Numbers 33:51
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan;
Original Language Analysis
דַּבֵּר֙
Speak
H1696
דַּבֵּר֙
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 14
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 #:
4 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֹֽבְרִ֥ים
unto them When ye are passed over
H5674
עֹֽבְרִ֥ים
unto them When ye are passed over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
9 of 14
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Joshua 3:17And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.Deuteronomy 9:1Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,Deuteronomy 7:1When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;
Historical Context
Canaanite religion included fertility cults, child sacrifice, temple prostitution, and other abominations. God commanded total destruction not from ethnic hatred but from moral necessity. The high places were hilltop shrines where these practices occurred. Israel's later failure to completely obey this command led to centuries of syncretism and apostasy, validating God's warning.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's command for complete eradication of idolatry inform Christian approach to sin?
- What does Israel's later failure to fully obey teach about the danger of compromise?
- In what ways must Christians be uncompromising regarding sin while being gracious toward sinners?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'drive out all the inhabitants of the land' and 'destroy all their pictures, molten images, and high places' demonstrates that total eradication of idolatry was required for Israel to possess the land safely. Coexistence with Canaanite religion was impossible; it would inevitably corrupt Israel. This teaches that compromising with sin leads to spiritual disaster. The Reformed doctrine of mortification—putting sin to death completely, not managing it—is illustrated. Half-measures in dealing with sin are insufficient.