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Notes that are not verse specific
This chapter summarises the whole of the wilderness journey. The marginal references will allow you to see where the other books of the wilderness journey - in particular the earlier chapters of Numbers - speak of the events recorded in this summary. Also this summary provides data about stopping places not found in any other place so is more comprehensive in recording the journey than any other part of the record. There is a reason why the rest of the book does not record the whole of the journey in details. 'these things'(1 Corinthians 10:11) were examples - each is designed to teach specific lessons. Doubtless God could have taught lessons from other things that happened in the journey but He is silent. In a similar way this is true of the ministry of Jesus and the gospels. (John 21:25)
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
This chapter may be said to form the winding up of the history of the Children of Israel in the wilderness; the concluding chapters relate to matters connected with the occupation and division of the promised land that they will be entering.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to John
V.52 They were to be driven out, not by expulsion, but by extermination, (Deut 7:1)
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to John
Numbers 33 - Israel's journeys in the wilderness of life
Numbers 33- records the list of 42 places where Israel pitched camp on their journey to the promised land. We could view this list as 3 bundles of 14 movements in their experience of life.
The genealogy of Jesus from the promise to Abraham (Gen.12:4) to "Jesus Christ" is recorded as being 3 bundles of 14 generations giving a total of 42 generations. (Matt.1:17).
Numbers 33:5- Israel's journey began when they left Rameses in Egypt and pitched their first camp in Succoth (Ex.12:37-38). They took all their livestock, sheep & cattle and personal goods with them, even the dough with which was still in preparation for making bread. So when they began their journey from Egypt, everything they possessed was to be used to aid them in obeying the LORD as they travelled to the promised land.
Numbers 33:9, 14, 36- Israel were naturally thirsty travelling in a hot dry dusty landscape. They moaned first, showing a lack of trust that God would provide for them. At Kadesh they murmured at the lack of water, but the LORD always provided for them (Exo.15:23-27 ; Numbers 20:1-13).
Lessons for Us
We by the grace of God have been called to engage in a journey through life to travel to the Kingdom promised to us. This has been made possible by the labours and sacrifice of our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ. So we should devote our energy to serving our Lord. This is our "reasonable service".
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."(Romans 12:1-2).
Some of the campsites listed, we don't know where or what happened there. However, they were all part of their life experiences on the way to the land of promise. We may have experiences of lack of faith in our lives. We don't need to recall any details, but rather to learn by them. We must press on keeping our focus on the vision of the kingdom to come. And Jesus said, "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."(Luke 9:16).
Our journey in this spiritual wilderness is fraught with difficulties but we should remember the encouragement and teaching of our Lord and his Apostles.
Jesus said:
"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."(Matt.24:13).
"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."(Luke 9:62).
Paul encouraged the disciples "to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God". (Acts 14:22).
Paul also says, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."(Phil.3:14).
Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
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1. These are the journeys <4550> of the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, which went forth <3318>(8804) out of the land <776> of Egypt <4714> with their armies <6635> under the hand <3027> of Moses <4872> and Aaron <175>.
2. And Moses <4872> wrote <3789>(8799) their goings out <4161> according to their journeys <4550> by the commandment <6310> of the LORD <3068>: and these are their journeys <4550> according to their goings out <4161>.
3. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Rameses <7486> in the first <7223> month <2320>, on the fifteenth <6240> <2568> day <3117> of the first <7223> month <2320>; on the morrow <4283> after the passover <6453> the children <1121> of Israel <3478> went out <3318>(8804) with an high <7311>(8802) hand <3027> in the sight <5869> of all the Egyptians <4714>.
4. For the Egyptians <4714> buried <6912>(8764) all their firstborn <1060>, which the LORD <3068> had smitten <5221>(8689) among them: upon their gods <430> also the LORD <3068> executed <6213>(8804) judgments <8201>.
5. And the children <1121> of Israel <3478> removed <5265>(8799) from Rameses <7486>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Succoth <5523>.
6. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Succoth <5523>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Etham <864>, which is in the edge <7097> of the wilderness <4057>.
7. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Etham <864>, and turned again <7725>(8799) unto Pihahiroth <6367>, which is before Baalzephon <1189>: and they pitched <2583>(8799) before <6440> Migdol <4024>.
8. And they departed <5265>(8799) from before <6440> Pihahiroth <6367>, and passed through <5674>(8799) the midst <8432> of the sea <3220> into the wilderness <4057>, and went <3212>(8799) three <7969> days <3117>' journey <1870> in the wilderness <4057> of Etham <864>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Marah <4785>.
9. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Marah <4785>, and came <935>(8799) unto Elim <362>: and in Elim <362> were twelve <8147> <6240> fountains <5869> of water <4325>, and threescore and ten <7657> palm trees <8558>; and they pitched <2583>(8799) there.
10. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Elim <362>, and encamped <2583>(8799) by the Red <5488> sea <3220>.
11. And they removed <5265>(8799) from the Red <5488> sea <3220>, and encamped <2583>(8799) in the wilderness <4057> of Sin <5512>.
12. And they took their journey <5265>(8799) out of the wilderness <4057> of Sin <5512>, and encamped <2583>(8799) in Dophkah <1850>.
13. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Dophkah <1850>, and encamped <2583>(8799) in Alush <442>.
14. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Alush <442>, and encamped <2583>(8799) at Rephidim <7508>, where was no water <4325> for the people <5971> to drink <8354>(8800).
15. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Rephidim <7508>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in the wilderness <4057> of Sinai <5514>.
16. And they removed <5265>(8799) from the desert <4057> of Sinai <5514>, and pitched <2583>(8799) at Kibrothhattaavah <6914>.
17. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Kibrothhattaavah <6914>, and encamped <2583>(8799) at Hazeroth <2698>.
18. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Hazeroth <2698>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Rithmah <7575>.
19. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Rithmah <7575>, and pitched <2583>(8799) at Rimmonparez <7428>.
20. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Rimmonparez <7428>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Libnah <3841>.
21. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Libnah <3841>, and pitched <2583>(8799) at Rissah <7446>.
22. And they journeyed <5265>(8799) from Rissah <7446>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Kehelathah <6954>.
23. And they went <5265>(8799) from Kehelathah <6954>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in mount <2022> Shapher <8234>.
24. And they removed <5265>(8799) from mount <2022> Shapher <8234>, and encamped <2583>(8799) in Haradah <2732>.
25. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Haradah <2732>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Makheloth <4722>.
26. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Makheloth <4722>, and encamped <2583>(8799) at Tahath <8480>.
27. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Tahath <8480>, and pitched <2583>(8799) at Tarah <8646>.
28. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Tarah <8646>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Mithcah <4989>.
29. And they went <5265>(8799) from Mithcah <4989>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Hashmonah <2832>.
30. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Hashmonah <2832>, and encamped <2583>(8799) at Moseroth <4149>.
31. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Moseroth <4149>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Benejaakan <1142>.
32. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Benejaakan <1142>, and encamped <2583>(8799) at Horhagidgad <2735>.
33. And they went <5265>(8799) from Horhagidgad <2735>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Jotbathah <3193>.
34. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Jotbathah <3193>, and encamped <2583>(8799) at Ebronah <5684>.
35. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Ebronah <5684>, and encamped <2583>(8799) at Eziongaber <6100>.
36. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Eziongaber <6100>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in the wilderness <4057> of Zin <6790>, which is Kadesh <6946>.
37. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Kadesh <6946>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in mount <2022> Hor <2023>, in the edge <7097> of the land <776> of Edom <123>.
38. And Aaron <175> the priest <3548> went up <5927>(8799) into mount <2022> Hor <2023> at the commandment <6310> of the LORD <3068>, and died <4191>(8799) there, in the fortieth <705> year <8141> after the children <1121> of Israel <3478> were come out <3318>(8800) of the land <776> of Egypt <4714>, in the first <259> day of the fifth <2549> month <2320>.
39. And Aaron <175> was an hundred <3967> and twenty <6242> and three <7969> years <8141> old <1121> when he died <4194> in mount <2022> Hor <2023>.
40. And king <4428> Arad <6166> the Canaanite <3669>, which dwelt <3427>(8802) in the south <5045> in the land <776> of Canaan <3667>, heard <8085>(8799) of the coming <935>(8800) of the children <1121> of Israel <3478>.
41. And they departed <5265>(8799) from mount <2022> Hor <2023>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Zalmonah <6758>.
42. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Zalmonah <6758>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Punon <6325>.
43. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Punon <6325>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Oboth <88>.
44. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Oboth <88>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Ijeabarim <5863>, in the border <1366> of Moab <4124>.
45. And they departed <5265>(8799) from Iim <5864>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in Dibongad <1769>.
46. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Dibongad <1769>, and encamped <2583>(8799) in Almondiblathaim <5963>.
47. And they removed <5265>(8799) from Almondiblathaim <5963>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in the mountains <2022> of Abarim <5682>, before <6440> Nebo <5015>.
48. And they departed <5265>(8799) from the mountains <2022> of Abarim <5682>, and pitched <2583>(8799) in the plains <6160> of Moab <4124> by Jordan <3383> near Jericho <3405>.
49. And they pitched <2583>(8799) by Jordan <3383>, from Bethjesimoth <1020> even unto Abelshittim <63> in the plains <6160> of Moab <4124>.
50. And the LORD <3068> spake <1696>(8762) unto Moses <4872> in the plains <6160> of Moab <4124> by Jordan <3383> near Jericho <3405>, saying <559>(8800),
51. Speak <1696>(8761) unto the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, and say <559>(8804) unto them, When ye are passed over <5674>(8802) Jordan <3383> into the land <776> of Canaan <3667>;
52. Then ye shall drive out <3423>(8689) all the inhabitants <3427>(8802) of the land <776> from before <6440> you, and destroy <6>(8765) all their pictures <4906>, and destroy <6>(8762) all their molten <4541> images <6754>, and quite pluck down <8045>(8686) all their high places <1116>:
53. And ye shall dispossess <3423>(8689) the inhabitants of the land <776>, and dwell <3427>(8804) therein: for I have given <5414>(8804) you the land <776> to possess <3423>(8800) it.
54. And ye shall divide <5157> <0> the land <776> by lot <1486> for an inheritance <5157>(8694) among your families <4940>: and to the more <7227> ye shall give the more <7235>(8686) inheritance <5159>, and to the fewer <4592> ye shall give the less <4591>(8686) inheritance <5159>: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot <1486> falleth <3318>(8799); according to the tribes <4294> of your fathers <1> ye shall inherit <5157>(8691).
