Justin Houtz

Numbers 15, Romans 15

DateVersionReading Plan
May 12, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 15

Observation & Interpretation

The LORD spoke to Moses and gave instruction as to how sacrifices and offerings were to be carried out. Num. 15:1-16 detail the voluntary sacrifices and Num. 15:17-21 provide the “requirement to offer the first of the harvest to Yahweh” (FSB). The LORD also told Moses what was to be done in cases of unintentional and intentional sin. For the unintentional sin of an individual or community, there was a sacrificial procedure to be followed and atonement made by the priest, after which the people of Israel shall be forgiven (Num. 15:22-26). If one person sinned unintentionally, he was to bring an offering, the priest shall make atonement and he shall be forgiven (Num. 15:27:28). However, if anyone sinned intentionally with a “high hand”, that person was to be cut off from among the people and his iniquity shall be on him. The FSB gives context regarding “high hand”:

The Hebrew idiom beyad ramah (“with upraised hand”) denotes a posture of striking out and was considered a threatening gesture. The description indicates flaunted sin. Those who sinned intentionally but later showed remorse and repentance could receive atonement (see Lev 6:1–7).

Then is depicted a specific case in which a man gathered sticks on the Sabbath. The people did not know how to handle the situation, so they brought the man before Moses and Aaron and placed him in custody. The LORD said to Moses that the man was to be stoned to death outside the camp and the people complied as the LORD commanded Moses (Num. 15:32-36).

Next is recorded how the LORD spoke to Moses to speak the people of Israel that they were to make tassels on the corners of the garments throughout their generations and put a cord of blue on the tassel of each garment. The tassel was to be a visual reminder of the commandments of the LORD, to do them and not to follow after their own hearts. According to the BBC, “Blue is the heavenly color, and it was intended to speak to them of the holiness and obedience which suited them as children of God.”

Application

While there was offering procedures to be followed for unintentional sins and punishment to be meted out for high-handed, intentional sins, there were consequences for sin in one form or another. It is not only the degree of severity of sin or its motivation but its ubiquity that is the problem. All sin falls short of the glory of God and separates us from Him. Our sin nature is such that we cannot bring ourselves to permanent right standing before God apart from a sacrificial atoning work by God Himself. All praise, honor and glory be to our God who has done just this, sending His Son to be our propitiation, awash in His atoning blood that through Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Romans 15

Observation & Interpretation

Paul exhorts believers that the strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak (Rom. 15:1). Encouraging “more than just tolerance; [Paul] wants the strong to be sympathetic toward the weak, even willing to restrict their freedom to prevent the weak from acting against their consciences.” (BBC) Paul expresses his wish that God will enable them to live in harmony with one another in accord with Christ Jesus (Rom. 15:5). The saints are to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed them, for the glory of God (Rom. 15:7).

Paul then spoke of how Christ became a servant to the uncircumcised to show God’s truthfulness, to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, purposing that the Gentiles might also glorify God for His mercy (Rom. 15:8). Paul quotes several OT passages to confirm this and closes the section with a benediction that God would “fill the saints with all joy and peace as they believe on Him.” (BBC).

Paul conveyed his satisfaction about the brothers that they were full of goodness and knowledge and able to instruct, but also that he had written boldly by way of reminder to them to be a minister to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God (Rom. 15:14-16). Paul’s intent was not to speak of anything but what Christ accomplished through him to bring the Gentiles to obedience by both word and deed (Rom. 15:18). It was Paul’s ambition to preach the gospel not where Christ had already been named, lest he build on someone else’s foundation and attributed this to the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Is. 52:15).

Paul then gave reason for his being hindered from coming to them and his plan to visit Rome. He urged the brothers to strive together in their prayers to God on his behalf by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit that he may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea (Rom. 15:30-31). The chapter ends with a prayer by Paul “that the God who is the source of peace might be their portion.” (BBC)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that by the blood of Your Beloved Son the consequences of my sin are washed away. With what abundant grace was Your love poured out that You would restore and redeem this wretched sinner. Father, guide me by Your Spirit in faithful service, to proclaim with all boldness Your glorious gospel.

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