Numbers 15:18

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

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,

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

โ€œSpeak to the Israelites and tell them: When you enter the land to which I am bringing you

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

Commentary

Numbers 15:18 (KJV): "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land wherein I bring you,"

Context

Numbers chapter 15 is set during the Israelites' lengthy wilderness wanderings, specifically after the severe judgment pronounced due to their rebellion and lack of faith at Kadesh-Barnea. Despite this grave failure, where the generation of adults was condemned to die in the desert, God continues to give Moses instructions concerning their future. This particular verse serves as an introduction to a series of laws regarding offerings and sacrifices (such as burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings) that would apply once the Israelites finally entered and settled in the Promised Land. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises even in the face of human disobedience.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Promise: The phrase "When ye come into the land wherein I bring you" underscores God's active and sovereign role in fulfilling His promise to deliver Israel into Canaan. It emphasizes that their entry into the land would be by His power and faithfulness, not their own merit or strength.
  • Anticipation of Settlement: God provides detailed laws and regulations for life in the Promised Land long before they enter it. This demonstrates His foresight, meticulous planning, and His desire for His people to be prepared for their future as a holy nation dwelling in His presence.
  • Enduring Covenant Relationship: Despite Israel's repeated failures, God does not abandon His covenant with them. The giving of these laws signifies the continuation of their special relationship and His intention to bless them, provided they obey His statutes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "wherein I bring you" (ื›ึผึดื™ึพืชึธื‘ึนืื•ึผ ืึถืœึพื”ึธืึธืจึถืฅ ืึฒืฉืึถืจ ืึฒื ึดื™ ืžึตื‘ึดื™ื ืึถืชึฐื›ึถื, ki tavo'u el ha'aretz asher ani mevi' etchem) powerfully emphasizes God's active role. The verb "bring" (ืžึตื‘ึดื™ื, mevi') is in the participle form, suggesting an ongoing or certain action. It reinforces that the entry into the land is not merely a possibility or a consequence of their journey, but a definite, divinely orchestrated event, highlighting God's absolute control and commitment to His word.

Significance and Application

Numbers 15:18 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • God's Unfailing Promises: This verse is a powerful reminder that God's promises are steadfast and will be fulfilled, regardless of our past failures. His faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection but on His own character. We can rest in the assurance that what God has promised, He will perform.
  • Preparation for God's Blessings: Just as God prepared Israel with laws for their future in the land, He prepares us for the blessings and purposes He has for our lives. This involves spiritual growth, learning His Word, and cultivating worship and obedience.
  • Living with Hope: Even in difficult circumstances or "wilderness" periods of life, this verse encourages us to look forward with hope to the future God has planned. It reminds us that our journey is guided by a faithful God who is actively bringing us to our intended destination, whether it be a physical blessing or a spiritual inheritance.
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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

  • 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

    ยถ 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.
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