NUMBERS
1 November 2023
Lesson: 9
Numbers 15 The Failure of Israel in the Wilderness
Once again, the main outline is from the Open Bible, slightly edited.
David Guzik makes an excellent point. “Israel was at one of its lowest points in history. It had just rebelliously rejected God’s offer to bring the nation into the Promised Land. God had consigned them to wander in the wilderness for 38 years, until the unbelieving generation had perished in the wilderness and a new generation of faith would take the Promised Land. Yet, immediately after this stinging rebellion and the chastisement from the LORD, Israel received precious tokens of God’s mercy, care, and help to Israel.” Study Guide for Numbers 15
Review of offerings
Warren Wiersbe explains that, “The five basic Mosaic offerings were the burnt offering, meal offering, peace offering, sin offering, and trespass offering (Lev. 1–7). The first three were “sweet savor” sacrifices, designed to please the Lord, but the sin offering and the trespass offering were not “sweet savor” because they dealt with guilt and sin, and there’s nothing pleasing to God about sin. The burnt offering typified the worshiper’s complete devotion to God, for the animal was totally consumed on the altar. The meal (grain) offering spoke of the worshiper’s dedication of his labor to the Lord, and the peace (trespass) offering represented joyful fellowship and thanksgiving to God for His blessings. Of course, the offerings point to Jesus Christ (Heb 10:1–18). He gave Himself completely on the cross (burnt offering) and paid for the sins of the world (sin offering, trespass offering). He is our peace and made peace on the cross (peace offering), and He is the satisfying bread of life (meal offering).” The Bible Exposition Commentary, Exodus 15, p.336
Offerings to thank the Lord (15:1-21).
These offerings were to thank the Lord for allowing them to enter Canaan (when that time came) (15:2). Perhaps, God wanted them to be reminders to Israel that He would bring them into the Promised Land at the end of the forty years.
The sacrifice of a lamb is detailed first (15:4-5). The lamb was to cover sin, and the flour and wine were for thanksgiving. With each offering, the flour and drink offerings increased in size as the animal increased in size.
The sacrifice of a ram is detailed next (15:4-5). The ram was to cover sin, and the flour and wine were for thanksgiving.
The sacrifice of a bullock (i.e., cow or ox) is detailed last (15:8-10). The bullock was to cover sin, and the flour and wine were for thanksgiving.
These guidelines apply to all in Israel and to all strangers who live with them (15:13-16).
God then gave guidelines for the offering of a heave offering (15:17-21). The idea of a heave offering is that of a contribution. This was a thank offering from the first of their harvest.
Offerings for unintentional sins (15:22-29).
He begins with an offering for sin committed by the whole congregation that was committed by ignorance unknown. This included a young bullock, meal, drink and one kid of the goats (15:24).
If an individual sinned ignorantly, he was to offer a she goat as his offering (15:27-29).
Consequence of intentional sins (15:30-36).
Peter Pett explains a presumptuous sin. “This refers to specific sins against the commandments which were premeditated and deliberately carried through in defiance of God.” Pett Commentary This was worse than just doing something you knew was wrong. The penalty was that he be cut off from among his people. Commentators generally think that this means death.
The next account of the man who deliberately gathered firewood on the Sabbath Day may be an example of a presumptuous sin (15:32-36).
Ribband of blue (15:37-41).
This “ribband” refers to a cord, twisted thread, or tassel. It was vibrant blue or violet in colour. Exactly how many tassels of blue and where the borders of their garments were located is unclear.
Their purpose was to remind each other of God’s commandments. Some suggest that they helped to distinguish them from the enemy during battles.
Principles for Us Today
Think about the cost involved in making these various sacrifice offerings.
When you talk with people today who claim to follow the Law (e.g., SDA people), take them to Numbers 15 and see if they follow these laws.
How many of you would like to have the intentional sin law hanging over you? I strongly fear that I would not be here today if we lived under that law.
What has God given to us as Christians that might in a sense take the place of wearing a ribband of blue?
What do you think would be the most common problem associated with the ribband of blue?
