can show mercy.

Atonement here is done by incense and not by blood. That is exceptional. Moses has insight into the heart of God. The Lord Jesus once on the cross brought about atonement by pouring His blood. If we as believers sin, we must confess our sins and there is the “Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1-2). Incense represents prayer (Psalms 141:2; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3-4). Because of the intercession of the Lord Jesus not all the people are killed. He can point out to God what He has done on the cross and to Whom He is in the perfection of His Person.

We have arrived in the history of professing Christianity on the third day. The hallmark of that day is that the whole people are carried away by new teachings, ecumenism and charismatic movement, following what the leaders proclaim. Around us, people in large numbers fall prey to all these doctrines and practices. In order to remain standing, we need the Advocate, Whom we see in the midst of the church of God. Seeing Him and His loveliness to God is the only thing that keeps us from grumbling and rebellion.