Numbers 33:55 Meaning and Explanation
“But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If Israel failed to expel the Canaanites, those remaining would become their enemies and cause distress.
The Context of Numbers 33:55
A warning that incomplete conquest would bring ongoing conflict with remaining Canaanites.
What Does Numbers 33:55 Mean?
The conditional warning presented the consequence of incomplete obedience. If Israel allowed Canaanites to remain, these people would become 'pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides'—sources of constant irritation and conflict. The metaphorical language emphasized that coexistence with the unconquered peoples would create ongoing problems for Israel's security and peace.
The warning pointed to a historical reality: Israel's failure to complete the conquest would result in ongoing conflict with Canaanite remnants. The peoples remaining in the land would resist Israel's settlement and threaten their sovereignty. God's command was not optional but essential to Israel's wellbeing. Obedience would ensure peace and security; disobedience would result in perpetual conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 33:55
What does Numbers 33:55 mean?
If Israel failed to expel the Canaanites, those remaining would become their enemies and cause distress.
What is the context of Numbers 33:55?
A warning that incomplete conquest would bring ongoing conflict with remaining Canaanites.