Numbers 5:2

"Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, anyone who has a bodily discharge, and anyone who is defiled by a dead body.

Study Bible

Command the Israelites
This phrase begins with a direct instruction from God to Moses, emphasizing the divine authority behind the command. The Hebrew word for "command" is "tsavah," which implies a strong directive, not merely a suggestion. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God’s commands are to be followed as part of their obedience and devotion. Historically, this underscores the theocratic nature of Israelite society, where religious and civil laws were intertwined.

to send away from the camp
The phrase "send away" comes from the Hebrew "shalach," which means to let go or release. This action is not punitive but rather protective, both for the community and the individuals involved. The "camp" refers to the organized encampment of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, a place of communal living and worship. The camp was considered holy because of God's presence, and maintaining its purity was essential.

anyone with a skin disease
The term "skin disease" is translated from the Hebrew "tzaraath," often associated with leprosy but encompassing a range of skin conditions. In ancient Israel, such conditions were not only health concerns but also carried ritual implications. The separation was necessary to prevent ritual impurity, as outlined in Levitical law. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and the need for separation from impurity.

or a discharge
The word "discharge" refers to bodily emissions that rendered a person ceremonially unclean, as detailed in Leviticus 15. The Hebrew term "zav" indicates a flow or issue, which could be natural or disease-related. This regulation highlights the importance of ritual purity in maintaining a relationship with God, as physical cleanliness was symbolic of spiritual cleanliness.

or anyone who is unclean
"Unclean" is from the Hebrew "tamei," a state of ritual impurity that could result from various causes, including contact with a corpse or certain diseases. This concept is central to the holiness code in Leviticus, where being "unclean" required separation and purification before rejoining the community. It underscores the biblical principle that God is holy, and His people must strive to reflect that holiness.

because of a dead body
Contact with a dead body rendered a person "tamei," or unclean, due to the association of death with sin and decay. In the ancient Near Eastern context, death was the ultimate impurity, contrasting with the life and holiness of God. This regulation served to remind the Israelites of the sanctity of life and the hope of resurrection, pointing forward to the New Testament revelation of eternal life through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land.

2. The Camp
The temporary dwelling place of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, representing the community of God's people and His presence among them.

3. Those with Skin Diseases
Individuals suffering from conditions like leprosy, which were considered ritually unclean and required separation from the community.

4. Those with a Discharge
People experiencing bodily discharges, which rendered them ceremonially unclean according to the Law.

5. Those Unclean from a Dead Body
Individuals who had come into contact with a corpse, making them ritually impure and necessitating purification.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Purity
God's command to remove the unclean from the camp underscores His holiness and the need for His people to maintain purity in their community and worship.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites were collectively responsible for upholding God's standards, reminding us of the importance of accountability and support within the church body.

Spiritual Separation
Just as physical impurity required separation, believers are called to separate themselves from spiritual impurity, living lives that reflect God's holiness.

Compassion and Restoration
While separation was necessary, the Law also provided means for restoration and reintegration, teaching us to balance holiness with grace and compassion.

Symbolism of Christ's Sacrifice
The removal of impurity points to the ultimate cleansing through Jesus, who bore our sins and made a way for us to be reconciled to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Numbers 5:2 reflect God's character and His expectations for His people?

2. In what ways can the church today ensure it remains a community that reflects God's holiness and purity?

3. How do the laws concerning impurity in the Old Testament point us to the work of Christ in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can believers take to separate themselves from spiritual impurity in their daily lives?

5. How can we balance the need for holiness with compassion and grace towards those who are struggling with sin or impurity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 13-15
These chapters provide detailed laws regarding skin diseases, bodily discharges, and purification processes, offering a broader context for understanding the regulations in Numbers 5:2.

2 Corinthians 6:17
This New Testament passage echoes the call for separation from impurity, urging believers to be distinct from the world in their conduct and holiness.

Hebrews 13:12-13
These verses highlight Jesus' suffering outside the camp, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament practice of removing impurity and pointing to the ultimate purification through Christ.