55. But if ye will not drive out <3423>(8686) the inhabitants <3427>(8802) of the land <776> from before <6440> you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain <3498>(8686) of them shall be pricks <7899> in your eyes <5869>, and thorns <6796> in your sides <6654>, and shall vex <6887>(8804) you in the land <776> wherein ye dwell <3427>(8802).
56. Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do <6213>(8799) unto you, as I thought <1819>(8765) to do <6213>(8800) unto them.
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1. Be not thou envious <7065>(8762) against evil <7451> men <582>, neither desire <183>(8691) to be with them.
2. For their heart <3820> studieth <1897>(8799) destruction <7701>, and their lips <8193> talk <1696>(8762) of mischief <5999>.
3. Through wisdom <2451> is an house <1004> builded <1129>(8735); and by understanding <8394> it is established <3559>(8709):
4. And by knowledge <1847> shall the chambers <2315> be filled <4390>(8735) with all precious <3368> and pleasant <5273> riches <1952>.
5. A wise <2450> man <1397> is strong <5797>; yea, a man <376> of knowledge <1847> increaseth <553>(8764) strength <3581>.
6. For by wise counsel <8458> thou shalt make <6213>(8799) thy war <4421>: and in multitude <7230> of counsellors <3289>(8802) there is safety <8668>.
7. Wisdom <2454> is too high <7311>(8802) for a fool <191>: he openeth <6605>(8799) not his mouth <6310> in the gate <8179>.
8. He that deviseth <2803>(8764) to do evil <7489>(8687) shall be called <7121>(8799) a mischievous <4209> person <1167>.
9. The thought <2154> of foolishness <200> is sin <2403>: and the scorner <3887>(8801) is an abomination <8441> to men <120>.
10. If thou faint <7503>(8694) in the day <3117> of adversity <6869>, thy strength <3581> is small <6862>.
11. If thou forbear <2820>(8799) to deliver <5337>(8685) them that are drawn <3947>(8803) unto death <4194>, and those that are ready <4131>(8801) to be slain <2027>;
12. If thou sayest <559>(8799), Behold, we knew <3045>(8804) it not; doth not he that pondereth <8505>(8802) the heart <3826> consider <995>(8799) it? and he that keepeth <5341>(8802) thy soul <5315>, doth not he know <3045>(8799) it? and shall not he render <7725>(8689) to every man <120> according to his works <6467>?
13. My son <1121>, eat <398>(8798) thou honey <1706>, because it is good <2896>; and the honeycomb <5317>, which is sweet <4966> to thy taste <2441>:
14. So shall the knowledge <3045>(8798) of wisdom <2451> be unto thy soul <5315>: when thou hast found <4672>(8804) it, then there shall be <3426> a reward <319>, and thy expectation <8615> shall not be cut off <3772>(8735).
15. Lay not wait <693>(8799), O wicked <7563> man, against the dwelling <5116> of the righteous <6662>; spoil <7703>(8762) not his resting place <7258>:
16. For a just <6662> man falleth <5307>(8799) seven times <7651>, and riseth up again <6965>(8804): but the wicked <7563> shall fall <3782>(8735) into mischief <7451>.
17. Rejoice <8055>(8799) not when thine enemy <341>(8802) falleth <5307>(8800), and let not thine heart <3820> be glad <1523>(8799) when he stumbleth <3782>(8736):
18. Lest the LORD <3068> see <7200>(8799) it, and it displease <7489>(8804) <5869> him, and he turn away <7725>(8689) his wrath <639> from him.
19. Fret <2734>(8691) not thyself because of evil <7489>(8688) men, neither be thou envious <7065>(8762) at the wicked <7563>;
20. For there shall be no reward <319> to the evil <7451> man; the candle <5216> of the wicked <7563> shall be put out <1846>(8799).
21. My son <1121>, fear <3372>(8798) thou the LORD <3068> and the king <4428>: and meddle <6148>(8691) not with them that are given to change <8138>(8802):
22. For their calamity <343> shall rise <6965>(8799) suddenly <6597>; and who knoweth <3045>(8802) the ruin <6365> of them both <8147>?
23. These things also belong to the wise <2450>. It is not good <2896> to have respect <5234>(8687) of persons <6440> in judgment <4941>.
24. He that saith <559>(8802) unto the wicked <7563>, Thou art righteous <6662>; him shall the people <5971> curse <5344>(8799), nations <3816> shall abhor <2194>(8799) him:
25. But to them that rebuke <3198>(8688) him shall be delight <5276>(8799), and a good <2896> blessing <1293> shall come <935>(8799) upon them.
26. Every man shall kiss <5401>(8799) his lips <8193> that giveth <7725>(8688) a right <5228> answer <1697>.
27. Prepare <3559>(8685) thy work <4399> without <2351>, and make it fit <6257>(8761) for thyself in the field <7704>; and afterwards <310> build <1129>(8804) thine house <1004>.
28. Be not a witness <5707> against thy neighbour <7453> without cause <2600>; and deceive <6601>(8765) not with thy lips <8193>.
29. Say <559>(8799) not, I will do <6213>(8799) so to him as he hath done <6213>(8804) to me: I will render <7725>(8686) to the man <376> according to his work <6467>.
