King James Version
Numbers 15
41 verses with commentary
Laws About Offerings
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Immediately after the devastating judgment of chapter 14, God begins speaking about offerings 'when ye be come into the land'—a powerful reassurance that despite this generation's failure, the promise to Abraham stands firm. God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human rebellion. The next generation will enter Canaan, and these laws prepare them for life in the land.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**33. they departed ... three days' journey--**the first day's progress being very small, about eighteen or twenty miles.
**ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them--**It was carried in the center, and hence some eminent commentators think the passage should be rendered, "the ark went in their presence," the cloud above upon it being conspicuous in their eyes. But it is probable that the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you,
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'when ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you' uses present tense for a future gift—'I give' not 'I will give.' This grammatical certainty reflects divine perspective: what God promises is as good as accomplished. Forty years of wandering lay ahead, yet God speaks of Canaan's possession as settled fact.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock: performing: Heb. separating
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:</strong> This verse details various categories of sacrificial offerings, each with distinct purposes and significance. The Hebrew <em>isheh</em> (אִשֶּׁה, "offering by ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**35-36. when the ark set forward that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered--**Moses, as the organ of the people, uttered an appropriate prayer both at the commencement and the end of each journey. Thus all the journeys were sanctified by devotion; and so should our prayer be, "If thy presence go not with us, carry us not hence" [Ex 33:15].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The grain offering accompanying the animal sacrifice demonstrates that worship involves comprehensive giving—not just animals but also grain and oil. The specific measurements (tenth of an ephah of flour, quarter hin of oil) show that God prescribes proportions for offerings, ensuring adequacy without excess. The oil mixed with flour represents the Spirit's work in making our offerings acceptable....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **A meat offering of a tenth deal of flour . . . —**The meal offering and the drink offering which are here ordered to be brought when a lamb was offered in performance of a vow, or as a free will offering, or at the solemn feasts, are the same as those which were appointed to be offered with the morning and evening lamb. (Exodus 29:38-40.) Meal offerings and drink offerings had already been p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**35-36. when the ark set forward that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered--**Moses, as the organ of the people, uttered an appropriate prayer both at the commencement and the end of each journey. Thus all the journeys were sanctified by devotion; and so should our prayer be, "If thy presence go not with us, carry us not hence" [Ex 33:15].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →And the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The drink offering of wine poured out before the Lord represents joy and celebration in worship. Wine symbolizes gladness and abundance throughout Scripture. Pouring it out as an offering teaches that our joy should be offered to God, not merely consumed for personal pleasure. The specific amount (quarter hin) demonstrates measured, intentional worship. The Reformed emphasis on joy in worship find...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third part of an hin of oil.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For a ram thou shalt prepare for a meat offering</strong> (מִנְחָה <em>minchah</em>)—The grain offering accompanying the ram required two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a third of a hin of oil. This <em>minchah</em> was not 'meat' in modern English but a tribute-offering of grain, acknowledging God's provision of daily bread.<br><br>The graduated scale (lamb = 1/10 ephah; ram ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 11 Nu 11:1-35. Manna Loathed.
