Numbers 5:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 5:7
7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.
Chapter Context
Numbers 5 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, grace, judgment. 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 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 5:7
7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.
Analysis
This law requires confession and restitution when someone 'commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD.' The Hebrew 'yadah' (confess) means to acknowledge openly, while making full restitution plus twenty percent demonstrates genuine repentance bearing fruit. The phrase 'trespass against the LORD' shows that sins against people are ultimately sins against God (cf. Ps 51:4, 'Against thee, thee only, have I sinned'). This law requires both vertical reconciliation (confession to God) and horizontal reconciliation (restitution to the wronged party), foreshadowing Christ's teaching on reconciliation (Matt 5:23-24) and Zacchaeus's response to grace (Luke 19:8).
Historical Context
Given at Sinai as part of the Holiness Code, this law maintained community integrity. The twenty percent addition ensured victims weren't disadvantaged by theft and deterred future offenses. If the wronged party died without heirs, restitution went to the priests, acknowledging the offense against God's community. This law influenced later Jewish halakha (legal rulings) and demonstrates that Old Testament law emphasized restorative, not merely punitive, justice. True confession leads to tangible restitution, not mere words.
Reflection
- Is there anyone you've wronged who deserves not just apology but tangible restitution?
- How does understanding all sin as ultimately against God deepen your repentance and fuel your reconciliation efforts?
Word Studies
- Confess: יָדָה (Yadah) H3034 - To confess, praise, give thanks
Cross-References
- Sin: Leviticus 5:5, 26:40, Proverbs 28:13
- Parallel theme: Joshua 7:19, Luke 19:8