Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Numbers 15 Devotional

The Promise Still Stands

“I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.””Numbers 15:41 (BSB)

Right after the disaster at Kadesh, Numbers 15 opens in a surprising way. God gives laws for when Israel enters the land he is giving them (15:2). The generation that refused will die in the wilderness, but the promise has not been withdrawn.

The chapter holds grace and warning together. Foreigners living among Israel offer the same way and stand the same before the LORD (15:15-16). For unintentional sins atonement is provided and forgiveness promised (15:25, 28). But the one who sins defiantly treats the LORD's word with contempt and is cut off (15:30-31). Right after that, a man gathering wood on the Sabbath is stoned at the LORD's command (15:35-36). It is hard to read, and it shows that open contempt for God's word is not a small thing. Then God gives tassels, so his people will see them and remember his commands instead of chasing whatever their hearts and eyes desire (15:39). You can let his word, not a wandering heart, set your direction.

To think about: What reminder of God's word could you keep in front of your eyes this week for the moments your heart starts to wander?

About Numbers 15: Offerings and the Defiant Sinner

The Lord gives laws for grain and drink offerings in the land, with the same law for foreigners, and provides atonement for unintentional sins. But the one who sins defiantly despises the Lord's word, a Sabbath breaker is stoned, and Israel is given tassels to remember the commands.

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