Laws for future land settlement detail grain and drink offerings accompanying animal sacrifices, with quantities proportional to the animal's size. The same regulations apply to both native Israelites and resident aliens, establishing one law for all. Intentional sin receives no atonement and warrants being cut off, illustrated by the execution of a Sabbath-breaker, while tassels on garments serve as reminders to obey God's commands.
Read Numbers Chapter 15 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Moses
Leader of Israel through the wilderness, mediator between God and the people
Aaron
High priest of Israel, brother of Moses
Miriam
Prophetess, sister of Moses and Aaron
Joshua
One of the faithful spies, future leader of Israel
Caleb
One of the faithful spies who believed God's promise
Balaam
Pagan prophet hired to curse Israel but compelled to bless them
Places in This Chapter
Plains of Moab
View on MapFinal encampment before entering Canaan, where Moses gave his final addresses
Egypt
View on MapEgypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Position in Book
Preparation at SinaiChapters 1-10
Journey to KadeshChapters 11-12
Failure at Kadesh BarneaChapters 13-14
Wilderness WanderingsChapters 15-19
Various laws, Korah's rebellion, Aaron's budding rod, and the red heifer purification ritual.
Journey to MoabChapters 20-21
Events in MoabChapters 22-25
Preparation for CanaanChapters 26-36
Bible Bites
Why 'Numbers' Got Its Name
The book of Numbers is named for the two censuses of Israel—one at Mount Sinai counting 603,550 fighting men and another in Moab nearly 40 years later. The Hebrew title 'Bemidbar' means 'in the wilderness.'
Numbers