Numbers 15:1-21 – Laws for the Promised Land
The beginning of this law is very encouraging. It is obvious, not only that God is reconciled to them despite the sentence He has passed upon them, but that He will give the promised land to their children despite their proneness to rebel against Him. For this law takes it for granted that there are some of them that will in due time come into Canaan. Some food offerings are added to the burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, and about these direction is here given. It is required, since the sacrifices are intended as the food of God’s table, that there should be a constant provision of bread, oil, and wine, whatever the meat is. The purpose of this law is to show what proportion the meat-offering and drink-offering should bear to several sacrifices to which they are added.
Natives and strangers are treated equally with the Israelites in this. This is an invitation to the Gentiles to embrace the faith and worship of the true God. This is an obligation upon the Jews to be kind to strangers, and not to oppress them, because they see God accepting their offerings. It would also humble the pride of the Jews. God lets them know that the sons of the stranger are as welcome to Him as the sons of Jacob; no man’s birth or parentage shall affect His acceptance with God. But in the same way as believing strangers should be counted Israelites, so unbelieving Israelites should be counted strangers.
There is a law for the offering of the first of their dough to the Lord. This again presumes that they will be in Canaan one day. They must admit their dependence upon God for their daily bread. Christ has taught us to pray not, ‘Give us this year our yearly harvest’, but ‘Give us this day our daily bread,’ so we will remember we need Him every day.
Question
- Why are these laws encouraging?
- How does God treat the stranger in Israel?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.