**1. When the people complained it displeased the Lord, &c.--**Unaccustomed to the fatigues of travel and wandering into the depths of a desert, less mountainous but far more gloomy and desolate than that of Sinai, without any near prospect of the rich country that had been promised, they fell into a state of vehement discontent, which was vented at these...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third part of an hin of wine, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse prescribes the <strong>drink offering accompanying a ram sacrifice</strong>, requiring one-third hin of wine (approximately 1.3 quarts). The phrase "sweet savour unto the LORD" (<em>reach nichoach l'YHWH</em>) describes not merely pleasant aroma but worship that <strong>brings satisfaction and delight to God</strong>. The drink offering was poured out completely, symbolizing total devot...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering</strong> (עֹלָה <em>olah</em>, 'that which ascends')—The burnt offering was wholly consumed on the altar, representing complete consecration to God. The bullock, most valuable of domestic animals, required the largest grain offering (3/10 ephah) and drink offering (1/2 hin of wine).<br><br>The <em>olah</em> typologically points to Christ's...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **In performing a vow.—**Rather, *in making a special vow. *(See Numbers 6:2.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oil.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour</strong>—The maximum grain offering (3 ephahs ≈ 6.6 liters of flour) accompanied the maximum animal sacrifice. This pairing ensured that blood atonement (animal) was never separated from life consecration (grain/oil representing daily sustenance).<br><br>The Hebrew word for flour, סֹלֶת (<em>solet</em>), means...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting--**These consisted of Egyptians. [See on Ex 12:38.] To dream of banquets and plenty of animal food in the desert becomes a disease of the imagination; and to this excitement of the appetite no people are more liable than the natives of Egypt. But the Israelites participated in the same feelings and expressed dissatisfaction with the manna...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine</strong> (נֶסֶךְ <em>nesek</em>, 'libation')—The wine offering, poured out at the altar's base, completed the sacrificial triad: flesh (animal), grain (bread of life), and wine (joy/celebration). Wine symbolized covenant fellowship and eschatological blessing (Isaiah 25:6).<br><br>This <em>nesek</em> was 'poured out' (same root ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely--**(See on Ex 7:17). The people of Egypt are accustomed to an almost exclusive diet of fish, either fresh or sun-dried, during the hot season in April and May--the very season when the Israelites were travelling in this desert. Lower Egypt, where were the brick-kilns in which they were employed, afforded great facilities for obtaining fis...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb , or a kid.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid</strong>—The standardization formula ensures that worship follows divine prescription, not human innovation. Whether wealthy (bullock) or poor (lamb/kid), each worshiper followed the same proportional system, reflecting the truth that God 'is no respecter of persons' (Acts 10:34).<br><br>The phrase underscores t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. But now ... there is nothing ... beside this manna--**Daily familiarity had disgusted them with the sight and taste of the monotonous food; and, ungrateful for the heavenly gift, they longed for a change of fare. It may be noticed that the resemblance of the manna to coriander seed was not in the color, but in the size and figure; and from its comparison to bdellium, which is either a drop ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number</strong>—Mathematical precision in worship: multiply offerings by the number of animals sacrificed. This verse addresses those bringing multiple sacrifices simultaneously (e.g., at festivals or dedications), requiring proportional grain/oil/wine for each animal.<br><br>The repetition emphas...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. But now ... there is nothing ... beside this manna--**Daily familiarity had disgusted them with the sight and taste of the monotonous food; and, ungrateful for the heavenly gift, they longed for a change of fare. It may be noticed that the resemblance of the manna to coriander seed was not in the color, but in the size and figure; and from its comparison to bdellium, which is either a drop ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner</strong> (אֶזְרָח <em>ezrach</em>, 'native-born')—Every natural Israelite, regardless of tribe or status, followed identical worship protocols. Birth into the covenant community brought privileges (Romans 3:1-2) but also responsibilities. The phrase 'after this manner' (כָּכָה <em>kakah</em>) means 'exactly this way'—...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **All that are born of the country.—**The Targum of Jonathan is, “all that are born in Israel, and not among the people.” It seems clear, however, from Numbers 15:14 that the reference in this verse is to the indigenous Israelites.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. But now ... there is nothing ... beside this manna--**Daily familiarity had disgusted them with the sight and taste of the monotonous food; and, ungrateful for the heavenly gift, they longed for a change of fare. It may be noticed that the resemblance of the manna to coriander seed was not in the color, but in the size and figure; and from its comparison to bdellium, which is either a drop ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if a stranger sojourn with you</strong> (גֵּר <em>ger</em>, 'sojourner/resident alien')—Remarkably, the <em>ger</em> who aligned with Israel's covenant could participate in worship on equal terms with natives. This foreshadows the gospel mystery: Gentiles as 'fellowheirs, and of the same body' (Ephesians 3:6).<br><br><strong>And will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour un...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. But now ... there is nothing ... beside this manna--**Daily familiarity had disgusted them with the sight and taste of the monotonous food; and, ungrateful for the heavenly gift, they longed for a change of fare. It may be noticed that the resemblance of the manna to coriander seed was not in the color, but in the size and figure; and from its comparison to bdellium, which is either a drop ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever throughout your generations</strong>—The unified law (חֻקָּה אַחַת <em>chuqah achat</em>) demolishes the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14). 