Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 15:37 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Numbers 15:37 is part of a series of laws given to the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness, aiming to shape their lives and relationships with God. The book of Numbers records these instructions, which were intended to establish holiness, order, and the proper way of living for God’s people. This article explores the context of Numbers 15:37, its meaning, application in life, and offers a conclusion that highlights its relevance for us today.
The Context of Numbers 15:37 (KJV)
The Setting in the Book of Numbers
The Book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Bible and part of the Pentateuch, the first five books written by Moses. The book largely focuses on the Israelites’ time in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, their disobedience, and their journey toward the promised land of Canaan. Numbers is filled with stories of God’s faithfulness, the Israelites’ complaints, and the giving of various laws that the people were expected to follow.
In Numbers 15, God continues to provide detailed instructions about how the Israelites should live in the wilderness. The chapter includes laws about offerings, sacrifices, and various religious observances, ensuring that the people maintain purity, holiness, and obedience to God. Additionally, it addresses issues such as intentional and unintentional sin, the Sabbath, and the importance of faithfulness to the Lord.
The specific verses leading up to Numbers 15:37 deal with instructions regarding sin offerings and the significance of obeying God’s commands. In this context, God is not just giving laws; He is also teaching His people about the importance of remembering Him and the visual ways they should demonstrate their devotion.
The Preceding Verses
Before Numbers 15:37, God had just finished explaining several important matters, including the proper way to offer sacrifices and the consequences of sin. He highlighted the distinction between unintentional sins and intentional sins, with particular attention to the role of faithfulness and repentance. Numbers 15:37-41 provides a specific commandment regarding the tassels or fringes the Israelites should wear, which links to a larger concept of keeping God’s commandments close and visible at all times.
Numbers 15:37 (KJV)
Here is the verse in King James Version:
Numbers 15:37 (KJV):
“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,”
This verse is quite short, but it plays a pivotal role in introducing a commandment that would carry great symbolic importance for the Israelites. It is followed by the actual command in verse 38, which instructs the Israelites to make tassels on the corners of their garments and to wear them throughout their generations as a reminder of God’s commandments.
Numbers 15:37 Meaning
The Purpose of the Commandment
In Numbers 15:37, God speaks directly to Moses, providing another commandment for the Israelites. This is an instruction to wear tassels on the corners of their garments. The purpose of these tassels was not just for decoration but as a reminder to the Israelites to follow God’s commandments. This action of wearing fringes or tassels was a tangible way of reminding the people to remain faithful to the laws of God and live in holiness.
These tassels, known as tzitzit in Hebrew, were intended to visually remind the people of their covenant with God. They were symbolic of the law of God and served as a physical representation of the call to holiness and obedience. In fact, the tassels were intended to be a visual cue for the Israelites to remember and keep the commandments of God. Every time they looked at the fringes, they would be reminded of their responsibility to live righteously, serve God, and keep His laws.
This commandment can be seen as part of a larger biblical theme of God giving His people physical signs to help them remember Him and His commands. Just as God provided signs like the rainbow after the flood (Genesis 9:13) or the Passover meal (Exodus 12:14), the tassels were a continual reminder of the covenant between God and His people.
Significance of the Tassels
The tassels also had specific instructions on how they were to be made. In Numbers 15:38, God instructs the people to make the tassels with blue cords (or thread) attached to each one, which would represent the sky or heaven, linking them symbolically to God’s divine presence. The tassels on the garments were not just a physical adornment; they were a spiritual sign of obedience and connection to the heavenly Father.
The command to wear these tassels on the corners of their garments is symbolic of the fact that God’s laws should be at the very corners of one’s life—in every area and every aspect of a person’s daily existence. This physical reminder helped the Israelites not to lose sight of God’s holiness and the covenant they had with Him. It was a constant reminder to live in a way that pleased God.
The Reminder of God’s Commandments
In Numbers 15:37, God directly tells Moses that the Israelites should wear these tassels as a reminder. The word “reminder” is key because it indicates that the Israelites might forget or become distracted from their commitment to God. The tassels served as a visual representation of their spiritual commitment to obey God’s laws. By wearing them, the Israelites demonstrated their intent to follow God’s Word and seek to live righteous lives.
The command to wear these tassels can be seen as a reminder that God’s commands should always be before us, guiding our thoughts and actions. The tassels were not meant to be an isolated or private sign but a public reminder to the whole community that their lives should reflect their relationship with God.
Numbers 15:37 Application in Life
Constant Reminders of God’s Commands
Though we do not wear tassels today, the principle of remembering God’s commands is still relevant. Just as the Israelites were instructed to wear physical reminders, we, as Christians, are called to have God’s Word deeply embedded in our lives. This means that we should be intentional about keeping God’s commandments in mind throughout our day. Whether it is through reading the Bible, praying, or seeking counsel from godly people, the goal is to keep God’s will ever before us.
For instance, many Christians today wear cross necklaces, display Bible verses on their homes or offices, or engage in other forms of visual reminders to keep their focus on God. These acts help us stay grounded in our faith and constantly remember that we are called to live according to God’s Word.
Holiness and Righteous Living
The command to wear the tassels was also a call to live in holiness. The Israelites were supposed to wear these tassels as a reflection of their commitment to living righteously. This reminds us that we, as believers, are also called to pursue holiness. Our daily actions, words, and choices should reflect our devotion to God. The tassels were a visible sign to others that the Israelites belonged to God, and our lives should also serve as a witness to those around us of our faith and commitment to Christ.
Living with Intentionality
Just as the Israelites were reminded to wear these tassels intentionally, we are called to live intentional lives. God’s laws and commandments should not be something that we ignore or forget; they should guide everything we do. Our interactions with others, the way we handle money, the way we care for our bodies—each area of our lives should be lived intentionally and in accordance with God’s Word.
Living intentionally means making choices that reflect our relationship with God. It means setting time aside for prayer, worship, and studying the Bible. Just as the tassels were meant to be a consistent reminder to the Israelites, we should surround ourselves with reminders of God’s presence and His Word.
Accountability in the Christian Community
The Israelites were to wear the tassels as part of the whole community. This reminds us of the importance of accountability in the Christian faith. We are not meant to walk alone but are part of a community of believers who help each other stay on track. The reminder of God’s commands is not just for us as individuals but for the church as a whole. Just as the Israelites would see each other’s tassels and be reminded of God’s laws, we should encourage one another in our walk with God. This is the role of the Church—to keep each other accountable and help each other live according to God’s commandments.
Conclusion
Numbers 15:37 and the subsequent instructions on wearing tassels are more than just a cultural or historical practice for the Israelites. They are a powerful reminder for all believers, both then and now, of the importance of keeping God’s commandments in the forefront of our lives. The tassels were a visual sign of the covenant between God and His people, a way to keep God’s law ever before them.
For us today, the passage challenges us to live lives that reflect God’s holiness and His Word. Though we may not wear physical tassels, we are still called to keep God’s commands in our hearts and minds at all times. The call to remember God’s Word is not just about a ritual but about living intentionally and pursuing holiness in all that we do.
In the Christian life, we are also encouraged to surround ourselves with reminders of God’s presence, to walk in accountability with fellow believers, and to live in a way that reflects our commitment to Christ. Numbers 15:37 reminds us that our relationship with God should not be something we forget or neglect, but something we are constantly reminded of as we seek to live faithfully according to His Word.
You Might Be Interested In: