Numbers 15:31

Commentary on Numbers 15:31 (KJV)

Numbers 15:31 delivers a stern warning about the consequences of deliberate defiance against God's commands. It highlights the serious nature of willful sin, contrasting it with unintentional transgressions for which atonement was provided. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and the gravity of rejecting His authority.

Context

This strong warning follows a section in Numbers 15 (verses 22-29) that outlines provisions for unintentional sins committed in ignorance, for which sacrifices could be offered to make atonement. In stark contrast, Numbers 15:30-31 addresses the "high hand" sin – a sin committed defiantly, presumptuously, and with contempt for God's law. The immediate preceding example (Numbers 15:32-36) is the man gathering sticks on the Sabbath, who was put to death, illustrating the type of deliberate transgression this verse condemns.

Key Themes

• Deliberate Disobedience: The core issue is not an error of ignorance, but a conscious and contemptuous disregard for God's word. "Despised the word of the LORD" implies a profound lack of respect for the Divine Lawgiver.
• God's Authority: To despise God's word is to despise God Himself. This verse underscores the absolute authority of the LORD and the seriousness of rebellion against Him.
• Severe Consequences: The phrase "utterly be cut off" (Hebrew: karath) indicates complete expulsion from the covenant community, often implying spiritual death, divine judgment, or physical death. There was no sacrifice or atonement for such defiant sin under the Mosaic Law.
• Personal Responsibility: "His iniquity [shall be] upon him" emphasizes that the individual bears the full weight and guilt of their willful transgression. The consequences are directly linked to their deliberate actions.

Linguistic Insights

• "Despised the word of the LORD" (נאץ - na'ats): This Hebrew verb signifies to scorn, spurn, treat with contempt, or even blaspheme. It's much stronger than merely 'breaking' a commandment; it means to show disdain for the very source of the command. The phrase echoes the reverence called for in Psalm 119:11, where God's word is hidden in the heart.
• "Cut off" (כרת - karath): This term is frequently used in the Pentateuch to describe the severest form of punishment for breaking covenant stipulations. It signifies being alienated from the people of God, losing one's place within the community, and facing divine judgment.
• "His iniquity [shall be] upon him" (עון - avon): The word 'avon' here refers to the guilt, punishment, or consequence of the sin. It means the person is fully accountable and will bear the burden of their transgression.

Practical Application

Numbers 15:31 serves as a timeless reminder of the seriousness of our attitude towards God's commands. While the New Covenant emphasizes grace and forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, this verse still highlights principles relevant today:

• Reverence for God's Word: We are called to respect and obey God's Word, not to treat it lightly or with contempt.
• The Danger of Willful Sin: While God's grace abounds for repentant hearts, persistent, unrepentant, and defiant sin is still grievous in His sight. It reflects a heart that has hardened itself against God.
• Personal Accountability: Ultimately, each person is accountable for their choices and actions before God.
• Understanding Grace: This stark Old Testament consequence for defiant sin helps us appreciate the depth of God's grace in Christ, who atoned for all sins—intentional and unintentional—for those who believe and repent.