Numbers 15: Obedience and Remembrance

Key Verse: Numbers 15:40 

"So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God."

After the Israelites’ tragic rebellion in Numbers 14, when they refused to enter the Promised Land, Numbers 15 shifts the focus back to obedience and future restoration. Despite their failure, God reaffirms His commands for when they do enter the land, showing that His promises remain, even when His people fall short.

This chapter reminds us that obedience to God is not optional, and remembering His commands is essential to staying faithful.

God’s Commands Are Still in Effect

Even though the current generation would not enter the Promised Land due to their unbelief, God still gave instructions for the offerings and sacrifices they would present once their children took possession of the land (Numbers 15:2).

This teaches us:

• God’s promises are sure, even when we fail. He does not abandon His plans.

• Obedience is a sign of faith. Even though Israel had failed, God still called them to follow His ways.

• Worship must be done on God’s terms. The sacrifices He required pointed to the need for atonement and devotion.

Despite their current wandering, the Israelites needed to prepare for future obedience.

A Warning Against Presumptuous Sin

Numbers 15 also distinguishes between unintentional and intentional sin:

1. Unintentional sins – Sins committed in ignorance had a way of being atoned for through sacrifice (Numbers 15:22-29).

2. Defiant, willful sins – Rebellion against God’s commands resulted in severe consequences (Numbers 15:30-31).

This distinction reminds us that God’s grace is available to the repentant, but willful rebellion has consequences.

A striking example is the man caught gathering wood on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36). Though this may seem like a small offense, it was a direct violation of God’s command. His punishment—death—revealed how seriously God takes obedience.

• God’s commands are not to be taken lightly.

• Sin is serious, whether we think it is small or big.

• A rebellious heart leads to separation from God.

The Blue Tassels: A Reminder to Obey

At the end of the chapter, God commands the Israelites to wear blue tassels on their garments (Numbers 15:37-41). These tassels served as a visual reminder to keep His commandments and remain holy.

This teaches us that spiritual forgetfulness leads to disobedience. We must be intentional in remembering God’s word and living by it.

• Regular reminders keep our hearts aligned with God.

• Holiness is a continual choice, not a one-time event.

• Faithfulness requires discipline in remembering and applying God’s truth.

Final Thought

Numbers 15 is a call to obedience, even after failure.

• God’s promises remain, even when we fall short.

• Sin is serious, but repentance and obedience restore us.

• We must be intentional in remembering God’s commands and living them out.

Are you actively reminding yourself of God’s word? Daily commitment to obedience is the key to walking in holiness and experiencing God’s blessing.