Keraia
Numbers 15

Numbers 15:38

The Law of Tassels · Numbers 15:37–41
Read Numbers 15

Translations

Modern
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come they are to make for themselves tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.
Traditional
Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:
Literal
“Speak to the sons of Israel and tell them to make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put in the tassels of the corners a blue thread.
Latin
Loquere filiis Israël, et dices ad eos ut faciant sibi fimbrias per angulos palliorum, ponentes in eis vittas hyacinthinas:

Original

Hebrew
English
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come they are to make for themselves tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.

Notes

Numbers 15:37–41

  • If the Hebrews had remembered their special relationship with the Lord, they might have avoided the problems in Numbers. The tassels reminded Israel of their unique bond with a holy God and his expectations. He had freed his people from Egypt. Consistent with his call to a covenant relationship, he expected them to observe the law (see Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Matthew 9:20; 14:36; 23:5).

  • The color blue was a sign of royalty, which means kingship or rule. It also reminded the people of God’s holiness.

Numbers 15:1–41

Chapters 1–14 cover a short time period, but chapter 15 marks the start of a long period. This is the main part of the forty years in the wilderness, about which little is known. There are references to events during this time (for example, Deuteronomy 8:2–6; 29:5–6; Joshua 5:4–8; Ezekiel 20:10–26; Amos 5:25–26; Acts 7:42–43).

During this period, Moses continued to give laws to guide Israel’s life as a nation. These laws would be especially important in the future. They were meant for the day when the people who survived the wilderness would enter the promised land.

This chapter addresses three main types of laws. Numbers 15 is in the middle of stories about a stubborn and disobedient Israel. It offers hope that the promised land still waited for the next generation of Israel’s people.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Judaism Numbers, Book of Snail Synagogue Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Colors: Blue: Symbol of Deity Fringes: Prescribed for the Vesture Worn by the Israelites Garments were often Fringed and Bordered Hyke or Upper Garment: Law Respecting Fringes of Instruction by Object Lessons: Fringes on the Borders of Garments Instruction in Religion Obedience: Enjoined Ribband: General Scriptures Concerning The Color Blue Token: A Fringe