Then the LORD said to Moses,This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Moses, a common occurrence in the Pentateuch, where Moses serves as the primary mediator between God and the Israelites. This divine communication underscores the authority and sacredness of the instructions that follow. In the context of Numbers, God often speaks to Moses to provide laws and guidelines for the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness. This reflects the covenant relationship established at Sinai, where God gave the Law to Moses for the people. The phrase also highlights the role of Moses as a prophet, a leader chosen by God to guide His people, which is affirmed in
Deuteronomy 34:10, where it states that no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. This communication is part of the ongoing revelation of God's will to His chosen people, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to His commands.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is giving instructions to His people through Moses.
2.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments to the people.
3.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are receiving these laws as part of their covenant relationship with Him.
4.
Wilderness JourneyThe context in which these instructions are given, as the Israelites are journeying towards the Promised Land.
5.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants, and towards which the Israelites are traveling.
Teaching Points
God's CommunicationGod speaks to His people through chosen leaders, emphasizing the importance of listening to and respecting spiritual authority.
Covenant RelationshipThe instructions given to Moses are part of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness.
Provision and PromiseThe context of the wilderness journey and the anticipation of the Promised Land remind us of God's provision and the hope of future fulfillment.
Obedience and FaithThe Israelites' journey is a lesson in obedience and faith, teaching us to trust in God's promises even when the path is uncertain.
Spiritual LeadershipMoses' role as a mediator between God and the people underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in our faith communities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 15:17?
2.How does Numbers 15:17 emphasize the importance of offerings in worship practices?
3.What does Numbers 15:17 teach about obedience to God's commands?
4.How can we apply the principles of Numbers 15:17 in our daily lives?
5.How does Numbers 15:17 connect with New Testament teachings on offerings?
6.What role does gratitude play in the instructions given in Numbers 15:17?
7.What is the significance of the grain offering in Numbers 15:17-21?
8.How does Numbers 15:17 relate to the concept of firstfruits in the Bible?
9.Why does God command offerings in Numbers 15:17-21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 15?
11.What does Jehovah-Nissi mean?
12.What does 'The Lord is My Banner' mean?
13.Why does God kill Uzzah instantly for touching the Ark to prevent it from falling (2 Samuel 6:7)?
14.Numbers 20:8-11 - Why does this passage seem inconsistent with Exodus 17:6 regarding the instructions God gives Moses for drawing water from a rock?What Does Numbers 15:17 Mean
Then• The word points us back to what has just been said. InNumbers 15:1–16 the people were given instructions about grain, drink, and animal offerings that would apply “after you enter the land.” The sequence reminds us that God’s commands build upon one another, moving His people steadily toward obedience and blessing (seeExodus 12:1–2;Leviticus 24:1–4).
• “Then” also highlights God’s patience. Even after Israel’s failures in chapters 13–14, the Lord continues to speak, demonstrating the truth ofPsalm 103:8: “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.”
the LORD• This is Israel’s covenant God, the One who revealed Himself as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). His unchanging name assures the people that His promises remain sure despite their rebellion (Malachi 3:6).
• By naming Himself here, God emphasizes His authority. What follows is not Moses’ idea but divine command, echoing the pattern ofLeviticus 1:1, “The LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting.”
• The mention of the LORD also reassures the wilderness generation that, although they must wander, the same God who defeated Egypt (Exodus 15:3) is still guiding them.
said• God speaks. FromGenesis 1:3 onward, His spoken word creates, commands, and sustains.Hebrews 1:1–2 will later remind us that He has always communicated with His people.
• When He “said,” the expectation is obedience (Deuteronomy 4:36). His speech carries life and direction, distinguishing Israel from the nations who serve silent idols (Psalm 115:4–7).
• The ongoing dialogue shows relationship, not mere rule-giving. As with Abraham (Genesis 18:17) and Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10), God’s spoken word invites His servants into deeper fellowship.
to Moses• Moses is the chosen mediator (Exodus 19:3;Numbers 12:6–8). The people hear God through him, foreshadowing the greater Prophet whom God would later raise up (Deuteronomy 18:15).
• This arrangement underscores order. God’s word comes to Moses, who will relay it accurately, maintaining unity and preventing confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
• The phrase also highlights grace. Though Israel has murmured against Moses (Numbers 14:2), God still entrusts leadership to him, demonstratingRomans 11:29: “For God’s gifts and His calling are irrevocable.”
summaryNumbers 15:17, “Then the LORD said to Moses,” may seem brief, yet every word is rich. “Then” ties the verse to God’s unfolding plan, “the LORD” assures us of His covenant faithfulness, “said” reveals His active, authoritative voice, and “to Moses” points to the divinely appointed mediator. Together, the words affirm that God continually guides His people, speaks with clarity, and provides leadership—even when they falter—so they can walk in obedience and hope.
Verse 17. -
And the Lord spake unto Moses. Whether on the same or on some other occasion we cannot tell. The two enactments have the same supplemental and (humanly speaking) trivial character.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsaidוַיְדַבֵּ֥ר(way·ḏab·bêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdueto Moses,מֹשֶׁ֥ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver
Links
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OT Law: Numbers 15:17 Yahweh spoke to Moses saying (Nu Num.) 
