“And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.”
Context: The book of Numbers records the events that took place during the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular chapter, the Lord had instructed Moses to take staffs from the leaders of each tribe and place them in the tabernacle as a test to confirm His chosen priesthood.
Meaning and Significance: The verse you mentioned reflects the response of the children of Israel after witnessing the miraculous confirmation of Aaron’s priesthood. The preceding verses (Numbers 17:1-11) describe how God wanted to put an end to the discontent and complaints of the people regarding Aaron’s leadership and priesthood.
To address the murmuring and doubts among the Israelites, God commanded Moses to gather staffs from the leaders of each tribe and place them in the tabernacle overnight. The next day, Aaron’s staff, representing the tribe of Levi, had miraculously budded, blossomed, and produced almonds. This signified God’s choice of Aaron and the Levites as the legitimate priesthood.
In response to this supernatural event, the children of Israel expressed fear and distress, exclaiming, “Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.” This reaction may seem puzzling, considering that the budding of Aaron’s staff was a confirmation of God’s divine choice. However, the Israelites’ reaction stemmed from the awareness that approaching God’s presence or meddling with His chosen order could result in death, as they had witnessed on previous occasions.
This verse highlights the awe and reverence the Israelites felt in the face of God’s power and His chosen priesthood. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and respecting God’s authority and the consequences that can follow when we challenge or question His ordained order.
Application: There are a few lessons we can glean from Numbers 17:12:
- Reverence for God: The Israelites’ response demonstrates the need for a reverential fear of God. As believers, we should approach God with humility and respect, acknowledging His authority over our lives.
- Submission to God’s chosen order: God established a specific order and authority within His chosen people. We should recognize and respect the leaders and structures that God has placed in our lives, whether it be in the church, family, or society.
- Trust in God’s decisions: Even when we may not fully understand or agree with God’s choices, we should trust that He knows what is best. God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His decisions are ultimately for our good.
- Appreciation for God’s grace: Despite the Israelites’ complaints and doubts, God provided them with a visible sign of His choosing. Similarly, we should appreciate God’s grace and the ways in which He confirms His calling in our lives.
Remember, the Bible is a rich source of wisdom and spiritual guidance. As you study a specific verse, it is beneficial to consider its context, historical background, and the overarching themes of Scripture to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
