Numbers 17:13
Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֣ל
H3605
כֹּ֣ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִשְׁכַּ֥ן
unto the tabernacle
H4908
מִשְׁכַּ֥ן
unto the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
5 of 10
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יָמ֑וּת
shall die
H4191
יָמ֑וּת
shall die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
7 of 10
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
הַאִ֥ם
H518
הַאִ֥ם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
8 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
Historical Context
Chapter 18 directly responds to this verse's terrified question by delineating priestly and Levitical responsibilities that would protect the congregation from divine wrath. God's solution to Israel's fear was not abolishing holiness requirements but establishing proper mediatorial systems.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse's terror of approaching God illuminate the magnitude of Christ's achievement in opening access to the throne?
- What does Israel's question 'shall we be consumed?' teach about the incompatibility of human sin and divine holiness?
- How should churches balance reverence for God's holiness with celebration of Christ-purchased access to His presence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?—The rhetorical question (הַאִם תַּמְנוּ לִגְווֹעַ ha'im tamnu ligvo'a, 'shall we cease from dying?') expresses resignation to inevitable death. The phrase cometh any thing near (הַקָּרֵב הַקָּרֵב haqarev haqarev, double verb form) emphasizes any approach whatsoever to God's dwelling resulted in death for unauthorized persons.
This verse sets up God's answer in chapter 18—establishing priestly duties, tithes, and offerings to maintain sanctified access to divine presence. Israel's question 'shall we be consumed with dying?' receives God's response: 'No, but you must honor the priestly system I've established.' The New Testament fulfills this by Christ's once-for-all sacrifice opening the way into the Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9:11-12).