Numbers 15:30-31 But the soul that does ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproaches the LORD… I. WHAT PRESUMPTION INCLUDES. It signifies — 1. Boldness in evil. Sinning without fear. Hardihood, recklessness. 2. Arrogance in evil. Setting ourselves up against God. Pride of heart and spirit and tongue (Psalm 73:6; Psalm 9:2; Acts 2:18). 3. Irreverence towards God. All profanity. As in the case of Pharaoh, "Who is the Lord?" &c. 4. Confidence of escape from the threatenings of God. Not dreading nor caring for consequences, &c. II. THE CHIEF CAUSES OF PRESUMPTION. 1. Spiritual ignorance. Ignorance of self and God. It is the offspring of darkness. 2. Recklessness and inconsideration. 3. Confirmed unbelief, giving no credit to the Word. 4. Hardness of heart. This is both a cause and a result. III. THE TERRIBLE RESULTS OF PRESUMPTUOUSNESS. 1. God, defied, will vindicate His authority. He cannot let it pass. His majesty and law concerned, &c. 2. Threatening despised, He will terribly execute. Not one jot fail. There may be delay, longsuffering, but the execution of vengeance is certain. 3. Mercy despised will involve in fearful retribution. Hear God (Proverbs 1:24; Psalm 2:4, &c.). The instances of this, how numerous. The old world, Pharaoh, Sodom, &c., nations of Canaan, Jerusalem (see Luke 19:41-44).Application — 1. How needful is consideration. 2. Repentance, how imperative. 3. To seek mercy. The gospel publishes it in Christ, and offers it to every sinner. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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