Numbers 15:15

KJV

One ordinance [shall be both] for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth [with you], an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye [are], so shall the stranger be before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} ordinance {H2708} shall be both for you of the congregation {H6951}, and also for the stranger {H1616} that sojourneth {H1481} with you, an ordinance {H2708} for ever {H5769} in your generations {H1755}: as ye are, so shall the stranger {H1616} be before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this community there will be the same law for you as for the foreigner living with you; this is a permanent regulation through all your generations; the foreigner is to be treated the same way before ADONAI as yourselves.

Berean Standard Bible

The 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.

American Standard Version

For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you, a statute for ever throughout your generations: as ye are, so shall the sojourner be before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:15 articulates a profound principle of divine impartiality and communal unity, declaring that the same divine statutes and ordinances apply equally to both native-born Israelites and resident aliens ("strangers") living within their midst. This verse underscores God's unwavering justice and His design for a unified, equitable society bound by His unchanging law, transcending distinctions of origin or social status and establishing a perpetual standard for all generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:15 is situated within a broader section (Numbers 15:1-41) that details various laws and offerings given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter and settle in the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Numbers 15:1-16) specifically outline regulations for grain offerings, drink offerings, and burnt offerings, emphasizing the precise manner in which these rituals were to be performed. Verse 15:15 serves as a pivotal statement, broadening the scope of these and other Mosaic laws by explicitly extending their application beyond the native Israelite to include the "stranger that sojourneth" among them. This inclusion demonstrates that the covenant community, even in its nascent stages, was intended to operate under a singular, universal legal framework, ensuring consistency and justice for all within its borders, thus preventing the emergence of a two-tiered system based on ethnicity. The chapter concludes with laws concerning unintentional sins and the command to wear tassels (Numbers 15:37-41), reinforcing the pervasive nature of God's commands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the treatment of foreigners often varied widely, typically placing them in a vulnerable, marginalized, and legally inferior position compared to native citizens. Foreigners were frequently without land rights, subject to different laws, and susceptible to exploitation. Against this backdrop, the Mosaic Law, as articulated in Numbers 15:15, presents a revolutionary and counter-cultural mandate. The term "stranger" (Hebrew: _ger_) refers specifically to a resident alien—a non-Israelite who had left their homeland to settle permanently among the Israelites, often for economic or security reasons. Unlike a transient visitor, the _ger_ was integrated into the community, albeit without tribal land inheritance. God's command for "one ordinance" for both native and _ger_ was a radical departure from prevailing norms, establishing a unique legal and social framework rooted in divine justice and compassion, particularly for those who might otherwise be vulnerable. This directive was often underpinned by Israel's own historical experience as sojourners in Egypt, as reminded in passages like [Deuteronomy 10:19](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Stranger").
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it establishes the **Impartiality and Justice of God**, demonstrating that His divine law is not arbitrary or discriminatory but applies universally to all who live under His covenant. This principle underscores God's character as one who shows no favoritism. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Inclusion and Hospitality to the Sojourner**. The explicit command for the _ger_ to be treated "as ye are" is a foundational statement of social justice, requiring the Israelites to extend full legal and moral rights to non-native residents. This theme is echoed throughout the Torah, notably in [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Do Not Oppress the Alien") and [Deuteronomy 24:17-18](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17-18 - Justice for the Sojourner"), which emphasize remembering Israel's own alien status in Egypt as a basis for compassion. Thirdly, the phrase "an ordinance for ever in your generations" emphasizes the **Perpetual and Enduring Nature of God's Law**. This was not a temporary regulation but a foundational and unchanging principle intended to govern Israelite society throughout its existence, reflecting the eternal consistency of God's character and His moral standards.