The assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD. The assembly is to have the same statuteThis phrase emphasizes the unity and equality within the community of Israel. The term "assembly" refers to the congregation of Israel, which includes both native-born Israelites and those who have joined them. This reflects God's desire for a unified people under His law, as seen in other parts of the Torah where the law is given to all members of the community ( Exodus 12:49). both for you and for the foreign resident
The inclusion of the "foreign resident" highlights the openness of the Israelite community to those who were not originally part of the covenant people. This is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where many societies had strict divisions between natives and foreigners. The law's application to both groups underscores the fairness and justice of God's statutes, as well as His intention for Israel to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6). it is a permanent statute for the generations to come
The phrase "permanent statute" indicates the enduring nature of this command. It is not a temporary measure but a lasting ordinance meant to be observed by future generations. This reflects the unchanging nature of God's law and His eternal covenant with His people. The continuity of this statute is echoed in the New Testament, where the principles of God's law are fulfilled and expanded through Christ (Matthew 5:17-18). You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD
This statement reinforces the idea of equality before God, regardless of one's ethnic or cultural background. It prefigures the New Testament teaching that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile (Galatians 3:28). The phrase "before the LORD" signifies that this equality is not just a social or legal matter but a spiritual truth recognized by God Himself. This foreshadows the inclusive nature of the Gospel, where all believers are united in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe primary audience of the Book of Numbers, the Israelites are God's chosen people, journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. 2. Foreign Residents (Gerim)Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, often referred to as "sojourners" or "strangers" in other translations. They were expected to adhere to certain laws and customs of Israel. 3. The LORD (YHWH)The covenant God of Israel, who establishes laws and statutes for His people, emphasizing His holiness and justice. 4. The WildernessThe setting for much of the Book of Numbers, where the Israelites wander for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith. 5. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, through whom God communicates His laws and instructions to the people. Teaching Points Unity in DiversityGod's law applies equally to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. This teaches us about the unity and inclusivity of God's kingdom. God's ImpartialityThe verse highlights God's fairness and justice, reminding us that He does not show favoritism. We are called to reflect this impartiality in our interactions with others. Permanent StatuteThe use of "permanent statute" indicates the enduring nature of God's laws. This calls us to respect and uphold God's commands in our lives consistently. Welcoming the StrangerAs the Israelites were to treat foreigners with equality, we are encouraged to welcome and integrate those who are different from us into our communities. Generational ResponsibilityThe statute is for "generations to come," reminding us of our responsibility to pass down God's truths and principles to future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the principle of one law for both Israelites and foreigners challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice? 2. In what ways can we apply the concept of "one statute for all" in our church communities today? 3. How does the treatment of foreigners in the Old Testament reflect God's heart for inclusivity and unity? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate God's impartiality in our daily lives? 5. How can we ensure that the principles of God's law are passed down to future generations in our families and communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 12:49This verse also emphasizes the equality of the law for both the native-born and the foreigner, reinforcing the principle of one law for all. Leviticus 24:22Similar to Numbers 15:15, this verse underscores the uniformity of the law for both Israelites and foreigners, highlighting God's impartiality. Galatians 3:28In the New Testament, Paul speaks of the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, echoing the Old Testament principle of equality before God. People Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces Egypt, Wilderness of ParanTopics Age-during, Alien, Assembly, Congregation, Everlasting, Foreigner, Forever, Generation, Generations, Lasting, Law, Ordinance, Perpetual, Rules, Sojourner, Sojourneth, Sojourning, Sojourns, Statute, Stranger, ThroughoutDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 15:15 7206 community
7404 ordinances Numbers 15:13-16 7511 Gentiles, in OT Numbers 15:14-16 7530 foreigners Numbers 15:15-16 5882 impartiality Library List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings Quoted in this Work.
THE Mishnah is always quoted according to Tractate, Chapter (Pereq) and Paragraph (Mishnah), the Chapter being marked in Roman, the paragraph in ordinary Numerals. Thus Ber. ii. 4 means the Mishnic Tractate Berakhoth, second Chapter, fourth Paragraph. The Jerusalem Talmud is distinguished by the abbreviation Jer. before the name of the Tractate. Thus, Jer. Ber. is the Jer. Gemara, or Talmud, of the Tractate Berakhoth. The edition, from which quotations are made, is that commonly used, Krotoschin, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the MessiahWe are Drawing Near the End, and to the Highest Conclusions of True Human Wisdom...
We are drawing near the end, and to the highest conclusions of true human wisdom; and full of deepest interest it is to mark the character of these conclusions. Reason speaks; that faculty that is rightly termed divine, for its possession marks those who are "the offspring of God." He is the Father of spirits, and it is in the spirit that Reason has her seat; whilst in our Preacher she is enthroned, and now with authority utters forth her counsels. Here we may listen to just how far she can …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience.
Ye have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: ye shall be unto me an holy nation.'--Ex. xix. 4-6. Israel has reached Horeb. The law is to be given and the covenant made. Here are God's first words to the people; He speaks of redemption and its blessing, fellowship with Himself: 'Ye have seen how I brought …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Among the People, and with the Pharisees
It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Worship of the Synagogue
One of the most difficult questions in Jewish history is that connected with the existence of a synagogue within the Temple. That such a "synagogue" existed, and that its meeting-place was in "the hall of hewn stones," at the south-eastern angle of the court of the priest, cannot be called in question, in face of the clear testimony of contemporary witnesses. Considering that "the hall of hew stones" was also the meeting-place for the great Sanhedrim, and that not only legal decisions, but lectures …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question
THE last day in the Temple was not to pass without other temptations' than that of the Priests when they questioned His authority, or of the Pharisees when they cunningly sought to entangle Him in His speech. Indeed, Christ had on this occasion taken a different position; He had claimed supreme authority, and thus challenged the leaders of Israel. For this reason, and because at the last we expect assaults from all His enemies, we are prepared for the controversies of that day. We remember that, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 15:15 NIVNumbers 15:15 NLTNumbers 15:15 ESVNumbers 15:15 NASBNumbers 15:15 KJV
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