Numbers 15:1

Authorized King James Version

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And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Original Language Analysis

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר spake H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר spake
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 1 of 5
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה And the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה And the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 3 of 5
near, with or among; often in general, to
מֹשֶׁ֥ה unto Moses H4872
מֹשֶׁ֥ה unto Moses
Strong's: H4872
Word #: 4 of 5
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
לֵּאמֹֽר׃ saying H559
לֵּאמֹֽר׃ saying
Strong's: H559
Word #: 5 of 5
to say (used with great latitude)

Analysis & Commentary

Immediately after the devastating judgment of chapter 14, God begins speaking about offerings 'when ye be come into the land'—a powerful reassurance that despite this generation's failure, the promise to Abraham stands firm. God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human rebellion. The next generation will enter Canaan, and these laws prepare them for life in the land.

Historical Context

This sudden shift from judgment to future blessing demonstrates a consistent biblical pattern: God's discipline of His people never means abandonment of His covenant. The laws given here would apply to the generation born in the wilderness who would inherit what their parents forfeited.

Questions for Reflection

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