30. I went <5674>(8804) by the field <7704> of the slothful <376> <6102>, and by the vineyard <3754> of the man <120> void <2638> of understanding <3820>;
31. And, lo, it was all grown over <5927>(8804) with thorns <7063>, and nettles <2738> had covered <3680>(8795) the face <6440> thereof, and the stone <68> wall <1444> thereof was broken down <2040>(8738).
32. Then I saw <2372>(8799), and considered it well <7896>(8799) <3820>: I looked <7200>(8804) upon it, and received <3947>(8804) instruction <4148>.
33. Yet a little <4592> sleep <8142>, a little <4592> slumber <8572>, a little <4592> folding <2264> of the hands <3027> to sleep <7901>(8800):
34. So shall thy poverty <7389> come <935>(8804) as one that travelleth <1980>(8693); and thy want <4270> as an armed <4043> man <376>.
Notes that are not verse specific
ALL THE WAY
How prepared are we to follow Jesus? As we read through the gospels we find that there seem to be limits on discipleship for everyone that followed him. During the times that Jesus stood in the populated places, the towns and villages, he was thronged by people who wanted to see him, hear him and see some miracle done by him. These were the times when most people wanted to follow Jesus.
Then, when Jesus started to teach, many of the people in the crowds found his teachings too hard for them, so after grumbling among themselves, they got up and left. They were not prepared to face the challenge to their faith.
There were other times when Jesus was being crowded out by people when he took a walk up a mountain. That really sorted out the disciples from the riff-raff. There were very few that were dedicated enough to walk up a mountain to follow Jesus. They were not prepared to face the physical challenge to follow Christ.
Now what about us? How prepared are we to follow the Saviour of the world? Can we face the challenges he gives our faith and the physical challenges he sets for us? Let's follow him all the way!
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
6:66 - If we look back at the record of Matt 4:25, we see a great popularity of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry("...followed him great multitudes")
Here in John 6:66, his popularity starts to diminish. And finally, in Matt 26:56, it is recorded that "all the disciples forsook him, and fled." Tragic.
Matt Drywood [Hamilton Book Road (Can)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Matt
John 6:33 J
33For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst
Jesus talks about coming down from heaven and giving the bread of life what the partaker of would live forever. While many of the churches take this as a literal saying it is not the view that the apostles took. If we look at Peter's reaction after the other disciples no longer walked with Jesus we get a better understanding.
66From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
This is supported in the words of Jesus earlier as and explanation.
63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
It is the Word that came down from heaven and was manifested in the Son of God. This is what is conveyed in the opening of the letter to the Hebrews.
Heb 1:1-2
1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Alex
What does it mean to eat his flesh and drink his blood? My meat is to do the will of the Father. Do we eat of His flesh we must engage ourselves in serving our Heavenly Father, to read His words and obey His commandments.
But what does it mean to drink His blood? To drink His blood is to fellowship His sufferings. We see that self sacrificing love that agape love of the Lord Jesus, the agony of the cross that He endured in order to bring many sons and daughters to glory, but do we reveal in our lives that agape love. The disciples rejoiced in that they were counted worthy to fellowship His sufferings. We also see it in the practical outworking of this love of husbands and wives. Eph 5:25 and in 1Pet 3:7 The need to be in harmony as the bride and groom reflecting in our lives the spirit of Christ.
We have one date that seems to come up over and over again in all the time periods ..of 42 months, 1260 days, 3 ½ years, times time and dividing of times.These dates are repeated over again in scriptures and we ask why? I believe that it is because in the middle of the week after 3 and a half years, 1260 days the Lord Jesus was crucified. And just like He witnessed to the truth to the honour and praise of His Heavenly Father we must be faithful servants we must fellowship His sufferings and drink of that cup. Rev 11:1 we have a rod<4464> of affliction which would happen to the faithful witnesses.
Richard Snelling [Swansea] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Richard
Jn. 6:62.
Jesus speaking - "What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!"
What did Jesus mean by this statement?
I got a response from my brother George - actually a two-fold one - his thoughts plus those from a bro. Oosthuizen. Here they are -
• Comment on John 6:62
WHAT IF YOU SEE THE SON OF MAN ASCEND TO WHERE HE WAS BEFORE!: This might refer to his ascending out of grave to stand on earth again. This proof of his resurrection was seen by hundreds, but the proof of his ascension by only 11.
Or perhaps this is the general language of theophany, i.e., God-manifestation. When God reveals Himself, He is said, Biblically speaking, to "come down", and when He finishes His revelation, He is said to "go up" or "ascend", i.e., out of sight again (cf
Gen 11:5;
Gen 18:21;
Exo 3:7,8;
Exo 19:11,18,20;
Exo 34:5;
Psa 18:9,10;
Psa 19:8;
Prov 30:4;
Isa 64:1;
Eph 4:9,10). So by this language of theophany, Jesus is speaking of his ascension -- not that he was literally and personally in heaven before, but that he was a revelation in human flesh of the God of heaven, and he would shortly return to his Father.
Also, the context of this verse, in John 6, is the manna that came from heaven. A portion of this manna was preserved by being laid up in the most holy place (
Heb 9:4;
Exo 16:33,34), and thus symbolically being returned to the God who gave it to Israel.
But if this means 'going up to heaven, where he was before', then how was Jesus in heaven before? Simply in the same way that Levi was in the loins of his ancestor Abraham (
Heb 7:10).
