“That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.”
Context: The book of Numbers is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally ascribed to Moses. It contains laws and regulations given to the Israelites during their wilderness journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land.
Importance of Remembering: In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to wear tassels on the corners of their garments as a reminder to remember and obey His commandments. The act of remembering is crucial because human beings have a tendency to forget, especially in the midst of challenges and distractions. By wearing these tassels, they would be constantly reminded of God’s commandments and their responsibility to follow them.
Obedience to God’s Commandments: The verse emphasizes the importance of doing all of God’s commandments. Obedience was a central theme in the relationship between God and His people. The Israelites were called to live in accordance with God’s laws as a demonstration of their love, loyalty, and devotion to Him. The act of obedience was a tangible expression of their faith and trust in God’s guidance and wisdom.
Being Holy: Another aspect highlighted in this verse is the call to be holy. To be holy means to be set apart or dedicated to God. The Israelites were chosen by God to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6), and their holiness was to be manifested in their thoughts, words, and actions. By observing God’s commandments, they would demonstrate their commitment to holiness and their separation from the pagan practices and moral decadence of the surrounding nations.
Application for Christians: While this commandment was specifically given to the Israelites, there are lessons that can be applied to Christians today. As believers, we are called to remember God’s commandments and live in obedience to them. Jesus affirmed the importance of obedience when He said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). We are also called to be holy, as Peter writes, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15, KJV). Just as the tassels served as a visual reminder for the Israelites, we can rely on prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship with other believers to remind us of God’s commandments and empower us to live holy lives.
In summary, Numbers 15:40 reminds us of the significance of remembering God’s commandments, being obedient to them, and striving to be holy. It encourages us to develop a deep reverence for God’s instructions and to integrate them into our daily lives, allowing them to shape our thoughts, actions, and character.
