Numbers 15:23
Even all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the day that the LORD commanded Moses, and henceforward among your generations;
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Moses received the law at Sinai (Exodus 19-40), supplemented by regulations at various points in the wilderness. This verse in Numbers 15 (approximately 1444 BC) references the entire Mosaic corpus to that point. The formula "by the hand of Moses" occurs frequently in the Pentateuch, emphasizing his unique prophetic role. Deuteronomy 34:10 concludes: "there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face." Jesus's superiority to Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6) was therefore a radical claim.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the law's comprehensive nature demonstrate the impossibility of self-salvation through perfect obedience?
- What does Moses's unique mediatorial role teach about Christ as superior mediator of a better covenant?
- How should Christians view the Mosaic law's ongoing authority after Christ's fulfillment?
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Analysis & Commentary
Even all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses—this phrase emphasizes the comprehensive scope of law. "All that the LORD hath commanded" includes ceremonial, civil, and moral regulations given "from the day that the LORD commanded Moses, and henceforward among your generations." The mediation of Moses (beyad-Moshe, בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה—literally "by the hand of Moses") establishes his unique prophetic authority as lawgiver.
The temporal scope—"from the day that the LORD commanded... and henceforward"—makes these regulations perpetually binding until fulfillment in Christ. Israel couldn't claim ignorance: God had revealed His will comprehensively through Moses. Paul later writes that the law served as paidagogos (παιδαγωγός, "schoolmaster") to lead to Christ (Galatians 3:24). The law's comprehensive demands showed humanity's need for a greater sacrifice than bulls and goats could provide.