* * * * *
There has been considerable divergence of opinion as to precisely what the Lord intended to convey by these words. Some think that he was referring to his literal ascension into heaven at the end of the forty days to sit at the right hand of his Father. This is understandable because mention of 'the Son of man' would readily link with
Dan 7:13 (an ascension prophecy). In that case the meaning would be: "You will surely change your present attitude when you see me ascend to heaven." The problem with this interpretation is that most of the disciples to whom the words were addressed on this occasion did
not witness the ascension to heaven. That seems to have been a privilege confined to the apostles (
Acts 1:1-9). So it is difficult to take the words literally. Perhaps by "ye shall see" Jesus meant "perceive" or "understand", as in
John 1:51 when he was conversing with Nathanael, for by the time of his "departure" their appreciation of the gospel and their faith in him had been greatly enlarged and strengthened (see
Acts 1:14,15).
Others have suggested that Jesus was speaking of his own resurrection: "What and if ye shall see me ascend up out of the tomb to be with you again on the earth as I am now? Perhaps you will understand more readily then!" This interpretation harmonizes well enough with the words that follow: "It is the Spirit that maketh alive; the flesh profiteth nothing." Anthony Oosthuizen
.............................
my comments - I looked up the word translated "ascend" here, and it's "anabaino". It is the regular word used for Christ's ascension into heaven, but it's also translated in a number of different ways for events not at all related to Jesus' going into heaven. Out of the ~80 times the phrase comes up, about half of the time it is translated "go up" and has nothing to do with Jesus' ascension to heaven. So the ideas presented for his resurrection to appear before hundreds of people during that 40 day period seem logical to me.
Wes Booker [South Austin Texas USA] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Wes
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1. After <3326> these things <5023> Jesus <2424> went <565>(5627) over <4008> the sea <2281> of Galilee <1056>, which is the sea of Tiberias <5085>.
2. And <2532> a great <4183> multitude <3793> followed <190>(5707) him <846>, because <3754> they saw <3708>(5707) his <846> miracles <4592> which <3739> he did <4160>(5707) on <1909> them that were diseased <770>(5723).
3. And <1161> Jesus <2424> went up <424>(5627) into <1519> a mountain <3735>, and <2532> there <1563> he sat <2521>(5711) with <3326> his <848> disciples <3101>.
4. And <1161> the passover <3957>, a feast <1859> of the Jews <2453>, was <2258>(5713) nigh <1451>.
5. When Jesus <2424> then <3767> lifted up <1869>(5660) his eyes <3788>, and <2532> saw <2300>(5666) <3754> a great <4183> company <3793> come <2064>(5736) unto <4314> him <848>, he saith <3004>(5719) unto <4314> Philip <5376>, Whence <4159> shall we buy <59>(5692) bread <740>, that <2443> these <3778> may eat <5315>(5632)?
6. And <1161> this <5124> he said <3004>(5707) to prove <3985>(5723) him <846>: for <1063> he himself <846> knew <1492>(5715) what <5101> he would <3195>(5707) do <4160>(5721).
7. Philip <5376> answered <611>(5662) him <846>, Two hundred <1250> pennyworth <1220> of bread <740> is <714> <0> not <3756> sufficient <714>(5719) for them <846>, that <2443> every one <1538> of them <846> may take <2983>(5632) a <5100> little <1024>.
8. One <1520> of <1537> his <846> disciples <3101>, Andrew <406>, Simon <4613> Peter's <4074> brother <80>, saith <3004>(5719) unto him <846>,
9. There is <2076>(5748) a <1520> lad <3808> here <5602>, which <3739> hath <2192>(5719) five <4002> barley <2916> loaves <740>, and <2532> two <1417> small fishes <3795>: but <235> what <5101> are <2076>(5748) they <5023> among <1519> so many <5118>?
10. And <1161> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627), Make <4160>(5657) the men <444> sit down <377>(5629). Now <1161> there was <2258>(5713) much <4183> grass <5528> in <1722> the place <5117>. So <3767> the men <435> sat down <377>(5627), in number <706> about <5616> five thousand <4000>.
11. And <1161> Jesus <2424> took <2983>(5627) the loaves <740>; and <2532> when he had given thanks <2168>(5660), he distributed <1239>(5656) to the disciples <3101>, and <1161> the disciples <3101> to them that were set down <345>(5740); and <2532> likewise <3668> of <1537> the fishes <3795> as much as <3745> they would <2309>(5707).
12. When <1161> <5613> they were filled <1705>(5681), he said <3004>(5719) unto his <848> disciples <3101>, Gather up <4863>(5628) the fragments <2801> that remain <4052>(5660), that nothing <3363> <5100> be lost <622>(5643).
13. Therefore <3767> they gathered them together <4863>(5627), and <2532> filled <1072>(5656) twelve <1427> baskets <2894> with the fragments <2801> of <1537> the five <4002> barley <2916> loaves <740>, which <3739> remained over and above <4052>(5656) unto them that had eaten <977>(5761).
14. Then <3767> those men <444>, when they had seen <1492>(5631) the miracle <4592> that <3739> Jesus <2424> did <4160>(5656), said <3004>(5707), This <3754> <3778> is <2076>(5748) of a truth <230> that prophet <4396> that should come <2064>(5740) into <1519> the world <2889>.
