Numbers 15:1

KJV

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:1 serves as a crucial transitional verse, marking a renewed divine communication from the LORD to Moses following a period of severe judgment and rebellion in the wilderness. Despite Israel's profound failure and the subsequent decree of forty years of wandering, this verse signals God's enduring faithfulness and His continued intention to guide and prepare His covenant people for their eventual inheritance of the Promised Land. It introduces a new set of laws and instructions, primarily prescriptive for life in Canaan, thereby underscoring God's long-term plan and His commitment to His covenant promises, even amidst human unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:1 immediately follows the devastating account of Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea in [Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and Israel's Rebellion"). After hearing the negative report from ten of the twelve spies, the Israelites refused to enter the Promised Land, choosing instead to grumble against the LORD and desire a return to Egypt. This act of profound unbelief and disobedience resulted in God's decree that the entire generation, save for Caleb and Joshua, would perish in the wilderness over forty years ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - The Consequences of Rebellion")). The preceding chapters thus depict a period of divine wrath and a seemingly broken relationship. Numbers 15:1, therefore, breaks this silence of judgment, signaling a fresh divine initiative and a forward-looking perspective, as the subsequent laws are largely for the next generation, who will eventually enter Canaan. It demonstrates that while judgment is real, God's covenant purposes persist.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Numbers chronicles Israel's journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab, on the cusp of entering Canaan. At this point, the nation is in the wilderness, having recently experienced a major setback due to their rebellion. Culturally, they are a nomadic people, but God is preparing them to transition into a settled agricultural society in the Promised Land. The laws introduced in [Numbers 15](/numbers/15 "Numbers 15 - Laws for Offerings and Unintentional Sins") reflect this future reality, dealing with offerings, unintentional sins, and the importance of remembering God's commands—all crucial for establishing a holy nation in the land. The direct communication from the LORD to Moses was a foundational aspect of Israel's unique relationship with God, distinguishing them from surrounding nations whose deities were often perceived as distant or communicated through intermediaries like idols or omens.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, introduces several key themes that permeate the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Authority**. The recurring phrase "The LORD spake unto Moses, saying" establishes the divine origin and unquestionable authority of the laws that follow, emphasizing that God actively governs His people through His revealed word. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Enduring Faithfulness Amidst Human Unfaithfulness**. Despite Israel's profound failure and the severe judgment of the wilderness wandering, God does not abandon His covenant people. Instead, He continues to provide guidance and instruction, demonstrating His steadfast love and commitment to His long-term plan for Israel's future in the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **Preparation for the Future**. The laws in [Numbers 15](/numbers/15 "Numbers 15 - Laws for Offerings and Unintentional Sins") are largely for life *in* the Promised Land, indicating God's unwavering intention to bring His people into their inheritance, even if the current generation would not see it. This forward-looking aspect provides hope and direction for the new generation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh_):** This is the tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "YHWH." Its use here is profoundly significant, especially following the narrative of Israel's rebellion and God's judgment. It emphasizes that the one speaking is not merely a distant deity but the faithful, covenant-keeping God who actively engages with His people, even in their unfaithfulness. It underscores His unchanging character and His commitment to His promises despite the current circumstances.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dabar_):** The verb "dabar" signifies more than just uttering words; it implies a declarative, authoritative, and often performative speech. When God "speaks," His words carry inherent power and authority, initiating action, revealing truth, and establishing decrees. In this context, it highlights God's initiative in breaking the silence after judgment, demonstrating His active presence and continued governance over Israel.
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Mosheh_):** Moses is consistently presented as the unique mediator between God and Israel throughout the Pentateuch. His designation as the recipient of God's word here reaffirms his unparalleled role and authority in conveying divine revelation to the people. It assures the Israelites that the subsequent laws are indeed from God, delivered through His chosen and trusted servant, providing legitimacy and divine backing to the instructions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD spake":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the ensuing communication. It signals a direct, unmediated utterance from God Himself, emphasizing His initiative and active engagement with His people. Following the severe judgment in the preceding chapters, this phrase marks a crucial turning point, indicating that God, despite Israel's rebellion, has not abandoned them but continues to guide and instruct. It highlights that the laws and ordinances that follow are not human constructs but divinely ordained.
* **"unto Moses, saying":** This specifies the recipient and method of divine revelation. Moses, uniquely chosen by God, serves as the singular conduit through whom God's will is communicated to the entire nation of Israel. This detail underscores Moses' unparalleled position as mediator and prophet, lending immense weight and authenticity to the messages he delivers. The phrase "saying" indicates that the following content is the direct speech or command from the LORD, emphasizing its imperative and binding nature for the people.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:1 employs a **Formulaic Introduction**, a common literary device throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Exodus 25:1](/exodus/25-1 "Exodus 25:1 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), [Leviticus 1:1](/leviticus/1-1 "Leviticus 1:1 - Laws for Offerings")). This recurring phrase, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," serves as a clear signal to the reader that what follows is direct divine revelation, establishing the authority and divine origin of the subsequent laws and commands. It also functions as a **Narrative Transition**, effectively shifting the focus from the preceding narrative of rebellion and judgment ([Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and Israel's Rebellion")) to a new section of legislative instruction. This transition is not merely structural but also thematic, moving from divine wrath to renewed divine guidance and preparation for the future. Furthermore, the verse encapsulates a **Divine Speech Act**, where God's words are performative; they do not merely describe but actively bring about or command what they declare, setting the stage for the establishment of new laws and the continuation of the covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:1 is a profound theological statement, asserting God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to His covenant purposes, even in the face of profound human failure. It demonstrates that divine judgment, while severe, is not the final word for God's covenant people. Instead, God's character is marked by an enduring grace that continues to provide guidance and a path forward, always with a view towards His ultimate redemptive plan. This verse emphasizes the enduring necessity of divine revelation for humanity to know God's will and walk in His ways, reminding us that true life and blessing come from heeding His commands. It prefigures the consistent biblical theme that God never abandons His people, even when they are unfaithful, but continually seeks to restore and guide them toward their promised inheritance.