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ordinance (Hebrew, _chuqqah'_):** This term (חֻקָּה) refers to a statute, decree, or prescribed rule, often implying something firmly established, engraved, or fixed by divine authority. It denotes a permanent, binding law, not a suggestion or a temporary guideline. The repetition of "one ordinance" and "an ordinance for ever" emphasizes its singular, unchanging, and authoritative nature, originating from God Himself and intended to govern all aspects of communal life.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _ger'_):** The Hebrew word (גֵּר) specifically denotes a "resident alien" or "sojourner" who has left their native land to settle permanently within Israelite territory. This is distinct from a casual visitor (_toshāv_) or a passing traveler (_’ōrēaḥ_). The _ger_ was expected to abide by Israelite laws and customs, and in return, was granted specific protections and rights, including access to justice, participation in certain religious festivals, and the right to glean from fields. The inclusion of the _ger_ under the same law as the native-born Israelite was a radical ethical stance.
* **Before the LORD (Hebrew, _liphnê Yahweh'_):** This phrase (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה) signifies that the equality mandated is not merely a human social construct but a divine imperative. It implies that the treatment of both native and stranger is observed and judged by God Himself. All members of the community stand in the same relationship of accountability and privilege before the sovereign God, making the principle of "one ordinance" a theological necessity, not just a legal convenience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One ordinance [shall be both] for you of the congregation":** This opening clause establishes the singular, unified nature of God's law. It directly addresses the native-born Israelites, the "congregation" (עֵדָה, _‘edah_), who are the primary recipients of the Mosaic covenant. It asserts that the divine statutes are binding upon them without exception or distinction among themselves.
* **"and also for the stranger that sojourneth [with you]":** This crucial addition immediately extends the scope of the "one ordinance" to include the _ger_, the non-Israelite resident alien. It explicitly breaks down any potential barrier between native and foreigner in the application of the law, ensuring that the _ger_ is not subject to a different, lesser, or more exploitative legal standard.
* **"an ordinance for ever in your generations":** This phrase underscores the perpetual and enduring nature of this divine command. It is not a temporary measure for the wilderness period or for a specific generation, but a foundational principle intended to govern Israelite society throughout all its future generations, emphasizing the unchanging character of God's justice and His will for His people.
* **"as ye [are], so shall the stranger be before the LORD":** This concluding declaration powerfully summarizes the principle of absolute equality. The _ger_ is to be treated with the same dignity, rights, and responsibilities as the native Israelite. The phrase "before the LORD" elevates this social mandate to a theological one, indicating that this equality is not merely a human ideal but a divine requirement, reflecting God's own impartiality and His concern for all who dwell in His land.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:15 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the word "ordinance" (חֻקָּה, _chuqqah_). This repetition emphasizes the fixed, binding, and singular nature of God's law, ensuring that its universality is deeply impressed upon the reader. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** and **Antithesis** by juxtaposing "you of the congregation" with "the stranger that sojourneth with you," only to then declare their absolute equality ("as ye are, so shall the stranger be"). This structure highlights the common human tendency to differentiate and then forcefully overrides it with a divine mandate for unity. Furthermore, the phrase "before the LORD" functions as a powerful **Theological Framing Device**, elevating the social and legal principle from a mere human regulation to a divine command, placing the entire community, both native and alien, under God's direct observation and judgment. This reinforces the **Didactic** purpose of the text, instructing the Israelites in righteous living according to God's character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:15 stands as a cornerstone in the Pentateuch's teaching on God's character and the nature of His covenant community. It reveals a God who is inherently just and impartial, whose moral standards transcend human distinctions of ethnicity or origin. This divine mandate for equal treatment of the sojourner is not merely a social policy but a theological imperative, rooted in God's own compassion and His remembrance of Israel's vulnerable status in Egypt. It demonstrates that the covenant community, though distinct, was never intended to be an exclusive ethno-state but a society founded on ethical principles that reflect the very nature of God, extending care and justice even to those who might otherwise be marginalized. This principle foreshadows a broader redemptive plan that embraces all peoples.

