EGW WritingsNumbers 21

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 38—The Journey Around Edom

PP 422.1

The encampment of Israel at Kadesh was but a short distance from the borders of Edom, and both Moses and the people greatly desired to follow the route through this country to the Promised Land; accordingly they sent a message, as God had directed them, to the Edomite king—

PP 422.2

“Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: how our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers: and when we cried unto the Lord, He heard our voice, and sent an Angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border. Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king’s highway, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.”

PP 422.3

To this courteous request a threatening refusal was returned: “Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.”

PP 422.4

Surprised at this repulse, the leaders of Israel sent a second appeal to the king, with the promise, “We will go by the highway: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing anything else, go through on my feet.”

PP 422.5

“Thou shalt not go through,” was the answer. Armed bands of Edomites were already posted at the difficult passes, so that any peaceful advance in that direction was impossible, and the Hebrews were forbidden to resort to force. They must make the long journey around the land of Edom.

PP 422.6

Had the people, when brought into trial, trusted in God, the Captain of the Lord’s host would have led them through Edom, and the fear of them would have rested upon the inhabitants of the land, so that, instead of manifesting hostility, they would have shown them favor. But the Israelites did not act promptly upon God’s word, and while they were complaining and murmuring, the golden opportunity passed. When they were at last ready to present their request to the king, it was refused. Ever since they left Egypt, Satan had been steadily at work to throw hindrances and temptations in their way, that they might not inherit Canaan. And by their own unbelief they had repeatedly opened the door for him to resist the purpose of God.

PP 423.1

It is important to believe God’s word and act upon it promptly, while His angels are waiting to work for us. Evil angels are ready to contest every step of advance. And when God’s providence bids His children go forward, when He is ready to do great things for them, Satan tempts them to displease the Lord by hesitation and delay; he seeks to kindle a spirit of strife or to arouse murmuring or unbelief, and thus deprive them of the blessings that God desired to bestow. God’s servants should be minutemen, ever ready to move as fast as His providence opens the way. And delay on their part gives time for Satan to work to defeat them.

PP 423.2

In the directions first given to Moses concerning their passage through Edom, after declaring that the Edomites should be afraid of Israel, the Lord had forbidden His people to make use of this advantage against them. Because the power of God was engaged for Israel, and the fears of the Edomites would make them an easy prey, the Hebrews were not therefore to prey upon them. The command given them was, “Take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given Mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.” Deuteronomy 2:4, 5. The Edomites were descendants of Abraham and Isaac, and for the sake of these His servants, God had shown favor to the children of Esau. He had given them Mount Seir for a possession, and they were not to be disturbed unless by their sins they should place themselves beyond the reach of His mercy. The Hebrews were to dispossess and utterly destroy the inhabitants of Canaan, who had filled up the measure of their iniquity but the Edomites were still probationers, and as such were to be mercifully dealt with. God delights in mercy, and He manifests His compassion before He inflicts His judgments. He teaches Israel to spare the people of Edom, before requiring them to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan.

PP 424.1

The ancestors of Edom and Israel were brothers, and brotherly kindness and courtesy should exist between them. The Israelites were forbidden, either then or at any future time, to revenge the affront given them in the refusal of passage through the land. They must not expect to possess any part of the land of Edom. While the Israelites were the chosen and favored people of God, they must heed the restrictions which He placed upon them. God had promised them a goodly inheritance; but they were not to feel that they alone had any rights in the earth, and seek to crowd out all others. They were directed, in all their intercourse with the Edomites, to beware of doing them injustice. They were to trade with them, buying such supplies as were needed, and promptly paying for all they received. As an encouragement to Israel to trust in God and obey His word they were reminded, “The Lord thy God hath blessed thee; ... thou hast lacked nothing.” Deuteronomy 2:7. They were not dependent upon the Edomites, for they had a God rich in resources. They must not by force or fraud seek to obtain anything pertaining to them; but in all their intercourse they should exemplify the principle of the divine law, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

PP 424.2

Had they in this manner passed through Edom, as God had purposed, the passage would have proved a blessing, not only to themselves, but to the inhabitants of the land; for it would have given them an opportunity to become acquainted with God’s people and His worship and to witness how the God of Jacob prospered those who loved and feared Him . But all this the unbelief of Israel had prevented. God had given the people water in answer to their clamors, but He permitted their unbelief to work out its punishment. Again they must traverse the desert and quench their thirst from the miraculous spring, which, had they but trusted in Him , they would no longer have needed.

PP 424.3

Accordingly the hosts of Israel again turned toward the south, and made their way over sterile wastes, that seemed even more dreary after a glimpse of the green spots among the hills and valleys of Edom. From the mountain range overlooking this gloomy desert, rises Mount Hor, whose summit was to be the place of Aaron’s death and burial. When the Israelites came to this mountain, the divine command was addressed to Moses—

PP 425.1

“Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto Mount Hor: and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.”

PP 425.2

Together these two aged men and the younger one toiled up the mountain height. The heads of Moses and Aaron were white with the snows of sixscore winters. Their long and eventful lives had been marked with the deepest trials and the greatest honors that had ever fallen to the lot of man. They were men of great natural ability, and all their powers had been developed, exalted, and dignified by communion with the Infinite One. Their life had been spent in unselfish labor for God and their fellow men; their countenances gave evidence of great intellectual power, firmness and nobility of purpose, and strong affections.

PP 425.3

Many years Moses and Aaron had stood side by side in their cares and labors. Together they had breasted unnumbered dangers, and had shared together the signal blessing of God; but the time was at hand when they must be separated. They moved on very slowly, for every moment in each other’s society was precious. The ascent was steep and toilsome; and as they often paused to rest, they communed together of the past and the future. Before them, as far as the eye could reach, was spread out the scene of their desert wanderings. In the plain below were encamped the vast hosts of Israel, for whom these chosen men had spent the best portion of their lives; for whose welfare they had felt so deep an interest, and made so great sacrifices. Somewhere beyond the mountains of Edom was the path leading to the Promised Land—that land whose blessings Moses and Aaron were not to enjoy. No rebellious feelings found a place in their hearts, no expression of murmuring escaped their lips; yet a solemn sadness rested upon their countenances as they remembered what had debarred them from the inheritance of their fathers.

