Numbers 5:4
And the children of Israel did so, and put them out without the camp: as the LORD spake unto Moses, so did the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
עָשׂ֖וּ
did so
H6213
עָשׂ֖וּ
did so
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵן֙
H3651
כֵן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
בְּנֵ֥י
And the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיְשַׁלְּח֣וּ
and put them out
H7971
וַיְשַׁלְּח֣וּ
and put them out
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אוֹתָ֔ם
H853
אוֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִח֖וּץ
without
H2351
מִח֖וּץ
without
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
the camp
H4264
לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
9 of 18
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֤ר
spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֤ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
11 of 18
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָה֙
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כֵּ֥ן
H3651
כֵּ֥ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָשׂ֖וּ
did so
H6213
עָשׂ֖וּ
did so
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
16 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
This verse concludes the section on removing ritually unclean persons from the camp (Numbers 5:1-4). The command protected the camp's purity because God's presence dwelled there. Unlike pagan nations where temples housed distant deities, Israel's God lived among them, requiring communal holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does corporate obedience to God's word affect the health of a church?
- What happens when a congregation tolerates known sin in its midst?
- How can we cultivate a community culture of joyful obedience to Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Israel's obedience—'according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel'—establishes a pattern of corporate covenant faithfulness. The entire nation, not just leaders, obeyed regarding ritual purity. This comprehensive obedience demonstrates that holiness must characterize God's people communally, not just individually. The phrase 'as the LORD commanded' appears repeatedly in Numbers, emphasizing that blessing flows from adherence to revealed will, while judgment follows disobedience.