Numbers 17:13

Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to perish?"

Study Bible

Everyone who comes near
This phrase underscores the holiness and sanctity of the tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among His people. In Hebrew, the word for "comes near" is "קָרַב" (qarab), which implies approaching or drawing near with the intent of worship or offering. The context here is a reminder of the reverence required when approaching God. Historically, the Israelites had witnessed the consequences of irreverence, such as the deaths of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2), which reinforced the need for proper respect and ritual purity.

who comes near to the tabernacle of the LORD
The "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan) was the portable earthly dwelling place of Yahweh used by the Israelites from the Exodus until the conquest of Canaan. It was a sacred space, meticulously designed according to divine specifications (Exodus 25-31). The phrase "of the LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) emphasizes the personal name of God, highlighting His covenant relationship with Israel. The tabernacle was not just a physical structure but a symbol of God's presence and His desire to dwell among His people.

will die
This stark warning reflects the seriousness of approaching God without the proper respect or ritual purity. The Hebrew word for "die" is "מוּת" (muth), which conveys the finality and severity of the consequence. In the context of Numbers, this warning follows the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, where the earth swallowed them for their challenge against God's appointed leadership (Numbers 16). The death penalty for unauthorized access to the tabernacle served as a deterrent against casual or irreverent approaches to the divine presence.

Are we all going to perish?
This rhetorical question reveals the fear and anxiety of the Israelites after witnessing the divine judgment on those who approached God improperly. The Hebrew word for "perish" is "אָבַד" (abad), which means to be lost or destroyed. This reflects the people's realization of their own sinfulness and the holiness of God. It is a moment of introspection and recognition of the need for a mediator, which in the Old Testament context, was fulfilled by the priesthood. This foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Christ, who provides access to God through His sacrifice, as emphasized in the New Testament (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to guide His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother and the first high priest, whose rod budded as a sign of God's chosen priesthood.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, who were often rebellious and questioning of God's chosen leaders.

4. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, a sacred space where His presence was manifest.

5. The Budding of Aaron's Rod
A miraculous event where Aaron's rod budded, blossomed, and produced almonds, signifying God's choice of Aaron and his descendants for the priesthood.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Holiness
The Israelites' fear of perishing when approaching the tabernacle underscores the holiness of God and the need for reverence in worship.

God's Sovereign Choice
Aaron's rod budding was a clear sign of God's sovereign choice, reminding us that God appoints leaders according to His will.

The Role of Intercession
Aaron's role as high priest points to the importance of intercession, a role fulfilled by Christ as our ultimate High Priest.

The Danger of Rebellion
The Israelites' fear reflects the consequences of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, urging us to submit to God's authority.

The Assurance of God's Presence
Despite their fear, the Israelites were assured of God's presence among them, a promise that extends to believers today through the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fear of the Israelites in Numbers 17:13 reflect their understanding of God's holiness, and how should this influence our approach to worship today?

2. In what ways does Aaron's budding rod serve as a symbol of God's authority and choice, and how can we discern God's calling in our own lives?

3. How does the role of the high priest in the Old Testament foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest, and what implications does this have for our prayer life?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' rebellion and fear about the importance of submitting to God's appointed leaders in the church?

5. How can we find assurance in God's presence in our lives today, and what practices can help us cultivate an awareness of His presence?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28-29
These chapters describe the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing the priesthood that Numbers 17 reaffirms.

Hebrews 9:1-10
This passage discusses the earthly tabernacle and its regulations, connecting the Old Testament practices to the New Covenant.

1 Peter 2:9
This verse speaks of believers as a royal priesthood, drawing a parallel to the chosen priesthood of Aaron.