Numbers 33:55 – “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Numbers 33:55 contains a stern warning from God to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. God instructs them that if they fail to drive out the current inhabitants, those remaining will become a constant source of trouble and pain, like “barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides.” This imagery emphasizes the severe consequences of disobedience and the ongoing struggles that would arise if the Israelites compromised God’s command to fully clear the land.

This verse highlights the spiritual danger of allowing influences that are contrary to God’s ways to remain. The inhabitants of Canaan were deeply entrenched in idolatry and practices that were directly opposed to God’s commands. By not removing them, the Israelites would be vulnerable to adopting these harmful practices, leading them away from God. The verse serves as a stark reminder that partial obedience is not enough; God requires complete commitment to His instructions.

Historical Context

The historical context of Numbers 33:55 is set during a critical time for the Israelites as they were on the verge of entering Canaan after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. The land was inhabited by various Canaanite tribes who worshipped false gods and engaged in morally corrupt practices. God’s command to drive out these inhabitants was not just about gaining territory but about preserving the spiritual purity of the Israelites.

The Canaanites’ presence posed a significant threat because their influence could easily lead the Israelites into idolatry, which had been a recurring issue throughout their journey. This warning was not hypothetical; later historical events in the Bible show that the Israelites did indeed fail to completely drive out the Canaanites, resulting in ongoing conflicts, idolatry, and spiritual decline. God’s warning in this verse was both prophetic and rooted in His desire to protect His people from future harm.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Numbers 33:55 emphasizes the consequences of disobedience and the importance of fully following God’s commands. God’s instruction to drive out the inhabitants of the land was not merely a suggestion; it was a necessary action to safeguard the spiritual integrity of His people. This verse teaches us that disobedience to God’s commands can lead to ongoing struggles, temptations, and difficulties that could have been avoided.

The imagery of “barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides” illustrates the painful and persistent nature of sin when it is not dealt with decisively. This verse serves as a reminder that compromising with sin or allowing harmful influences to remain in our lives will inevitably lead to trouble. God’s commands are given not just to direct us but to protect us from the destructive consequences of disobedience.

Literary Analysis

Numbers 33:55 uses vivid and intense imagery to convey the severity of the consequences the Israelites would face if they disobeyed God’s command. The metaphor of “barbs in your eyes” and “thorns in your sides” creates a sense of ongoing pain and irritation, symbolizing the continuous problems that would arise from their failure to fully obey. The verse contrasts the promise of a fruitful life in the Promised Land with the reality of strife and trouble if God’s instructions are ignored.

The structure of this verse follows a pattern of cause and effect: if the Israelites do not act as God has commanded, then the result will be perpetual conflict and difficulty. This straightforward warning emphasizes that the Israelites’ future well-being depended on their obedience. It serves as a cautionary statement that underscores the importance of taking God’s commands seriously and following them fully.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Judges 2:1-3 – God rebukes the Israelites for failing to drive out the inhabitants, stating that their enemies will become snares to them, echoing the warning given in Numbers 33:55.
• Joshua 23:12-13 – Joshua warns the Israelites that if they intermarry and associate with the remaining nations, they will be a trap and a thorn to them, leading to destruction.
• Deuteronomy 7:16 – God commands the Israelites to destroy all the nations in Canaan and not to show mercy, reinforcing the need for complete obedience to avoid future problems.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christians, Numbers 33:55 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fully dealing with sin and not allowing harmful influences to remain in our lives. Just as the Israelites were warned of the consequences of leaving the Canaanites in the land, believers are called to remove anything that could lead them away from God. This includes bad habits, relationships, or influences that do not honor God.

The verse challenges us to examine our own lives and identify areas where we might be compromising with sin or allowing unhelpful influences to linger. It serves as a call to take decisive action in removing these things, trusting that God’s instructions are given for our good. The troubles the Israelites faced due to their disobedience remind us that half-hearted obedience can lead to ongoing spiritual struggles.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Numbers 33:55 reflects God’s love and His desire to protect His people from the dangers of compromise and disobedience. God’s warning was not meant to scare the Israelites but to safeguard them from the predictable consequences of allowing sin to take root. God’s love is seen in His clear guidance and His desire for His people to live free from the spiritual and moral decay that would come from coexisting with the Canaanites.

God’s command to remove the inhabitants was not harsh but protective, showing His deep care for His people’s spiritual health. He knew that the remaining Canaanite influences would be a constant temptation and source of trouble, and His loving warning was an effort to spare the Israelites from future heartache. This verse underscores that God’s commands are always given out of love, aiming to guide His people toward a life that is whole and secure in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The warning to remove harmful influences connects to the teachings of Jesus, who often spoke about the need to be vigilant against sin and to take radical steps to remove anything that causes us to stumble. In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus teaches that if your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out, and if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off. These dramatic instructions emphasize the seriousness of dealing with sin in our lives.

Jesus came to set us free from the power of sin, offering forgiveness and a new way of living. Just as the Israelites were called to remove the inhabitants of Canaan, Jesus calls believers to remove sin and anything that separates us from God. Through His sacrifice, Jesus provides the strength and grace we need to overcome sin and live in obedience to God’s commands.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What influences in your life might be like the “barbs” or “thorns” that this verse warns against, and how can you remove them?
2. How does this verse challenge you to take decisive action against sin rather than allowing it to linger?
3. What steps can you take to ensure that you are fully obeying God’s instructions in your life?
4. How does understanding God’s protective love help you see His commands not as restrictive but as a guide to living well?
5. How does Jesus’ teaching on dealing with sin encourage you to live a life that honors God fully?

This verse encourages us to trust in God’s guidance and take action against anything that could harm our spiritual lives. It reminds us that God’s commands are given out of love, with the intention of protecting us from the pain and trouble that come from disobedience and compromise.