PP 425.4

Aaron’s work for Israel was done. Forty years before, at the age of eighty-three, God had called him to unite with Moses in his great and important mission. He had co-operated with his brother in leading the children of Israel from Egypt. He had held up the great leader’s hands when the Hebrew hosts gave battle to Amalek. He had been permitted to ascend Mount Sinai, to approach into the presence of God, and to behold the divine glory. The Lord had conferred upon the family of Aaron the office of the priesthood, and had honored him with the sacred consecration of high priest. He had sustained him in the holy office by the terrible manifestations of divine judgment in the destruction of Korah and his company. It was through Aaron’s intercession that the plague was stayed. When his two sons were slain for disregarding God’s express command, he did not rebel or even murmur. Yet the record of his noble life had been marred. Aaron committed a grievous sin when he yielded to the clamors of the people and made the golden calf at Sinai; and again, when he united with Miriam in envy and murmuring against Moses. And he, with Moses, offended the Lord at Kadesh by disobeying the command to speak to the rock that it might give forth its water.

PP 426.1

God intended that these great leaders of His people should be representatives of Christ. Aaron bore the names of Israel upon his breast. He communicated to the people the will of God. He entered the most holy place on the Day of Atonement, “not without blood,” as a mediator for all Israel. He came forth from that work to bless the congregation, as Christ will come forth to bless His waiting people when His work of atonement in their behalf shall be ended. It was the exalted character of that sacred office as representative of our great High Priest that made Aaron’s sin at Kadesh of so great magnitude.

PP 426.2

With deep sorrow Moses removed from Aaron the holy vestments, and placed them upon Eleazar, who thus became his successor by divine appointment. For his sin at Kadesh, Aaron was denied the privilege of officiating as God’s high priest in Canaan—of offering the first sacrifice in the goodly land, and thus consecrating the inheritance of Israel. Moses was to continue to bear his burden in leading the people to the very borders of Canaan. He was to come within sight of the Promised Land, but was not to enter it. Had these servants of God, when they stood before the rock at Kadesh, borne unmurmuringly the test there brought upon them, how different would have been their future! A wrong act can never be undone. It may be that the work of a lifetime will not recover what has been lost in a single moment of temptation or even thoughtlessness.

PP 426.3

The absence from the camp of the two great leaders, and the fact that they had been accompanied by Eleazar, who, it was well known, was to be Aaron’s successor in holy office, awakened a feeling of apprehension, and their return was anxiously awaited. As the people looked about them, upon their vast congregation, they saw that nearly all the adults who left Egypt had perished in the wilderness. All felt a foreboding of evil as they remembered the sentence pronounced against Moses and Aaron. Some were aware of the object of that mysterious journey to the summit of Mount Hor, and their solicitude for their leaders was heightened by bitter memories and self-accusings.

PP 427.1

The forms of Moses and Eleazar were at last discerned, slowly descending the mountainside, but Aaron was not with them. Upon Eleazar were the sacerdotal garments, showing that he had succeeded his father in the sacred office. As the people with heavy hearts gathered about their leader, Moses told them that Aaron had died in his arms upon Mount Hor, and that they there buried him. The congregation broke forth in mourning and lamentation, for they all loved Aaron, though they had so often caused him sorrow. “They mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.”

PP 427.2

Concerning the burial of Israel’s high priest, the Scriptures give only the simple record, “There Aaron died, and there he was buried.” Deuteronomy 10:6. In what striking contrast to the customs of the present day was this burial, conducted according to the express command of God. In modern times the funeral services of a man of high position are often made the occasion of ostentatious and extravagant display. When Aaron died, one of the most illustrious men that ever lived, there were only two of his nearest friends to witness his death and to attend his burial. And that lonely grave upon Mount Hor was forever hidden from the sight of Israel. God is not honored in the great display so often made over the dead, and the extravagant expense incurred in returning their bodies to the dust.

PP 427.3

The whole congregation sorrowed for Aaron, yet they could not feel the loss so keenly as did Moses. The death of Aaron forcibly reminded Moses that his own end was near; but short as the time of his stay on earth must be, he deeply felt the loss of his constant companion—the one who had shared his joys and sorrows, his hopes and fears, for so many long years. Moses must now continue the work alone; but he knew that God was his friend, and upon Him he leaned more heavily.

PP 427.4

Soon after leaving Mount Hor the Israelites suffered defeat in an engagement with Arad, one of the Canaanite kings. But as they earnestly sought help from God, divine aid was granted them, and their enemies were routed. This victory, instead of inspiring gratitude and leading the people to feel their dependence upon God, made them boastful and self-confident. Soon they fell into the old habit of murmuring. They were now dissatisfied because the armies of Israel had not been permitted to advance upon Canaan immediately after their rebellion at the report of the spies nearly forty years before. They pronounced their long sojourn in the wilderness an unnecessary delay, reasoning that they might have conquered their enemies as easily heretofore as now.

PP 428.1

As they continued their journey toward the south, their route lay through a hot, sandy valley, destitute of shade or vegetation. The way seemed long and difficult, and they suffered from weariness and thirst. Again they failed to endure the test of their faith and patience. By continually dwelling on the dark side of their experiences, they separated themselves farther and farther from God. They lost sight of the fact that but for their murmuring when the water ceased at Kadesh, they would have been spared the journey around Edom. God had purposed better things for them. Their hearts should have been filled with gratitude to Him that He had punished their sin so lightly. But instead of this, they flattered themselves that if God and Moses had not interfered, they might now have been in possession of the Promised Land. After bringing trouble upon themselves, making their lot altogether harder than God designed, they charged all their misfortunes upon Him. Thus they cherished bitter thoughts concerning His dealings with them, and finally they became discontented with everything. Egypt looked brighter and more desirable than liberty and the land to which God was leading them.

PP 428.2

As the Israelites indulged the spirit of discontent, they were disposed to find fault even with their blessings. “And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.”

PP 428.3

Moses faithfully set before the people their great sin. It was God’s power alone that had preserved them in “that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water.” Deuteronomy 8:15. Every day of their travels they had been kept by a miracle of divine mercy. In all the way of God’s leading they had found water to refresh the thirsty, bread from heaven to satisfy their hunger, and peace and safety under the shadowy cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Angels had ministered to them as they climbed the rocky heights or threaded the rugged paths of the wilderness. Notwithstanding the hardships they had endured, there was not a feeble one in all their ranks. Their feet had not swollen in their long journeys, neither had their clothes grown old. God had subdued before them the fierce beasts of prey and the venomous reptiles of the forest and the desert. If with all these tokens of His love the people still continued to complain, the Lord would withdraw His protection until they should be led to appreciate His merciful care, and return to Him with repentance and humiliation.

