Numbers 15:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

All that are born of the country {H249} shall do {H6213} these things after this manner, in offering {H7126} an offering made by fire {H801}, of a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Every citizen is to do these things in this way when presenting an offering made by fire as a fragrant aroma for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

All that are home-born shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:13 articulates a fundamental requirement within the Israelite sacrificial system, stipulating that all native-born members of the community were obligated to meticulously follow God's prescribed instructions for presenting offerings made by fire. This verse emphasizes the universal applicability of divine commandments concerning worship, ensuring that every individual within the covenant community adhered to the precise methods for their sacrifices to be considered a "sweet savour," or acceptable, to the LORD. It profoundly underscores God's demand for obedient worship and His gracious acceptance of offerings presented according to His revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:13 is embedded within a crucial legislative segment of the book of Numbers, specifically within verses 1-16, which delineate laws pertaining to various offerings. This chapter immediately follows the severe judgment rendered against the first generation of Israelites due to their profound rebellion and unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea, resulting in the forty-year wilderness wandering ([Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent Out") and [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The People Rebel")). In the wake of this significant failure, chapter 15 serves as a powerful reaffirmation of God's enduring covenant with His people and the re-establishment of the laws governing worship that would guide them upon their eventual entry into the Promised Land. Verses 1-12 meticulously detail the specific requirements for grain and drink offerings that were to accompany burnt offerings and other sacrifices, specifying precise quantities of flour, oil, and wine. Verse 13 then expands the scope, explicitly declaring that these detailed instructions were not optional or limited to a select few, but were universally binding upon "All that are born of the country," thereby ensuring a consistent and uniform approach to the sacrificial system and communal worship. This reiteration of laws underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and His continued expectation of obedience, even after profound national rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine laws articulated in Numbers 15 were given to the Israelites during their protracted journey through the wilderness, a pivotal period of transformation from a collection of enslaved tribes into a unified nation under God's direct governance. The Tabernacle, serving as God's mobile dwelling place among them, was the absolute epicenter of their nomadic existence, functioning as the focal point of their worship and the visible manifestation of God's holy presence. Sacrifices constituted the primary and divinely ordained means of approaching God, expressing profound devotion, seeking atonement for sin, and maintaining a vital covenant relationship. In stark contrast to the surrounding pagan cultures, whose worship often involved capricious deities, arbitrary rituals, and even child sacrifice, Israel's worship was meticulously prescribed by a holy, sovereign God. The emphatic instruction to "do these things after this manner" highlights the paramount importance of order, purity, and precise obedience in a culture where ritual exactitude was deemed essential for divine acceptance and blessing. These laws were not merely for the immediate wilderness generation but were forward-looking, meticulously preparing the people for a settled life in the land of Canaan, where the sacrificial system would continue to form the cornerstone of their national and spiritual identity.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:13 significantly contributes to several overarching themes present throughout the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Obedience to Divine Law**. God's commandments are precise, and His people are unequivocally expected to follow them with meticulous care, not according to their own preferences or innovations. This is a recurring motif woven throughout the wilderness narrative, where disobedience frequently leads to severe, divinely ordained consequences, as vividly illustrated by the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"). Secondly, the phrase "All that are born of the country" emphasizes the **Universality of Covenant Requirements**. God's covenant and its associated laws were binding on every native-born Israelite, fostering a profound sense of communal unity and shared responsibility in worship. This foundational principle is notably extended to the sojourner who resides among them in [Numbers 15:14-16](/numbers/15-14-16 "Numbers 15:14-16 - Laws for Sojourners"). Thirdly, the concept of an "offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD" speaks directly to the theme of **Acceptable Worship and Divine Approval**. When offerings were presented strictly according to God's prescribed manner, they were considered pleasing and acceptable to Him, signifying His favorable reception of both the act of worship and the worshiper. This profound theme resonates throughout the sacrificial laws detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Law of Burnt Offerings"), where various offerings are consistently described as a "soothing aroma" or "sweet savour" to the LORD.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Born of the country (Hebrew, _ʼezrâch'_):** This term (H249) refers to a "native" or "home-born" individual, distinguishing those indigenous to the land or community from foreigners or sojourners. In Numbers 15:13, its use emphasizes that the primary obligation for these specific sacrificial laws rested upon the established, native-born members of the Israelite covenant community. While later verses extend some laws to sojourners, this initial focus underscores the inherent responsibility and foundational identity of the core Israelite population in maintaining the prescribed worship.
* **Shall do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This verb (H6213), meaning "to do or make," in this context carries the weight of obligation and performance. It signifies the active execution and fulfillment of the divine commands. The broad range of its meaning, from "accomplish" to "observe" or "perform," highlights that the Israelites were not merely to acknowledge these laws but to meticulously carry them out in their worship, emphasizing the necessity of action and obedience in their approach to God.
* **Sweet (Hebrew, _nîychôwach'_):** This adjective (H5207), derived from the root meaning "to rest" or "to be quiet," properly signifies something "restful," "pleasant," or "delightful." When combined with "savour" (Hebrew, _rêyach_, H7381), it forms the phrase "sweet savour" or "soothing aroma." This anthropomorphic expression indicates God's favorable reception and acceptance of the offering. It signifies that the sacrifice, when presented precisely according to His divine command and with the proper heart, met His holy standards, was effective for its intended purpose (e.g., atonement, communion), and was therefore welcomed and approved by Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All that are born of the country":** This opening phrase precisely defines the scope of the commandment, referring specifically to the native-born Israelites. It underscores the communal nature of the covenant and the universal obligation of its members to adhere to God's laws. This was not a selective requirement reserved for priests or a particular tribe, but rather a fundamental expectation for every Israelite, highlighting their shared identity, responsibility, and participation in the nation's worship before God.
* **"shall do these things after this manner":** This clause functions as a direct imperative, demanding strict and precise adherence to the detailed instructions for offerings outlined in the preceding verses ([Numbers 15:1-12](/numbers/15-1-12 "Numbers 15:1-12 - Laws for Offerings")). "These things" refers to the specific grain and drink offerings that were mandated to accompany burnt offerings and other sacrifices. "After this manner" emphatically stresses the exactness and precision required in worship, reinforcing the theological truth that the efficacy and divine acceptance of the offering were contingent upon following God's revealed will, not human innovation, convenience, or preference.
* **"in offering an offering made by fire":** This clause identifies the specific type of sacrificial act being commanded. "Offering made by fire" (Hebrew, _ishsheh_, H801) is a general, overarching term for offerings consumed by fire on the altar, encompassing a wide range of sacrifices such as burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, all of which were central to Israelite worship. It signifies the complete dedication and consumption of the offering to God, often involving the release of its essence through smoke ascending heavenward.
* **"of a sweet savour unto the LORD":** This concluding phrase articulates the desired divine response and outcome of a properly offered sacrifice. When the offering was made strictly according to God's prescribed "manner," it was considered a "sweet savour"—meaning it was pleasing, acceptable, and delightful to the LORD. This signifies God's favorable disposition towards the worshipers and their act of devotion, indicating His gracious reception and validation of their obedience and faith.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Legal Language**, characterized by its prescriptive tone, imperative verbs ("shall do"), and precise stipulations. This reflects the absolute authority of God's commands and the binding obligation placed upon the Israelites, functioning as a divine decree that leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the universal application of the sacrificial laws. There is also a significant element of **Repetition** within the broader Pentateuchal context, as the phrase "sweet savour" (or "soothing aroma") appears numerous times in connection with acceptable offerings (e.g., [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma"), [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - Consecration Offering as a Sweet Aroma")), thereby reinforcing its profound theological significance and establishing a consistent standard for divine acceptance. Finally, **Symbolism** is powerfully evident in the concept of the "sweet savour." While literally referring to an aroma, it symbolically represents God's spiritual acceptance, pleasure, and favorable reception of the obedience and devotion of His people. The ascending smoke of the burnt offering, carrying this "sweet savour," thus symbolizes the worshiper's devotion reaching God and being graciously received.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:13 is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of Old Testament worship and its enduring theological principles. It unequivocally underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His inherent right to dictate the precise terms by which humanity may approach Him. The emphatic instruction "after this manner" reveals that God values meticulous obedience and divine order in worship, not merely the act itself. This principle extends far beyond the ceremonial sacrificial system, teaching that true worship in any dispensation must align with God's revealed will, reflecting a heart of humble submission, reverence, and faith. The concept of a "sweet savour" speaks to God's profound desire for genuine communion with His people, where their acts of devotion, performed in faith and obedience, are met with His gracious acceptance and approval. This verse, therefore, highlights the indispensable connection between divinely prescribed ritual, faithful execution, and divine approval, laying crucial groundwork for understanding acceptable worship in all dispensations.

