Numbers 15
BSB1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: After you enter the land that I am giving you as a home 3 and you present an offering made by fire to the LORD from the herd or flock to produce a pleasing aroma to the LORD—either a burnt offering or a sacrifice, for a special vow or freewill offering or appointed feast— 4 then the one presenting his offering to the LORD shall also present a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter hin of olive oil. 5 With the burnt offering or sacrifice of each lamb, you are to prepare a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering. 6 With a ram you are to prepare a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a third of a hin of olive oil, 7 and a third of a hin of wine as a drink offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 8 When you prepare a young bull as a burnt offering or sacrifice to fulfill a vow or as a peace offering to the LORD, 9 present with the bull a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with half a hin of olive oil. 10 Also present half a hin of wine as a drink offering. It is an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 11 This is to be done for each bull, ram, lamb, or goat. 12 This is how you must prepare each one, no matter how many. 13 Everyone who is native-born shall prepare these things in this way when he presents an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 14 And for the generations to come, if a foreigner residing with you or someone else among you wants to prepare an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do exactly as you do. 15 The assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD. 16 The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you." 17 Then the LORD said to Moses, 18 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you enter the land to which I am bringing you 19 and you eat the food of the land, you shall lift up an offering to the LORD. 20 From the first of your dough, you are to lift up a cake as a contribution; offer it just like an offering from the threshing floor. 21 Throughout your generations, you are to give the LORD an offering from the first of your dough. 22 Now if you stray unintentionally and do not obey all these commandments that the LORD has spoken to Moses— 23 all that the LORD has commanded you through Moses from the day the LORD gave them and continuing through the generations to come— 24 and if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, then the whole congregation is to prepare one young bull as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and drink offering according to the regulation, and one male goat as a sin offering. 25 The priest is to make atonement for the whole congregation of Israel, so that they may be forgiven; for the sin was unintentional and they have brought to the LORD an offering made by fire and a sin offering, presented before the LORD for their unintentional sin. 26 Then the whole congregation of Israel and the foreigners residing among them will be forgiven, since it happened to all the people unintentionally. 27 Also, if one person sins unintentionally, he is to present a year-old female goat as a sin offering. 28 And the priest shall make atonement before the LORD on behalf of the person who erred by sinning unintentionally; and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven. 29 You shall have the same law for the one who acts in error, whether he is a native-born Israelite or a foreigner residing among you. 30 But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people. 31 He shall certainly be cut off, because he has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; his guilt remains on him." 32 While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. 33 Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, 34 and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody. 35 And the LORD said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death. The whole congregation is to stone him outside the camp." 36 So the whole congregation took the man outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 37 Later, the LORD said to Moses, 38 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come they are to make for themselves tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. 39 These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the commandments of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own heart and your own eyes. 40 Then you will remember and obey all My commandments, and you will be holy to your God. 41 I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God."
Study Notes — Numbers 15
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Numbers 15
- Themes from Numbers 15
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Numbers 15
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Numbers 15 begins by discussing the offerings that the Israelites will make to God when they enter the Promised Land (Numbers 15:1-16). The chapter then addresses the issue of unintentional sin, providing a means for the Israelites to atone for their sins through sacrifice (Numbers 15:22-29). In contrast, intentional sin is punished more severely, as seen in the example of the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36). The chapter concludes with the command to put tassels on their garments as a reminder to obey God's commands (Numbers 15:37-41). Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes the importance of obedience to His commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the need for atonement.
Context for the Chapter
Numbers 15 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. The chapter follows the events of Numbers 13-14, where the Israelites rebelled against God and were punished. In Numbers 15, God provides regulations for the Israelites to follow, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the need for atonement. This chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, foreshadowing the coming of Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of God's commands in Him.
Heart Application
As we study Numbers 15, we are reminded of the importance of obedience to God's commands. We are called to demonstrate our love and devotion to God through obedience, and we must be mindful of the consequences of disobedience. By putting God's commands into practice, we can cultivate a deeper love for Him and a greater desire to obey Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Numbers 15 teaches us about the importance of obeying God's commands. The Israelites were given regulations to follow, and they were punished if they disobeyed. We can learn from their example and strive to obey God's commands in our own lives, just like the Israelites were called to do in Numbers 15:40. By obeying God, we show our love and devotion to Him, and we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.
Voices from the Church
“The law of God is a perfect rule of righteousness, and it is the duty of all men to obey it.”
— John Calvin
“Obedience to God's commands is the highest form of worship, for it demonstrates our love and devotion to Him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Offerings in the Promised Land (Numbers 15:1-16) — The Israelites are instructed to make offerings to God when they enter the Promised Land, including the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the drink offering.
