Understanding Numbers 15:39

Verse: "And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:" (Numbers 15:39)

Summarized Meaning

This verse emphasizes the importance of remembering God's commandments and adhering to them. The fringe mentioned serves as a visual reminder for the Israelites to stay faithful to the teachings of the Lord and not be led astray by their own desires or distractions.

Key Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry explains that the fringes were intended to remind the Israelites of their covenant obligations. The visual cue served to keep them aligned with God’s commands and to reject temptations that might lead them away from holiness.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes highlights the practical aspect of the command, noting that it serves to combat the tendency of the heart to wander. The fringes were a constant prompt to obedience and an antidote to spiritual wandering.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke adds that the requirement of wearing fringes is symbolic of a deeper spiritual truth—one must always be conscious of their commitment to God. He stresses that the function of the fringe is to inspire fidelity both in thought and action.

Theological Significance

Numbers 15:39 serves to bridge the covenant relationship between God and His people. The intentional act of wearing fringes is not merely a tradition but a continuous reminder of the need for obedience to divine law. It points to the heart’s inclination to stray, reinforcing the idea that constant vigilance is needed in fulfilling their spiritual obligations.

Bible Verse Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 22:12: "Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself." This verse reiterates the command for fringes, stressing their role in the lives of the Israelites.
• Matthew 23:5: "But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments." This New Testament verse offers insight into the practice of wearing fringes or phylacteries as a sign of piety, highlighting human tendencies toward performative faith.
• Psalm 119:11: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." This connects with the idea of internalizing God’s commandments as a protection against sin.
• Hebrews 10:22: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." This speaks to the purity of intent in keeping God's commandments.
• Exodus 20:8: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." This verse emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s laws, much like the reminders to wear the fringes.
• 1 Corinthians 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." This serves as a warning against the complacency that leads to spiritual failure, resonating with the call to remember God's commandments in Numbers 15:39.
• James 1:22: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." This reflects the necessity of not just remembering God’s law but actively living it out.

Practical Application

To apply the teachings of Numbers 15:39, believers can create their own "fringes" in life—whether by setting reminders, using notes, or developing habits that keep them engaged with Scripture. This act of remembrance is essential for sustaining faith and ensuring obedience to God's will.

Conclusion

In summary, Numbers 15:39 is a profound reminder of one's commitment to God. The verse encapsulates the essence of living a life aligned with the divine commandments and serves as a practical guide to spiritual vigilance.