Numbers 17:12
And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
And the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
גָּוַ֛עְנוּ
Behold we die
H1478
גָּוַ֛עְנוּ
Behold we die
Strong's:
H1478
Word #:
8 of 11
to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire
אָבָֽדְנוּ׃
we all perish
H6
אָבָֽדְנוּ׃
we all perish
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
Historical Context
This panic followed the Korah rebellion sequence (chapters 16-17) where the people witnessed fire consuming 250 leaders, earth swallowing rebels, plague killing 14,700, and Aaron's rod supernaturally confirming his priesthood. The cumulative effect shattered their presumption about casual access to holy God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's terror before God's holiness contrast with modern casual familiarity in worship?
- What does the people's panic teach about the necessity of priestly mediation for sinners approaching holy God?
- How should healthy 'fear of the LORD' differ from the paralyzing terror Israel experienced after Korah's judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish—The people's terrified cry (הֵן גָּוַעְנוּ אָבַדְנוּ כֻּלָּנוּ אָבָדְנוּ hen gava'nu avadnu kulanu avadnu) uses three verbs of death and destruction in rapid succession, expressing existential panic. After witnessing 15,000+ deaths from challenging priestly authority (16:49), Israel feared their very proximity to the tabernacle guaranteed destruction.
This verse reveals the devastating effect of seeing God's holiness without proper mediation—terror rather than comfort, death rather than life. The people's cry anticipated the need for a perfect High Priest who could sanctify access to God (Hebrews 10:19-22), removing fear and granting confident approach through His blood.