'One ordinance' means no second-class citizens in God's kingdom—anticipating 'neither Jew nor Greek....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation . . . —**Literally, *As for the congregation, there shall be one ordinance for you and for the stranger that sojourneth. *Some render the words thus:—*O congregation, one ordinance shall be for you and for the stranger, *&c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-15. Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant, &c.--**It is impossible not to sympathize with his feelings although the tone and language of his remonstrances to God cannot be justified. He was in a most distressing situation--having a mighty multitude under his care, with no means of satisfying their clamorous demands. Their conduct shows how deeply they had bee...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you</strong>—The climactic restatement uses synonymous parallelism for emphasis: תּוֹרָה אַחַת (<em>torah achat</em>, 'one law') and מִשְׁפָּט אֶחָד (<em>mishpat echad</em>, 'one judgment/ordinance'). No loopholes, no dual standards. This revolutionary egalitarianism flows from monotheism—one God demands one...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-15. Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant, &c.--**It is impossible not to sympathize with his feelings although the tone and language of his remonstrances to God cannot be justified. He was in a most distressing situation--having a mighty multitude under his care, with no means of satisfying their clamorous demands. Their conduct shows how deeply they had bee...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying</strong>—this formulaic introduction (וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה, <em>vayedaber YHWH el-Moshe</em>) appears over 100 times in the Pentateuch, emphasizing divine origin of Israel's cultic regulations. What follows isn't Moses's invention but direct revelation from Yahweh. The sin offering legislation in Numbers 15:22-31 distinguishes between unintenti...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-15. Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant, &c.--**It is impossible not to sympathize with his feelings although the tone and language of his remonstrances to God cannot be justified. He was in a most distressing situation--having a mighty multitude under his care, with no means of satisfying their clamorous demands. Their conduct shows how deeply they had bee...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When ye come into the land whither I bring you</strong>—the emphasis on divine agency ("I bring you") reminds Israel that Canaan entry depends on God's power, not their merit. The verb "bring" (<em>bo</em>, בּוֹא) implies God as the active agent leading them into the land. Despite their recent rebellion and forty-year judgment, God still speaks with certainty: not "if" but "when" you enter...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-15. Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant, &c.--**It is impossible not to sympathize with his feelings although the tone and language of his remonstrances to God cannot be justified. He was in a most distressing situation--having a mighty multitude under his care, with no means of satisfying their clamorous demands. Their conduct shows how deeply they had bee...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When ye eat of the bread of the land</strong>—agricultural prosperity in Canaan required acknowledging God as provider through firstfruits offerings. The "bread of the land" refers to grain harvests, contrasting with wilderness manna. Normal agricultural production would replace miraculous provision, yet God still demanded recognition as ultimate source. The <em>terumah</em> (תְּרוּמָה, "h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-15. Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant, &c.--**It is impossible not to sympathize with his feelings although the tone and language of his remonstrances to God cannot be justified. He was in a most distressing situation--having a mighty multitude under his care, with no means of satisfying their clamorous demands. Their conduct shows how deeply they had bee...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough for an heave offering: as ye do the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough for an heave offering</strong>—this <em>challah</em> (חַלָּה) offering made from the first portion of bread dough consecrated even household food preparation to Yahweh. Unlike agricultural firstfruits brought to the sanctuary, this offering occurred in the home, sacralizing domestic life. Every bread-baking became an act of worship, remin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Of the first of your dough.—**Or, *mixed meal. *The word *arisoth *is used only in the plural number, and is found only in Nehemiah 10:37 and Ezekiel 44:30, besides this and the following verse.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-15. Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant, &c.--**It is impossible not to sympathize with his feelings although the tone and language of his remonstrances to God cannot be justified. He was in a most distressing situation--having a mighty multitude under his care, with no means of satisfying their clamorous demands. Their conduct shows how deeply they had bee...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations</strong>—the emphatic repetition underscores this as perpetual legislation, not temporary wilderness regulation. "In your generations" (<em>ledorotekem</em>, לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם) means "throughout your generations," establishing this as permanent covenant obligation. Each generation must teach the next to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-17. the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders--**(Ex 3:16; 5:6; 24:9; 18:21, 24; Le 4:15). An order of seventy was to be created, either by a selection from the existing staff of elders or by the appointment of new ones, empowered to assist him by their collective wisdom and experience in the onerous cares of government. The Jewish writers say that this was the origin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the drink-offering, The stranger under the same law.
