Numbers 17:13

Numbers 17:13 KJV Commentary

The cry from the Israelites in Numbers 17:13, "Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?", is a profound expression of fear and desperation following a series of divine judgments.

Context

This desperate cry from the Israelites immediately follows the dramatic confirmation of Aaron’s priesthood through the budding of Aaron's rod (Numbers 17:8). This miraculous event was God's definitive sign to settle the dispute over the legitimate priesthood. The people were still reeling from the severe divine judgments against the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16), where thousands died for challenging God's appointed leadership and the sanctity of the Tabernacle. The phrase "Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die" reflects a deep-seated fear born out of these recent, terrifying experiences. The Tabernacle, as the dwelling place of God’s holy presence, was not to be approached casually or irreverently, as unauthorized proximity had proven fatal.

Key Themes

• God's Unapproachable Holiness: The verse powerfully underscores the absolute holiness and majesty of God, which demands reverence and separation from sin. His presence, while gracious, is also consuming for those who approach improperly or without divine authorization.
• Human Unworthiness and Fear: The people's lament, "shall we be consumed with dying?", reveals their profound sense of unworthiness and the terror of God’s judgment. They understood that their sinfulness made direct, unauthorized access to God's holy dwelling place fatal. This fear was a direct result of witnessing God's immediate and severe judgment against disobedience.
• The Necessity of Mediation: This fear implicitly highlights the crucial role of the priesthood. Without a divinely appointed mediator, like Aaron, the people believed any attempt to draw near would result in death. This foreshadows the ultimate need for Christ as the perfect mediator between God and humanity.
• Divine Judgment and Consequences of Rebellion: The recent events of Korah's rebellion and the subsequent plague demonstrated God's unwavering commitment to the sanctity of His dwelling and the authority of His chosen leaders. The people's cry shows they grasped the severe consequences of defying God's ordained order.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "consumed with dying" is a strong and emphatic expression of the Israelites' despair and the overwhelming sense of impending doom. It signifies a continuous, pervasive state of death and destruction, implying that they felt trapped in a cycle of divine judgment from which they could not escape unless the terms of access to God were clearly defined and strictly adhered to by the designated priesthood.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and the seriousness with which we should approach Him. Under the Old Covenant, access to God's presence was highly restricted and dangerous due to human sin, necessitating a priestly system of sacrifice and mediation.

However, the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice, has opened a "new and living way" into the very presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-22). We are now encouraged to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, not through our own merit or fear, but through Christ, our great High Priest.

While the fear of physical death for improper approach is no longer the immediate concern for believers today, the verse still calls for reverence, humility, and an understanding of the immense privilege we have in approaching a holy God through Christ. It underscores the profound difference Christ has made, transforming fearful distance into confident access for those who believe.