numbers 15
Summary
Provides additional laws and regulations for offerings, including instructions for unintentional sins and the punishment for intentional sins. It also includes the command to wear tassels on the corners of garments as a reminder of God's commandments.
Key Points
Instructions are given for making grain and drink offerings to accompany burnt offerings and sacrifices, both for the Israelites and for the foreigners living among them (Numbers 15:1-16).
Specific guidelines are provided for offerings made in fulfillment of vows or as freewill offerings (Numbers 15:3-10).
The law for unintentional sins is outlined, including the requirement to offer a young bull as a sin offering and the role of the priest in making atonement (Numbers 15:22-29).
The punishment for intentional sins, or sins committed with a high hand, is specified as being cut off from the community (Numbers 15:30-31).
An incident is recounted where a man is found gathering sticks on the Sabbath, and he is put to death by stoning as commanded by God (Numbers 15:32-36).
God commands the Israelites to make tassels on the corners of their garments with a blue cord, to remind them of His commandments and to keep them holy (Numbers 15:37-41).
New Covenant Reflections
Offerings and Sacrifice: Numbers 15:1-16 details various offerings, emphasizing the importance of sacrifices in maintaining a relationship with God. In the New Covenant, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate offering, fulfilling all the requirements of the Old Covenant sacrifices (Hebrews 10:10-14).
Unintentional Sins: The chapter provides instructions for atoning for unintentional sins (Numbers 15:22-29). In the New Covenant, Jesus' sacrifice covers all sins, intentional and unintentional, offering complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God (1 John 1:9).
Intentional Sins: Numbers 15:30-31 addresses the severity of intentional sins and the need for repentance. In the New Covenant, while grace abounds, believers are called to repent and turn away from deliberate sin, relying on God's mercy and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 10:26-27).
Reminder of God's Commands: The instruction to wear tassels on garments (Numbers 15:37-41) serves as a reminder to obey God's commands. In the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, reminding them of God's word and guiding them in obedience (John 14:26).