Numbers 5:1-4

On Defilement

1 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
2 "Command the sons of Israel that they 1send away from the camp every leper and everyone having a 2discharge and everyone who is 3unclean because of a dead person.
3 "You shall send away both male and female; you shall send them outside * * the camp so that they will not defile their camp where I dwell 4in their midst."
4 The sons of Israel did so and sent them outside * * the camp; just as the LORD had spoken to Moses, thus the sons of Israel did.

Numbers 5:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 5

This chapter contains a repetition of some former laws, concerning putting unclean persons out of the camp, Nu 5:1-4; making restitution in case of trespass against another, Nu 5:5-8; and of giving the offering of all holy things and all hallowed things to the priests, Nu 5:9,10; and a new law concerning jealousy, in a man, of his wife, Nu 5:11-14; when she was to be brought to the priest, and various rites and ceremonies to be used, Nu 5:15-23; who was to give her bitter water as a trial of her chastity, which, if guilty, would have a strange effect upon her, and make her accursed, but if not, would not affect her, and she would be free and happy, Nu 5:24-31.

Cross References 4

  • 1. Leviticus 13:8, 46; Num 12:10, 14, 15
  • 2. Leviticus 15:2
  • 3. Leviticus 21:1; Numbers 9:6-10; Numbers 19:11
  • 4. Leviticus 26:12; Numbers 35:34
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