(1-21)
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance.
(22-29)
The punishment of presumption, The sabbath-breaker stoned.
(30-36)
The law for fringes on garment.
(37-41)
**Verses 1-21**
Full instructions are given about the meat-offerings and drink-offe...
Read full commentary →Laws About Unintentional Sin
And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments</strong>—this introduces the critical distinction between unintentional sin (<em>shegagah</em>, שְׁגָגָה) and high-handed rebellion. "Erred" (<em>shagag</em>, שָׁגַג) means to stray, go astray, commit error—sin done in ignorance or inadvertence, not deliberate defiance. The comprehensive phrase <strong>all these commandments</st...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **And if ye have erred, and not observed.—**Rather, *And if ye shall err and not observe.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-17. the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders--**(Ex 3:16; 5:6; 24:9; 18:21, 24; Le 4:15). An order of seventy was to be created, either by a selection from the existing staff of elders or by the appointment of new ones, empowered to assist him by their collective wisdom and experience in the onerous cares of government. The Jewish writers say that this was the origin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-29**
Though ignorance will in a degree excuse, it will not justify those who might have known their Lord's will, yet did it not. David prayed to be cleansed from his secret faults, those sins which he himself was not aware of. Sins committed ignorantly, shall be forgiven through Christ the great Sacrifice, who, when he offered up himself once for all upon the cross, seemed to expla...
Read full commentary →Even all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the day that the LORD commanded Moses, and henceforward among your generations;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Even all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses</strong>—this phrase emphasizes the comprehensive scope of law. "All that the LORD hath commanded" includes ceremonial, civil, and moral regulations given "from the day that the LORD commanded Moses, and henceforward among your generations." The mediation of Moses (<em>beyad-Moshe</em>, בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה—literally "by the hand of M...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **And henceforward.—**Rather, *and onward, *or *thenceforward. *There is nothing in the word which is here used to denote whether the reference is or is not to legislation of a later date than that at which the words were spoken. The *terminus a quo *is expressed in the preceding words. Comp. Isaiah 18:2, where the meaning seems to be *up to the present time, *and Ezekiel 39:22, where the ref...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-20. say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to-morrow, and ye shall eat flesh--**that is, "prepare yourselves," by repentance and submission, to receive to-morrow the flesh you clamor for. But it is evident that the tenor of the language implied a severe rebuke and that the blessing promised would prove a curse.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-29**
Though ignorance will in a degree excuse, it will not justify those who might have known their Lord's will, yet did it not. David prayed to be cleansed from his secret faults, those sins which he himself was not aware of. Sins committed ignorantly, shall be forgiven through Christ the great Sacrifice, who, when he offered up himself once for all upon the cross, seemed to expla...
Read full commentary →Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering. without: Heb. from the eyes manner: or, ordinance
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation</strong>—corporate inadvertent sin required corporate atonement. The phrase "without the knowledge" (<em>me'eyney</em>, מֵעֵינֵי—literally "from the eyes of") means sin committed when the congregation was unaware, either of the act itself or its sinfulness. The prescribed offering—<strong>one young bullock for a b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **By ignorance.**—The word *shegagah *is used to denote transgressions committed unwittingly in contrast to sins committed presumptuously (Numbers 15:30). (See Leviticus 4:2 and Note.) Provision had already been made in Leviticus 4 for sins of commission committed unwittingly by the whole congregation, but no provision appears to have been made for the guilt contracted in the case of sins of ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-20. say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to-morrow, and ye shall eat flesh--**that is, "prepare yourselves," by repentance and submission, to receive to-morrow the flesh you clamor for. But it is evident that the tenor of the language implied a severe rebuke and that the blessing promised would prove a curse.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-29**
Though ignorance will in a degree excuse, it will not justify those who might have known their Lord's will, yet did it not. David prayed to be cleansed from his secret faults, those sins which he himself was not aware of. Sins committed ignorantly, shall be forgiven through Christ the great Sacrifice, who, when he offered up himself once for all upon the cross, seemed to expla...