PP 429.1

Because they had been shielded by divine power they had not realized the countless dangers by which they were continually surrounded. In their ingratitude and unbelief they had anticipated death, and now the Lord permitted death to come upon them. The poisonous serpents that infested the wilderness were called fiery serpents, on account of the terrible effects produced by their sting, it causing violent inflammation and speedy death. As the protecting hand of God was removed from Israel, great numbers of the people were attacked by these venomous creatures.

PP 429.2

Now there was terror and confusion throughout the encampment. In almost every tent were the dying or the dead. None were secure. Often the silence of night was broken by piercing cries that told of fresh victims. All were busy in ministering to the sufferers, or with agonizing care endeavoring to protect those who were not yet stricken. No murmuring now escaped their lips. When compared with the present suffering, their former difficulties and trials seemed unworthy of a thought.

PP 429.3

The people now humbled themselves before God. They came to Moses with their confessions and entreaties. “We have sinned,” they said, “for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee.” Only a little before, they had accused him of being their worst enemy, the cause of all their distress and afflictions. But even when the words were upon their lips, they knew that the charge was false; and as soon as real trouble came they fled to him as the only one who could intercede with God for them. “Pray unto the Lord,” was their cry, “that He take away the serpents from us.”

PP 430.1

Moses was divinely commanded to make a serpent of brass resembling the living ones, and to elevate it among the people. To this, all who had been bitten were to look, and they would find relief. He did so, and the joyful news was sounded throughout the encampment that all who had been bitten might look upon the brazen serpent and live. Many had already died, and when Moses raised the serpent upon the pole, some would not believe that merely gazing upon that metallic image would heal them; these perished in their unbelief. Yet there were many who had faith in the provision which God had made. Fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters were anxiously engaged in helping their suffering, dying friends to fix their languid eyes upon the serpent. If these, though faint and dying, could only once look, they were perfectly restored.

PP 430.2

The people well knew that there was no power in the serpent of brass to cause such a change in those who looked upon it. The healing virtue was from God alone. In His wisdom He chose this way of displaying His power. By this simple means the people were made to realize that this affliction had been brought upon them by their sins. They were also assured that while obeying God they had no reason to fear, for He would preserve them.

PP 430.3

The lifting up of the brazen serpent was to teach Israel an important lesson. They could not save themselves from the fatal effect of the poison in their wounds. God alone was able to heal them. Yet they were required to show their faith in the provision which He had made. They must look in order to live. It was their faith that was acceptable with God, and by looking upon the serpent their faith was shown. They knew that there was no virtue in the serpent itself, but it was a symbol of Christ; and the necessity of faith in His merits was thus presented to their minds. Heretofore many had brought their offerings to God, and had felt that in so doing they made ample atonement for their sins. They did not rely upon the Redeemer to come, of whom these offerings were only a type. The Lord would now teach them that their sacrifices, in themselves, had no more power or virtue than the serpent of brass, but were, like that, to lead their minds to Christ, the great sin offering.

PP 431.1

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,” even so was the Son of man “lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14, 15. All who have ever lived upon the earth have felt the deadly sting of “that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan.” Revelation 12:9. The fatal effects of sin can be removed only by the provision that God has made. The Israelites saved their lives by looking upon the uplifted serpent. That look implied faith. They lived because they believed God’s word, and trusted in the means provided for their recovery. So the sinner may look to Christ, and live. He receives pardon through faith in the atoning sacrifice. Unlike the inert and lifeless symbol, Christ has power and virtue in Himself to heal the repenting sinner.

PP 431.2

While the sinner cannot save himself, he still has something to do to secure salvation. “Him that cometh to Me,” says Christ, “I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. But we must come to Him ; and when we repent of our sins, we must believe that He accepts and pardons us. Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand by which the soul takes hold upon the divine offers of grace and mercy.

PP 431.3

Nothing but the righteousness of Christ can entitle us to one of the blessings of the covenant of grace. There are many who have long desired and tried to obtain these blessings, but have not received them, because they have cherished the idea that they could do something to make themselves worthy of them. They have not looked away from self, believing that Jesus is an all-sufficient Saviour. We must not think that our own merits will save us; Christ is our only hope of salvation. “For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

PP 431.4

When we trust God fully, when we rely upon the merits of Jesus as a sin-pardoning Saviour, we shall receive all the help that we can desire. Let none look to self, as though they had power to save themselves. Jesus died for us because we were helpless to do this. In Him is our hope, our justification, our righteousness. When we see our sinfulness we should not despond and fear that we have no Saviour, or that He has no thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time He is inviting us to come to Him in our helplessness and be saved.

PP 432.1

Many of the Israelites saw no help in the remedy which Heaven had appointed. The dead and dying were all around them, and they knew that, without divine aid, their own fate was certain; but they continued to lament their wounds, their pains, their sure death, until their strength was gone, and their eyes were glazed, when they might have had instant healing. If we are conscious of our needs, we should not devote all our powers to mourning over them. While we realize our helpless condition without Christ, we are not to yield to discouragement, but rely upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. Look and live. Jesus has pledged His word; He will save all who come unto Him. Though millions who need to be healed will reject His offered mercy, not one who trusts in His merits will be left to perish.

PP 432.2

Many are unwilling to accept of Christ until the whole mystery of the plan of salvation shall be made plain to them. They refuse the look of faith, although they see that thousands have looked, and have felt the efficacy of looking, to the cross of Christ. Many wander in the mazes of philosophy, in search of reasons and evidence which they will never find, while they reject the evidence which God has been pleased to give. They refuse to walk in the light of the Sun of Righteousness, until the reason of its shining shall be explained. All who persist in this course will fail to come to a knowledge of the truth. God will never remove every occasion for doubt. He gives sufficient evidence on which to base faith, and if this is not accepted, the mind is left in darkness. If those who were bitten by the serpents had stopped to doubt and question before they would consent to look, they would have perished. It is our duty, first, to look; and the look of faith will give us life.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 38—Why the Long Journey Around Edom

EP 295.1

The encampment of Israel at Kadesh was but a short distance from the borders of Edom, and both Moses and the people greatly desired to follow the route through this country to the Promised Land. Accordingly they sent a message to the Edomite king:

EP 295.2

“Thus saith thy brother Israel, ... behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border. Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king’s highway, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.”

