Numbers 29:40

And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

And Moses {H4872} told {H559} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} according to all that the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Moshe told the people of Isra'el everything, just as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

So Moses spoke all this to the Israelites just as the LORD had commanded him.

And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 29:40 (KJV)

Numbers 29:40 serves as a concise concluding statement to a lengthy and detailed section of God's instructions regarding the sacrificial offerings for the various feasts and holy days, particularly focusing on the elaborate rituals for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This verse underscores the faithfulness of Moses in his role as God's chosen mediator and the divine origin of the laws given to Israel.

Context

The book of Numbers chronicles the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, emphasizing their organization, census, and, crucially, the divine laws and regulations given to them. Chapter 29 specifically details the extensive burnt offerings, sin offerings, and drink offerings required for the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the eight-day Feast of Tabernacles. These instructions are incredibly precise, outlining the number and type of animals to be sacrificed on each day. After such meticulous commands, verse 40 acts as a summary, confirming that Moses diligently communicated all these divine directives to the children of Israel exactly as the LORD had commanded him. This highlights the completion of the instruction and the transition to its implementation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Origin: The phrase "all that the LORD commanded Moses" emphatically declares that these laws did not originate with Moses or any human wisdom, but directly from God Himself. This establishes the binding nature and ultimate authority of the commands given to Israel.
  • Faithful Mediation: Moses' role is portrayed as that of a faithful messenger. He did not add to, subtract from, or alter God's instructions, but "told the children of Israel according to all" that he received. This exemplifies the integrity required of those who convey God's word, a theme echoed in the New Testament concerning the faithful stewardship of divine truth.
  • Obedience and Responsibility: By Moses conveying God's commands, the children of Israel were now responsible for their obedience. Their covenant relationship with God was predicated on their adherence to these divine statutes, which covered every aspect of their worship and daily life.
  • Completeness: The verse signifies the end of a specific set of divine instructions, indicating that the detailed requirements for the festival offerings were fully laid out and understood.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "commanded" is tsavah (ืฆึธื•ึธื”), which implies a strong, authoritative directive or injunction. It's not merely a suggestion but a binding order. Similarly, "told" comes from dabar (ื“ึผึธื‘ึทืจ), meaning to speak, declare, or converse. This indicates clear and effective communication from Moses to the people, ensuring they understood the detailed divine expectations.

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, offers profound lessons for believers today:

  1. The Importance of God's Word: Just as God's commands were central to Israel's life, so too is His Word central to the life of believers. We are called to live in obedience to all that the Lord has commanded.
  2. Faithful Leadership: Those in positions of spiritual authority are called to emulate Moses' faithfulness. Their primary duty is to accurately convey God's truth, not their own opinions or interpretations, ensuring that the flock is fed with pure doctrine (1 Peter 5:2).
  3. Our Response to Divine Authority: For the Israelites, hearing God's commands through Moses meant a call to action and worship. For us, understanding God's revealed will in Scripture should lead to a life of worship, trust, and practical obedience, acknowledging His supreme authority over all things.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 3:2 (2 votes)

    Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses [was faithful] in all his house.

  • Matthew 28:20 (2 votes)

    Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:3 (2 votes)

    For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

  • Deuteronomy 4:5 (2 votes)

    Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

  • Acts 20:27 (2 votes)

    For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

  • Hebrews 3:5 (2 votes)

    And Moses verily [was] faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

  • Exodus 40:16 (2 votes)

    ยถ Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.