- Unintentional Sin (Numbers 15:22-29) — The chapter provides a means for the Israelites to atone for unintentional sins through sacrifice, highlighting the need for forgiveness and restoration.
- Intentional Sin (Numbers 15:30-31) — Intentional sin is punished more severely, as seen in the example of the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath.
- Tassels on Garments (Numbers 15:37-41) — The Israelites are commanded to put tassels on their garments as a reminder to obey God's commands and strive for holiness.
- Conclusion (Numbers 15:42-41) — The chapter concludes with a summary of the regulations outlined in Numbers 15, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Obedience
- Numbers 15 teaches us that obedience to God's commands is essential for a healthy relationship with Him. By obeying God, we demonstrate our love and devotion to Him, and we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.
- The Need for Atonement
- The chapter highlights the need for atonement, providing a means for the Israelites to forgive their sins through sacrifice. This theme is central to the Bible, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
- The Consequences of Disobedience
- The chapter illustrates the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the example of the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath. This serves as a warning to the Israelites and to us today, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.
- The Importance of Holiness
- The Israelites are called to be holy, set apart from the surrounding nations and devoted to God alone. This theme is central to the Bible, emphasizing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
Lessons from Numbers 15
- The Importance of Obedience — Numbers 15 teaches us that obedience to God's commands is essential for a healthy relationship with Him. By obeying God, we demonstrate our love and devotion to Him, and we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.
- The Need for Atonement — The chapter highlights the need for atonement, providing a means for the Israelites to forgive their sins through sacrifice. This theme is central to the Bible, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter illustrates the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the example of the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath. This serves as a warning to the Israelites and to us today, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.
- The Importance of Holiness — The Israelites are called to be holy, set apart from the surrounding nations and devoted to God alone. This theme is central to the Bible, emphasizing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
- The Importance of Reminders — The tassels on the Israelites' garments serve as a reminder to obey God's commands. We can learn from this example and find ways to remind ourselves to obey God's commands in our daily lives.
Themes from Numbers 15
- Obedience — Numbers 15 emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, demonstrating our love and devotion to Him.
- Atonement — The chapter highlights the need for atonement, providing a means for the Israelites to forgive their sins through sacrifice.
- Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter illustrates the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the example of the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath.
- Holiness — The Israelites are called to be holy, set apart from the surrounding nations and devoted to God alone.
- Reminders — The tassels on the Israelites' garments serve as a reminder to obey God's commands, and we can learn from this example to find ways to remind ourselves to obey God's commands.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can demonstrate your love and devotion to God through obedience to His commands?
- How does the concept of atonement in Numbers 15 relate to the ultimate fulfillment of God's commands in Christ?
- What are some consequences of disobedience that you have seen in your own life or in the lives of others?
- How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God by putting His commands into practice in your daily life?
- What are some ways that you can remind yourself to obey God's commands, just like the Israelites were reminded through the tassels on their garments?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Offerings in the Promised Land (Numbers 15:1-16)
| Numbers 15:1 | The Israelites are instructed to make offerings to God when they enter the Promised Land. |
| Numbers 15:2 | The offerings include the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the drink offering. |
2. Unintentional Sin (Numbers 15:22-29)
| Numbers 15:22 | The chapter provides a means for the Israelites to atone for unintentional sins through sacrifice. |
| Numbers 15:24 | The sacrifice for unintentional sin includes a bull, flour, and oil. |
3. Intentional Sin (Numbers 15:30-31)
| Numbers 15:30 | Intentional sin is punished more severely, as seen in the example of the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath. |
| Numbers 15:31 | The punishment for intentional sin is death, and the person is cut off from the community. |
4. Tassels on Garments (Numbers 15:37-41)
| Numbers 15:37 | The Israelites are commanded to put tassels on their garments as a reminder to obey God's commands. |
| Numbers 15:40 | The tassels serve as a reminder to obey God's commands and strive for holiness. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the offerings in Numbers 15:1-16?
The offerings are a means for the Israelites to worship God and demonstrate their love and devotion to Him. The burnt offering, the grain offering, and the drink offering are all part of the Israelites' worship, and they are commanded to make these offerings when they enter the Promised Land (Numbers 15:1-16).
How does the concept of atonement in Numbers 15 relate to the ultimate fulfillment of God's commands in Christ?
The concept of atonement in Numbers 15 foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's commands in Christ. Just as the Israelites were able to atone for their sins through sacrifice, Christ's sacrifice on the cross provides atonement for our sins, allowing us to be reconciled to God (Romans 5:8).
