Laws about Offerings 1Then 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 3and you present a food offering 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— 4then the one presenting his offering to the LORD shall also present a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of fine floura mixed with a quarter hin of olive oil.b 5With the burnt offering or sacrifice of each lamb, you are to prepare a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering. 6With a ram you are to prepare a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephahc of fine flour mixed with a third of a hin of olive oil,d 7and a third of a hin of wine as a drink offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 8When you prepare a young bull as a burnt offering or sacrifice to fulfill a vow or as a peace offering to the LORD, 9present with the bull a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine floure mixed with half a hin of olive oil.f 10Also present half a hin of wine as a drink offering. It is a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 11This is to be done for each bull, ram, lamb, or goat. 12This is how you must prepare each one, no matter how many. 13Everyone who is native-born shall prepare these things in this way when he presents a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 14And for the generations to come, if a foreigner residing with you or someone else among you wants to prepare a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do exactly as you do. 15The 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. 16The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you.” 17Then the LORD said to Moses, 18“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you enter the land to which I am bringing you 19and you eat the food of the land, you shall lift up an offering to the LORD. 20From 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. 21Throughout your generations, you are to give the LORD an offering from the first of your dough. Offerings for Unintentional Sins 22Now if you stray unintentionally and do not obey all these commandments that the LORD has spoken to Moses— 23all that the LORD has commanded you through Moses from the day the LORD gave them and continuing through the generations to come— 24and 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. 25The 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 a food offering and a sin offering, presented before the LORD for their unintentional sin. 26Then the whole congregation of Israel and the foreigners residing among them will be forgiven, since it happened to all the people unintentionally. 27Also, if one person sins unintentionally, he is to present a year-old female goat as a sin offering. 28And 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. 29You 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. 30But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people. 31He shall certainly be cut off, because he has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; his guilt remains on him.” A Sabbath-Breaker Stoned 32While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. 33Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, 34and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody. 35And the LORD said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death. The whole congregation is to stone him outside the camp.” 36So the whole congregation took the man outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses. The Law of Tassels 37And 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. 39These 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. 40Then you will remember and obey all My commandments, and you will be holy to your God. 41I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.” Footnotes: 4 a A tenth of an ephah is approximately 2 dry quarts or 2.2 liters (probably about 2.6 pounds or 1.2 kilograms of flour). 4 b Or a quarter hin of oil; that is, approximately 0.97 quarts or 0.92 liters; similarly in verse 5 6 c Two-tenths of an ephah is approximately 4 dry quarts or 4.4 liters (probably about 5.1 pounds or 2.3 kilograms of flour). 6 d Or a third of a hin of oil; that is, approximately 1.3 quarts or 1.2 liters; similarly in verse 7 9 e Three-tenths of an ephah is approximately 6 dry quarts or 6.6 liters (probably about 7.6 pounds or 3.5 kilograms of flour). 9 f Or half a hin of oil; that is, approximately 1.9 quarts or 1.8 liters; similarly in verse 10 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Numbers 15 Summary Laws and SabbathsVerses 1–16 – Laws for Offerings Verses 17–21 – First Batch of Dough Verses 22–29 – Unintentional Sin Offerings Verses 30–31 – Defiant Sin Verses 32–36 – Sabbath Breaker Executed Verses 37–41 – Tassels on Garments Numbers 15 presents a detailed description of the Israelites’ observance of the law in their wilderness journey and their future life in the Promised Land. The chapter offers a rich exploration of the laws regarding offerings and sacrifices, the distinction between unintentional and intentional sins, and the consequences of blasphemy. It also introduces the law of tassels, reinforcing the importance of remembering and obeying God's commandments. Background and Setting Numbers 15 follows Israel’s refusal to enter Canaan (chapter 14). Although judgment fell (38 more wilderness years), the Lord immediately speaks about life “when you enter the land” (v. 2). Grace shines through discipline: God still intends to keep His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). Grain and Drink Offerings (vv 1-16) • Accompanying every animal sacrifice, the flour (about 1/10 to 3/10 of an ephah) and oil (1/4 to 1/3 