Numbers 5:3

You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them."

Study Bible

You must exclude
The phrase "You must exclude" is a directive given by God to the Israelites, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining purity within the camp. The Hebrew root for "exclude" is "שָׁלַח" (shalach), which means to send away or to cast out. This action is not merely a suggestion but a command, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's laws. In a spiritual sense, this exclusion represents the need for holiness and separation from sin, as God dwells among His people and requires a pure environment.

from the camp
The "camp" refers to the dwelling place of the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It is a physical space but also a symbol of the community of God's people. The camp is where God's presence resides, particularly in the Tabernacle, which is at the center. The sanctity of the camp is paramount, as it is a reflection of God's holiness. Historically, the camp's organization and purity were crucial for the Israelites' identity as a people set apart for God.

every leper
Leprosy, in the biblical context, is a term that encompasses various skin diseases. The Hebrew word "צָרַעַת" (tzara'at) is used here, which is not limited to what we know today as Hansen's disease. Leprosy rendered a person ceremonially unclean, and thus they were to be excluded from the camp. This exclusion was not only for health reasons but also had spiritual implications, as leprosy was often seen as a symbol of sin and impurity. The leper's exclusion serves as a reminder of the separation sin causes between humanity and God.

everyone with a discharge
The phrase "everyone with a discharge" refers to individuals with bodily discharges, which are detailed in Leviticus 15. The Hebrew word "זָב" (zav) indicates a flow or issue, often associated with impurity. These discharges made a person ceremonially unclean, necessitating their exclusion from the camp. This regulation underscores the importance of physical and spiritual cleanliness, as bodily discharges were seen as a disruption of the natural order established by God.

anyone who is unclean because of a dead body
Contact with a dead body rendered a person unclean, as death is the ultimate consequence of sin (Romans 6:23). The Hebrew term "טָמֵא" (tamei) is used for "unclean," signifying a state of impurity that required purification rituals. This exclusion highlights the separation between life and death, purity and impurity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of life and the need for atonement and cleansing from the defilement of sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The people of God who were journeying through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. They were receiving laws and instructions from God through Moses.

2. The Camp
The encampment of the Israelites in the wilderness, which was to be kept holy as it was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

3. Leper
A person afflicted with leprosy, a skin disease that rendered them ceremonially unclean according to the Law of Moses.

4. Those with a Discharge
Individuals experiencing bodily discharges, which also made them ceremonially unclean.

5. Those Defiled by a Dead Body
People who had come into contact with a corpse, rendering them unclean under the Mosaic Law.

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.

Separation for Sanctification
The physical separation of the unclean serves as a metaphor for spiritual separation from sin and impurity in the life of a believer.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites were collectively responsible for maintaining the holiness of the camp, reminding us of the importance of accountability within the church.

Symbolism of Cleansing
The cleansing rituals point to the ultimate cleansing from sin provided through Jesus Christ, who purifies us and makes us holy.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Numbers 5:3 reflect God's character and His expectations for His people?

2. In what ways can the principles of separation and purity in Numbers 5:3 be applied to our lives today as Christians?

3. How do the laws concerning leprosy and other forms of uncleanness in Leviticus 13-15 enhance our understanding of Numbers 5:3?

4. What are some modern-day "unclean" influences that Christians should be vigilant about separating from, according to 2 Corinthians 6:17?

5. How does the concept of Jesus suffering "outside the camp" in Hebrews 13:12-13 relate to the Old Testament practice of removing impurity from the camp? How does this impact our understanding of His sacrifice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 13-15
These chapters provide detailed laws regarding leprosy, bodily discharges, and purification processes, offering a broader context for understanding the regulations in Numbers 5:3.

2 Corinthians 6:17
This New Testament passage calls believers to separate themselves from impurity, echoing the theme of holiness and separation found in Numbers 5:3.

Hebrews 13:12-13
Discusses Jesus suffering outside the camp, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament practice of removing impurity from the camp.