Numbers 15:14

And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever [be] among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do.

And if a stranger {H1616} sojourn {H1481} with you, or whosoever be among {H8432} you in your generations {H1755}, and will offer {H6213} an offering made by fire {H801}, of a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}; as ye do {H6213}, so he shall do {H6213}.

If a foreigner stays with you - or whoever may be with you, through all your generations - and he wants to bring an offering made by fire as a fragrant aroma for ADONAI, he is to do the same as you.

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.

And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever may be among you throughout your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah; as ye do, so he shall do.

Commentary

Numbers 15:14 reveals God's inclusive nature within the Old Testament law, establishing a foundational principle for how resident foreigners, or "strangers," were to be treated concerning worship and offerings. This verse comes amidst detailed instructions for various sacrifices and vows, emphasizing that the divine statutes were not solely for the native-born Israelites but also extended to those who chose to live among them and participate in their religious life.

Context

The Book of Numbers documents Israel's journey through the wilderness, providing laws and regulations for their communal and spiritual life as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Chapters 15-19 detail specific laws regarding offerings, unintentional sins, and leadership. Verse 14 specifically addresses the status of the ger (Hebrew for "stranger" or "resident alien") within the community. Unlike many ancient Near Eastern cultures where foreigners had limited rights or religious participation, God's law provided a pathway for them to join in the worship of the LORD, provided they adhered to the same standards as the Israelites. This principle of inclusion is seen elsewhere in the Pentateuch, such as in Leviticus 19:34, which commands Israel to "love him as thyself."

Key Themes

  • Inclusion and Hospitality: The verse powerfully demonstrates God's desire for the inclusion of non-Israelites who genuinely sought to worship Him. It underscores a divine hospitality that transcended ethnic boundaries, inviting all who desired to approach Him through the prescribed means.
  • Equality in Worship: "As ye do, so he shall do." This phrase signifies that the same laws, procedures, and requirements for offerings applied equally to both the native-born Israelite and the resident alien. There was no separate, lesser standard for the stranger when it came to approaching God with a "sweet savour" offering. This established a remarkable spiritual equality under the Mosaic Law.
  • One Law for All: The principle of "one law" (as seen in Numbers 15:16) is foundational here, promoting unity and justice within the community. It ensured that all who wished to participate in the covenant relationship through sacrifice were bound by the same divine expectations.

Linguistic Insights

The term "stranger" translates from the Hebrew word ger (ื’ึตึผืจ), which typically refers to a resident alienโ€”someone who has left their native land to live permanently among another people. This is distinct from a transient visitor. The phrase "sweet savour" comes from the Hebrew reah nihoah (ืจึตื™ื—ึท ื ึดื™ื—ึนื—ึท), meaning a "soothing aroma" or "pleasing odor." This signifies an offering that is acceptable and delightful to God, indicating His favorable reception of the sacrifice when offered according to His commands.

Practical Application

Numbers 15:14 holds profound relevance for believers today. It reminds us of God's universal love and His welcoming nature, extending beyond any single ethnic or national group. This Old Testament principle foreshadows the New Testament revelation of a spiritual kingdom where there is "neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). It challenges contemporary faith communities to embrace diversity and ensure that all who seek to worship God are treated with equal respect and have equal access to spiritual participation, adhering to the principles of the Gospel. The call to offer an "acceptable" worship remains, emphasizing sincerity and obedience to God's revealed will, regardless of one's background.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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