hin) symbolized daily sustenance. The wine (1/4 to 1/2 hin) was poured out beside the altar (compare Philippians 2:17, where Paul pictures himself as a “drink offering”). • These gifts cost the worshiper. Canaan’s future abundance is anticipated; desert manna would not supply enough grain or grapes. • One law for native and foreigner foreshadows the gospel’s reach (Isaiah 56:6-7; Ephesians 2:11-19). The Dough Offering (vv 17-21) • The word translated “heave offering” (terumah) means a lifted-up gift. By separating the first of the dough, families acknowledged God as the true owner of the harvest (Proverbs 3:9). • Jewish tradition calls this portion challah. Archaeologists at Iron Age houses in the Judean hills have found grinding stones and ovens matching the scale implied by the text. Unintentional vs. Defiant Sin (vv 22-31) • Unintentional sin: actions done in ignorance or by mistake (see Leviticus 4). Both community and individual remain in covenant, needing restoration, not expulsion. • Defiant sin: literal Hebrew “with a high hand.” It is premeditated rebellion—like Pharaoh’s pride (Exodus 9:17). Such a person is “cut off,” a phrase that can mean death (Exodus 31:14) or loss of inheritance (Psalm 37:22). • Hebrews 10:26-27 warns believers not to treat Jesus’ sacrifice with similar contempt. The Sabbath-breaker’s Judgment (vv 32-36) • The unnamed man collected sticks—likely to kindle a fire, directly contradicting Exodus 35:3. • The community did not act rashly; they isolated him until God clarified the penalty. • Public execution underscored the holiness of the day and taught the next generation. In John 5:15-18 Jesus heals on the Sabbath, claiming authority over it—He is Lord even of this command. Tassels with a Blue Cord (vv 37-41) • Tassels (Hebrew tzitzit) were tied to the four corners of garments. Blue dye came from the Murex sea snail, costly and royal (Esther 8:15). • Each glance at the fringe reminded wearers of heaven’s rule and their rescue from Egypt (v. 41). • Jesus wore such tassels; people touched “the fringe of His cloak” (Matthew 14:36, NASB) for healing. • Today some believers wear a prayer shawl; others keep mental reminders—Scripture cards, phone alerts—to “remember all His commandments.” Messianic Echoes and New Testament Links • Drink offering poured out—prefigures Christ’s poured-out blood (Luke 22:20). • First dough—Paul calls Jesus “the firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:20), guaranteeing a full harvest of resurrection. • One law for native and foreigner—Acts 10 and 15 show Gentiles welcomed without distinction. Archaeological Insights • Stone altars at Beersheba and Arad, sized for sheep and goats, support the sacrificial scene. • Fourth-century BC ostraca from Elephantine (Jewish colony in Egypt) mention flour and wine rations paralleling these offerings. • Tassel fragments dyed with tekhelet blue were recovered in the Judean Desert caves (near Qumran), confirming ancient practice. Practical Themes for Believers Today 1. God’s Faithfulness: Even after failure, He plans for our future. 2. Costly Worship: Gratitude expresses itself in tangible gifts—time, finances, talents. 3. Holiness of Time: The Sabbath principle invites rest and trust. 4. Visible Reminders: Tie God’s word to daily life so obedience becomes habit. 5. Equality at the Altar: All stand on the same ground—native or foreigner, rich or poor—pointing to the unity of the body of Christ. Key Words and Phrases • “When you enter the land” (vv 2, 18): Promise persists. • “A pleasing aroma to the LORD” (vv 3, 7, 10, 13): God delights in faithful, obedient hearts. • “Atonement will be made” (vv 25, 28): Shadows the ultimate atonement on the cross. • “Remember and do” (v 40): Dual call—memory fuels action. Connections to Additional Scriptures Leviticus 4:27-31Further instructions on offerings for unintentional sins, paralleling Numbers 15's emphasis on atonement. Hebrews 10:26-27 A New Testament perspective on the consequences of willful sin, echoing the warnings in Numbers 15. Deuteronomy 6:8-9 The command to bind God's laws as reminders, similar to the tassels in Numbers 15. Matthew 5:17-19 Jesus' teaching on the fulfillment of the law, connecting the Old Testament commandments to New Testament faith. Teaching Points Offerings and ObedienceNumbers 15:3-5 details the offerings required when entering the land God promised. These offerings symbolize gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. Unintentional Sins Verses 22-29 address unintentional sins, emphasizing God's provision for atonement through specific sacrifices. This underscores the importance of maintaining a pure relationship with God, even when we err unknowingly. Intentional Sin and Its Consequences Verses 30-31 highlight the severity of intentional sin, describing it as acting with a high hand against the Lord. Such actions result in being cut off from the community, illustrating the seriousness of willful disobedience. The Sabbath Breaker The account of the man gathering wood on the Sabbath (verses 32-36) serves as a stark reminder of the importance of observing God's commandments and the consequences of defiance. Tassels on Garments Verses 37-41 instruct the Israelites to wear tassels on their garments as a physical reminder to obey God's commandments, symbolizing a life set apart for holiness. Practical Applications Reflect on ObedienceRegularly assess areas in your life where you may be unintentionally disobedient and seek God's guidance for correction. Value God's Grace Recognize the grace God extends for unintentional sins and be grateful for the atonement provided through Christ. Guard Against Willful Sin Be vigilant in avoiding intentional sin, understanding its serious consequences and the impact it has on your relationship with God. Honor the Sabbath Consider how you can honor the principle of rest and worship in your weekly routine, reflecting on the importance of setting aside time for God. Use Reminders Implement physical or visual reminders in your daily life to keep God's commandments at the forefront of your mind. People 1. The IsraelitesThe primary audience for the laws and instructions given in this chapter. They are the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, and are God's chosen people in the Old Testament. 