Numbers 5 5

Numbers 5:5 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 5:5 nkjv

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Numbers 5:5 niv

The LORD said to Moses,

Numbers 5:5 esv

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Numbers 5:5 nlt

Then the LORD said to Moses,

Numbers 5 verses

Numbers 5 5 Meaning

Numbers 5:5 signifies the divine origin and absolute authority of the commands that follow. It declares that the LORD Himself communicated these specific instructions directly to Moses, His chosen mediator. This introductory formula establishes the sanctity and binding nature of the laws regarding the removal of impurity from the camp, restitution, and the test of jealousy. The verse sets the foundation for God's standards of purity and justice for His covenant people.

Numbers 5 5 Context

Numbers chapter 5 opens a new section of divine instruction after the detailed organization of the camp and the Levites in previous chapters. It emphasizes the need for a holy and pure community as Yahweh dwells in their midst (Num 5:3). This verse, Numbers 5:5, serves as the authoritative introduction to three distinct sets of laws aimed at maintaining this purity: the expulsion of ceremonially unclean individuals (verses 1-4), the law of restitution for wrongs against one's neighbor and Yahweh (verses 6-10), and the law concerning a jealous husband and a potentially unfaithful wife (verses 11-31). Historically, these laws were given at Mount Sinai (or shortly after leaving Sinai) to the generation of Israelites who would form God's new covenant people in the wilderness. The constant reminder that "the LORD spake" underscored the divine authority, making these commands not human suggestions, but direct mandates from the Sovereign God who tabernacled among them, demanding holiness and righteousness in every facet of their national and personal lives.

Numbers 5 5 Word analysis

• And (וַיְדַבֵּר - Way): This "And" is the waw consecutive, a Hebrew grammatical feature that indicates sequential action. It links the preceding narrative (the regulations for impurity expulsion) directly to a new divine pronouncement. It shows a continuous, unfolding revelation of God's will for His people.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): This is the Tetragrammaton, the sacred, personal covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. Its use here signifies that it is not a general deity or human leader who is giving these commands, but the very God who delivered Israel from Egypt, who made the covenant with them, and who dwells in their midst. This name underscores His personal relationship, omnipotence, and covenant faithfulness.
• spake (דָּבַר - dabar): The verb dabar means "to speak" or "to declare." In the context of divine communication, it implies a direct, verbal, and authoritative utterance. This is not merely a thought or inspiration, but a spoken command that demands attention and obedience. It highlights God's active engagement and communication with humanity.
• unto Moses (אֶל־מֹשֶׁה - el-Moshe): This phrase confirms Moses' unique role as God's primary prophet and mediator. Among all Israel, God chose Moses alone for this direct, intimate level of communication. He served as the unparalleled recipient and transmitter of divine law, distinct from anyone else in the community.
• saying (לֵּאמֹר - lemor): Literally "to say," this participle always precedes a direct quote of the speaker's words. It acts as an introductory marker, signifying that what follows is the precise and exact content of what the LORD "spake." This reinforces the fidelity and authenticity of the recorded divine command, assuring the original audience (and subsequent generations) that these are God's very words, not a human interpretation.

Numbers 5 5 Bonus section

The repetitive use of the phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" across the books of the Law (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) forms a powerful literary and theological refrain. This recurring formula serves several crucial functions beyond mere introduction:

• Emphasis on Divine Source: It continually reminds the reader that the entire legal, ceremonial, and moral framework of Israel is divinely ordained, not humanly constructed.
• Affirmation of Mosaic Authority: It validates Moses' unique and unparalleled role as God's spokesperson and mediator to His people, establishing him as the ultimate human authority for Israel.
• Immutability of the Law: The consistent source implies the unchanging nature of the laws given. They are not subject to cultural shifts or human debate, as they come directly from God.
• Pre-canonical Attestation: Before the concept of "scripture" was fully formed, this phrase served as an immediate seal of inspiration, confirming to the original recipients that these were "thus says the LORD" declarations.
• Foundation for Obedience: Knowing that commands come directly from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God provides the ultimate basis and motivation for obedience.
• Distinction from Surrounding Nations: This established a fundamental difference between Israel's laws and those of pagan cultures, where laws were often seen as stemming from kings, ancient customs, or a pantheon of lesser, unpredictable deities. Israel's law came from the one true, living, and speaking God.

Numbers 5 5 Commentary

Numbers 5:5 is far more than a simple conjunction; it's a foundational theological statement that authenticates everything that follows. In just a few words, it conveys the absolute sovereignty and direct involvement of Yahweh in the ordering of His people's lives. By specifying "the LORD spake," the text asserts that the complex regulations regarding purity, restitution, and marital integrity are not arbitrary rules conceived by humans, but divinely mandated statutes. This elevates them to a level of inviolable truth, demanding unwavering obedience. Moses, as the faithful messenger, exemplifies the proper response to God's revelation: attentive reception and accurate transmission. This consistent introductory formula throughout the Pentateuch serves to remind Israel, and us, that genuine spirituality is rooted in heeding God's own words. The message is clear: these are not mere suggestions for social order, but requirements for a people called to be holy as their God is holy, particularly crucial because His presence (the tabernacle) resided in their camp. It lays the groundwork for the sanctity required of a community in direct covenant relationship with a holy God.