Numbers 15:30

Commentary on Numbers 15:30 (KJV)

Numbers 15:30 delivers a stern warning regarding the severe consequences of deliberate, defiant sin within the community of Israel. This verse stands in sharp contrast to the preceding verses, which discuss atonement for unintentional transgressions.

Context

Chapter 15 of Numbers outlines various laws concerning offerings and sacrifices, particularly distinguishing between sins committed in ignorance or unintentionally and those committed "presumptuously." Verses 22-29 describe the provisions for cleansing and forgiveness when individuals or the whole congregation inadvertently violate God's commands. However, Numbers 15:30 introduces a different category of offense: a direct, intentional act of rebellion against the LORD's authority. This distinction is crucial for understanding the nature of sin and divine justice under the Mosaic Law. The very next passage, the account of the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36), serves as a clear, immediate illustration of such presumptuous sin and its dire penalty.

Key Themes

• Presumptuous Sin vs. Unintentional Sin: The verse highlights the critical difference between sins committed out of ignorance or weakness (for which atonement was provided, as seen in Numbers 15:27-29) and those committed with a "high hand"—open defiance of God's known commands.
• Defiance Against God: To act "presumptuously" is to "reproach the LORD," meaning to scorn, blaspheme, or openly insult Him. It's an attack on His sovereignty and holiness.
• Equality Before the Law: The phrase "whether he be born in the land, or a stranger" emphasizes that God's law applied equally to all within the covenant community, regardless of their origin. There was no leniency for deliberate rebellion based on status.
• Severe Consequences: The penalty for such defiant sin is to be "cut off from among his people." This term (Hebrew: karat) signifies expulsion from the covenant community, loss of all its privileges, and often implies divine judgment leading to spiritual and even physical death. It was the ultimate exclusion.

Linguistic Insights

• "Presumptuously" (Hebrew: b'yad rama - בְּיָד רָמָה): This phrase literally means "with a high hand" or "with an uplifted hand." It vividly portrays an act of open, arrogant defiance, a deliberate and conscious rejection of God's authority and commandments. It's not a sin of weakness or ignorance, but one of willful rebellion.
• "Reproacheth the LORD" (Hebrew: giddeph eth YHWH): This means to blaspheme, insult, or scorn God. The act of presumptuous sin is seen as a direct affront to God's character and rule.
• "Cut off" (Hebrew: karat - כָּרַת): This powerful verb is used frequently in the Old Testament to describe the severing of an individual from the covenant community. It could mean exclusion from Israelite society, loss of family lineage, or even divine judgment resulting in premature death, signifying a complete break from God's people and His covenant blessings.

Practical Application

Numbers 15:30 serves as a timeless warning against intentional and defiant sin. While the New Covenant provides grace and forgiveness through Christ for all sins, including those committed willfully when followed by true repentance (1 John 1:9), the principle of God's holiness and the seriousness of rebellion remains. This verse reminds believers today of the importance of:

• Reverence for God: Acknowledging His supreme authority and the sanctity of His commands.
• Conscience and Obedience: Not deliberately choosing to disobey what we know to be God's will.
• The Danger of Wilful Sin: The New Testament echoes this seriousness, warning against the danger of willful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth (Hebrews 10:26-27), implying a hardening of the heart that resists repentance.

This verse underscores that God takes deliberate defiance seriously, calling all to a life of humble submission and obedience, valuing His commandments above personal will.