1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you,
3 And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:
4 Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth [part] of an hin of oil.
5 And the fourth [part] of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb.
6 Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare [for] a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third [part] of an hin of oil.
7 And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third [part] of an hin of wine, [for] a sweet savour unto the LORD.
8 And when thou preparest a bullock [for] a burnt offering, or [for] a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:
9 Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oil.
10 And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, [for] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
11 Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid.
12 According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.
13 All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
14 And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever [be] among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do.
15 One ordinance [shall be both] for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth [with you], an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye [are], so shall the stranger be before the LORD.
16 One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.
17 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
18 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you,
19 Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.
20 Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough [for] an heave offering: as [ye do] the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it.
21 Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.
22 And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses,
23 [Even] all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the day that the LORD commanded [Moses], and henceforward among your generations;
24 Then it shall be, if [ought] be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.
25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it [is] ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:
26 And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people [were] in ignorance.
27 And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.
28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, [both for] him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.
30 But the soul that doeth [ought] presumptuously, [whether he be] born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity [shall be] upon him.
32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.
37 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:
39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:
40 That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.
41 I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I [am] the LORD your God.
Overview of Numbers Chapter 15
Numbers Chapter 15 presents a series of laws and guidelines that the Israelites are to follow as they continue their journey in the wilderness. This chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commandments, the significance of offerings, and the consequences of unintentional sins. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people.
Key Themes
- Offerings and Sacrifices: The chapter outlines specific offerings that the Israelites must present to God, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings.
- Intentional vs. Unintentional Sins: It differentiates between sins committed intentionally and those committed unintentionally, highlighting the need for atonement.
- Community Responsibility: The chapter emphasizes the collective responsibility of the community in maintaining holiness and obedience to God’s laws.
- Consequences of Disobedience: It discusses the consequences for those who willfully disobey God’s commandments.
Detailed Analysis
Instructions for Offerings (Verses 1-12)
In the opening verses, God provides Moses with instructions regarding the types of offerings that should be made when the Israelites enter the Promised Land. These offerings are a way to acknowledge God’s provision and express gratitude.
- Burnt Offerings: These are to be made as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, signifying total dedication to God.
- Grain Offerings: Accompanying the burnt offerings, these offerings symbolize sustenance and gratitude for God’s blessings.
- Drink Offerings: These offerings are to complement the burnt and grain offerings, enhancing the overall act of worship.
The specific quantities of each offering are also detailed, emphasizing the importance of giving according to one’s means.
Unintentional Sins (Verses 22-29)
The chapter addresses the issue of unintentional sins committed by individuals or the community. It provides a framework for atonement, indicating that when someone sins unintentionally, they must bring a specific offering to the priest for forgiveness.
- Individual Responsibility: Each person is responsible for their actions, and unintentional sins still require atonement.
- Community Atonement: If the entire community sins unintentionally, they must collectively bring an offering to atone for their sin.
Intentional Sins and Consequences (Verses 30-31)
In stark contrast to unintentional sins, the chapter states that those who commit sins intentionally, defiantly rejecting God’s commandments, face severe consequences. This distinction highlights the seriousness of willful disobedience.
- Severe Punishment: The individual who sins defiantly is to be cut off from the community, indicating a break in the covenant relationship with God.
- Rejection of God’s Law: Willful disobedience is seen as a rejection of God’s authority and law, which carries significant spiritual ramifications.
The Example of the Sabbath Breaker (Verses 32-36)
The chapter concludes with a narrative about a man who was caught gathering sticks on the Sabbath. This incident serves as a practical example of the seriousness of breaking God’s commandments.
- Community Reaction: The community apprehends the man and brings him before Moses and Aaron for judgment.
- Divine Judgment: God commands that the man be stoned to death, reinforcing the importance of observing the Sabbath and the consequences of disobedience.
Conclusion and Call to Remembrance (Verses 37-41)
The chapter ends with God’s instruction to the Israelites to wear tassels on the corners of their garments as a reminder of His commandments. This serves to keep the people focused on their covenant with God and to encourage them to remember and obey His laws.
- Symbolism of Tassels: The tassels are a physical reminder of God’s commandments and the need for obedience.
- Encouragement to Remember: The call to remember God’s laws reinforces the importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with Him.
Conclusion
Numbers Chapter 15 encapsulates the themes of obedience, atonement, and communal responsibility within the Israelite community. It serves as a vital reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of maintaining a covenant relationship with God. The chapter’s instructions and narratives highlight the need for both individual and collective adherence to God’s commandments as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land.