EP 295.3

To this courteous request, a threatening refusal was returned: “Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.”

EP 295.4

The leaders of Israel sent a second appeal to the king, with the promise, “We will go by the highway; and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing else, go through on my feet.”

EP 295.5

“Thou shalt not go through,” was the answer. Armed bands of Edomites were already posted at the difficult passes, and the Hebrews were forbidden to resort to force. They must make the long journey around the land of Edom.

EP 295.6

Had the people trusted in God, the Captain of the Lord’s host would have led them through Edom. The inhabitants of the land, instead of manifesting hostility, would have shown them favor. But the Israelites did not act promptly upon God’s word, and the golden opportunity passed. When they were at last ready to present their request to the king, it was refused. Ever since they left Egypt, Satan had been at work to throw hindrances in their way that they might not inherit Canaan. And by their own unbelief they had repeatedly opened the door for him.

EP 296.1

When God bids His children go forward, Satan tempts them to displease the Lord by hesitation and delay. He seeks to kindle strife, murmuring, or unbelief, and thus deprive them of the blessings God desires to bestow. God’s servants should be minutemen. Any delay on their part gives time for Satan to work to defeat them.

EP 296.2

The Edomites were descendants of Abraham and Isaac. For the sake of these His servants, God had given them Mount Seir for a possession. They were not to be disturbed unless by their sins they should place themselves beyond His mercy. The Hebrews were to utterly destroy the inhabitants of Canaan, who had filled up the measure of their iniquity; but the Edomites were still probationers and were to be mercifully dealt with. God manifests compassion before He inflicts judgments.

EP 296.3

The Israelites were forbidden either then or at any future time to revenge the affront given them in the refusal of passage through the land. They must not expect to possess any part of the land of Edom. God had promised them a goodly inheritance, but they were not to feel that they alone had rights in the earth and seek to crowd out all others. They were to beware of doing the Edomites injustice. They were to trade with them, promptly paying for all they received. As an encouragement to trust in God and obey His word, they were reminded, “The Lord thy God hath blessed thee; ... thou hast lacked nothing.” They had a God rich in resources. They should exemplify the principle, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

EP 296.4

Had they passed through Edom as God had purposed, the passage would have proved a blessing to the inhabitants of the land to become acquainted with God’s people and His worship and to witness how the God of Jacob prospered those who loved and feared Him. But all this the unbelief of Israel had prevented. Again they must traverse the desert and quench their thirst from the miraculous spring, which, had they but trusted in Him, they would no longer have needed.

EP 297.1

Accordingly the hosts of Israel again made their way over the sterile wastes that seemed even more dreary after a glimpse of the green spots among the hills and valleys of Edom. From the mountain range overlooking this gloomy desert rises Mount Hor, whose summit was to be the place of Aaron’s death and burial. When the Israelites came to this mountain, the divine command was addressed to Moses:

EP 297.2

“Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor: and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.”

EP 297.3

Together these two aged men and the younger one toiled up the mountain height. The heads of Moses and Aaron were white. Their long and eventful lives had been marked with the deepest trials and the greatest honors that had ever fallen to the lot of man. All their powers had been developed, exalted, and dignified by communion with the Infinite One. Their countenances gave evidence of great intellectual power, firmness and nobility of purpose, and strong affections.

EP 297.4

Many years together they had breasted unnumbered dangers, but the time was at hand when they must be separated. They moved on very slowly, for every moment in each other’s society was precious. The ascent was steep and toilsome; and as they often paused to rest, they communed together of the past and the future. Before them was spread out the scene of their desert wanderings. In the plain below were encamped the vast hosts of Israel, for whom these chosen men had spent the best portion of their lives and made great sacrifices. Somewhere beyond the mountains of Edom was the path leading to the Promised Land, that land whose blessings Moses and Aaron were not to enjoy. A solemn sadness rested upon their countenances as they remembered what had barred them from the inheritance of their fathers.

EP 298.1

Aaron’s work for Israel was done. Forty years before, at the age of eighty-three, God had called him to unite with Moses in his great mission. He had held up the great leader’s hands when the Hebrew hosts gave battle to Amalek. He had been permitted to ascend Mount Sinai, to behold the divine glory. The Lord had honored him with the sacred consecration of high priest. He had sustained him in the holy office by terrible manifestations of judgment in the destruction of Korah and his company. When his two sons were slain for disregarding God’s express command, he did not rebel or even murmur.

EP 298.2

Yet the record of his noble life had been marred when he yielded to the clamors of the people and made the golden calf at Sinai, and again when he united with Miriam in murmuring against Moses. And he, with Moses, offended the Lord at Kadesh by disobeying the command to speak to the rock that it might give forth water.

EP 298.3

Aaron bore the names of Israel upon his breast. He communicated to the people the will of God. He entered the most holy place on the Day of Atonement, “not without blood,” as a mediator for all Israel. It was the exalted character of that sacred office as representative of our great High Priest that made Aaron’s sin at Kadesh of so great magnitude.

EP 298.4

With deep sorrow Moses removed from Aaron the holy vestments and placed them upon Eleazar, his successor by divine appointment. For his sin at Kadesh, Aaron was denied the privilege of officiating as God’s high priest in Canaan—of offering the first sacrifice in the goodly land. Moses was to continue leading the people to the very borders of Canaan but was not to enter it. Had these servants of God borne unmurmuringly the test at Kadesh, how different would have been their future! A wrong act can never be undone. It may be that the work of a lifetime will not recover what has been lost in a single moment of temptation or thoughtlessness.

EP 299.1

As the people looked about upon their vast congregation, they saw that nearly all the adults who left Egypt had perished in the wilderness. They remembered the sentence pronounced against Moses and Aaron. Some were aware of the object of that mysterious journey to the summit of Mount Hor, and their solicitude was heightened by bitter memories and self-accusings.

EP 299.2

Moses and Eleazar were at last discerned slowly descending the mountainside. Upon Eleazar were the sacerdotal garments, showing that he had succeeded his father in the sacred office. As the people gathered about, Moses told them that Aaron had died in his arms upon Mount Hor and that they there buried him. The congregation broke forth in mourning and lamentation. “They mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.”

EP 299.4

The death of Aaron forcibly reminded Moses that his own end was near. He deeply felt the loss of the one who had shared his joys and sorrows for so many years. Moses must now work alone; but he knew God was his friend, and upon Him he leaned more heavily.

