Numbers 33

Passover Lamb

And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians. Numbers 33:3

Israel's freedom began the morning after the Passover, when the blood of a lamb saved them from death. Paul calls Christ 'our passover,' whose blood frees us from sin and death.

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him · a traditional type, cited

• the same event in Exodus 12:51 — The LORD brings Israel out of Egypt that selfsame day.
• a type of what is in 1 Corinthians 5:7 — 'Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.'

Jehovah

Jehovah — the self-existent, covenant God; the premortal Christ

For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments. Numbers 33:4

Jehovah, the premortal Christ, is the Deliverer who judged Egypt and its false gods to set His people free.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · another scripture interprets it of Him

• fulfils Exodus 12:12 — Jehovah foretold, 'against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD'; this verse records that it was done.

Passing through the sea (type of baptism)

And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah. Numbers 33:8

Paul teaches that Israel was 'baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea.' Passing through the water to a new life points to baptism into Christ, and in the same passage Paul says the Rock that followed them was Christ.

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him · a traditional type, cited

• the same event in Exodus 14:22 — Israel goes into the midst of the sea on dry ground.
• interpreted by 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 — Israel's passage through the sea is called a baptism; v11 says these things happened 'for ensamples.'

Smitten Rock

And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink. Numbers 33:14

Rephidim is where Moses struck the rock and water flowed for the thirsty people. This verse only recalls the thirst, but it points back to that rock, which Paul says 'was Christ.'

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him · a traditional type, cited

• the same event in Exodus 17:1 — Israel pitches in Rephidim, 'and there was no water for the people to drink' — the same camp in the same words.
• the same event in Exodus 17:6 — Moses smites the rock in Horeb and water comes out.
• interpreted by 1 Corinthians 10:4 — 'They drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.'

Brazen Serpent

And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah. Numbers 33:41–43

Between mount Hor and Oboth the people were bitten by fiery serpents, and Moses raised a serpent of brass on a pole so that all who looked could live. The Church footnote on this verse points to that account. Jesus, Nephi son of Helaman, and Alma all taught that the serpent was a type of the Son of God lifted up.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

• the same event in Numbers 21:4-10 — The journey from mount Hor to Oboth during which the brazen serpent was raised (the Church footnote note41_a cites 21:4-9).
• interpreted by John 3:14 — 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.'
• interpreted by Helaman 8:14-15 — As he lifted up the brazen serpent, 'even so shall he be lifted up who should come.'
• interpreted by Alma 33:19 — 'A type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live.'

Jehovah

Jehovah — the self-existent, covenant God; the premortal Christ

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, Numbers 33:50–56

Jehovah speaks directly, giving Israel the promised land and warning that tolerated sin will become 'thorns in your sides.' This covenant Lord is the premortal Jesus Christ.

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him

• interpreted by 3 Nephi 15:5 — The risen Christ says He gave the law and covenanted with Israel.