Numbers 15:22 - “‘When you err, and don’t observe all these commandments, which Yahweh has spoken to Moses,

Generated Verse: Numbers 15:22

What does "Numbers 15:22" mean?


Numbers 15:22 is the beginning of a section outlining how the Israelites were to atone for unintentional sins, specifically those related to violating the commandments God gave Moses. Let's break down the verse:

"When you err..." This refers to unintentional sins. It's not about deliberately and defiantly disobeying God, but about making mistakes or oversights.
"...and don’t observe all these commandments..." This highlights that the error is in failing to keep God's commands. These commands encompass a wide range of laws, rituals, and moral principles.
"...which Yahweh has spoken to Moses..." This emphasizes the divine origin of the commandments. They weren't human inventions but directly given by God through Moses.

In Essence:

The verse establishes a scenario: What happens when you, as a community or individual, unintentionally break God's laws given through Moses?

Key Concepts:

Unintentional Sin: The focus is on sins committed out of ignorance, error, or forgetfulness, not deliberate defiance. The Hebrew word often translated as "err" suggests wandering or straying.
Yahweh: The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and relationship with Israel.
Moses: The mediator through whom God delivered the Law.
Commandments: A broad term for the entire body of laws and instructions given to the Israelites.

Context within Numbers 15:

This verse introduces the laws about offering sacrifices to atone for these unintentional sins. The chapter goes on to specify the offerings required, differentiating between sins committed by the entire community versus those committed by an individual. The later portion of the chapter (verses 30-31) sharply contrasts this with intentional, defiant sin, which carried a much more severe consequence: exclusion from the community.

Significance:

The verse highlights the following important points:

God's Law is Important: Even unintentional violations of God's law are significant and require atonement.
God Provides a Way for Forgiveness: Despite the severity of sin, God provides a system of sacrifices and offerings to cleanse and restore those who unintentionally transgress His law.
Distinction Between Unintentional and Intentional Sin: This distinction is crucial. While unintentional sins could be atoned for, deliberate rebellion against God carried much graver consequences.
Importance of Obedience: The verse implies the need for diligence in learning and remembering God's commandments. The system of atonement serves as a reminder to strive for obedience.

In summary, Numbers 15:22 establishes the framework for addressing unintentional violations of God's law, emphasizing the importance of obedience, the provision of atonement, and the distinction between unintentional and deliberate sin.

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