* [Exodus 19:7](/exodus/19-7 "Exodus 19:7 - Moses as Mediator of the Covenant")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")
* [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:1, though brief, offers a powerful and enduring message for believers today. It serves as a profound reminder that God is a speaking God, actively engaged with His people. Just as He spoke to Moses, He continues to communicate His will and character to us primarily through His inspired Word, the Bible, which is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - The Profitability of Scripture")). This verse also provides immense comfort and hope, demonstrating God's steadfast faithfulness and grace even when we, like ancient Israel, fall short or rebel. Our failures do not negate God's purposes or His commitment to us. He consistently offers a path forward, inviting us to listen to His voice, repent, and walk in obedience, trusting in His good and perfect plans for our lives and our future in His eternal kingdom. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and attentiveness, eager to hear and obey what the LORD speaks.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's renewed communication in Numbers 15:1, following Israel's rebellion, challenge or affirm your understanding of His faithfulness and grace?**
* **In what ways do you actively listen for God's voice in your life today, and how does His Word guide your decisions and actions?**
* **Considering God's long-term plan for Israel despite their failures, how does this encourage you regarding God's purposes for your own life and the church?**

### FAQ
**Why does God continue to speak to Moses and give laws after such a severe judgment on Israel?**

Answer: God's continued communication in Numbers 15:1, despite the recent judgment, underscores His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. While the generation that rebelled would perish in the wilderness, God's long-term plan for Israel to inherit the Promised Land remained intact. The new laws were given with the future generation in mind, preparing them for life in Canaan. This demonstrates that God's judgment is not the end of His relationship with His people; rather, it is a corrective measure that ultimately serves His redemptive purposes. His continued speaking signifies His commitment to guide, purify, and establish His people according to His divine will, even through periods of discipline. It highlights His steadfast love and His intention to fulfill His promises, as seen in His covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:1, with its emphasis on God speaking to Moses, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God spoke "at many times and in various ways" through prophets like Moses in the Old Testament, He has "in these last days spoken to us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Jesus is the living Word of God, the perfect and complete revelation of the Father, embodying divine authority and truth ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")). Just as Moses mediated God's law to Israel, Jesus is the mediator of a new and better covenant, one established on superior promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). He is the "prophet like Moses" whom God promised to raise up ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses"), [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Acts 3:22 - Peter's Sermon: The Prophet Like Moses")), through whom God's final and saving word has come to humanity. In Christ, God's faithfulness amidst human unfaithfulness is perfectly demonstrated through His atoning sacrifice, providing a way for all who believe to enter into the ultimate "Promised Land" of eternal life and fellowship with God, not through adherence to external laws alone, but through faith in the One who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.