EP 300.1

Soon after leaving Mount Hor the Israelites suffered defeat in an engagement with Arad, one of the Canaanite kings. But as they sought help from God, divine aid was granted and their enemies were routed. This victory, instead of inspiring gratitude, made the people boastful and self-confident.

EP 300.2

They continued their journey toward the south through a hot valley, destitute of shade or vegetation. They suffered weariness and thirst. Again they failed to endure the test of faith and patience. By dwelling on the dark side they separated themselves farther from God. They lost sight of the fact that but for their murmurings when the water ceased at Kadesh, they would have been spared the journey around Edom. They flattered themselves that if God and Moses had not interfered, they might now have been in possession of the Promised Land. After making their lot altogether harder than God designed, they cherished bitter thoughts concerning His dealings with them and finally became discontented with everything. Egypt looked more desirable than liberty and the land to which God was leading them!

EP 300.3

“And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.”

EP 301.1

Shielded by divine power, they had not realized the countless dangers by which they were surrounded. In their unbelief they anticipated death, and now the Lord permitted death to come upon them. The poisonous serpents that infested the wilderness were called fiery serpents, on account of their sting, it causing violent inflammation and speedy death. As the protecting hand of God was removed, great numbers of the people were attacked by these venomous creatures.

EP 301.2

In almost every tent were the dying or the dead. Often the silence of night was broken by piercing cries that told of fresh victims. All were busy ministering to sufferers or endeavoring to protect those not yet stricken. When compared with the present suffering, their former difficulties and trials seemed unworthy of a thought.

EP 301.3

The people now came to Moses with confessions and entreaties. “We have sinned,” they said, “for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee.” Only a little before, they had accused him of being the cause of all their distress and afflictions. But as soon as real trouble came, they fled to him as the only one who could intercede with God for them. “Pray unto the Lord, that He take away the serpents from us.”

EP 301.4

Moses was divinely commanded to make a serpent of brass and to elevate it among the people. To this, all who had been bitten were to look and find relief. The joyful news was sounded that all who had been bitten might look upon the brazen serpent and live. Many had already died, and when Moses raised the serpent upon the pole, some would not believe that merely gazing upon that metallic image could heal them; these perished in their unbelief.

EP 302.1

Yet many had faith in the provision God had made. Fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters were engaged in helping suffering, dying friends to fix their languid eyes upon the serpent. If these, though faint and dying, could only once look, they were perfectly restored.

EP 302.2

The lifting up of the brazen serpent was to teach Israel an important lesson. They could not save themselves from the poison in their wounds. God alone was able to heal. Yet they were required to show their faith in the provision He had made. They must look in order to live. By looking upon the serpent their faith was shown. They knew that there was no virtue in the serpent itself, but it was a symbol of Christ.

EP 302.3

Heretofore many had brought offerings to God and felt that so doing made ample atonement for their sins. The Lord would now teach them that their sacrifices had no more power than the serpent of brass, but were to lead their minds to Christ, the great sin offering.

EP 303.1

Many have cherished the idea that they could do something to make themselves worthy. They have not looked away from self, believing that Jesus is an all-sufficient Saviour. We must not think that our own merits will save us. Christ is our only hope of salvation.

EP 303.2

When we see our sinfulness, we should not fear that we have no Saviour or that He has no thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time He is inviting us to come to Him and be saved.

EP 303.3

Many of the Israelites saw no help in the remedy which Heaven had appointed. They knew that without divine aid their own fate was certain; but they continued to lament their sure death until their eyes were glazed. They might have had instant healing. While we realize our helpless condition without Christ, we are not to yield to discouragement, but rely upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. Look and live. Jesus will save all who come unto Him. Not one who trusts in His merits will be left to perish.

EP 303.4

Many wander in the mazes of philosophy in search of reasons they will never find, while they reject the evidence God has been pleased to give. God gives sufficient evidence on which to base faith; and if this is not accepted, the mind is left in darkness. If those who were bitten by the serpents had stopped to doubt and question before they would look, they would have perished. It is our duty to look, and the look of faith will give life.

From Eternity Past

Lessons From the Death of Aaron

EP 299.3

The Scriptures give only the simple record, “There Aaron died, and there he was buried.” Deuteronomy 10:6. In striking contrast, in modern times the funeral services of a man of high position are often made the occasion of extravagant display. When Aaron died, there were only two of his nearest friends to attend his burial. That lonely grave was forever hidden from the sight of Israel. God is not honored in the great display and extravagant expense incurred in returning bodies to the dust.

From Eternity Past

What Happens in Unbelief

EP 300.4

Moses faithfully set before the people their great sin. God’s power alone had preserved them in “that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water.” Deuteronomy 8:15. In all the way they had found water, bread from heaven, and peace and safety under the shadowy cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Angels had ministered to them as they climbed rocky heights or threaded the rugged paths of the wilderness. There was not a feeble one in all their ranks. Their feet had not swollen in their long journeys; neither had their clothes grown old. God had subdued before them the fierce beasts of prey and the venemous reptiles of the forest and desert.

From Eternity Past

The Brazen Serpent a Type of the Saviour

EP 302.4

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,” even so was the Son of man “lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14, 15. All who have lived upon earth have felt the deadly sting of “that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan.” Revelation 12:9. The fatal effects of sin can be removed only by the provision that God has made. The Israelites saved their lives because they believed God’s word and trusted in the means provided for their recovery. So the sinner may look to Christ, and live. He receives pardon through faith in the atoning sacrifice. Christ has power and virtue to heal the repenting sinner.

EP 302.5

While the sinner cannot save himself, he still has something to do to secure salvation. “Him that cometh to Me,” says Christ, “I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. We must come to Him; and when we repent, we must believe that He accepts and pardons us. Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand by which the soul takes hold upon the divine offers of grace and mercy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 98, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 1

I am awakened this morning at three o’clock with deep feelings, and impressed by the Spirit of the Lord to arise and write words to you from the Lord. “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:14-16.

8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 2

“And they journeyed from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom; and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.” Numbers 21:4-6.

8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 6

“And the people spake against God, and against Moses, wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.” Numbers 21:5. The Lord had fed them with bread from heaven, even with angels’ food, but they appreciated it not. The Lord had hitherto held in check by His own power the reptiles and beasts, that they had not hurt them; but He removed His restraining hand and let these poisonous serpents do as they would have done all the way if the Lord had not restrained them.

