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Numbers 1:51-53
And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death…

Numbers 18:4-7
And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you…

any thing

Genesis 3:3
But of the fruit of the tree whichis in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

1 Samuel 6:19-21
And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smittenmany of the people with a great slaughter…

2 Samuel 6:6-12
And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forthhis hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shookit…

consumed

Numbers 16:26
And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

Numbers 32:13
And the LORD'S anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed.

Deuteronomy 2:16
So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people,

Are we all going to perish?
This question reflects the fear and anxiety of the Israelites following the rebellion of Korah and the subsequent divine judgment that resulted in the death of many. The people were acutely aware of their vulnerability and the consequences of disobedience. This moment of crisis highlights the need for obedience to God's commands and the importance of respecting the established order of worship and leadership. The question also points to the human condition of recognizing one's mortality and the need for divine grace and mercy. In a broader theological context, it echoes the existential question of humanity's fate apart from God's intervention. The New Testament provides the answer to this question through the assurance of eternal life offered by faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16), who conquered death and offers salvation to all who believe.

• The verse stands at the close of the events surrounding Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16) and Aaron’s budding rod (Numbers 17:1-12).

• After seeing 250 men consumed by fire (16:35) and nearly the whole camp struck by plague until Aaron interceded (16:46-48), the people cry, “Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to perish?” (17:13).

• Their exclamation is an honest assessment of what they have just witnessed and sets the stage for God to underscore why He established an ordained priesthood (compareHebrews 5:1-4).

• The congregation finally grasps that God’s holiness is not abstract; it is lethal to the unholy (Exodus 19:12-13;Leviticus 10:1-3).

• Earlier they had complained that Moses and Aaron were too strict (Numbers 16:3). Now they realize the leaders were a line of protection, not oppression.

• Their question, “Are we all going to perish?” echoes the dread expressed at Sinai when they begged for a mediator so they would not die (Deuteronomy 5:24-27).

• Scripture presents the tabernacle as the place where God dwells “in the midst” of His people (Exodus 29:45-46), yet it is surrounded by warnings and boundaries (Numbers 1:51; 3:38).

• Approaching on one’s own terms results in death because “our God is a consuming fire” (Deuteronomy 4:24;Hebrews 12:29).

• At the same time, within those God-given limits the tabernacle is where forgiveness and fellowship are secured through sacrifice (Leviticus 1:3-5; 4:20).

•Numbers 17:5 explains that Aaron’s rod budded “so that I may put to rest My people’s grumblings.” The miracle singled out Aaron’s line as God’s chosen mediators.

• The priests bear the guilt of the sanctuary (Numbers 18:1), absorbing danger so the rest of the nation can live—an Old Testament picture of substitution later fulfilled perfectly in Christ, “our great High Priest” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

• By submitting to God’s appointed priests, Israel could draw near without perishing (Numbers 18:5-6).

• God has not lowered His standards; His holiness remains unchanged (1 Peter 1:15-16).

• The only safe approach is still through a Mediator—now revealed as Jesus, who “ever lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25).

• Believers are called to respect sacred things:

– Approach worship reverently (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2).

– Confess sin rather than presume on grace (1 John 1:9).

– Value God-given leadership that points to Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Numbers 17:13 captures Israel’s sudden realization that God’s holiness is deadly to the unprotected sinner. Their fear was justified, yet God immediately answered it by confirming the priesthood—His gracious provision so the nation would not perish. Today the same principle stands: no one survives self-appointed access to God. Safety is found only through the Mediator He has chosen, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Parallel Commentaries ...