This chapter resembles a sweet flute-like melody inserted between two fierce strains. It reminds us that in the middle of wrath God remembers mercy. The stranger-whether pilgrim, emigrant or slave-was to be included in burned-offerings and sacrifices; a prevision of the time when all holy souls shall be reckoned in the household of God, Ephesians 2:19 .
Sins of ignorance may be forgiven, Numbers 15:22-29 . They are sins. Debts of shortcoming need pardon equally as do trespasses. But, as Paul teaches us, we may confidently count on forgiveness for evil things done unwittingly. See 1 Timothy 1:12-14 ; Hebrews 5:2 . It is quite otherwise with sins of presumption,Numbers 15:30-36 . If persisted in, these induce death. See 1 John 5:16 .
We have something better than the memorial fringe, in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, John 14:26 .
Bibliographical Information Meyer, Frederick Brotherton. "Commentary on Numbers 15". "F. B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary". https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/fbm/numbers-15.html. 1914.
Verses 27-41
Exemplary Punishment for Sabbath-breaking
Numbers 15:27-41
This chapter resembles a sweet flute-like melody inserted between two fierce strains. It reminds us that in the middle of wrath God remembers mercy. The stranger-whether pilgrim, emigrant or slave-was to be included in burned-offerings and sacrifices; a prevision of the time when all holy souls shall be reckoned in the household of God, Ephesians 2:19 .
Sins of ignorance may be forgiven, Numbers 15:22-29 . They are sins. Debts of shortcoming need pardon equally as do trespasses. But, as Paul teaches us, we may confidently count on forgiveness for evil things done unwittingly. See 1 Timothy 1:12-14 ; Hebrews 5:2 . It is quite otherwise with sins of presumption, Numbers 15:30-36 . If persisted in, these induce death. See 1 John 5:16 .
We have something better than the memorial fringe, in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, John 14:26 .