8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 7

“And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.” [Verse 6.] This had the influence to call them to their senses, and awaken their paralyzed thoughts to their course of action. “Therefore the people came to Moses and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people, and the Lord said unto Moses, Make me a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” Numbers 21:7-9.

8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 28

O, how he longed to save them! Will you now believe? While we were yet sinners, not waiting to make ourselves good, Christ died for us. Will you believe in God? I have authority from God to command you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to believe He saves you now. Feeling has not to do with the matter. Christ says “Look and Live.” [Numbers 21:8.] Now break with the enemy who has kept you under his hellish shadow so long and so firmly. Whatever you feel is not to control you. Believe God loves you, for He hath declared it.

God’s Amazing Grace

Look and Live, November 3

AG 315.2

The lifting up of the brazen serpent [Numbers 21:4-9] was to teach Israel an important lesson. They could not save themselves from the fatal effect of the poison in their wounds. God alone was able to heal them. Yet they were required to show their faith in the provision which He had made. They must look in order to live. It was their faith that was acceptable with God, and by looking upon the serpent their faith was shown. They knew that there was no virtue in the serpent itself, but it was a symbol of Christ; and the necessity of faith in His merits was thus presented to their minds. Heretofore many had brought their offerings to God, and had felt that in so doing they made ample atonement for their sins. They did not rely upon the Redeemer to come, of whom these offerings were only a type. The Lord would now teach them that their sacrifices, in themselves, had no more power or virtue than the serpent of brass, but were, like that, to lead their minds to Christ, the great sin offering....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 41a, 1874

2LtMs, Lt 41a, 1874, par. 28

God chose to restrict the diet of the children of Israel for their good. He even promised them that He would take all sickness away from the midst of them if they would be obedient and follow Him fully. He gave them angels’ food morning by morning. But what a pitiful sight do we see in the camp of Israel! Men and women are weeping in the doors of their tents, and there is heard the pitiful cry, “Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots and did eat bread to the full.” Exodus 16:3. “Our soul,” say they, “loatheth this light bread.” Numbers 21:5. What, is it possible God could be so hard-hearted as to prescribe a died for the children of Israel which could not satisfy their wants or sustain their life? Would that God who created man require of him that which would make him miserable?. Oh no! Israel had been fostering a perverted appetite which would, if indulged, shorten their life. God, for their good, restricted their diet; but they rebelled against God’s requirements and thought themselves better able to choose their own food than God was to choose for them, and they would not submit to God’s requirement. The result was disease and death in the wilderness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 38, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 38, 1898, par. 12

But even though the people had bread from heaven, they murmured and complained. “Our soul loatheth this light bread,” they said. They hankered after the fleshpots of Egypt. They cried in the ears of the Lord, “Who shall give us flesh to eat. We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt, the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic: but now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all beside this manna before our eyes.” [Numbers 21:5; 11:4-6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 16, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 16, 1901, par. 36

We have no time, not a moment, to consider self. God calls for proof of a change of heart. There has been such a departure from Christlike sympathy and tenderness, and so much conformity to worldly policy and selfish principles that the high standard of righteousness has been lowered. The members of the church have so long neglected to eat the bread of heaven that many of them have lost all relish for the celestial food. By their actions they say, “Our soul loatheth this light bread.” [Numbers 21:5.] The food is provided from the Lord’s own table, but they have no desire for it; because depraved appetite clamors for the gratification of unholy practices.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 234, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 234, 1902, par. 1

Christ was with the church [in the wilderness]. He was the Angel of the Covenant who went before them, but He was greatly grieved and provoked with their unbelief and their perverse ways. They spoke against God and Moses, “Wherefore have ye brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?” [Numbers 21:5.] It was the unbelief and continual misdoings for which God could not work with them; and the Lord permitted plagues to come upon them. Many were stung to death by serpents.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 160, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 23

Verse 19. Do you know every serpent they tread upon? No more than the children of Israel. God kept the serpents bound that they could do them no harm. But when they became so indifferent to all the mercies the Lord had given them in leading them out, and were constantly murmuring and complaining, Christ—where was He? He was in the pillar of cloud. Every word that Moses gave them came from Christ, and Christ gave it to the people. Well then, when they insulted the Lord by departing from Him, He let the serpents loose upon them. The plague was upon them, and they were dying off, and then they came to Moses. “Pray for us, pray for us, that this plague may be removed.” [Numbers 21:7.]

Christ Triumphant

Unbelief and Murmuring Exalt Satan, April 30

CTr 127.1

And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. Numbers 21:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 42, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 70

The same lesson that Christ bade Moses to give to the children of Israel in the wilderness is for all such souls suffering under the plague spot of sin. From the billowy cloud Christ spoke to Moses and told him to make a brazen serpent and place it upon a pole, and then bid all that were bitten with the fiery serpents to look and live. [Numbers 21:8.] What if, in the place of looking as Christ commanded them, they had said, “I do not believe it will do me the least bit of good to look. I am too great a sufferer from the sting of the poisonous serpent.” Obedience was the object to be gained, implicit and blind obedience without stopping to inquire the reason or the science of the matter.

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 71

Christ’s word was, “Look and live.” [Verse 8.] “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” [John 3:14, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 85, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 85, 1891, par. 6

You cannot make yourself any better; Jesus can do all this. When the Israelites were bitten by the fiery poisonous serpents whose sting was certain death, the brazen serpent was lifted up on a pole, and Jesus, enshrouded in the cloudy pillar, bade Moses tell them, “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] The same Jesus has bidden me tell you, Look and live. Do not climb the pole, but only look. I present Christ to you. Look and live. There is hope, comfort, and peace for you. There is even joy in the Holy Ghost for you. Now I bid you, in the name of Jesus, Look and live.

