Warnings from Israel’s Past

(Numbers 16:41–50, Numbers 25:1–5)

Now[fn] vvv I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and [that] they all passed through the sea. 2 vvv They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from [the] spiritual rock that accompanied them, and [that] rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God vvv was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness.

These things took place as examples to keep us vvv vvv vvv from craving evil things as they [did]. 7 vvv Do not be idolaters, as some of them [were]. As it is written:“The people sat down to eat and to drink, and got up to indulge in revelry.”[fn] 8 vvv We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them [did], and in one day twenty-three thousand [of them] died 9 We should not test Christ,[fn] as some of them also[fn] [did], and were killed by snakes. 10 vvv And do not complain, as also[fn] some of them [did], and were killed by the destroying angel.[fn]

Now all[fn] these things happened to them [as] examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So the [one who] thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God [is] faithful;[fn] [He] vvv will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when [you are] tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under [it].