Numbers 15:26

KJV

And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people [were] in ignorance.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be forgiven {H5545} all the congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and the stranger {H1616} that sojourneth {H1481} among {H8432} them; seeing all the people {H5971} were in ignorance {H7684}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The whole community of the people of Isra'el will be forgiven, likewise the foreigner staying with them; because for all the people it was a mistake.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the whole congregation of Israel and the foreigners residing among them will be forgiven, since it happened to all the people unintentionally.

American Standard Version

and all the congregation of the children of Israel shall be forgiven, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; for in respect of all the people it was done unwittingly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:26 reveals God's gracious provision for atonement and forgiveness for the entire congregation of Israel, including resident foreigners, when they inadvertently committed a sin or erred through ignorance. This divine decree underscores God's profound understanding of human fallibility and His commitment to maintaining a holy relationship with His people through a prescribed sacrificial procedure designed to cleanse the community from unintentional transgressions, sharply distinguishing them from defiant, high-handed sins for which no such atonement was offered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15 immediately follows the Israelites' rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, where their unbelief led to a divine decree of forty years of wilderness wandering. This chapter serves as a crucial interlude, providing laws for offerings and sacrifices that would apply once Israel entered the Promised Land, thereby re-establishing hope and a future for the covenant community despite their past failures. Numbers 15:22-29 specifically addresses corporate and individual sins committed "in ignorance" (unintentionally), outlining the required sacrifices for atonement. This section stands in stark contrast to the severe consequences for "presumptuous" or high-handed sins described in [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Punishment for High-Handed Sin"), for which no sacrifice was prescribed, leading to the offender being "cut off from among his people." The immediate verses preceding Numbers 15:26 (vv. 22-25) detail the specific offering required when the entire congregation sins unintentionally—a young bull for a burnt offering and a male goat for a sin offering—and the subsequent forgiveness that follows the proper ritual. This structure highlights God's meticulous care for His covenant people and the sanctity of their relationship with Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This passage is situated during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, a pivotal period foundational for the establishment of their national and religious identity under the Mosaic Covenant. The intricate laws concerning purity, sacrifice, and atonement were central to Israelite worship and daily life, ensuring the maintenance of a holy relationship with a holy God in the midst of a nomadic existence. The concept of corporate responsibility was deeply ingrained in ancient Israelite society; the sin of one could affect the whole community, and conversely, the atonement for the community's sin was a collective act performed by the priests on behalf of all. The inclusion of the "stranger that sojourneth among them" (Hebrew: *ger*) is profoundly significant, referring to a resident alien who had chosen to live within the Israelite community and abide by its laws, rather than a mere transient visitor. This demonstrates God's expectation that even non-Israelites living among His people would be subject to and benefit from the same covenant principles and provisions for mercy and justice, reflecting a unique inclusivity for the ancient Near East.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates God's **Divine Mercy and Justice**, demonstrating His provision for human frailty and unintentional error while simultaneously upholding the seriousness of sin, even when unwitting. This balance showcases a God who is both holy and compassionate. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Atonement**, reinforcing the foundational principle that sin, regardless of intent, requires a covering or propitiation to restore fellowship with God. The sacrificial system, as meticulously detailed in passages like [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings"), provides the divinely ordained means for this atonement. Thirdly, the verse highlights **Corporate Responsibility and Atonement**, showing that the entire community could incur guilt and receive forgiveness collectively, underscoring the communal nature of the covenant relationship and the interconnectedness of God's people. Finally, the explicit inclusion of the "stranger" points to God's **Inclusivity**, prefiguring the broader scope of God's redemptive plan to embrace those outside the immediate ethnic covenant community, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 56:6-7](/isaiah/56-6-7 "Isaiah 56:6-7 - God's House for All Peoples") and [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Gentiles Included in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forgiven (Hebrew, _çâlach'_):** This primitive root signifies "to forgive" or "to pardon." In the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, it refers to the divine act of remitting the penalty or guilt of sin, often through the prescribed ritual of atonement. Here, it underscores God's active role in providing a path to reconciliation and cleansing for His people, particularly for unintentional transgressions.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _‘êdâh'_):** This term denotes a "stated assemblage," "company," or "multitude," specifically referring to the entire organized community of Israel. Its use emphasizes the collective identity and corporate responsibility of God's people before Him. The phrase "all the congregation" highlights that the sin and subsequent forgiveness were communal, affecting and cleansing the entire body of God's chosen nation.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _gêr'_):** This word, derived from the root "to sojourn," properly means "a guest" and by implication, "a foreigner" or "resident alien." It refers to a non-Israelite who has chosen to live permanently among the Israelites and abide by their laws and customs, as opposed to a mere transient visitor. Their inclusion in the provision for forgiveness underscores the inclusive nature of God's covenant and His expectation that all who dwell within the community of Israel would live under and benefit from its divine statutes, reflecting a broader scope of divine mercy.
* **Ignorance (Hebrew, _shᵉgâgâh'_):** This crucial term signifies a "mistake" or "inadvertent transgression," a sin committed unwittingly, by error, or through inadvertence, rather than with deliberate defiance or malicious intent. The distinction between *shᵉgâgâh* and "high-handed" sin (Hebrew: *yad ramah*, lit. "with a high hand") in [Numbers 15:30](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30 - Presumptuous Sin") is fundamental to the Old Testament sacrificial system, as specific offerings were prescribed only for unintentional transgressions, highlighting God's discernment of intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel":** This initial clause declares the divine outcome of the prescribed atonement process: the entire community of God's people will receive forgiveness. It underscores the corporate nature of sin and the collective experience of divine mercy within the covenant, signifying a restoration of their standing before God.
* **"and the stranger that sojourneth among them":** This phrase explicitly extends the provision of forgiveness to non-Israelites who have integrated into the Israelite community. It demonstrates God's expansive grace and the universal principles of His law, applying to all who live under His divine authority within His people, blurring the lines between native-born and resident alien in terms of their accountability and access to atonement.
* **"seeing all the people [were] in ignorance":** This final clause provides the crucial condition for this specific type of forgiveness. The sin committed was not an act of deliberate rebellion or defiance but an error made without full knowledge or malicious intent, thereby qualifying for the atonement stipulated in the preceding verses. This distinction is vital, as it highlights God's justice in discerning the heart and intent behind actions.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:26 employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. Primarily, it functions as a **Legal Formulation**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, clearly stating a divine statute and its application, complete with specific conditions and outcomes. The precise, declarative language is typical of covenant stipulations. There is also an implicit **Contrast** established within the broader chapter; while not explicitly stated in this verse, its context within [Numbers 15](/numbers/15 "Numbers 15 - Laws for Offerings and Sins") as a whole sets up a stark distinction between sins committed in ignorance (forgivable through sacrifice) and sins committed "with a high hand" or defiantly (for which no sacrifice was available, leading to being "cut off"). This contrast highlights the gravity of intentional rebellion versus unintentional error and underscores God's nuanced approach to sin. Furthermore, the **Inclusion** of the "stranger" is a powerful rhetorical device emphasizing the breadth of God's covenant and His justice, extending His provisions beyond ethnic boundaries to all who align themselves with His people and laws, foreshadowing a more universal scope of redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:26 profoundly reveals God's character as both just and merciful. It teaches us that even unintentional sin requires atonement, demonstrating the inherent holiness of God and the pervasive nature of sin's defilement, which impacts even those unaware of their transgression. The provision for forgiveness underscores God's understanding of human weakness and His desire to maintain fellowship with His people, providing a pathway for reconciliation rather than immediate condemnation. The corporate nature of the forgiveness highlights the communal aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, where the spiritual well-being of the whole was intertwined, emphasizing the solidarity of the community. Moreover, the inclusion of the "stranger" foreshadows the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan, indicating that His grace and covenant principles were not exclusively for ethnic Israel but extended to all who would align themselves with Him. This Old Testament principle of atonement for unintentional sin points forward to a greater, more complete atonement.