7LtMs, Lt 85, 1891, par. 11

Satan would have your soul; shall he have it? Say, No, never. It is Christ’s property. Satan says, “Curse God and die.” [Job 2:9.] Will you do it? He curses God for you, that you may repeat his wicked blasphemy. Will you do it? No, for Jesus has died; He has purchased your life. Your soul is His property, and He will take you by the hand; He will draw you away from perdition; He will make you, as John, His beloved disciple, to win the crown of eternal life. He bids you, through me, His humble servant, “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] He opens His loving heart to you that you may hide in the cleft of the Rock. Say not, “There is no hope for me.” Satan triumphs every time you say it. Let these thoughts be in your heart, “Thou, O Lord, hast created me for Thyself.” He has permitted you to live that you might become acquainted with Jesus and be willing to follow Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 11b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 11b, 1892, par. 10

We should act our part, take Christ as our personal Saviour, and standing under the cross of Calvary, “look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] God sets His children apart for Himself. And as they connect themselves unto Him they have power with God and prevail. Of our own selves we can do nothing; but through the grace of His Holy Spirit, life and light is imparted, and the soul is filled with longing, earnest desire for God, for holiness. Then it is that Christ leads us to the throne of grace, and then clothes us with His righteousness, for the Lord God of heaven loves us. We would be willfully blind and stubborn to doubt that His heart is toward us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 126, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 126, 1895, par. 19

Now, my son, walk humbly with God. The Lord sees every sorrow, every grief, every trial that besets the human soul and He knows how to apply the balm. I am so sorry that men who want to be obedient to God put so much confidence in human sympathy and human help, which disappoint so often. But God, the living God, is unchangeable. He is the same kind, tender, pitiful, loving Saviour today, yesterday, and forever. Satan is now working with all his might, and leaving no means untried, to unsettle minds because they see men of long experience make mistakes. But Jesus is faultless. We are to “look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 163, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 163, 1895, par. 4

If we are united in interest with Christ, we shall see and we shall know our work; it is to do everything in our power to restore the moral image of God in man. These souls are candidates for heaven or perdition. They are not to be neglected, not to be looked upon indifferently, for they have entered into the designs of divine mercy. They must be instructed “line upon line, precept upon precept.” [Isaiah 28:10.] Fellowman must reclaim [his] brother from vice and present in the greatest simplicity an uplifted Saviour, and bid every soul “look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 32, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 32, 1895, par. 4

Shall my sister look at the dark side, and grieve the heart of Christ by questioning His love for you? No, you will not do this. The Lord Jesus bids me to tell you, “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] The glad tidings of God’s unspeakable love to all who are in trouble, to all who need His sympathy, embraces you. The Lord loves to heal you as a good physician of all your maladies. Infinite wisdom is acquainted with all the maladies and diseases of both body and mind that the poor human heart suffers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 4, 1875

2LtMs, Ms 4, 1875, par. 16

The clouds and darkness that sometimes enshrouded the pathway of my husband were not to evidence the displeasure of God. He must look up through the dark shadow that Satan casts before his pathway to eclipse the view of Jesus, that he shall not look upon His precious, gracious, forgiving image and see His glory. The words of Jesus to him are: “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5. I heard His voice, saying, “Fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8. “I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee (by My free Spirit); yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10. “I pledge My word, I will be to thee a present help in every time of need, if My servant will only trust in Me and cleave to Me and resign himself into My hands. Let him leave in My hands his brethren who have not clear discernment, who had not the tenderness and love of Jesus, for I judge righteously. Be strong in the strength of the Mighty One. The eye of faith must be uplifted from the annoying, aggravating things which Satan instigates unconsecrated men to do. Trust ye in My love. Look, ever look, and the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness will shine upon you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 51, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, par. 5

Jesus loves you. He gave His precious life that you should not perish, but have everlasting life. Then lift up your eyes to Jesus. “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] When despair would seem to sweep over your soul, continue to look to Jesus, and say, Get thee behind me Satan, I will have naught to do with thee. I hang my helpless soul upon Jesus Christ. He liveth to make intercession for me. My soul is precious in His sight. He that looks with interest upon the little brown sparrow, looketh upon me. Not a sparrow falleth to the ground without the notice of your heavenly Father, and if He thus notices the birds, how much more will He care for you who is formed in His image? He gave Jesus to be a propitiation for your sins, and not for yours only, but for the sins of the whole world. Now believe, and trust in Him, and talk faith. The spell is broken. Christ hath spoken, “Peace be unto you.” “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but in me ye shall have peace.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 60, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 60, 1897, par. 2

The love of God in the heart, manifested in true, unselfish missionary labor, will be more mighty than the sword or courts of justice in dealing with the evildoer. The living missionary, with his heart overflowing with the love of God, can break down the barriers. The medical missionary, taking up his appointed work, cannot only relieve bodily maladies, but through the love and grace of Christ, can point to an uplifted Saviour and bid the sinner “Look and live,” for Christ alone can heal the diseased soul, leprous with sin. [Numbers 21:8.] The hearts of men will often harden under rebuke, but they cannot withstand the love expressed toward them in Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 175, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 175, 1897, par. 21

I had a long conversation with Brother Davis this morning. Poor man, he is in trouble. He once dabbled with spiritualism and theosophy, and its dark influence has shrouded him ever since. Although he sees the truth and believes the truth, yet there seems to be a bondage to this power that it is hard for him to break. I could only bid him “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] An uplifted Saviour will heal the serpent’s bite, and although its poison has been diffused through his entire being, I could say to him, “Look and live.” Satan has indeed tempted him and desired to sift him as wheat, but Christ is a living Saviour and Advocate in the courts of heaven in his behalf. May the Lord deliever him from the cruel power of Satan, is my prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 94, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 94, 1897, par. 2

My sister, the Lord would have you realize that He loves you. He would have you take your eyes off your imperfections and mistakes. His voice is heard, “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] Rely upon Christ by faith. Take hold of His Word, and apply it to your own case. Come to Him in confidence; come to Him in faith. He is your friend and helper. He says, “Whosoever cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.” [John 6:37.] “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 50a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 50a, 1897, par. 47

O, remember that we are His offspring, children of one family. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] His tender mercies are over all His works. Ever bear in mind that money is of little value compared with souls. Many, if left to impulse, represent God as stern, watching to denounce and condemn; who would not receive a soul in error as long as he has a legal excuse for not helping him. It is not God who is thus represented; for He is full of goodness and mercy and truth. Christ came to remove all such feelings and thoughts of God. He wants every erring soul to “look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] He would have them feel that God’s yearning, fatherly love is toward them. He has revealed that which is not apprehended.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 139, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 139, 1897, par. 2

Who is there that makes the burden of the sinners perishing in their sins his own? No one can do this unless they sympathize with their God. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The Lord Jesus was lifted up on the cross that He might draw all men unto Him. The word to be given to all is, “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] By looking unto Jesus, you express faith in Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 93, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 93, 1897, par. 1

