you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places. you must drive outThe phrase "you must drive out" is a direct command from God to the Israelites, emphasizing the necessity of action. The Hebrew root word here is "yarash," which means to take possession or to dispossess. This command is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate, underscoring the importance of obedience to God's will. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' role as God's chosen people, tasked with establishing a holy nation. The act of driving out the inhabitants is symbolic of removing sin and corruption, aligning with the broader biblical theme of sanctification and purity. all the inhabitants of the land
This phrase refers to the Canaanites who occupied the Promised Land. The Hebrew word for "inhabitants" is "yashab," meaning those who dwell or reside. The Canaanites were known for their idolatrous practices, which were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh. The command to remove them is not about ethnic cleansing but about spiritual purity. Theologically, this represents the need to remove influences that lead believers away from God, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture as a call to holiness. before you
The phrase "before you" indicates the presence of the Israelites in the land, suggesting a divine appointment and timing. It implies that God has gone ahead of them, preparing the way for their victory. This is a recurring biblical theme where God leads His people, providing assurance of His presence and support. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan, a journey marked by God's guidance and provision. destroy all their carved images
The command to "destroy all their carved images" highlights the prohibition against idolatry. The Hebrew word for "carved images" is "pesel," referring to idols or graven images. This command is rooted in the first and second commandments, which forbid the worship of other gods and the making of idols. The destruction of these images is a physical act representing the spiritual rejection of false gods. It serves as a reminder of the exclusive worship that God demands from His people. and cast off all their cast images
The phrase "cast off all their cast images" further emphasizes the rejection of idolatry. The Hebrew word for "cast images" is "massekah," which refers to molten or metal images. This command reinforces the need to eliminate all forms of idol worship, which were prevalent in Canaanite culture. Theologically, it speaks to the need for believers to rid themselves of anything that takes the place of God in their lives, a call to spiritual fidelity and devotion. and demolish all their high places
The command to "demolish all their high places" refers to the destruction of altars and worship sites used for pagan rituals. The Hebrew term "bamah" is used for "high places," which were often elevated sites where sacrifices and offerings were made to false gods. This command underscores the need to remove all traces of pagan worship, ensuring that the land is dedicated solely to the worship of Yahweh. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of worshiping God in the manner He prescribes, free from syncretism and compromise. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being instructed to take possession of the Promised Land. 2. CanaanThe land promised to the Israelites, inhabited by various pagan nations at the time. 3. Carved Images and Cast IdolsRepresentations of false gods worshiped by the Canaanites, which the Israelites are commanded to destroy. 4. High PlacesElevated sites used for pagan worship, which were common in Canaan and needed to be demolished. 5. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is conveying God's instructions to the people. Teaching Points Spiritual PurityJust as the Israelites were commanded to remove all forms of idolatry, Christians today are called to remove anything that takes the place of God in their lives. Obedience to GodThe Israelites' success in the Promised Land depended on their obedience to God's commands. Similarly, our spiritual success is tied to our obedience. Vigilance Against IdolatryIdolatry can take many forms, not just physical idols. We must be vigilant against anything that competes with our devotion to God. Holiness and SeparationThe call to demolish high places is a call to holiness, separating ourselves from practices and influences that are contrary to God's will. Trust in God's PlanThe command to drive out the inhabitants was part of God's plan for Israel. Trusting in God's plan for our lives requires faith and action. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our relationship with God, and how can we "destroy" them in our lives? 2. How does the command to demolish high places relate to the New Testament teaching on being a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's commands in our daily lives, similar to the Israelites' call to obedience? 4. How can we apply the principle of spiritual purity in our interactions with the culture around us? 5. Reflect on a time when trusting in God's plan required you to take a difficult action. How did that experience strengthen your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 23:24This verse also commands the Israelites to break down the altars of the inhabitants of the land, emphasizing the need to avoid idolatry. Deuteronomy 7:5Reinforces the command to destroy the altars, break down sacred stones, and cut down Asherah poles, showing consistency in God's instructions. Joshua 23:7Warns the Israelites not to associate with the remaining nations or mention the names of their gods, highlighting the importance of spiritual purity. 2 Corinthians 6:16-17Paul speaks about believers being the temple of God and the need to separate from idolatry, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament commands. People Aaron, Abel, Arad, Egyptians, Gad, Geber, Israelites, Moses, Perez, Tahath, Terah, ZephonPlaces 0, Abarim, Abel-shittim, Abronah, Almon-diblathaim, Alush, Arad, Baal-zephon, Bene-jaakan, Beth-jeshimoth, Canaan, Dibon-gad, Dophkah, Edom, Egypt, Elim, Etham, Ezion-geber, Hahiroth, Haradah, Hashmonah, Hazeroth, Hor-haggidgad, Iye-abarim, Iyim, Jericho, Jordan River, Jotbathah, Kadesh-barnea, Kehelathah, Kibroth-hattaavah, Libnah, Makheloth, Marah, Migdol, Mithkah, Moab, Moseroth, Mount Hor, Mount Shepher, Nebo, Negev, Oboth, Pi-hahiroth, Punon, Rameses, Red Sea, Rephidim, Rimmon-perez, Rissah, Rithmah, Sinai, Succoth, Tahath, Terah, Zalmonah, ZinTopics Carved, Cast, Demolish, Destroy, Destroyed, Destruction, Dispossess, Dispossessed, Drive, Figured, Forced, Idols, Imagery, Images, Inhabitants, Lay, Metal, Molten, Pictured, Pictures, Places, Pluck, Quite, Stones, Waste, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 33:52 7374 high places
7442 shrine Numbers 33:50-52 4906 abolition Numbers 33:50-56 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 33:51-52 4160 driving out Library Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho.
Let us begin from the last encampings of Israel beyond Jordan. Numbers 33:49: "They encamped near Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth unto Abel-shittim."--"From Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim were twelve miles." It is a most received opinion among the Jews, that the tents of the Israelites in the wilderness contained a square of twelve miles. So the Targum of Jonathan, upon Number 2:2; "The encamping of Israel was twelve miles in length, and twelve miles in breadth." And the Gemarists say, "It is forbidden …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaArbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Christ the Water of Life.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life" (John iv. 13, 14). "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John vii. 37). "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank …
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 33:52 NIVNumbers 33:52 NLTNumbers 33:52 ESVNumbers 33:52 NASBNumbers 33:52 KJV
Numbers 33:52 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
