Numbers 15:39
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 15:39
39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:
Chapter Context
Numbers 15 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, sacrifice, fellowship. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-41: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 15:39
39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:
Analysis
The fringes' purpose was explicitly preventative—'that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring.' This recognizes humanity's tendency toward spiritual adultery, seeking fulfillment outside covenant relationship with God. The phrase 'your own heart and eyes' identifies the double source of temptation—internal desires and external enticements. The whoring metaphor emphasizes that covenant unfaithfulness is spiritual adultery against God, to whom Israel was betrothed. Visual reminders help combat the constant pull toward idolatry and self-will.
Historical Context
The language of spiritual whoring pervades the prophets (Hosea, Ezekiel, Jeremiah), depicting Israel's idolatry as marital unfaithfulness. Canaanite religions surrounding Israel involved literal sexual immorality as worship, making the whoring metaphor particularly apt. The eyes and heart are elsewhere identified as gates of temptation (Job 31:1, Proverbs 4:23), requiring vigilant guarding. These fringes served as tangible aids against temptation's subtlety.
Reflection
- How does recognizing idolatry as spiritual adultery intensify understanding of its seriousness?
- What practical safeguards do you employ against the heart and eyes' tendency toward spiritual unfaithfulness?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Word: Deuteronomy 29:19, Proverbs 3:1
- Parallel theme: Job 31:7, Psalms 73:27, 106:39, Proverbs 28:26, Ecclesiastes 11:9, Ezekiel 6:9