* [Leviticus 4:2-3](/leviticus/4-2-3 "Leviticus 4:2-3 - Laws for Unintentional Sin")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood Atonement")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Gentiles as Fellow Citizens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:26 offers timeless truths for believers today, providing profound insights into the nature of God and our relationship with Him. It reminds us that God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, understands the limitations of human knowledge and the reality of unintentional sin. While the Mosaic sacrificial system is no longer in effect, having been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principle remains: all sin, whether conscious or unconscious, intentional or unintentional, separates us from a holy God and requires a means of reconciliation. This verse should cultivate in us a deep sense of humility, recognizing our constant need for God's grace and forgiveness, even for the errors we commit unknowingly. It also challenges us to consider our collective responsibility as the body of Christ, recognizing that the actions of individuals can impact the spiritual health and standing of the entire community before God. Furthermore, the inclusion of the "stranger" compels us to extend God's grace and welcoming spirit to those who are new to the faith or from different backgrounds, ensuring that the church is a place where all who seek God can find mercy, belonging, and a pathway to reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of forgiveness for "ignorance" in Numbers 15:26 deepen your understanding of God's mercy and justice?**
* **In what ways might we, as a community of faith, inadvertently commit "sins of ignorance" today, and what is our responsibility to address them through prayer and repentance?**
* **How does the inclusion of the "stranger" in this provision for forgiveness inform our approach to inclusivity, hospitality, and outreach in the church today?**
* **Considering that all sin requires atonement, how does this verse powerfully point you to the ultimate, perfect, and all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ on the cross?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the distinction between "ignorance" and "high-handed" sin in the Old Testament sacrificial system?**