I am very much grieved because of your present affliction. If I were not so far away, I would come to you. But as this cannot be, I will bear this trial with you as far as possible. Do not, I beg of you, lose your faith. Come to the Lord with your wife. Now that the cloud has gathered about her, you must believe for her. Let her mind be as free as possible; but you must draw nigh to God. Your faith must take hold of a “Thus saith the Lord.” You must “look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] The Lord will hear your petitions. Pray to Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 50, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 50, 1897, par. 45

O, remember that we are His offspring, children of one family. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] His tender mercies are over all His works. Ever bear in mind that money is of little value compared with souls. Many, if left to impulse, represent God as stern, watching to denounce and condemn, who would not receive a soul in error as long as he has a legal excuse for not helping him. It is not God who is thus represented, for He is full of goodness and mercy and truth. Christ came to remove all such feelings and thoughts of God. He wants every erring soul to “look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] He would have them feel that God’s yearning, fatherly love is toward them. He has revealed that which is not apprehended.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 133, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 133, 1898, par. 2

I am so pleased and gratified and thankful that the Lord has raised you up from sickness to do His work. I am more rejoiced than I can express. I have thought, with your experiences, under the supervision of God, you could exert your influence to set in operation lines of work where women would unite together to work for the Lord. There certainly should be a larger number of women engaged in the work of ministering to suffering humanity, uplifting, educating them how to believe—simply to believe—in Jesus Christ our Saviour. And as souls give themselves to the Lord Jesus, making an entire surrender, they will understand the doctrine. I have not a bit of concern in regard to those souls, who are reaching out after they have been enlightened, but that they will receive the doctrine. We find it so here, and we know it is so in all places. The first glance must be Jesus Christ, the Sin-bearer, the One who taketh away the sin of the world. “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] Then, if they follow the Lamb of God, they will have an intelligent knowledge, as they remain learners, of what is truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 117, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 117, 1903, par. 21

Jesus is coming soon. I want you and your wife to make ready for His appearing. I want you to wash your robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Christ said of the church at Sardis, “Thou hast a few names, even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.” [Revelation 3:4.] I greatly desire that you shall be sanctified, body, soul, and spirit, through the truth. O my brother, I lift before you a crucified and risen Saviour, whom we are to receive as our Regenerator. I say to you, “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] It is our privilege to enjoy the abiding presence of Christ in our hearts. He says, “If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him; and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.” [John 14:23.] This is the identification that we must have with Christ in this world, if we are identified as His saints in the mansions that He has gone to prepare for those that love Him. We must know Christ here if we ever see the King in His beauty. Christ must be in us and we in Him. We must sit together with Him in heavenly places.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 30, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 30, 1889, par. 71

The conversion of souls has been made mysterious and complicated. Oh, tell the sinners, “Look and live!” [Numbers 21:8.] Study and practice Christ. “Thy gentleness,” said David, “hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35. Just open the door and let Jesus come in, and He will abide in the soul temple, and we may abide in Christ and rejoice in His love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 27, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 27, 1889, par. 7

There have been entire discourses, dry and Christless, in which Jesus has scarcely been named. The speaker’s heart is not subdued and melted by the love of Jesus. He dwells upon dry theories. No great impression is made. The speaker has not the divine unction, and how can he move the hearts of the people? We need to repent and be converted—yes, the preacher converted. The people must have Jesus lifted up before them, and they must be entreated to “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 82, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 82, 1889, par. 1

I have written the enclosed for your benefit. I want you to receive it and have hope and have courage and “look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] There are no merits in you. You may seek to find some good works to recommend you to God, making you good enough to be saved. Now, you can only be good enough to be saved by coming to Jesus just as you are, “without plea.” Cast yourself wholly upon the merits of Christ as a sinner that wants to be saved. Even although distressing unbelief comes in, he must fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 27, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 27, 1890, par. 13

Christ is seeking to draw you unto Himself. He has bought you with His blood; and now He is saying to you, “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] Look to Christ as He is revealed in His word. Sinful and polluted as you are, look, oh, look to Jesus on the cross of Calvary! See the judgments of God falling upon your Redeemer, that you should not be lost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 114, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 114, 1890, par. 12

Sunday I called on your brother again. Brother Edwin Jones accompanied me. We had a season of prayer for the sick, and the blessing of the Lord came to your brother. I tried to lay out clearly before him the strength he might obtain by simply trusting in God and not going back to hunt up his mistakes and defections of the past. This, you know, is natural to do when the soul is letting loose its grasp of this life and looking into the eternal world. If anyone ever has a distinct view of his own imperfections, it is at this point in his experience. But the Lord blessed the words spoken, and he said he could now better understand that his business was “to look and to live” [Numbers 21:8], to take the robe woven by Christ Himself in the heavenly loom, and rejoice in the worthiness and righteousness of Christ. He wept and he rejoiced.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 36, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 35

Unconverted men have stood in the pulpits sermonizing. Their own hearts have never experienced, through a living, clinging, trusting faith, the sweet evidence of the forgiveness of their sins. How then can they preach the love, the sympathy, the forgiveness of God for all sins? How can they say, “Look and live”? [Numbers 21:8.] Looking at the cross of Calvary, you will have a desire to bear the cross. A world’s Redeemer hung upon the cross of Calvary. Behold the Saviour of the world, in whom dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Can any look, and behold the sacrifice of God’s dear Son, and their hearts not be melted and broken, ready to surrender to God heart and soul?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 24, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, par. 15

Unconverted men have stood in the pulpits sermonizing; their own hearts have never experienced the sweet evidence, through a living, clinging, trusting faith, of the forgiveness of their sins. How then can they preach the love, the sympathy, the forgiveness of God for all their sins? “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] Looking at the cross of Calvary, you will have a desire to bear the cross. A world’s Redeemer hung upon the cross of Calvary. Behold the Saviour of the world, in whom dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Can any look, and behold the sacrifice of God’s dear Son, and their hearts not be melted and broken, ready to surrender to God, heart and soul?

Sons and Daughters of God

All Who Look to the Cross Will Live, August 3

SD 222.1

And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Numbers 21:9.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Great Sin Offering, December 4

JNN 356.1

So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.—Numbers 21:9

Education

Chapter 17—Poetry and Song

Ed 162.6

“They went to Beer: that is the well whereof the Lord spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.” Numbers 21:16. “Then sang Israel this song:

Ed 162.7

“Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it:
The well, which the princes digged,
Which the nobles of the people delved,
With the scepter, and with their staves.” Numbers 21:17, 18, R.V.