“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.”
Historical Context: The book of Numbers records the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the border of the Promised Land. This verse is part of a section that contains various instructions given to the people of Israel regarding their conduct, worship, and observance of God’s laws.
The Fringe: In this verse, God commands the Israelites to make fringes on the borders of their garments. This fringe served as a visual reminder for them to remember and obey God’s commandments. The fringes were to be a constant reminder of their covenant relationship with God and the importance of following His instructions.
Remembering the Commandments: The primary purpose of the fringe was to help the Israelites remember and keep God’s commandments. God wanted His people to be constantly mindful of His laws and to live in obedience to them. Remembering the commandments would serve as a safeguard against going astray and following their own desires or the influences of the surrounding nations.
Guarding Against Spiritual Whoring: The phrase “after which ye use to go a whoring” carries symbolic significance. In the Bible, the act of “whoring” is often used metaphorically to describe idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness. God was warning the Israelites not to be led astray by their own hearts and eyes, which could entice them towards idolatrous practices and other sinful behaviors. The fringe was intended to serve as a visual reminder to remain faithful to God and avoid spiritual unfaithfulness.
Application for Today: While the commandment to wear fringes is specific to the Israelites in their historical context, there are timeless principles we can learn from this verse. We are reminded of the importance of actively remembering and obeying God’s commandments in our lives. We must guard against the influence of our own desires and the temptations of the world that may lead us away from God’s ways. Just as the fringes served as a physical reminder for the Israelites, we can utilize various practices, such as reading the Bible, prayer, and fellowship with other believers, to keep God’s commandments at the forefront of our minds.
In summary, Numbers 15:39 emphasizes the importance of remembering and obeying God’s commandments. The fringe on the garments served as a visual reminder for the Israelites to remain faithful to God, guard against idolatry, and avoid following their own desires. While the specific practice of wearing fringes may not apply to us today, the underlying principles of actively remembering and obeying God’s commandments remain relevant for believers in all generations.
