But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides; they will harass you in the land where you settle. But if you do not drive outThe phrase "drive out" comes from the Hebrew word "yarash," which means to dispossess or expel. This command from God to the Israelites was not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate. The historical context here is crucial; the Israelites were entering a land filled with pagan practices and idolatry. The command to "drive out" was a call to remove these influences completely, ensuring that the Israelites would not be led astray from their covenant with God. This serves as a spiritual metaphor for Christians today, emphasizing the need to remove sin and worldly influences from our lives to maintain a pure relationship with God. the inhabitants of the land
The "inhabitants" refers to the Canaanite nations residing in the Promised Land. These groups were known for their idolatrous practices and moral corruption. Archaeological findings have revealed the extent of their pagan rituals, which often included child sacrifice and other abominations. Theologically, this highlights the importance of holiness and separation from sin. For believers, it is a reminder that we are called to be in the world but not of it, maintaining our distinct identity as God's people. from before you
This phrase indicates the presence of the Israelites in the land, suggesting a direct confrontation with the existing cultures. The Hebrew word "paneh" (before) implies a face-to-face encounter. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call to confront sin and temptation directly, not allowing it to linger or coexist with our faith. It is a call to proactive faith, where believers are encouraged to take decisive action against anything that opposes God's will. then those you allow to remain
The word "allow" suggests a choice or decision made by the Israelites. The Hebrew root "sha'ar" means to leave or remain. This highlights human responsibility in the divine plan. God provided the command and the means, but the Israelites had to choose obedience. In a broader sense, it speaks to the Christian life, where believers must actively choose to follow God's commands and not compromise with sin. will be barbs in your eyes
The imagery of "barbs in your eyes" is vivid and painful, symbolizing irritation and constant trouble. The Hebrew word "sikkim" refers to thorns or pricks. This metaphor illustrates the consequences of disobedience—persistent and unavoidable suffering. For Christians, it serves as a warning that allowing sin to remain in our lives will lead to spiritual blindness and distress. and thorns in your sides
Similar to the previous phrase, "thorns in your sides" conveys ongoing discomfort and pain. The Hebrew "tsinnim" refers to sharp objects that cause harm. Historically, this was a common expression for persistent enemies or problems. Spiritually, it underscores the idea that sin, if not dealt with, will continually hinder our walk with God, causing ongoing spiritual and emotional turmoil. They will harass you
The word "harass" comes from the Hebrew "tsarar," meaning to bind, be narrow, or be in distress. This indicates that the remaining inhabitants would become a source of oppression and trouble for the Israelites. In a spiritual context, it reminds believers that sin and compromise lead to bondage and distress, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of God's peace and freedom. in the land where you settle
The "land" represents the inheritance and promise given by God to the Israelites. The Hebrew "erets" signifies not just physical territory but also a place of blessing and divine provision. For Christians, this can be seen as the abundant life promised by Christ. However, the presence of sin can disrupt this blessing, turning a place of promise into one of struggle. It is a call to maintain the purity and sanctity of the life God has given us, ensuring that His promises are fully realized. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being instructed by Moses as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 2. The Inhabitants of CanaanThe current residents of the land that God has promised to the Israelites, who are to be driven out. 3. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God has promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, delivering God's commands and warnings to the people. 5. The Wilderness JourneyThe context of this passage, as the Israelites are concluding their 40-year journey through the wilderness. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceGod’s command to drive out the inhabitants was clear. Partial obedience is disobedience and can lead to spiritual compromise. The Consequences of CompromiseAllowing ungodly influences to remain can lead to spiritual blindness and pain, much like "barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides." Spiritual WarfareJust as the Israelites were to drive out the inhabitants, Christians are called to actively resist sin and the devil's schemes in their lives. Holiness and SeparationGod calls His people to be set apart. This requires removing influences that lead us away from Him. Trust in God's PromisesThe Israelites were to trust in God’s promise of the land. Believers today are called to trust in God’s promises and act in faith. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some "inhabitants" or influences in your life that God might be calling you to drive out? 2. How does the warning in Numbers 33:55 relate to the concept of spiritual warfare in the New Testament? 3. In what ways can partial obedience lead to spiritual compromise in your life? 4. How can the account of the Israelites' failure to fully obey God serve as a warning for us today? 5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are fully trusting in God's promises and acting in faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 23:13This verse echoes the warning in Numbers 33:55, as Joshua reminds the Israelites of the consequences of not driving out the remaining nations. Judges 2:3This passage describes the fulfillment of the warning, as the Israelites face ongoing trouble from the nations they failed to remove. Ephesians 4:27Paul warns believers not to give the devil a foothold, paralleling the idea of allowing sin or ungodly influences to remain in one's life. Hebrews 12:1Encourages believers to lay aside every weight and sin, similar to the call to remove the inhabitants of the land. 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 Allow, Barbs, Dispossess, Distressed, Drive, Driving, Dwell, Dwelling, Harass, Inhabitants, Pass, Pin-points, Prickles, Pricks, Sides, Slow, Thorns, Trouble, Troubling, Vex, WhereinDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 33:55 4520 thorns
4540 weeds Numbers 33:50-56 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 33:55-56 5917 plans 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 33:55 NIVNumbers 33:55 NLTNumbers 33:55 ESVNumbers 33:55 NASBNumbers 33:55 KJV
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