* [Exodus 12:49](/exodus/12-49 "Exodus 12:49 - One Law for Native and Stranger")
* [Leviticus 24:22](/leviticus/24-22 "Leviticus 24:22 - One Law for All")
* [Deuteronomy 24:17-18](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17-18 - Justice for the Alien, Fatherless, and Widow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:15 offers a timeless and challenging call for contemporary believers and communities. In a world often marked by xenophobia, prejudice, and social stratification, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice and equality for all people. It compels us to examine our own attitudes and practices towards those who are "other" – whether they are immigrants, refugees, newcomers in our churches, or simply those from different backgrounds. The principle of "one ordinance" demands that we extend hospitality, fairness, and dignity to everyone, recognizing their inherent worth as image-bearers of God. It challenges us to build truly inclusive communities where legal, social, and spiritual access is equitable, reflecting God's impartial love and breaking down barriers that human sinfulness erects. This divine mandate calls us to actively champion the rights of the vulnerable and to ensure that our systems and interactions are rooted in the same divine justice that God prescribed for ancient Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "one ordinance" challenge my personal biases or cultural assumptions about those who are different from me?**
* **In what practical ways can my church or community better embody the welcome and equitable treatment of "strangers" or newcomers, reflecting God's impartiality?**
* **How does remembering God's command to Israel regarding the sojourner inform my understanding of justice and compassion in contemporary society?**
* **What specific actions can I take to advocate for or support marginalized individuals or groups in my sphere of influence, aligning with the spirit of Numbers 15:15?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary significance of the phrase "one ordinance" in Numbers 15:15?**

Answer: The phrase "one ordinance" (חֻקָּה, _chuqqah_) is profoundly significant because it establishes the principle of absolute legal and moral equality under God's law for both native-born Israelites and resident aliens (the _ger_). It means that there is a single, unified, and unchanging standard of divine justice that applies to everyone within the covenant community, regardless of their ethnic origin. This counters any potential for a two-tiered legal system or preferential treatment, emphasizing God's impartiality and His desire for a just and unified society. It signifies that all are equally accountable to God's commands and equally entitled to the protections and provisions of His law. This concept is foundational to understanding God's character and His vision for His people, as seen in other passages like [Leviticus 24:22](/leviticus/24-22 "Leviticus 24:22 - One Law for All") which states, "Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country."

**Who exactly was the "stranger" (ger) in ancient Israelite society, and how was their treatment unique compared to other ancient cultures?**

Answer: The "stranger" (Hebrew: גֵּר, _ger_) refers specifically to a resident alien—a non-Israelite who had permanently settled among the Israelites, often having fled famine, war, or seeking better opportunities. Unlike a temporary visitor, the _ger_ was integrated into the community's social and economic life, though they did not inherit tribal land. Their treatment in Israelite society was remarkably unique compared to many other ancient Near Eastern cultures, where foreigners were often exploited, lacked legal rights, and were highly vulnerable. In stark contrast, the Mosaic Law, as exemplified in Numbers 15:15, commanded that the _ger_ be treated with the same legal rights and responsibilities as the native-born Israelite. They were protected by law, could participate in certain religious rituals (like Passover if circumcised, [Exodus 12:48](/exodus/12-48 "Exodus 12:48 - Passover for the Stranger")), and were to be loved and cared for, as Israel was reminded of their own past as sojourners in Egypt (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:19](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Stranger")). This divine mandate for hospitality and justice towards the _ger_ was a radical, counter-cultural expression of God's compassionate character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:15, with its revolutionary declaration of "one ordinance" for both native and stranger, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament law, while establishing a foundational principle of equality, still operated within the framework of a national covenant. Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, inaugurated a new covenant that transcends all ethnic, social, and cultural barriers, creating a singular, unified "congregation" from all nations. The dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, which symbolically separated the "native" from the "stranger" in the old covenant, was "broken down" by Christ's flesh (as described in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down Barriers")). In Him, there is no longer "Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). The "ordinance for ever" of God's impartial justice and inclusive love is perfectly embodied and enacted in the church, which is Christ's body—a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural community where all who believe, regardless of their earthly origin, are "fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with God's People")). Thus, the principle of Numbers 15:15 is not merely upheld but infinitely expanded and spiritually realized in the universal scope of the Gospel and the new humanity formed in Christ.

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.

Cross-References

Numbers 9:14

And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.

Numbers 15:29

Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, [both for] him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

Exodus 12:49

One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.

Exodus 12:43

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This [is] the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:

Galatians 3:28

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.

Exodus 12:24

And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.

1 Samuel 30:25

And it was [so] from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day.