* [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma")
* [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - Consecration Offering as a Sweet Aroma")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific animal sacrifices and fire offerings of the Old Covenant are no longer practiced by believers today, Numbers 15:13 offers profound and enduring principles that are immensely relevant for our spiritual lives. It challenges us to deeply consider the very nature of our worship: Is it truly offered "after this manner," meaning strictly according to God's revealed will and not merely our own preferences, convenience, or cultural trends? Just as the Israelites were called to meticulous obedience in their physical offerings, we as New Covenant believers are called to offer spiritual sacrifices—our lives, our fervent prayers, our heartfelt praise, our dedicated service, and our generous giving—in a way that is truly pleasing and acceptable to God. This necessitates a diligent pursuit of understanding His will through the diligent study of His Word, cultivating a heart filled with reverence and humility, and striving for holiness in every aspect of our daily lives. Our worship should never be a casual or self-serving act, but rather a deliberate, devoted, and Spirit-led offering that ascends to God as a "sweet savour," reflecting our deep love, unwavering faith, and obedient submission to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, like the Israelites, be tempted to offer worship "not after this manner," according to our own desires rather than God's revealed will?**
* **What does it mean for our daily lives to be a "sweet savour" to the LORD, considering that we no longer offer animal sacrifices?**
* **How does the universality of the commandment in Numbers 15:13 (applying to "all that are born of the country") inform our understanding of communal worship and shared responsibility in the church today?**
* **How does knowing that Christ's sacrifice was the ultimate "sweet savour" impact your motivation and approach to worship and service?**

