Numbers 15:37

Authorized King James Version

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And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Original Language Analysis

לֵּאמֹֽר׃ saying H559
לֵּאמֹֽר׃ saying
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 5
to say (used with great latitude)
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

God commanded Israel to make fringes on their garments—visual reminders of all His commandments. This followed the Sabbath-breaker's execution, providing positive instruction after negative example. The fringes transformed everyday clothing into constant prompts for obedience, demonstrating that holiness must pervade all of life, not merely religious moments.

Historical Context

These tassels (tzitzit in Hebrew) became distinctive marks of Jewish identity, worn by faithful Israelites throughout their history. Jesus wore them (Matthew 9:20), as did Pharisees who made theirs ostentatiously large (Matthew 23:5). The practice continues in observant Judaism today.

Questions for Reflection

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