Numbers 15:18

KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you,

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, When ye come {H935} into the land {H776} whither I bring {H935} you,

Complete Jewish Bible

"Speak to the people of Isra'el; tell them, 'When you enter the land where I am bringing you

Berean Standard Bible

“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you enter the land to which I am bringing you

American Standard Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:18 introduces a series of divine instructions given to the Israelites while they were still in the wilderness, specifically after the generation of rebellion had been condemned to die there. This verse, "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you," powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign commitment to His covenant promises. Despite Israel's profound failures and the impending judgment, God looks beyond their present disobedience to their future settlement in the Promised Land, providing detailed laws to prepare them for life as a holy nation under His guidance and provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:18 marks a significant shift in the narrative flow of the book of Numbers. Chapters 13 and 14 recount the disastrous rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, where Israel's lack of faith led to God's judgment that the adult generation would perish in the wilderness. Following this severe pronouncement, one might expect a narrative of despair or further punishment. Instead, Numbers 15 immediately pivots to a forward-looking series of laws concerning offerings, vows, and unintentional sins, all prefaced by the phrase "When ye come into the land." This literary placement highlights God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His proactive preparation of the next generation for their future inheritance, demonstrating that His long-term plans for His people remained intact despite their immediate failures. The laws in this chapter are not for their present wilderness wandering but for their future settled life, emphasizing a divine perspective that transcends their current circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are geographically situated in the wilderness, enduring the consequences of their rebellion. Historically, this period represents a crucial transition: the generation that experienced the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai is passing away, and a new generation is being raised to inherit the promises. Culturally, the giving of detailed laws for offerings and sacrifices for a settled, agricultural life in Canaan was essential. These laws would govern their worship, maintain their purity, and reinforce their distinct identity as God's chosen people in a land surrounded by pagan nations. The "land" itself, Canaan, was the ancestral promise made to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")), a land flowing with milk and honey, signifying God's provision and blessing. The anticipation of entry into this land, even from the harsh reality of the wilderness, served as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate purpose for them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader chapter it introduces, contributes significantly to several key themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Endurance**. Despite Israel's grievous sin and the subsequent judgment, God does not revoke His covenant promise to bring them into the land. His "I bring you" is a testament to His unchangeable character and His commitment to His word (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Preparation and Anticipation**. God provides detailed instructions for a future state, demonstrating His foresight and His desire for His people to be ready for the blessings and responsibilities of the Promised Land. This preparation underscores the importance of obedience and holiness in anticipation of God's blessings. Lastly, the verse subtly emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Active Agency**. The entry into the land is not presented as a result of Israel's strength or merit, but as a direct, divinely orchestrated act: "whither I bring you." This theme resonates throughout the wilderness narrative, reminding Israel that their journey and destiny are entirely dependent on God's power and guidance, as seen in their miraculous provision and protection (e.g., [Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "God's Pillar of Cloud and Fire")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (דַּבֵּר, _dabber'_):** This is an imperative verb, a direct command from God to Moses, indicating the divine authority and urgency of the message. It emphasizes that these are not human suggestions or cultural norms, but direct divine revelation intended for the entire community of Israel. The command underscores the importance of the forthcoming instructions for their future.
* **Land (אֶרֶץ, _eretz'_):** While simply meaning "land" or "earth," in this context, "the land" specifically refers to the Promised Land of Canaan. This geographical entity is central to God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, representing not just a physical territory but the place where God's people would dwell in His presence, establish His kingdom, and live out His laws. Its mention here signifies the enduring nature of God's promise despite the present wilderness wanderings.
* **I bring you (מֵבִיא אֶתְכֶם, _mevi' etchem'_):** This is a crucial phrase. The Hebrew verb is a Hiphil participle, emphasizing God's continuous, active, and certain role as the one who will accomplish their entry into the land. It’s not "if you come" or "when you are able to come," but "when you come into the land *whither I am bringing you*." This grammatical form highlights God's sovereign agency and faithfulness, making their entry into Canaan a divinely guaranteed event, irrespective of Israel's past failures or future challenges.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. It is a direct command from Yahweh, delivered through Moses, to the entire community of Israel. This formula emphasizes that the following laws are not mere suggestions but divine decrees that carry the weight of God's authority and are binding on His people.
* **"When ye come into the land"**: This phrase sets the temporal context for the subsequent laws. It points to a future reality—the Israelites' entry into Canaan—which, at the time of speaking, was still distant and, for the current generation, impossible. The "when" implies a certainty of arrival, not a mere possibility, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His promise.
* **"whither I bring you,"**: This final clause is the theological linchpin of the verse. It unequivocally identifies God as the active agent responsible for their entry into the land. It is not by their own strength, military prowess, or even their obedience that they will enter, but solely by God's power and faithfulness. This emphasizes divine sovereignty and grace, reminding Israel that their inheritance is a gift from God, secured by His promise and power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Speech/Direct Address** is prominent, as God directly commands Moses to "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them," establishing the authoritative and personal nature of the communication. This direct address underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Prolepsis** or **Anticipation**, presenting laws and instructions for a future state (entry into the land) that has not yet occurred. This forward-looking perspective, given amidst the wilderness wanderings and divine judgment, serves to instill hope and reinforce the certainty of God's promises. Finally, there is a strong element of **Emphasis** through the use of the participle "I bring you." This grammatical construction highlights God's active, ongoing, and certain role in fulfilling His promise, making His agency the central focus of their future inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:18 stands as a profound testament to God's enduring faithfulness and His sovereign control over history, even in the face of human rebellion. The giving of laws for a future in the Promised Land, immediately after the condemnation of a generation to die in the wilderness, reveals a God whose covenant promises are not contingent on human perfection but on His own unchangeable character. It demonstrates His long-term vision for His people, preparing them for a holy existence in the land He promised, thereby emphasizing His grace and His commitment to His redemptive plan. This verse teaches us that God's purposes will prevail, and He actively works to bring His people into the blessings He has ordained, even when their path is marked by failure.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham") - God's initial promise of the land to Abraham, foundational to the covenant.
* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "God's Faithfulness to His Covenant") - Emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant, even to a thousand generations.
* [Psalm 23:2-3](/psalms/23-2 "God Leads His People") - Illustrates God's active role in leading and restoring His people, akin to bringing them into the land.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:18 offers immense encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. It reminds us that even when we experience "wilderness" seasons—periods of struggle, consequence for sin, or seemingly endless waiting—God's ultimate promises for us remain steadfast. His faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection, but on His perfect character. Just as God prepared Israel for their future in the land, He prepares us for the spiritual inheritance and purposes He has for our lives. This involves actively engaging with His Word, cultivating a spirit of obedience, and trusting in His sovereign hand to guide us through our present circumstances towards His intended destination. This verse calls us to live with hope, knowing that our journey is directed by a faithful God who is actively "bringing us" to our spiritual promised land, whether that be a deeper walk with Him now or our ultimate eternal home.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's unwavering faithfulness in Numbers 15:18 encourage you in times of personal failure or spiritual wandering?**
* **In what ways might God be "preparing" you today for a future blessing or purpose He has for your life?**
* **How does the certainty of God's promise ("whither I bring you") impact your perspective on current challenges or delays?**