What are some ways that we can remind ourselves to obey God's commands, just like the Israelites were reminded through the tassels on their garments?
We can remind ourselves to obey God's commands by reading Scripture, praying, and seeking accountability from other believers. We can also find ways to remind ourselves of God's commands, such as by posting verses on our walls or setting reminders on our phones.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 15:1 → Leviticus 23:10 | The offerings in Numbers 15:1-16 are similar to the offerings described in Leviticus 23:10, emphasizing the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands. |
| 2 | Numbers 15:22 → Leviticus 4:2 | The sacrifice for unintentional sin in Numbers 15:22-29 is similar to the sacrifice described in Leviticus 4:2, highlighting the need for atonement and forgiveness. |
| 3 | Numbers 15:30 → Deuteronomy 17:12 | The punishment for intentional sin in Numbers 15:30-31 is similar to the punishment described in Deuteronomy 17:12, emphasizing the severity of disobedience and the importance of obedience to God's commands. |
| 4 | Numbers 15:37 → Deuteronomy 22:12 | The command to put tassels on garments in Numbers 15:37-41 is similar to the command in Deuteronomy 22:12, serving as a reminder to obey God's commands and strive for holiness. |
| 5 | Numbers 15:1 → Matthew 5:17 | The emphasis on obedience to God's commands in Numbers 15:1-16 is similar to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:17, where He emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and fulfilling the law. |
| 6 | Numbers 15:22 → Hebrews 10:26 | The concept of atonement in Numbers 15:22-29 is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in Hebrews 10:26, where the author emphasizes the severity of punishment for those who reject Christ. |
| 7 | Numbers 15:30 → Galatians 5:19-21 | The punishment for intentional sin in Numbers 15:30-31 is similar to the consequences of disobedience described in Galatians 5:19-21, emphasizing the importance of obeying God's commands and living a life that is pleasing to Him. |
| 8 | Numbers 15:37 → Revelation 19:8 | The command to put tassels on garments in Numbers 15:37-41 serves as a reminder to obey God's commands and strive for holiness, just as the bride of Christ is described as being holy and without blemish in Revelation 19:8. |
Sermons on Numbers 15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Honoring the Sabbath by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of honoring the Sabbath and how it has personally impacted his life. He emphasizes that while many people may value the legal s |
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Three Marks of New Convenant Life by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not turning back and instead, pressing forward to win the battle and conquer new territories. He encourages the audience to |
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Youth by Matt Chandler | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of taking steps and not being afraid to fail. He emphasizes that God's power flows through us and that we should embrace the |
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The Sabbath & Sabbatarianism by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of Christian liberty in relation to the Fourth Commandment. He explains that the reformers believed that apart from attending wor |
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Blue Ribbons by Anton Bosch | This sermon delves into the importance of keeping our focus on God and heavenly things, drawing parallels from the Old Testament examples of the Israelites lusting after worldly th |
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Essential Remembering by Dean Stump | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping the commandments of the Lord. He shares a personal anecdote about his son's busy schedule and encourages the audien |
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The Future of Israel (Part 2) by Richard Ganz | In this sermon, the preacher shares a conversation he had with an elderly man who was passionate about karate. Despite his age, the man was still actively involved in full-contact |
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Search Me by Ronald Glass | In this sermon, the focus is on the power and majesty of God as revealed in the heavens and His wisdom and holiness as revealed in His Word. The speaker emphasizes the importance o |
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Pharisees Think That Holiness Is in the Style of One's Clothes by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the Pharisees' tendency to focus on outward appearances, such as lengthening their tassels and broadening their phylacteries, to appear holier than others |
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Knowing and Doing Good by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to si |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 15
In Numbers 15, we see the importance of obedience to God's commands, as well as the need for atonement and forgiveness. The chapter provides a means for the Israelites to atone for unintentional sins through sacrifice, and it emphasizes the severity of punishment for intentional sin. Through this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of obeying God's commands and striving for holiness, and we are pointed to the ultimate fulfillment of God's commands in Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The law of God is a perfect rule of righteousness, and it is the duty of all men to obey it.' By studying Numbers 15, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's character and His commands, and we can cultivate a deeper love for Him and a greater desire to obey Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Obedience
Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes the importance of obeying His commands. The Israelites are called to demonstrate their love and devotion to God through obedience, and disobedience is punished severely.
The Need for Atonement
The chapter highlights the need for atonement, providing a means for the Israelites to forgive their sins through sacrifice. This theme is central to the Bible, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
The Consequences of Disobedience
The chapter illustrates the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the example of the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath. This serves as a warning to the Israelites and to us today, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.