Numbers 17:12
Numbers 17:12 in Multiple Translations
Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost!
And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.
And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we perish, we are undone, we are all undone.
And the children of Israel said to Moses, Truly, destruction has come on us; an evil fate has overtaken us all.
Then the Israelites came and told Moses, “Can't you see we're all going to die? We'll be destroyed! We're all going to be killed!
And the children of Israel spake vnto Moses, saying, Behold, we are dead, we perish, we are all lost:
And the sons of Israel speak unto Moses, saying, 'Lo, we have expired; we have perished; we have all of us perished;
The children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, we perish! We are undone! We are all undone!
And the children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.
And the children of Israel said to Moses: Behold we are consumed, we all perish.
Then the Israeli people said to Moses/me, “We are going to die! All of us are surely going to die!
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 17:12
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Numbers 17:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 17:12
Study Notes — Numbers 17:12
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 17:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 17:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 17:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 17:12
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 17:12
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 17:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 17:12
- Sermons on Numbers 17:12
Context — Aaron’s Staff Buds
12Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost!
13Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to perish?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 26:11 | However, the line of Korah did not die out. |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:16 | For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me, with the breath of those I have made. |
| 3 | Isaiah 6:5 | Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” |
| 4 | Hebrews 12:5 | And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:3 | A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD. |
| 6 | Psalms 90:7 | For we are consumed by Your anger and terrified by Your wrath. |
Numbers 17:12 Summary
The Israelites were scared and felt like they were all going to die because they realized how holy and powerful God is, as seen in Numbers 17:10-11. They understood that if they approached God's tabernacle without being called, they would die, as stated in Numbers 17:13, similar to the warning given in Leviticus 10:1-3. This fear can be a natural response to God's power, but it's how we respond that matters, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and 1 John 1:9. We can learn from the Israelites' fear and desperation by recognizing our own sinfulness and humble ourselves before God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness, as encouraged in Romans 3:23 and Acts 3:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the Israelites' cry of desperation in Numbers 17:12?
The Israelites had just witnessed the miraculous sign of Aaron's staff budding, which was a demonstration of God's power and authority, as instructed in Numbers 17:10, and yet they still expressed fear and doubt, revealing their lack of trust in God's provision and care, similar to the concerns expressed in Exodus 16:3.
Why did the Israelites feel they were perishing?
The Israelites felt they were perishing because they had come to realize the gravity of their sin and rebellion against God, and they understood that anyone who approached the tabernacle of the Lord without proper authorization would die, as stated in Numbers 17:13, reminiscent of the warnings given in Leviticus 10:1-3.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Numbers 17?
This verse highlights the Israelites' ongoing struggle with unbelief and rebellion, despite the many signs and wonders God had performed among them, as seen in Numbers 14:11 and Numbers 16:30-35, which ultimately points to their need for a savior and mediator, foreshadowing the role of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, as described in Hebrews 3:1-6.
What can we learn from the Israelites' fear and desperation in this verse?
We can learn that fear and doubt can be a natural response to God's holiness and power, but it is how we respond to those feelings that matters, as seen in Psalm 51:17, where David humbles himself and seeks God's mercy, and in 1 John 1:9, where we are encouraged to confess our sins and receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am struggling with fear and doubt, and how can I apply the lessons from Numbers 17:12 to those situations?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be prone to rebellion and unbelief, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and provision, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:19?
- How can I balance the fear of God's holiness with the knowledge of His love and mercy, as described in 1 John 4:8 and Revelation 4:8?
- What are some ways I can, like Moses, intercede for others and point them to God's power and authority, as seen in Exodus 32:11-14 and Numbers 14:13-19?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of humility and recognition of my own sinfulness, as seen in the Israelites' cry of desperation, to my own life and relationships, as encouraged in James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:6?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 17:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 17:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 17:12
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 17:12
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 17:12
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 17:12
Sermons on Numbers 17:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Numbers by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into key chapters in the book of Numbers, highlighting the importance of obedience, discipline, and discernment in the journey of faith. It emphasizes the conseq |
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Eternity by J. Wesley Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher uses various illustrations to emphasize the brevity of life and the importance of recognizing the limited time we have on Earth. He compares life to a |
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The Lord's Measured Correction by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the necessity of divine correction in our spiritual journey, illustrating that trials and afflictions are essential for our sanctification and moral fit |
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How to Experience Personal Revival by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing revival in one's life. He explains that revival is a state of continuous, close communion with God. The founda |
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And They Crucified Him by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the av |
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Revival by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah chapter 6 and highlights three key words: woe, love, and go. The first word, woe, represents confession and recognizing our own sinfu |
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Anahiem Talk on Revival by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a three-fold vision. He shares a story about a Welshman named Stephen Jeffries who was able to elicit a response fro |