2. The Assembly Refers to the congregation or community of Israel, which includes all the Israelites gathered together. The Hebrew term used is "עֵדָה" (edah), meaning a congregation or assembly. 3. Native-born Israelites These are the individuals who are born into the Israelite community, as opposed to foreigners or sojourners. They are expected to follow the laws and commandments given by God. 4. Foreigners residing among the Israelites Also referred to as "sojourners" or "aliens," these are non-Israelites who live among the Israelite community. They are expected to adhere to certain laws and regulations, particularly those related to offerings and sacrifices. 5. The person who sins unintentionally This refers to individuals who commit sins without deliberate intent. The chapter outlines specific offerings and atonements for such unintentional sins. 6. The person who sins defiantly This is someone who sins with a high hand, or defiantly, showing contempt for the Lord's command. The Hebrew term "בְּיָד רָמָה" (beyad ramah) is used, indicating a willful and rebellious act. 7. The man found gathering wood on the Sabbath This individual is mentioned in a narrative within the chapter as an example of someone who violated the Sabbath law. The community brings him before Moses and Aaron for judgment. Places Numbers 15 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places by name. Instead, it primarily focuses on laws and regulations given to the Israelites regarding offerings, unintentional sins, and Sabbath violations. Therefore, there are no specific places listed in this chapter to create a numbered list from. If you have any other questions or need further assistance with a different passage or topic, feel free to ask! Events 1. Laws for OfferingsGod instructs Moses to tell the Israelites about the offerings they are to present when they enter the Promised Land. These include burnt offerings, sacrifices, and drink offerings, which are to be made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the Lord (Numbers 15:1-10). The Hebrew word for "offering" (קָרְבָּן, korban) signifies something brought near to God. 2. Inclusion of Foreigners The same laws for offerings apply to both native Israelites and foreigners residing among them. This emphasizes the inclusivity of God's covenant community (Numbers 15:11-16). The Hebrew term for "foreigner" (גֵּר, ger) indicates a resident alien who has joined the community. 3. Firstfruits Offering The Israelites are commanded to offer a portion of the first dough as a contribution to the Lord when they eat the bread of the land (Numbers 15:17-21). This act of giving the "firstfruits" (רֵאשִׁית, reishit) symbolizes gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. 4. Unintentional Sins Instructions are given for atonement when the entire community or an individual sins unintentionally. A young bull is to be offered for a burnt offering, along with a sin offering, to make atonement (Numbers 15:22-29). The Hebrew word for "unintentional" (שָׁגָגָה, shagagah) refers to sins committed in ignorance or error. 5. Defiant Sin A distinction is made between unintentional sins and defiant sins. Anyone who sins defiantly is to be cut off from the people, as they have despised the Lord's word (Numbers 15:30-31). The Hebrew term for "defiant" (יָד רָמָה, yad ramah) literally means "with a high hand," indicating willful rebellion. 6. Sabbath Violation A man is found gathering wood on the Sabbath, and the community brings him to Moses and Aaron. The Lord commands that he be put to death by stoning, as a warning against violating the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36). This underscores the seriousness of keeping the Sabbath holy. 7. Tassels on Garments The Israelites are instructed to make tassels on the corners of their garments with a blue cord. These tassels are to remind them of all the Lord's commandments and to obey them, serving as a visual reminder of their covenant with God (Numbers 15:37-41). The Hebrew word for "tassel" (צִיצִת, tzitzit) is a symbol of remembrance and obedience. Topics 1. Laws about Offerings (Numbers 15:1-16)This section outlines the regulations for offerings made by fire to the LORD, including burnt offerings and sacrifices. The passage emphasizes the inclusion of both native Israelites and foreigners living among them, highlighting the unity of the community in worship. The Hebrew word for "offering" (קָרְבָּן, korban) signifies something brought near to God. 2. Offerings for Unintentional Sins (Numbers 15:22-29) Instructions are given for atonement when the community or an individual unintentionally sins. The text underscores the importance of maintaining purity and the means of reconciliation with God. The Hebrew term for "unintentional" (שָׁגָגָה, shagagah) indicates an error made without intent. 