Read full commentary →And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation</strong>—the verb "make atonement" (<em>kipper</em>, כִּפֶּר) literally means "to cover" or "to wipe away." The priest's mediatorial action covered the congregation's sin, restoring right relationship with God. The assured result—<strong>and it shall be forgiven them</strong>—demonstrates that God graciously accepted the presc...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) F**or it is ignorance.—**Rather, *for it is a *sin* of ignorance, *or *an error. *So also at the end of the verse.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-20. say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to-morrow, and ye shall eat flesh--**that is, "prepare yourselves," by repentance and submission, to receive to-morrow the flesh you clamor for. But it is evident that the tenor of the language implied a severe rebuke and that the blessing promised would prove a curse.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-29**
Though ignorance will in a degree excuse, it will not justify those who might have known their Lord's will, yet did it not. David prayed to be cleansed from his secret faults, those sins which he himself was not aware of. Sins committed ignorantly, shall be forgiven through Christ the great Sacrifice, who, when he offered up himself once for all upon the cross, seemed to expla...
Read full commentary →And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them</strong>—God's forgiveness extended beyond ethnic Israelites to include <em>ger</em> (גֵּר, "stranger" or "sojourner"), Gentiles living among Israel who submitted to covenant obligations. This inclusion anticipates the gospel's universal scope: atonement available to "whosoe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Seeing all the people were in ignorance.-**Rather, *for in regard to all the people, it was done in ignorance, *or *unwittingly.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-23. Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand ... Shall the flocks and herds be slain for them, to suffice them?--**The great leader, struck with a promise so astonishing as that of suddenly furnishing, in the midst of the desert, more than two millions of people with flesh for a whole month, betrayed an incredulous spirit, surprising in one who had witnessed so many s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-29**
Though ignorance will in a degree excuse, it will not justify those who might have known their Lord's will, yet did it not. David prayed to be cleansed from his secret faults, those sins which he himself was not aware of. Sins committed ignorantly, shall be forgiven through Christ the great Sacrifice, who, when he offered up himself once for all upon the cross, seemed to expla...
Read full commentary →And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if any soul sin through ignorance</strong>—shifting from corporate sin (v. 24-26) to individual transgression, this verse prescribes atonement for personal inadvertent sin. The Hebrew <em>nefesh achat</em> (נֶפֶשׁ אַחַת, "one soul") emphasizes individual responsibility alongside corporate accountability. The prescribed offering—<strong>a she goat of the first year for a sin offering</s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **And if any soul sin through ignorance.—**There is no restriction here, as in Leviticus 4:27, to sins of commission.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-23. Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand ... Shall the flocks and herds be slain for them, to suffice them?--**The great leader, struck with a promise so astonishing as that of suddenly furnishing, in the midst of the desert, more than two millions of people with flesh for a whole month, betrayed an incredulous spirit, surprising in one who had witnessed so many s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-29**
Though ignorance will in a degree excuse, it will not justify those who might have known their Lord's will, yet did it not. David prayed to be cleansed from his secret faults, those sins which he himself was not aware of. Sins committed ignorantly, shall be forgiven through Christ the great Sacrifice, who, when he offered up himself once for all upon the cross, seemed to expla...
Read full commentary →And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly</strong>—the priestly action of <em>kipper</em> (כִּפֶּר, making atonement) covered individual sin just as it covered corporate sin. The phrase <strong>when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD</strong> emphasizes that even unknowing sin occurred "before the LORD"—in God's presence and awareness. God saw sins hu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-23. Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand ... Shall the flocks and herds be slain for them, to suffice them?--**The great leader, struck with a promise so astonishing as that of suddenly furnishing, in the midst of the desert, more than two millions of people with flesh for a whole month, betrayed an incredulous spirit, surprising in one who had witnessed so many s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-29**
Though ignorance will in a degree excuse, it will not justify those who might have known their Lord's will, yet did it not. David prayed to be cleansed from his secret faults, those sins which he himself was not aware of. Sins committed ignorantly, shall be forgiven through Christ the great Sacrifice, who, when he offered up himself once for all upon the cross, seemed to expla...