15. When Jesus <2424> therefore <3767> perceived <1097>(5631) that <3754> they would <3195>(5719) come <2064>(5738) and <2532> take <726> <0> him <846> by force <726>(5721), to <2443> make <4160>(5661) him <846> a king <935>, he departed <402>(5656) again <3825> into <1519> a mountain <3735> himself <846> alone <3441>.
16. And <1161> when <5613> even <3798> was now come <1096>(5633), his <846> disciples <3101> went down <2597>(5627) unto <1909> the sea <2281>,
17. And <2532> entered <1684>(5631) into <1519> a ship <4143>, and went <2064>(5711) over <4008> the sea <2281> toward <1519> Capernaum <2584>. And <2532> it was <1096>(5715) now <2235> dark <4653>, and <2532> Jesus <2424> was <2064> <0> not <3756> come <2064>(5715) to <4314> them <846>.
18. And <5037> the sea <2281> arose <1326>(5712) by reason of a great <3173> wind <417> that blew <4154>(5723).
19. So <3767> when they had rowed <1643>(5761) about <5613> five <4002> and twenty <1501> or <2228> thirty <5144> furlongs <4712>, they see <2334>(5719) Jesus <2424> walking <4043>(5723) on <1909> the sea <2281>, and <2532> drawing <1096>(5740) nigh <1451> unto the ship <4143>: and <2532> they were afraid <5399>(5675).
20. But <1161> he saith <3004>(5719) unto them <846>, It is <1510>(5748) I <1473>; be <5399> <0> not <3361> afraid <5399>(5737).
21. Then <3767> they willingly <2309>(5707) received <2983>(5629) him <846> into <1519> the ship <4143>: and <2532> immediately <2112> the ship <4143> was <1096>(5633) at <1909> the land <1093> whither <1519> <3739> they went <5217>(5707).
22. The day following <1887>, when the people <3793> which <3588> stood <2476>(5761) on the other side <4008> of the sea <2281> saw <1492>(5631) that <3754> there was <2258>(5713) none <3756> other <243> boat <4142> there <1563>, save <1508> that <1565> one <1520> whereinto <1519> <3739> his <848> disciples <3101> were entered <1684>(5627), and <2532> that <3754> Jesus <2424> went <4897> <0> not <3756> with <4897>(5627) his <846> disciples <3101> into <1519> the boat <4142>, but <235> that his <846> disciples <3101> were gone away <565>(5627) alone <3441>;
23. (Howbeit <235> <1161> there came <2064>(5627) other <243> boats <4142> from <1537> Tiberias <5085> nigh <1451> unto the place <5117> where <3699> they did eat <5315>(5627) bread <740>, after that the Lord <2962> had given thanks <2168>(5660):)
24. When <3753> the people <3793> therefore <3767> saw <1492>(5627) that <3754> Jesus <2424> was <2076>(5748) not <3756> there <1563>, neither <3761> his <846> disciples <3101>, they <846> also <2532> took <1684>(5627) <1519> shipping <4143>, and <2532> came <2064>(5627) to <1519> Capernaum <2584>, seeking for <2212>(5723) Jesus <2424>.
25. And <2532> when they had found <2147>(5631) him <846> on the other side <4008> of the sea <2281>, they said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Rabbi <4461>, when <4219> camest thou <1096>(5754) hither <5602>?
26. Jesus <2424> answered <611>(5662) them <846> and <2532> said <2036>(5627), Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, Ye seek <2212>(5719) me <3165>, not <3756> because <3754> ye saw <1492>(5627) the miracles <4592>, but <235> because <3754> ye did eat <5315>(5627) of <1537> the loaves <740>, and <2532> were filled <5526>(5681).
27. Labour <2038>(5737) not <3361> for the meat <1035> which <3588> perisheth <622>(5734), but <235> for that meat <1035> which <3588> endureth <3306>(5723) unto <1519> everlasting <166> life <2222>, which <3739> the Son <5207> of man <444> shall give <1325>(5692) unto you <5213>: for <1063> him <5126> hath <4972> <0> God <2316> the Father <3962> sealed <4972>(5656).
28. Then <3767> said they <2036>(5627) unto <4314> him <846>, What <5101> shall we do <4160>(5719)(5625) <4160>(5725), that <2443> we might work <2038>(5741) the works <2041> of God <2316>?
29. Jesus <2424> answered <611>(5662) and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, This <5124> is <2076>(5748) the work <2041> of God <2316>, that <2443> ye believe <4100>(5661) on <1519> him <3739> whom <1565> he hath sent <649>(5656).
30. They said <2036>(5627) therefore <3767> unto him <846>, What <5101> sign <4592> shewest <4160>(5719) thou <4771> then <3767>, that <2443> we may see <1492>(5632), and <2532> believe <4100>(5661) thee <4671>? what <5101> dost thou work <2038>(5736)?
31. Our <2257> fathers <3962> did eat <5315>(5627) manna <3131> in <1722> the desert <2048>; as <2531> it is <2076>(5748) written <1125>(5772), He gave <1325>(5656) them <846> bread <740> from <1537> heaven <3772> to eat <5315>(5629).
32. Then <3767> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, Moses <3475> gave <1325>(5758) you <5213> not <3756> that bread <740> from <1537> heaven <3772>; but <235> my <3450> Father <3962> giveth <1325>(5719) you <5213> the true <228> bread <740> from <1537> heaven <3772>.