3. Defiant Sin and Its Consequences (Numbers 15:30-31) This passage addresses sins committed with a high hand, or defiantly, and the severe consequences that follow. The Hebrew phrase בְּיָד רָמָה (beyad ramah) translates to "with a high hand," indicating willful rebellion against God. 4. The Sabbath-Breaker (Numbers 15:32-36) The narrative of a man found gathering wood on the Sabbath serves as a case study for the application of the law. The community is instructed to stone him, illustrating the seriousness of Sabbath observance. The Hebrew root for "Sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, shabbat) means "to cease" or "to rest." 5. Tassels on Garments (Numbers 15:37-41) God commands the Israelites to wear tassels on the corners of their garments as a physical reminder to obey His commandments. The Hebrew word for "tassel" (צִיצִת, tzitzit) is used, symbolizing a visual cue to remember and follow God's laws. Themes 1. Offerings and SacrificesNumbers 15 begins with instructions on offerings, emphasizing the importance of sacrifices in maintaining a relationship with God. The chapter outlines specific guidelines for burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings, highlighting the need for obedience and reverence in worship. The Hebrew word for offering, "קָרְבָּן" (korban), signifies something brought near to God, underscoring the act of drawing closer to Him through these rituals. 2. Inclusion of Foreigners The chapter addresses the inclusion of foreigners living among the Israelites in the sacrificial system. Verses 14-16 state, "As for the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the foreigner residing among you, a permanent statute for the generations to come." This theme reflects God's inclusive nature and the universality of His laws, as the same Hebrew word "תּוֹרָה" (torah) is used for both Israelites and foreigners, indicating a shared covenantal responsibility. 3. Unintentional Sins Verses 22-29 discuss the atonement for unintentional sins, emphasizing God's provision for human fallibility. The Hebrew term "שָׁגָגָה" (shagagah) refers to sins committed in error, and the prescribed offerings demonstrate God's grace and the importance of repentance and restoration within the community. 4. Defiant Sin and Its Consequences In contrast to unintentional sins, verses 30-31 address defiant or high-handed sins, which are committed with deliberate intent. The text states, "But the person who sins defiantly... blasphemes the LORD, and that person must be cut off from his people." The Hebrew word "בְּיָד רָמָה" (beyad ramah) implies a willful rebellion against God, highlighting the severity of such actions and the resulting separation from the community. 5. Sabbath Observance The narrative of the man gathering wood on the Sabbath (verses 32-36) underscores the sanctity of the Sabbath and the seriousness of violating God's commandments. The Hebrew root "שָׁבַת" (shavat) means to cease or rest, and this account serves as a reminder of the importance of observing the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and His people. 6. Tassels on Garments The chapter concludes with instructions for wearing tassels on garments (verses 37-41), serving as a physical reminder of God's commandments. The Hebrew word "צִיצִת" (tzitzit) refers to these tassels, which are meant to prompt the Israelites to remember and obey God's laws, reinforcing their identity as His chosen people and their commitment to His covenant. Answering Tough Questions 1. Numbers 15:32–36: Why is gathering wood on the Sabbath punished by death, and how does this align with a just moral system today? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How do the offerings and sacrifices described in this chapter mirror the principle of giving in today's context? 2. What lessons can we learn about intentional versus unintentional sins? 3. How does the story of the man gathering wood on the Sabbath apply to the observance of the Sabbath in contemporary life? 4. Why is the distinction between unintentional and intentional sins important for modern Christians? 5. How might the law of tassels translate into reminders or practices that can help us remember God's commandments today? 6. What do the repeated offerings symbolize about our relationship with God? 7. How can we apply the community's responsibility in dealing with sin to our current church communities? 8. How does the story of the blasphemer challenge or reinforce your understanding of God’s justice? 9. What is the significance of the tassels as a physical reminder of God's law, and what could be a modern equivalent? 10. How does this chapter highlight the theme of faithful obedience, and how can we apply it to our lives? 11. Discuss the implications of the communal sin offering for our understanding of corporate responsibility today. 12. In what ways can the concept of repentance and forgiveness in Numbers 15 apply to our life situations? 13. How do the guidelines for worship in Numbers 15 compare to our worship practices today? 14. How can the concepts of law and grace be understood and applied from this chapter? 15. What do the penalties for disobedience teach us about the nature of God and His expectations from us? 16. How does the establishment of rituals and their purpose in Numbers 15 apply to the establishment of Christian traditions? 17. How does Numbers 15 guide us to balance obedience to God’s laws with grace and forgiveness? 18. In what ways does the story of the man gathering wood on the Sabbath challenge or affirm your understanding of rest and work? 19. How does the law of tassels enhance our understanding of the importance of constant remembrance of God’s commandments? 20. How can we use the lessons from Numbers 15 to shape our response to intentional and unintentional disobedience in our communities? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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