Read full commentary →Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. sinneth: Heb. doth
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them</strong>—this concluding statement emphasizes legal equality: native-born Israelites and resident aliens received identical treatment regarding inadvertent sin and its atonement. The phrase <em>torah achat</em> (תּוֹרָה אַחַת,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. Moses ... gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, &c.--**The tabernacle was chosen for the convocation, because, as it was there God manifested Himself, there His Spirit would be directly imparted--there the minds of the elders themselves would be inspired with reverential awe and their office invested with greater respect in the eyes of the people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-29**
Though ignorance will in a degree excuse, it will not justify those who might have known their Lord's will, yet did it not. David prayed to be cleansed from his secret faults, those sins which he himself was not aware of. Sins committed ignorantly, shall be forgiven through Christ the great Sacrifice, who, when he offered up himself once for all upon the cross, seemed to expla...
Read full commentary →But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously , whether he be born in the land, or a stranger , the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. presumptuously: Heb. with an high hand
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.' This verse distinguishes presumptuous sin from unintentional error. The Hebrew 'beyad ramah' (בְּיָד רָמָה, 'with a high hand') literally means with uplifted hand, indicating defiant, deliberate rebellion against God. Suc...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **That doeth ought presumptuously.—**Literally, *with a high hand.*
**Reproacheth the Lord.**—Rather, *blasphemeth, *as in 2Kings 19:6; 2Kings 19:22.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease--**As those elders were constituted civil governors, their "prophesying" must be understood as meaning the performance of their civil and sacred duties by the help of those extraordinary endowments they had received; and by their not "ceasing" we understand, either that they continued to exercise their gifts uninterruptedly...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-36**
Those are to be reckoned presumptuous sinners, who sin designedly against God's will and glory. Sins thus committed are exceedingly sinful. He that thus breaks the commandment reproaches the Lord. He also despises the word of the Lord. Presumptuous sinners despise it, thinking themselves too great, too good, and too wise, to be ruled by it. A particular instance of presumption...
Read full commentary →Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Sins committed 'presumptuously' (Hebrew 'beyad ramah' - with a high hand) deserve severe judgment: the person 'shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.' Presumptuous sins are deliberate, defiant rebellion against God's known will, unlike sins of ignorance (v.22-29) which have atonement. The phrase 'reproacheth the LORD' shows such sins insult God's character and authority. This pe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-29. But there remained two of the men in the camp--**They did not repair with the rest to the tabernacle, either from modesty in shrinking from the assumption of a public office, or being prevented by some ceremonial defilement. They, however, received the gifts of the Spirit as well as their brethren. And when Moses was urged to forbid their prophesying, his answer displayed a noble disinter...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-36**
Those are to be reckoned presumptuous sinners, who sin designedly against God's will and glory. Sins thus committed are exceedingly sinful. He that thus breaks the commandment reproaches the Lord. He also despises the word of the Lord. Presumptuous sinners despise it, thinking themselves too great, too good, and too wise, to be ruled by it. A particular instance of presumption...
Read full commentary →The Sabbath Breaker
And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The incident of the Sabbath-breaker immediately follows laws about presumptuous sin (verses 30-31). His deliberate gathering of sticks on the Sabbath constituted 'high-handed' rebellion against God's explicit command. The severity of the punishment demonstrates that covenant violation, especially when willful and public, threatened the entire community's relationship with God.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness . . . —**Better, *Now the children of Israel were in the wilderness, and they found, *&c. It is probable that the incident which is here recorded is designed to illustrate the presumptuous sins which were to be punished by death. The offence may have been committed shortly after the promulgation of the commandments contained in this ch...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-29. But there remained two of the men in the camp--**They did not repair with the rest to the tabernacle, either from modesty in shrinking from the assumption of a public office, or being prevented by some ceremonial defilement. They, however, received the gifts of the Spirit as well as their brethren. And when Moses was urged to forbid their prophesying, his answer displayed a noble disinter...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-36**
Those are to be reckoned presumptuous sinners, who sin designedly against God's will and glory. Sins thus committed are exceedingly sinful. He that thus breaks the commandment reproaches the Lord. He also despises the word of the Lord. Presumptuous sinners despise it, thinking themselves too great, too good, and too wise, to be ruled by it. A particular instance of presumption...
