“Moreover, it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.”
Context: This verse is part of the concluding section of the book of Numbers, where God gives instructions to the Israelites regarding the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. Here, God is warning the Israelites about the consequences they will face if they fail to drive out the inhabitants of the land. To better understand the significance of this verse, it’s important to consider its context. In the preceding verses, God commands the Israelites to drive out the current inhabitants of the land, demolish their idols, and take possession of the land that God has promised to give them. God emphasises the importance of obedience and warns of the potential dangers if they allow the inhabitants to remain among them.
In Numbers 33:55, just before the verse in question, God says, “But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.” Here, God is explaining the consequences of their failure to fully obey His commands. If the Israelites allow the current inhabitants to remain, they will become a source of trouble and distress for them.
The phrase “I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them” in verse 56 indicates that God’s original intention was to dispossess the inhabitants of the land, but if the Israelites fail to carry out this task, God will turn His attention towards them and bring about the consequences He had planned for the inhabitants. This verse highlights the importance of complete obedience and trust in God’s instructions. It reminds the Israelites that they are not to compromise when it comes to following God’s commands.
By not fully driving out the inhabitants of the land, the Israelites risked allowing idolatry, sinful practices, and a lack of faith to remain among them, which could lead to their spiritual downfall and loss of the blessings God intended for them.
In a broader sense, this verse can also serve as a reminder for believers today. It encourages us to wholeheartedly follow God’s commands and not compromise with the sinful influences or practices that may be prevalent in our lives or society. It emphasises the importance of being diligent in removing anything that hinders our relationship with God and being vigilant in our pursuit of righteousness.
In conclusion, Numbers 33:56 warns the Israelites about the consequences they will face if they fail to drive out the inhabitants of the Promised Land. It underscores the significance of obedience and trust in God’s instructions, urging believers to remove any sinful influences that may hinder their relationship with God.