33. For <1063> the bread <740> of God <2316> is he <2076>(5748) which <3588> cometh down <2597>(5723) from <1537> heaven <3772>, and <2532> giveth <1325>(5723) life <2222> unto the world <2889>.
34. Then <3767> said they <2036>(5627) unto <4314> him <846>, Lord <2962>, evermore <3842> give <1325>(5628) us <2254> this <5126> bread <740>.
35. And <1161> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, I <1473> am <1510>(5748) the bread <740> of life <2222>: he that cometh <2064>(5740) to <4314> me <3165> shall never <3364> hunger <3983>(5661); and <2532> he that believeth <4100>(5723) on <1519> me <1691> shall <1372> <0> never <3364> <4455> thirst <1372>(5661).
36. But <235> I said <2036>(5627) unto you <5213>, That <3754> ye <3708> <0> also <2532> have seen <3708>(5758) me <3165>, and <2532> believe <4100>(5719) not <3756>.
37. All <3956> that <3739> the Father <3962> giveth <1325>(5719) me <3427> shall come <2240>(5692) to <4314> me <1691>; and <2532> him that cometh <2064>(5740) to <4314> me <3165> I will <1544> <0> in no wise <3364> cast <1544>(5632) out <1854>.
38. For <3754> I came down <2597>(5758) from <1537> heaven <3772>, not <3756> to <2443> do <4160>(5725) mine own <1699> will <2307>, but <235> the will <2307> of him that sent <3992>(5660) me <3165>.
39. And <1161> this <5124> is <2076>(5748) the Father's <3962> will <2307> which <3588> hath sent <3992>(5660) me <3165>, that <2443> of all <3956> which <3739> he hath given <1325>(5758) me <3427> I should lose <622>(5661) nothing <3361> <1537> <846>, but <235> should raise <450> <0> it <846> up again <450>(5692) at <1722> the last <2078> day <2250>.
40. And <1161> this <5124> is <2076>(5748) the will <2307> of him that sent <3992>(5660) me <3165>, that <2443> every one <3956> which <3588> seeth <2334>(5723) the Son <5207>, and <2532> believeth <4100>(5723) on <1519> him <846>, may have <2192>(5725) everlasting <166> life <2222>: and <2532> I <1473> will raise <450> <0> him <846> up <450>(5692) at the last <2078> day <2250>.
41. The Jews <2453> then <3767> murmured <1111>(5707) at <4012> him <846>, because <3754> he said <2036>(5627), I <1473> am <1510>(5748) the bread <740> which <3588> came down <2597>(5631) from <1537> heaven <3772>.
42. And <2532> they said <3004>(5707), Is <2076>(5748) not <3756> this <3778> Jesus <2424>, the son <5207> of Joseph <2501>, whose <3739> father <3962> and <2532> mother <3384> we <2249> know <1492>(5758)? how is it <4459> then <3767> that he <3778> saith <3004>(5719), <3754> I came down <2597>(5758) from <1537> heaven <3772>?
43. Jesus <2424> therefore <3767> answered <611>(5662) and <2532> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Murmur <1111>(5720) not <3361> among <3326> yourselves <240>.
44. No man <3762> can <1410>(5736) come <2064>(5629) to <4314> me <3165>, except <3362> the Father <3962> which <3588> hath sent <3992>(5660) me <3165> draw <1670>(5661) him <846>: and <2532> I <1473> will raise <450> <0> him <846> up <450>(5692) at the last <2078> day <2250>.
45. It is <2076>(5748) written <1125>(5772) in <1722> the prophets <4396>, And <2532> they shall be <2071>(5704) all <3956> taught <1318> of God <2316>. Every man <3956> therefore <3767> that hath heard <191>(5660), and <2532> hath learned <3129>(5631) of <3844> the Father <3962>, cometh <2064>(5736) unto <4314> me <3165>.
46. Not <3756> that <3754> any man <5100> hath seen <3708>(5758) the Father <3962>, save <1508> he which <3588> is <3844> <5607>(5752) of God <2316>, he <3778> hath seen <3708>(5758) the Father <3962>.
47. Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, He that believeth <4100>(5723) on <1519> me <1691> hath <2192>(5719) everlasting <166> life <2222>.
48. I <1473> am <1510>(5748) that bread <740> of life <2222>.
49. Your <5216> fathers <3962> did eat <5315>(5627) manna <3131> in <1722> the wilderness <2048>, and <2532> are dead <599>(5627).
50. This <3778> is <2076>(5748) the bread <740> which <3588> cometh down <2597>(5723) from <1537> heaven <3772>, that <3363> <0> a man <5100> may eat <5315>(5632) thereof <1537> <846>, and <2532> not <3363> die <599>(5632).
51. I <1473> am <1510>(5748) the living <2198>(5723) bread <740> which <3588> came down <2597>(5631) from <1537> heaven <3772>: if <1437> any man <5100> eat <5315>(5632) of <1537> this <5127> bread <740>, he shall live <2198>(5695) for <1519> ever <165>: and <1161> <2532> the bread <740> that <3739> I <1473> will give <1325>(5692) is <2076>(5748) my <3450> flesh <4561>, which <3739> I <1473> will give <1325>(5692) for <5228> the life <2222> of the world <2889>.