Read full commentary →And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Those who found the man brought him to Moses and Aaron—recognizing that such violation required authoritative judgment. Their action demonstrated proper understanding that sin against God's law isn't merely private but affects the entire community. The corporate nature of covenant relationship meant individual rebellion endangered all.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-29. But there remained two of the men in the camp--**They did not repair with the rest to the tabernacle, either from modesty in shrinking from the assumption of a public office, or being prevented by some ceremonial defilement. They, however, received the gifts of the Spirit as well as their brethren. And when Moses was urged to forbid their prophesying, his answer displayed a noble disinter...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-36**
Those are to be reckoned presumptuous sinners, who sin designedly against God's will and glory. Sins thus committed are exceedingly sinful. He that thus breaks the commandment reproaches the Lord. He also despises the word of the Lord. Presumptuous sinners despise it, thinking themselves too great, too good, and too wise, to be ruled by it. A particular instance of presumption...
Read full commentary →And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
They 'put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him'—even though Sabbath-breaking was capital crime (Exodus 31:14-15), they waited for specific divine instruction. This careful deference to God's word demonstrates that even in matters where principle seems clear, specific application requires divine wisdom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-29. But there remained two of the men in the camp--**They did not repair with the rest to the tabernacle, either from modesty in shrinking from the assumption of a public office, or being prevented by some ceremonial defilement. They, however, received the gifts of the Spirit as well as their brethren. And when Moses was urged to forbid their prophesying, his answer displayed a noble disinter...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-36**
Those are to be reckoned presumptuous sinners, who sin designedly against God's will and glory. Sins thus committed are exceedingly sinful. He that thus breaks the commandment reproaches the Lord. He also despises the word of the Lord. Presumptuous sinners despise it, thinking themselves too great, too good, and too wise, to be ruled by it. A particular instance of presumption...
Read full commentary →And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God commanded execution by stoning—the community's collective participation symbolized that his sin offended all and required corporate response. Stoning also prevented any individual from bearing sole responsibility for the death, distributing the burden across the community. The severity matched the crime's serious nature: public, willful covenant violation.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-36**
Those are to be reckoned presumptuous sinners, who sin designedly against God's will and glory. Sins thus committed are exceedingly sinful. He that thus breaks the commandment reproaches the Lord. He also despises the word of the Lord. Presumptuous sinners despise it, thinking themselves too great, too good, and too wise, to be ruled by it. A particular instance of presumption...
Read full commentary →And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The congregation executed God's command 'as the LORD commanded Moses.' Their obedience demonstrated submission to divine authority even when the judgment was difficult. This wasn't mob violence but ordered justice, fulfilling covenant obligations. The man's death preserved Israel's holiness and served as perpetual warning against presuming on God's grace.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-35. There went forth a wind from the Lord, and brought quails from the sea, &c.--**These migratory birds (see on Ex 16:13) were on their journey from Egypt, when "the wind from the Lord," an east wind (Psa 78:26) forcing them to change their course, wafted them over the Red Sea to the camp of Israel.
**let them fall a day's journey--**If the journey of an individual is meant, this space...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-36**
Those are to be reckoned presumptuous sinners, who sin designedly against God's will and glory. Sins thus committed are exceedingly sinful. He that thus breaks the commandment reproaches the Lord. He also despises the word of the Lord. Presumptuous sinners despise it, thinking themselves too great, too good, and too wise, to be ruled by it. A particular instance of presumption...
Read full commentary →Tassels on Garments
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-35. There went forth a wind from the Lord, and brought quails from the sea, &c.--**These migratory birds (see on Ex 16:13) were on their journey from Egypt, when "the wind from the Lord," an east wind (Psa 78:26) forcing them to change their course, wafted them over the Red Sea to the camp of Israel.
