Numbers 5:6

Context of Numbers 5:6

Numbers chapter 5 is part of the Mosaic Law, focusing on maintaining purity and order within the Israelite camp as they journeyed through the wilderness. This section addresses various forms of ritual and moral defilement, including the handling of trespasses committed by individuals. Verse 6 introduces the overarching principle for dealing with guilt and lays the groundwork for the specific instructions that follow in Numbers 5:7-10, which detail the process of confession, restitution, and offering a guilt offering to the Lord.

Key Themes and Messages

• Universality of Sin: The phrase "When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit" highlights that sin is a universal human condition. It affects all people, regardless of gender or social standing, underscoring that no one is exempt from the possibility of falling short of God's righteous standards.
• Sin as Trespass Against the LORD: A crucial theological point in this verse is the declaration that the sin is "to do a trespass against the LORD." This emphasizes that even if the direct harm is done to another person, the ultimate offense is against God Himself and His holy character. This perspective elevates the spiritual gravity of all wrongdoing. This concept is powerfully echoed in David's heartfelt confession in Psalm 51:4.
• Guilt and Accountability: The concluding phrase "and that person be guilty" establishes clear divine accountability. It signifies that the individual is legally and morally culpable before God, necessitating specific actions to rectify the wrong and seek reconciliation. This guilt requires a response, which the following verses in Numbers 5 detail.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "trespass" here is ma'al (מעל). This term signifies an act of unfaithfulness, a breach of trust, or sacrilege, often implying a deeper betrayal than a simple mistake, particularly in relation to God or sacred duties. It suggests a violation of covenant fidelity. The word translated "guilty" is 'ashem (אשם), which denotes culpability and often implies the need for a guilt offering, also known as an asham offering, which was prescribed to make atonement for such offenses, as further elaborated in Leviticus 5 and Leviticus 6.

Related Scriptures

The universality of sin, as stated in this verse, is a foundational truth throughout scripture. The New Testament affirms this in Romans 3:23, where Paul declares that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." The subsequent verses in Numbers 5 (e.g., Numbers 5:7) detail the process of confession and restitution for trespasses, a principle that finds resonance in the New Testament with figures like Zacchaeus, who committed to making amends for his wrongs.

Practical Application

Numbers 5:6 offers timeless insights for believers today:

• Personal Accountability: This verse reminds us that we are all accountable for our actions before God. Every wrong, whether against another person or a direct violation of God's commands, is ultimately a trespass against Him.
• The Seriousness of Sin: It underscores that sin is not merely a social misstep or an unfortunate mistake, but a grave offense against a holy God. Understanding this helps us grasp the depth of God's grace and the necessity of His provision for dealing with sin.
• The Path to Reconciliation: While the verse highlights guilt, the broader biblical narrative, including the laws that follow in Numbers and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, points to God's merciful provision for dealing with sin through confession, restitution where possible, and ultimately, through faith in Jesus Christ. It encourages us to acknowledge our wrongdoing and seek reconciliation, both with those we have wronged and with God.