### FAQ
**Why does God give laws for the land *before* the Israelites enter it, especially after such a significant rebellion?**

Answer: God gives laws for the Promised Land even while Israel is in the wilderness for several crucial reasons, all stemming from His character and covenant faithfulness. Firstly, it demonstrates His **foresight and meticulous planning**. God is not reactive; He is sovereignly orchestrating history and preparing His people for their future. Secondly, it serves as a powerful reminder of His **unwavering covenant commitment**. Despite the generation's rebellion at [Kadesh-Barnea](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29 - Consequences of Kadesh-Barnea Rebellion"), God's promise to bring Israel into the land stands firm. The giving of these laws underscores that His ultimate purpose for the nation remains intact. Thirdly, it emphasizes the importance of **preparation and holiness**. These laws were not arbitrary; they were designed to shape Israel into a holy nation, distinct from the pagan cultures they would encounter. By giving the laws in advance, God was preparing the next generation spiritually and morally for their inheritance, ensuring they understood their responsibilities as His people in His land. It instilled hope and a future-oriented perspective, even in the midst of a difficult present.

**Does this verse imply that Israel's entry into the land was guaranteed despite their disobedience, or only for the future generation?**

Answer: Numbers 15:18 implies a guaranteed entry into the land for the nation of Israel as a whole, but it explicitly acknowledges the judgment on the disobedient generation. The phrase "When ye come into the land whither I bring you" is addressed to "the children of Israel," referring to the collective covenant people, not just a specific subset. While the adult generation that rebelled at [Kadesh-Barnea](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - Forty Years of Wilderness Wandering") was condemned to die in the wilderness and would not personally enter the land, God's promise to the *nation* of Israel, through their descendants, remained secure. This highlights a critical theological distinction: God's faithfulness to His covenant with the nation is absolute, even when individuals or generations within that nation fail to uphold their end of the covenant. The "I bring you" emphasizes God's sovereign power and commitment to His word, ensuring that His ultimate redemptive plan for Israel would be fulfilled through the next generation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:18, with its emphasis on God's unwavering promise to bring His people into a promised land despite their failures, finds profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Promised Land, a place of rest and inheritance secured by God's faithfulness, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest that believers receive in Christ. Just as God actively "brought" Israel into Canaan, so too does He, through Christ, actively "bring" us into salvation and spiritual blessings. We are not saved by our own merit or works, but by the sovereign grace of God, who chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world ([Ephesians 1:3-4](/ephesians/1-3 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The laws given in Numbers 15, intended to prepare Israel for life in the land, point to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Law, whose perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice provide the true means of access to God's presence and the heavenly inheritance. Our "wilderness" journey in this life, marked by trials and temptations, is ultimately guided by the Good Shepherd who leads us to green pastures and still waters ([Psalm 23:2-3](/psalms/23-2 "God Leads His People")). He is the one who has gone ahead to prepare a place for us ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "Jesus Prepares a Place")) and has delivered us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:12-14](/colossians/1-12 "Delivered into the Kingdom of Light")). The ultimate "rest" that Israel sought in Canaan is found in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest for their souls in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Thus, Numbers 15:18 is a beautiful prefigurement of God's active, grace-filled work to bring His people into their eternal, Christ-secured inheritance.

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 15:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you,

Deuteronomy 26:1

¶ And it shall be, when thou [art] come in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein;

Deuteronomy 26:15

Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey.