◄ Numbers 5:6 ►
"Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty
Study Bible
Tell the Israelites
This phrase establishes the audience and the authority of the message. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, are being directly addressed. The Hebrew root for "tell" is "dabar," which implies not just speaking but conveying a message of importance. This is a divine directive, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Historically, the Israelites were a community bound by the Law given at Sinai, and this instruction reinforces their identity as a people set apart for God's purposes.

when a man or woman
The inclusion of both "man or woman" highlights the universality of the law. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this is significant as it underscores the equal moral responsibility of both genders before God. The Hebrew words "ish" (man) and "ishah" (woman) indicate that the law applies to all individuals, regardless of gender, reflecting the comprehensive nature of God's justice.

commits any sin
The phrase "commits any sin" refers to the act of transgression. The Hebrew word for "sin" here is "chata," which means to miss the mark or to err. This concept of sin is not just about breaking a rule but failing to live up to the divine standard set by God. The use of "any" underscores the breadth of this command, indicating that no sin is too small to be overlooked.

against another
This phrase points to the interpersonal nature of the sin. The Hebrew word "adam" is used for "another," which can mean mankind or another person. This highlights the communal aspect of sin, where actions against others disrupt the harmony and peace within the community. It reflects the biblical principle that our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with God.

that person acts unfaithfully
The term "acts unfaithfully" is derived from the Hebrew word "maal," which means to act treacherously or deceitfully. This indicates a breach of trust, not only with the person wronged but also with God. In the covenantal context, unfaithfulness is a serious offense, as it signifies a betrayal of the relationship with God, who is always faithful.

toward the LORD
This phrase emphasizes that sin is ultimately against God. The Hebrew name for God here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and faithfulness. This underscores the theological truth that all sin, even when committed against another person, is an affront to God, who is the ultimate moral authority.

and is guilty
The declaration of guilt is a legal pronouncement. The Hebrew word "asham" is used, which means to bear guilt or to be held accountable. This reflects the biblical understanding that sin has consequences and requires atonement. In the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, guilt necessitated a response, often involving restitution and sacrifice, pointing forward to the ultimate atonement through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are receiving the laws and commandments from God through Moses.

2. Moses
The leader and prophet who is conveying God's laws to the Israelites. He is a central figure in the Pentateuch, serving as a mediator between God and His people.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and just, and who requires His people to live in accordance with His laws.

4. Sin and Unfaithfulness
The act of committing a wrong against another person, which is ultimately seen as an act of unfaithfulness against God Himself.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites are receiving these laws, as they journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Understanding Sin as Unfaithfulness
Sin is not just a personal failure but an act of unfaithfulness against God. Recognizing this helps us understand the gravity of our actions and the need for repentance.

The Importance of Restitution
When we wrong others, it is not enough to seek forgiveness from God alone; we must also make amends with those we have harmed. This reflects the biblical principle of justice and reconciliation.

Holiness in Community
The laws given to Israel emphasize the need for holiness within the community. As believers, we are called to uphold righteousness in our relationships, reflecting God's character to the world.

The Role of Confession
Confession is a crucial step in the process of repentance and restoration. It involves acknowledging our sins before God and those we have wronged, paving the way for healing and forgiveness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding sin as an act of unfaithfulness against God change your perspective on personal wrongdoing?

2. In what ways can you practice restitution in your own life when you have wronged someone?

3. How does the concept of community holiness in Numbers 5:6 apply to the church today?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that confession and reconciliation are part of your spiritual practice?

5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament enhance or expand upon the principles found in Numbers 5:6?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 6:1-7
This passage provides further details on the guilt offering required when someone sins against another person, emphasizing restitution and atonement.

Matthew 5:23-24
Jesus teaches about reconciliation with others before offering gifts at the altar, highlighting the importance of resolving interpersonal conflicts as part of worship.

1 John 1:9
This verse speaks to the confession of sins and God's faithfulness to forgive, connecting the Old Testament concept of guilt and atonement with New Testament grace.
Sermons
Confession and RestitutionD. Young Numbers 5:5-8
Conscience MoneyW. Binnie Numbers 5:5-10
Fraud and ForgivenessW. Jones.Numbers 5:6-10
RestitutionNumbers 5:6-10
The Law as to FraudW. Attersoll.Numbers 5:6-10
People
Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Acting, Breaking, Commit, Commits, Committing, Faith, Guilty, Mankind, Sin, Sins, Sons, Soul, Speak, Trespass, Unfaithful, Unfaithfully, Unfaithfulness, Wrong, Wrongs
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 5:1-7

     5707   male and female

Numbers 5:5-6

     8840   unfaithfulness, to God

Numbers 5:5-7

     5264   compensation
     6173   guilt, and God

Numbers 5:5-8

     6624   confession, of sin

Numbers 5:5-10

     6027   sin, remedy for

Numbers 5:6-7

     6733   repentance, nature of

Numbers 5:6-8

     6029   sin, forgiveness

Library
Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Ciii. Zacchæus. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem.
(Jericho.) ^C Luke XIX. 1-28. ^c 1 And he entered and was passing through Jericho. [This was about one week before the crucifixion. Jericho is about seven miles from the Jordan and about seventeen and a half from Jerusalem.] 2 And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. [See p. 76. It is probable that Zacchæus was a sub-contractor under some Roman knight who had bought the privilege of collecting taxes at Jericho, or perhaps the privilege of all …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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