52. The Jews <2453> therefore <3767> strove <3164>(5711) among <4314> themselves <240>, saying <3004>(5723), How <4459> can <1410>(5736) this man <3778> give <1325>(5629) us <2254> his flesh <4561> to eat <5315>(5629)?
53. Then <3767> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, Except <3362> ye eat <5315>(5632) the flesh <4561> of the Son <5207> of man <444>, and <2532> drink <4095>(5632) his <846> blood <129>, ye have <2192>(5719) no <3756> life <2222> in <1722> you <1438>.
54. Whoso eateth <5176>(5723) my <3450> flesh <4561>, and <2532> drinketh <4095>(5723) my <3450> blood <129>, hath <2192>(5719) eternal <166> life <2222>; and <2532> I <1473> will raise <450> <0> him <846> up <450>(5692) at the last <2078> day <2250>.
55. For <1063> my <3450> flesh <4561> is <2076>(5748) meat <1035> indeed <230>, and <2532> my <3450> blood <129> is <2076>(5748) drink <4213> indeed <230>.
56. He that eateth <5176>(5723) my <3450> flesh <4561>, and <2532> drinketh <4095>(5723) my <3450> blood <129>, dwelleth <3306>(5719) in <1722> me <1698>, and I <2504> in <1722> him <846>.
57. As <2531> the living <2198>(5723) Father <3962> hath sent <649>(5656) me <3165>, and I <2504> live <2198>(5719) by <1223> the Father <3962>: so <2532> he that eateth <5176>(5723) me <3165>, even he <2548> shall live <2198>(5695) by <1223> me <1691>.
58. This <3778> is <2076>(5748) that bread <740> which <3588> came down <2597>(5631) from <1537> heaven <3772>: not <3756> as <2531> your <5216> fathers <3962> did eat <5315>(5627) manna <3131>, and <2532> are dead <599>(5627): he that eateth <5176>(5723) of this <5126> bread <740> shall live <2198>(5695) for <1519> ever <165>.
59. These things <5023> said he <2036>(5627) in <1722> the synagogue <4864>, as he taught <1321>(5723) in <1722> Capernaum <2584>.
60. Many <4183> therefore <3767> of <1537> his <846> disciples <3101>, when they had heard <191>(5660) this, said <2036>(5627), This <3778> is <2076>(5748) an hard <4642> saying <3056>; who <5101> can <1410>(5736) hear <191>(5721) it <846>?
61. When <1161> Jesus <2424> knew <1492>(5761) in <1722> himself <1438> that <3754> his <846> disciples <3101> murmured <1111>(5719) at <4012> it <5127>, he said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Doth this <5124> offend <4624>(5719) you <5209>?
62. What and <3767> if <1437> ye shall see <2334>(5725) the Son <5207> of man <444> ascend up <305>(5723) where <3699> he was <2258>(5713) before <4386>?
63. It is <2076>(5748) the spirit <4151> that quickeneth <2227>(5723); the flesh <4561> <3756> profiteth <5623>(5719) nothing <3762>: the words <4487> that <3739> I <1473> speak <2980>(5719) unto you <5213>, they are <2076>(5748) spirit <4151>, and <2532> they are <2076>(5748) life <2222>.
64. But <235> there are <1526>(5748) some <5100> of <1537> you <5216> that believe <4100>(5719) not <3756>. For <1063> Jesus <2424> knew <1492>(5715) from <1537> the beginning <746> who <5101> they were <1526>(5748) that believed <4100>(5723) not <3361>, and <2532> who <5101> should <2076>(5748) betray <3860>(5694) him <846>.
65. And <2532> he said <3004>(5707), Therefore <1223> <5124> said I <2046>(5758) unto you <5213>, that <3754> no man <3762> can <1410>(5736) come <2064>(5629) unto <4314> me <3165>, except <3362> it were <5600>(5753) given <1325>(5772) unto him <846> of <1537> my <3450> Father <3962>.
66. From <1537> that <5127> time many <4183> of his <846> disciples <3101> went <565>(5627) back <1519> <3694>, and <2532> walked <4043>(5707) no more <3765> with <3326> him <846>.
67. Then <3767> said <2036>(5627) Jesus <2424> unto the twelve <1427>, <3361> Will <2309>(5719) ye <5210> also <2532> go away <5217>(5721)?
68. Then <3767> Simon <4613> Peter <4074> answered <611>(5662) him <846>, Lord <2962>, to <4314> whom <5101> shall we go <565>(5695)? thou hast <2192>(5719) the words <4487> of eternal <166> life <2222>.
69. And <2532> we <2249> believe <4100>(5758) and <2532> are sure <1097>(5758) that <3754> thou <4771> art <1488>(5748) that Christ <5547>, the Son <5207> of the living <2198>(5723) God <2316>.
70. Jesus <2424> answered <611>(5662) them <846>, Have <1586> <0> not <3756> I <1473> chosen <1586>(5668) you <5209> twelve <1427>, and <2532> one <1520> of <1537> you <5216> is <2076>(5748) a devil <1228>?
71. <1161> He spake <3004>(5707) of Judas <2455> Iscariot <2469> the son of Simon <4613>: for <1063> he <3778> it was that should <3195>(5707) betray <3860>(5721) him <846>, being <5607>(5752) one <1520> of <1537> the twelve <1427>.
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