Numbers 33:56 – “And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Numbers 33:56 contains a sobering warning from God to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. God tells them that if they fail to drive out the inhabitants of the land and rid it of the idols and evil practices, He will treat the Israelites the same way He intended to treat the Canaanites. This verse emphasizes the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of following God’s commands.

God’s statement here is not just about punishment but serves as a stark reminder that His standards apply to everyone, including His own people. If the Israelites chose to disregard God’s instructions, they would face the same judgment as those who worshiped idols and lived in opposition to God’s ways. This verse underscores the fact that God’s people are not exempt from the consequences of sin, and it calls them to live by the standards He has set.

Historical Context

The historical context of Numbers 33:56 is set during the final stage of Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. The Israelites were on the plains of Moab, about to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan. The land was inhabited by various nations that practiced idolatry, child sacrifice, and other actions that were directly opposed to God’s commands. God had instructed the Israelites to drive out these nations completely and destroy their idols to prevent these practices from influencing His people.

However, this verse warns that failure to obey would result in the Israelites experiencing the same fate as the Canaanites—destruction and removal from the land. This wasn’t just about physical conquest; it was about maintaining spiritual purity. Later history shows that the Israelites did not fully obey, leading to cycles of oppression, exile, and spiritual decay, as seen in the books of Judges and Kings.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Numbers 33:56 highlights the impartiality of God’s justice. God’s warning makes it clear that His people are held to the same standards as those around them. It teaches that God does not show favoritism when it comes to sin; disobedience brings consequences, regardless of who commits it. This verse serves as a reminder that being part of God’s people does not give one a free pass to ignore His commands.

This verse also emphasizes the importance of holiness and the dangers of compromise. The Israelites were called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, but this distinction required full obedience to God’s laws. If they failed to remove the corrupting influences of the Canaanites, they would face the same consequences as those nations. It’s a call to recognize the seriousness of sin and the need to fully follow God’s instructions.

Literary Analysis

Numbers 33:56 concludes a series of warnings given by God about the consequences of failing to drive out the inhabitants of the land. The verse is direct and unambiguous, leaving no room for misunderstanding. The phrase “I will do to you what I plan to do to them” is a stark reminder that God’s judgment is fair and applies to all who rebel against His ways.

This verse serves as a literary climax to the warnings in the preceding verses, reinforcing the idea that obedience to God’s commands is not optional. The structure is simple but powerful, reflecting the gravity of the situation. It leaves the reader with a clear understanding that God’s standards are consistent and that the Israelites’ future depended on their willingness to obey.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Leviticus 18:28 – Warns the Israelites that the land will “vomit” them out if they follow the detestable practices of the nations God was driving out before them.
• Deuteronomy 28:63-64 – Describes the curses that would come upon the Israelites, including being scattered among the nations, if they disobeyed God’s laws.
• Judges 2:11-15 – Chronicles the cycle of disobedience and judgment that befell the Israelites when they failed to fully drive out the Canaanites and followed their gods.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christians, Numbers 33:56 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of complete obedience to God’s word. It challenges believers to reflect on the areas of their lives where they may be compromising or allowing sin to take root. The verse warns us that God’s standards are not just for “other people”—they apply to us as well. We are called to live in a way that honors God, fully removing the things that lead us away from Him.

This verse encourages us to take sin seriously and to recognize that ignoring God’s commands has real consequences. It reminds us that God’s love for us includes His desire for us to live holy and obedient lives. By reflecting on this verse, we can better understand the need for spiritual vigilance, ensuring that we don’t allow harmful influences to linger and disrupt our relationship with God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Numbers 33:56, though stern, reflects God’s loving nature because it serves as a protective warning. God’s desire was not to punish the Israelites but to lead them into a life that was full and aligned with His will. His warning was an act of love, intended to steer His people away from the destructive paths of the nations around them. God’s love is not only seen in His blessings but also in His willingness to correct and guide His people away from danger.

God’s fairness in judgment also shows His integrity. He does not play favorites but calls all people to the same standards of holiness and obedience. His warnings are not about restricting freedom but about preserving the relationship between Him and His people. Through this verse, we see a God who cares enough to speak truthfully about the consequences of disobedience, inviting His people to choose the better path.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The warning in Numbers 33:56 about judgment is ultimately addressed in Jesus Christ, who came to bear the consequences of sin on behalf of humanity. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfills the demands of God’s justice, offering forgiveness and a new way of living for those who believe. In John 3:16-17, we are reminded that God’s love for the world led Him to send Jesus, not to condemn but to save.

Through Christ, believers are empowered to live in obedience, free from the cycle of sin that plagued the Israelites. Jesus’ teachings emphasize the need to turn away from sin and follow God wholeheartedly, aligning our lives with His will. The call to remove sinful influences and live in obedience is echoed in Jesus’ commands to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him daily.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there areas in your life where you are compromising or allowing influences that don’t align with God’s word?
2. How does this verse challenge you to take God’s commands more seriously and avoid the consequences of disobedience?
3. What steps can you take to fully remove the “inhabitants” in your life that may be leading you away from God?
4. How does understanding God’s love and fairness in judgment help you see His commands as protective rather than punitive?
5. How can Jesus’ sacrifice inspire you to live a life of obedience, knowing He has already borne the judgment we deserve?

This verse encourages us to take God’s commands to heart, recognizing that His instructions are given out of love and a desire for us to live lives that are full and free from the burden of sin. It reminds us that God’s standards apply to everyone, but His grace through Jesus Christ provides a way for us to live in His favor and under His protection.