King James Version

What Does Numbers 33:52 Mean?

Numbers 33:52 in the King James Version says “Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:

Numbers 33:52 · KJV


Context

50

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

51

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan;

52

Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:

53

And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it.

54

And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit. give the more: Heb. multiply his inheritance give the less: Heb. diminish his inheritance


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to 'drive out all the inhabitants of the land' and destroy their religious objects ('destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places') required comprehensive removal of idolatry's enticements. This demonstrates that partial obedience in removing sin's sources leads to future compromise. The thoroughness demanded—pictures, images, high places—shows that tolerating any evil influence creates footholds for larger apostasy. Spiritual victory requires complete commitment, not half-measures.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's failure to fully implement this command led to centuries of syncretism and idolatry, as Judges repeatedly documents. The Canaanite 'high places' (worship sites on hills) continually tempted Israel, with even good kings like Asa and Jehoshaphat failing to remove them completely. Solomon's later marriages to foreign wives who turned his heart to other gods (1 Kings 11:1-8) exemplified the danger Moses warned against. Complete obedience would have prevented much subsequent misery.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual 'high places' or idolatrous influences do you tolerate rather than completely removing from your life?
  2. How does partial obedience in dealing with sin create ongoing vulnerability to temptation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְה֨וֹרַשְׁתֶּ֜ם1 of 19

Then ye shall drive out

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אֶת2 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל3 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֤י4 of 19

all the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙5 of 19

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם6 of 19

from before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

תְּאַבֵּ֔דוּ7 of 19

and destroy

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

אֵ֖ת8 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל9 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַשְׂכִּיֹּתָ֑ם10 of 19

all their pictures

H4906

a figure (carved on stone, the wall, or any object); figuratively, imagination

וְאֵ֨ת11 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל12 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צַלְמֵ֤י13 of 19

images

H6754

a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol

מַסֵּֽכֹתָם֙14 of 19

all their molten

H4541

properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour

תְּאַבֵּ֔דוּ15 of 19

and destroy

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

וְאֵ֥ת16 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל17 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּֽמוֹתָ֖ם18 of 19

all their high places

H1116

an elevation

תַּשְׁמִֽידוּ׃19 of 19

and quite pluck down

H8045

to desolate


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 33:52 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 33:52 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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