Numbers 15:17

Numbers 15:17 serves as a concise yet profoundly significant introductory statement, signaling the beginning of a new divine revelation given to the Israelites through Moses. It sets the stage for a series of instructions concerning offerings and laws, emphasizing God's direct and ongoing communication with His people as they prepare for life in the Promised Land.

Context

This verse immediately precedes a new set of commandments regarding the heave offering of the first of the dough (Numbers 15:18-21). Following earlier laws in the chapter concerning unintentional sins and various offerings for them, this section shifts focus to the proper worship and acknowledgment of God's provision once Israel settles in Canaan. The phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," is a common formula throughout the Pentateuch, indicating a direct divine mandate and reinforcing Moses' singular role as God's chosen intermediary for the people of Israel.

Key Themes

• Divine Revelation: The primary theme is God's active engagement and direct communication of His will to humanity. This verse underscores that the laws and instructions for Israel originated directly from the Creator, not from human wisdom or tradition.
• Moses as Mediator: It highlights Moses' unique and essential role as the conduit through whom God delivered His covenant and statutes to the Israelites. His position as God's chosen messenger is foundational to the authority of the Law.
• Preparation for the Land: These commands are given as Israel is on the cusp of entering Canaan. They signify God's intention for His people to live a life of worship, obedience, and dependence on Him even in their settled state, reinforcing their covenant relationship.
• Authority of Scripture: Every instance of "the LORD spake unto Moses" affirms the divine authority behind the words that follow, laying the groundwork for the inspired nature of the biblical text.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," is "Vayedaber YHWH el Moshe lemor" (וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר). This is a standard and powerful introductory formula. The verb "daber" (to speak) implies a deliberate, direct, and authoritative utterance. The inclusion of "lemor" (saying) emphasizes that the following words are the exact message God intended to convey, highlighting precision and divine authorship. This formula consistently points to the divine origin of the subsequent commands, as seen in countless other instances, such as when God first called Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:4.

Practical Application

For believers today, Numbers 15:17 serves as a powerful reminder of several enduring truths:

• God Still Speaks: While God no longer speaks through Moses, He continues to communicate His will to humanity primarily through His written Word, the Bible. This verse reinforces the principle that God desires to guide and instruct His people.
• Authority of God's Word: Just as the Israelites were to heed the words spoken through Moses, so too are believers called to submit to the authority of God's inspired Word. Every command and principle found within the Scriptures carries divine weight.
• Importance of Listening and Obedience: The repeated phrase "the LORD spake" calls for attentiveness and obedience. Our spiritual lives are built on hearing and responding to what God has revealed, whether through direct instruction or the broader principles of His character and plan.
• Divine Provision and Worship: The laws introduced after this verse concern offerings, underscoring that God's instructions often relate to how we acknowledge His provision and worship Him rightly. We are called to give back to God from what He has given us, recognizing His sovereignty over all things, much like the command for the heave offering of the first of the dough.