### FAQ

**What does "sweet savour" truly mean in the context of Old Testament sacrifices?**

Answer: The phrase "sweet savour" (Hebrew: _reakh nihoah_) is an anthropomorphic expression, meaning it employs human sensory terms to describe a profound divine reality. It does not imply that God literally smells an aroma. Instead, it signifies God's favorable reception, gracious acceptance, and profound pleasure in an offering that is presented precisely according to His commands and with the right heart of faith and obedience. It indicates that the sacrifice has met God's holy standard, is effective for its intended purpose (e.g., atonement, communion), and is therefore welcomed and approved by Him. It's a theological statement of divine approval, emphasizing the efficacy and spiritual beauty of obedient worship. This concept is foundational to understanding God's interaction with His people through the sacrificial system, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma").

**Does Numbers 15:13 apply only to native-born Israelites, excluding others?**

Answer: Numbers 15:13 specifically states "All that are born of the country" (Hebrew: _ezrach_), referring to native-born Israelites. However, the very next verses, [Numbers 15:14-16](/numbers/15-14-16 "Numbers 15:14-16 - Laws for Sojourners"), explicitly extend these same sacrificial laws to the "stranger that sojourneth with you." This demonstrates God's inclusive nature even within the Old Covenant, showing that those who chose to live among Israel and identify with their God were also expected to abide by His laws and participate in His prescribed worship. While the initial focus of verse 13 is on the core covenant community, the broader context of the chapter reveals God's desire for all who dwell among His people to participate in His prescribed worship, foreshadowing the glorious inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant through Christ.

**How does this Old Testament verse relate to Christian worship today, since we don't offer animal sacrifices?**

Answer: While the ceremonial laws of animal sacrifice have been perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of Numbers 15:13 remain profoundly relevant and eternally applicable for Christian worship. The verse teaches us that God desires worship that is offered "after this manner"—that is, strictly according to His revealed will, not our own preferences, fleeting emotions, or cultural whims. For Christians, this means our worship should be thoroughly centered on Christ, deeply grounded in biblical truth, and offered with utmost sincerity, reverence, and obedience. Our "offerings" are now spiritual: our entire lives presented as [living sacrifices](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"), our heartfelt praise, our earnest prayers, our dedicated service, and our generous financial giving. The ultimate goal remains precisely the same: that our worship would be a "sweet savour" to the Lord, truly pleasing and acceptable to Him because it aligns with His holy character and divine commands, and is offered through unwavering faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:13, with its profound emphasis on an "offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD," finds its ultimate, perfect, and conclusive fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the meticulous laws detailed in Numbers, served as a divine foreshadowing and pedagogical shadow of the one perfect sacrifice that would truly atone for sin and reconcile humanity into full, unhindered communion with God. Jesus Christ is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and His crucifixion was the consummate "offering made by fire" – not of animals, but of Himself – consumed by the righteous fire of divine justice and the boundless fire of divine love. His sacrifice on the cross was not merely acceptable, but supremely pleasing to God, the ultimate "sweet-smelling offering" (as described in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Offering")). Through His once-for-all death, Christ perfectly fulfilled all the requirements of the law, rendering all previous sacrifices obsolete and establishing a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:1-14](/hebrews/10-1-14 "Hebrews 10:1-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Because of His perfect, unblemished offering, believers now have direct, confident access to God, not through ritualistic animal sacrifice, but solely through faith in Christ's finished work, enabling us to offer spiritual sacrifices that are truly pleasing and acceptable to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")).

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.