Numbers 33:32Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The twenty-ninth stanza refers to a messenger or to the acts of marching and preparation, or more accurately, to κατακοπή, which signifies dissection. We, as teachers of disciples and believers, can only lead them to true sonship through the ultimate sacrifice of their instructors. We must show no mercy in our discipline; our resolve should remain firm when it becomes necessary to wrest something from danger. Woe to him who performs the work of the Lord carelessly, and who holds back his sword from bloodshed (Jeremiah 48:10). This is why David proclaims, ‘Voutrei'vah beat all the sinful of the earth’ (Psalm 100:8).