Answer: The distinction between sins committed in "ignorance" (Hebrew: *shᵉgâgâh*) and "high-handed" or "presumptuous" sins (Hebrew: *yad ramah*) is absolutely crucial for understanding the Mosaic Law and the sacrificial system. Sins of "ignorance" refer to transgressions committed unwittingly, by mistake, or without full knowledge or malicious intent. For these, God graciously provided a path to atonement through specific sacrifices, such as the sin offering, as detailed in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings") and [Numbers 15:22-29](/numbers/15-22-29 "Numbers 15:22-29 - Laws for Unintentional Sins"). In contrast, "high-handed" sin, described in [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Punishment for High-Handed Sin"), refers to deliberate, defiant rebellion against God's explicit commands, an act of open scorn toward the Lord. For such sins, no animal sacrifice was prescribed; the offender was to be "cut off from among his people," signifying severe divine judgment, often death or excommunication. This stark distinction highlights God's justice in dealing with deliberate rebellion while providing abundant mercy for human frailty and unintentional error, revealing His discernment of the heart's intent.

**Why was the "stranger that sojourneth among them" included in the provision for forgiveness?**

Answer: The inclusion of the "stranger" (Hebrew: *ger*), or resident alien, in the provisions for forgiveness in [Numbers 15:26](/numbers/15-26 "Numbers 15:26 - Forgiveness for Unintentional Sin") is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the universality of God's moral law and His expectation that all who lived within the community of Israel, whether native-born or foreign resident, were subject to its statutes. The *ger* was not merely a transient visitor but someone who had chosen to live under the jurisdiction of Israel's laws and, by extension, God's covenant. Secondly, it showcases God's expansive mercy and grace, extending beyond ethnic boundaries. It prefigures the New Testament truth that God's redemptive plan is for all peoples, not just one nation. Just as the *ger* was brought into the community's legal and spiritual life and could access atonement, so too would Gentiles eventually be brought into God's family through faith in Christ, becoming "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God," as [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Gentiles as Fellow Citizens") beautifully describes. This inclusion underscores God's heart for all humanity and His desire for all to find reconciliation with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:26, with its provision for forgiveness for unintentional sins, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the offerings for sins committed in ignorance, served as a temporary and imperfect shadow, pointing forward to the definitive sacrifice that would truly atone for all sin. The blood of bulls and goats could not ultimately take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")), but they prepared God's people for the coming of the true Lamb of God. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, became the once-for-all sacrifice, not only for our conscious, deliberate transgressions but also for our "sins of ignorance"—the ways we fall short unknowingly or through inherited sinfulness ([Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - High Priest's Annual Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). His precious blood cleanses us from all sin, making us perfectly righteous before God and granting us full access to His presence ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, the inclusion of the "stranger" in Numbers 15:26 beautifully foreshadows the New Covenant reality where, in Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, but all who believe are united into one body ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). The mercy extended to the *ger* under the Old Covenant finds its glorious expansion in the gospel, which welcomes all people, from every nation, tribe, and tongue, into God's family through faith in Jesus, the ultimate High Priest who offered Himself for the forgiveness of all our sins, known and unknown ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). He is our complete and eternal atonement.

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 15:24

Then it shall be, if [ought] be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.