Numbers 35:9

Context of Numbers 35:9

Numbers 35:9 serves as a crucial introductory verse, signaling a new section of divine instruction within the book of Numbers. It immediately precedes the detailed laws concerning the cities of refuge and the administration of justice for accidental death and murder. Following extensive chapters on the allocation of tribal lands and the provision for the Levites (Numbers 34), this verse transitions to the moral and judicial framework essential for the Israelites once they entered the Promised Land. It underscores that the establishment of a just society in Canaan was not to be based on human customs but on God's direct revelation.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Authority and Revelation: The phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" is a foundational declaration throughout the Pentateuch. It emphasizes that the laws and ordinances that follow are not human inventions but originate directly from God Himself. This divine pronouncement imbues the subsequent commands with ultimate authority and obligation for the people of Israel.
• Moses as Mediator: This verse highlights Moses's unique role as God's chosen mediator and spokesman to the Israelites. He is the conduit through whom God's will and law are communicated to the nation, a pattern seen consistently from Mount Sinai onward.
• Preparation for the Promised Land: The specific introduction to the laws of cities of refuge indicates their critical importance for the proper functioning of society in Canaan. These laws were vital for maintaining justice, preventing cycles of vengeance, and ensuring the sanctity of life within the land God was giving them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "And the LORD spake" is Vayedaver YHWH (וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה).

• The verb vayedaver (from the root דבר, davar) signifies a direct, deliberate, and authoritative declaration. It's often used when God is giving commandments or specific instructions.
• YHWH (יהוה), the Tetragrammaton, is God's personal covenant name, often rendered "the LORD" in KJV. Its use here emphasizes that it is the personal, covenant-keeping God who is speaking, reinforcing the binding nature of the subsequent laws. This is not merely a general divine utterance but a personal communication from the God who has entered into a covenant relationship with Israel.

Practical Application

While Numbers 35:9 itself is an introductory statement, its significance lies in what it represents: the source of all true and lasting law. For believers today, this verse reminds us that:

• God is the Source of Morality and Justice: Just as He gave specific laws for Israel to establish a just society, His character and revealed word remain the ultimate standard for righteousness and justice in all ages. True justice must always align with God's righteous statutes and judgments.
• The Importance of Divine Guidance: Before embarking on significant endeavors, especially those involving community and order, seeking and heeding God's direct word is paramount. This foundational principle applies to personal decisions, family life, and societal structures.
• The Authority of Scripture: The KJV's "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," serves as a constant reminder that the Bible is not merely human wisdom but the inspired Word of God, authoritative for faith and life.