**let them fall a day's journey--**If the journey of an individual is meant, this space...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-41**
The people are ordered by the Lord to make fringes on the borders of their garments. The Jews were distinguished from their neighbours in their dress, as well as in their diet, and thus taught not to be conformed to the way of the heathen in other things. They proclaimed themselves Jews wherever they were, as not ashamed of God and his law. The fringes were not appointed for t...
Read full commentary →Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments... and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue. God commands tassels with blue cord on garment corners as reminders to obey His commandments (Numbers 15:39-40). The blue cord recalled heaven and divine authority. The visible reminders helped Israel remember and keep G...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(38) **That they make them fringes . . . —**Better, *That they make them tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the tassel of the corner *(*i.e., on each tassel*)* a thread *(*or cord*)* of blue. *The *tassels *(*zirith*) appear to be the same as the *gedilim *(*fringes*) of Deuteronomy 22:12. The outer garment of the Jews was a fourcornered c...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-35. There went forth a wind from the Lord, and brought quails from the sea, &c.--**These migratory birds (see on Ex 16:13) were on their journey from Egypt, when "the wind from the Lord," an east wind (Psa 78:26) forcing them to change their course, wafted them over the Red Sea to the camp of Israel.
**let them fall a day's journey--**If the journey of an individual is meant, this space...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-41**
The people are ordered by the Lord to make fringes on the borders of their garments. The Jews were distinguished from their neighbours in their dress, as well as in their diet, and thus taught not to be conformed to the way of the heathen in other things. They proclaimed themselves Jews wherever they were, as not ashamed of God and his law. The fringes were not appointed for t...
Read full commentary →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:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
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 whorin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(39) **That ye seek not after your own heart.—**Or, *That ye go not about, *or *search not out, *&c.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-35. There went forth a wind from the Lord, and brought quails from the sea, &c.--**These migratory birds (see on Ex 16:13) were on their journey from Egypt, when "the wind from the Lord," an east wind (Psa 78:26) forcing them to change their course, wafted them over the Red Sea to the camp of Israel.
**let them fall a day's journey--**If the journey of an individual is meant, this space...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-41**
The people are ordered by the Lord to make fringes on the borders of their garments. The Jews were distinguished from their neighbours in their dress, as well as in their diet, and thus taught not to be conformed to the way of the heathen in other things. They proclaimed themselves Jews wherever they were, as not ashamed of God and his law. The fringes were not appointed for t...
Read full commentary →That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God commands: 'That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.' The Hebrew 'zakar' (remember) isn't mere mental recall but active remembrance that produces obedience. The purpose is holiness - separation unto God. The preceding verses commanded tassels with blue ribbons on garments (v.38-39) as visible reminders of God's commands. This illustrates that humans need tang...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-35. There went forth a wind from the Lord, and brought quails from the sea, &c.--**These migratory birds (see on Ex 16:13) were on their journey from Egypt, when "the wind from the Lord," an east wind (Psa 78:26) forcing them to change their course, wafted them over the Red Sea to the camp of Israel.
**let them fall a day's journey--**If the journey of an individual is meant, this space...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-41**
The people are ordered by the Lord to make fringes on the borders of their garments. The Jews were distinguished from their neighbours in their dress, as well as in their diet, and thus taught not to be conformed to the way of the heathen in other things. They proclaimed themselves Jews wherever they were, as not ashamed of God and his law. The fringes were not appointed for t...
Read full commentary →I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.
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KJV Study Commentary
The concluding formula 'I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt' grounds the command for holiness in redemption. God didn't command holiness and then redeem—He redeemed first, then called the redeemed to holiness. This establishes the biblical pattern: salvation precedes obedience, which flows from gratitude for redemption rather than earning it. The phrase 'to be your G...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-41**
The people are ordered by the Lord to make fringes on the borders of their garments. The Jews were distinguished from their neighbours in their dress, as well as in their diet, and thus taught not to be conformed to the way of the heathen in other things. They proclaimed themselves Jews wherever they were, as not ashamed of God and his law. The fringes were not appointed for t...
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