So the Israelites did this, sending such people outside the camp. They did just as the LORD had instructed Moses. So the Israelites did thisThis phrase underscores the obedience of the Israelites to God's commands. The Hebrew root for "did" is עָשָׂה (asah), which means to do, make, or accomplish. This action reflects a communal commitment to holiness and purity, as the Israelites collectively follow divine instructions. Historically, this obedience is crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship with God, as it demonstrates their willingness to adhere to His laws and maintain the sanctity of the camp. sending such people outside the camp
The act of sending individuals outside the camp is rooted in the Hebrew word שָׁלַח (shalach), meaning to send away or dismiss. This practice was not merely a social or health measure but a spiritual one, ensuring that the camp remained holy. Archaeologically, camps were central to Israelite life, and maintaining their purity was essential for God's presence to dwell among them. This separation underscores the seriousness of sin and impurity, reminding the community of the need for atonement and reconciliation with God. They did just as the LORD had instructed Moses
This phrase highlights the direct communication between God and Moses, with Moses serving as the mediator of God's will. The Hebrew word צִוָּה (tzavah) for "instructed" conveys a command or charge, emphasizing the authority of God's word. Moses' role as a leader is affirmed through his faithful transmission of God's commands to the people. Scripturally, this obedience is a recurring theme, illustrating the importance of following divine guidance to maintain a covenant relationship with God. The Israelites' compliance is an act of faith, trusting in God's wisdom and sovereignty. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were given the Law through Moses. 2. MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the Law from God and communicated His instructions to the people. 3. The CampThe dwelling place of the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness, symbolizing the presence and community of God's people. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who provided the Law and instructions for maintaining holiness among His people. Teaching Points Holiness and SeparationGod calls His people to be holy and separate from impurity. This principle is timeless and applies to both the Old and New Testament believers. Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites' obedience to God's instructions through Moses serves as a model for us to follow God's Word diligently. Community and AccountabilityThe practice of removing impurity from the camp highlights the importance of community purity and accountability among believers. God's Presence Among His PeopleThe need for a holy camp underscores the reality of God's presence among His people, which requires a response of reverence and purity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of holiness in Numbers 5:4 apply to our lives today as believers in Christ? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our "camp" (community, church, or personal life) remains pure and holy? 3. How does the practice of removing impurity from the camp in Numbers 5:4 relate to church discipline as described in the New Testament? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to obey God's commands in our daily lives, as the Israelites did? 5. How does understanding God's presence among His people in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of His presence in our lives today? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 13-14These chapters provide detailed laws regarding cleanliness and the handling of leprosy, which relate to the instructions given in Numbers 5:4 about maintaining purity within the camp. Deuteronomy 23:14This verse emphasizes the importance of keeping the camp holy because the LORD walks among His people, reinforcing the need for separation from impurity. 1 Corinthians 5:13Paul instructs the church to expel the immoral brother, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament practice of removing impurity from the community. People Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces SinaiTopics Camp, Drove, Instructed, Outside, Sons, Spake, Spoke, Spoken, Tent-circle, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 5:1-7 5707 male and female Numbers 5:2-4 5244 camp Library Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of PietyCiii. Zacchæus. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem.
(Jericho.) ^C Luke XIX. 1-28. ^c 1 And he entered and was passing through Jericho. [This was about one week before the crucifixion. Jericho is about seven miles from the Jordan and about seventeen and a half from Jerusalem.] 2 And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. [See p. 76. It is probable that Zacchæus was a sub-contractor under some Roman knight who had bought the privilege of collecting taxes at Jericho, or perhaps the privilege of all …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament 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 5:4 NIVNumbers 5:4 NLTNumbers 5:4 ESVNumbers 5:4 NASBNumbers 5:4 KJV
Numbers 5:4 Commentaries
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