Numbers 5:4

And the children of Israel did so, and put them out without the camp: as the LORD spake unto Moses, so did the children of Israel.

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did so {H6213}, and put them out {H7971} without {H2351} the camp {H4264}: as the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872}, so did {H6213} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

The people of Isra'el did this and put them outside the camp - the people of Isra'el did what ADONAI had said to Moshe.

So the Israelites did this, sending such people outside the camp. They did just as the LORD had instructed Moses.

And the children of Israel did so, and put them out without the camp; as Jehovah spake unto Moses, so did the children of Israel.

Commentary

Numbers 5:4 records the immediate and complete obedience of the children of Israel to the divine instructions regarding ritual purity within their camp. This verse serves as a concise testament to their faithfulness in carrying out God's commands.

Context

This verse follows closely after the specific directives given by the LORD to Moses in Numbers 5:1-3. These commands mandated the exclusion of anyone ritually unclean from the Israelite camp—specifically those with leprosy, bodily discharges, or those defiled by contact with a dead body. The camp was considered holy because the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's presence, resided in its midst. Therefore, maintaining purity was essential for the community's relationship with a holy God during their wilderness journey.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Obedience: The central message is the swift and precise obedience of the Israelites. The repetition of "did so" and "as the LORD spake unto Moses, so did the children of Israel" emphasizes their immediate and complete adherence to God's word. This highlights a foundational principle of faith: to hear and to act accordingly.
  • Holiness and Purity: The act of putting the unclean "without the camp" underscores the sanctity of the Israelite community. God's presence demanded a separation from anything that would defile, emphasizing the importance of ritual and spiritual purity. This concept of holiness is a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch.
  • Divine Order and Discipline: This verse illustrates the meticulous order and discipline God established for His people. Every aspect of their communal life, even hygiene and health, was governed by divine decree, ensuring the well-being and spiritual integrity of the nation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "as the LORD spake unto Moses, so did the children of Israel" (כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה כֵּן עָשׂוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) powerfully conveys the idea of exact compliance. The verb "spake" (דָּבַר, davar) signifies a direct and authoritative utterance, and the immediate response indicates a deep respect for divine authority and the leadership of Moses, God's chosen servant.

Practical Application

Numbers 5:4 reminds believers today of the profound importance of obedience to God's word. Just as the physical camp needed to be pure for God's presence, so too our lives—our spiritual "camp"—should reflect God's desire for holiness. This verse encourages us to respond to God's commands with immediate and complete trust, recognizing that His instructions are always for our good and His glory. It teaches us that true faith is demonstrated not just by hearing, but by doing.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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