Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 15:40 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Numbers 15:40 is part of a passage that emphasizes the importance of remembering God‘s commands. In this verse, the Lord tells the Israelites to wear tassels on the corners of their garments as a physical reminder to keep His commandments. But what does this verse truly mean, and how can we apply its message to our lives today?
In this article, we will explore the context of Numbers 15:40, the meaning of the verse itself, how it applies to us, and the broader lessons it teaches about obedience to God.
The Context of Numbers 15:40 KJV
Setting in the Book of Numbers
The Book of Numbers is a record of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. During this time, they were learning to live as God’s chosen people. They had been given the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, and they had received various laws and instructions on how to live in a way that was pleasing to God.
Numbers 15 is a chapter that continues to provide detailed instructions for the Israelites. It deals with various sacrifices, regulations for purification, and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God through obedience. In the verses leading up to Numbers 15:40, God has been reminding the Israelites of the significance of obeying His commandments and the consequences of failing to do so.
The Fringes and the Blue Cord
In Numbers 15:37-41, God gives specific instructions about the fringes or tassels that the Israelites were to wear on the corners of their garments. This practice was meant to remind the people of their covenant with God and to keep His commandments in their hearts and minds. The fringes were to have a blue cord, which was a symbol of God’s holiness and divine presence. The blue cord on the tassels was not just a decoration but served as a constant visual reminder of God’s law.
These instructions were given as part of the broader law that aimed to help the Israelites remember their identity as God’s chosen people and to live in a way that was pleasing to Him. Numbers 15:40 is part of this instruction, which emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s commandments in every aspect of daily life.
Numbers 15:40 (KJV)
“That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.” — Numbers 15:40 (KJV)
Key Elements of the Verse
“That ye may remember”: The purpose of the tassels and the blue cord was to serve as a reminder to the Israelites. God knew that it would be easy for His people to forget His laws, especially as they lived in a world surrounded by other nations with different beliefs and practices. The tassels were a simple but powerful reminder to always keep God’s commandments in mind.
“Do all my commandments”: The reminder was not just about remembering God’s laws but also about obeying them. God’s desire for His people was not merely to recall His commands but to put them into practice in their everyday lives. Obedience to God was key to living out the covenant He had made with them.
“Be holy unto your God”: Holiness was a central aspect of the Israelites’ identity. God had set them apart as His people, and they were called to reflect His holiness in their actions, attitudes, and relationships. The purpose of remembering and obeying God’s commandments was ultimately to lead the Israelites to live holy lives, dedicated to Him.
Numbers 15:40 Meaning
A Reminder to Remember
The first part of the verse, “That ye may remember,” reveals a key reason behind God’s command. People tend to forget things that are not actively in front of them. God, knowing the human tendency to forget, provided the Israelites with a physical reminder in the form of the fringes on their garments. Every time they saw or touched the fringes, they were reminded of their commitment to God and the need to obey His laws.
It’s interesting to note that God does not merely ask His people to remember; He provides them with a tangible tool to help them do so. In a similar way, God often provides us with reminders in our lives to help us stay focused on Him and His ways. These might come in the form of Scripture, prayer, church gatherings, or even personal experiences that lead us back to Him.
Obeying God’s Commandments
The second part of the verse, “Do all my commandments,” highlights the importance of obedience. God does not simply want His people to remember His commands; He wants them to live by them. Obedience is not optional; it is a sign of true relationship with God.
For the Israelites, obeying God’s commandments was a way to show their love and respect for Him. In the same way, our obedience today shows our love for God. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience to God is an expression of our faith and trust in His wisdom.
The Call to Holiness
The final phrase, “Be holy unto your God,” emphasizes the ultimate goal of remembering and obeying God’s commandments: holiness. Holiness is central to the life of a believer. God is holy, and He calls His people to be holy as well. To be holy means to be set apart for God’s purposes, to live according to His standards, and to reflect His character.
The fringes and blue cord were symbolic of this holiness. They were a constant reminder that the Israelites were God’s chosen people, set apart to live differently from the surrounding nations. For us, holiness is also a reminder that we are called to live according to God’s will, reflecting His character in our lives.
Numbers 15:40 Application in Life
Remembering God’s Word
Just as the fringes were a physical reminder for the Israelites, we too need reminders to keep God’s Word at the forefront of our lives. In our busy world, it’s easy to become distracted and forget about the importance of following God’s commands. Numbers 15:40 encourages us to find ways to stay connected to God’s Word and to remember His teachings.
One way to do this is by regularly reading the Bible and meditating on its truths. Another way is to surround ourselves with reminders of God’s presence, such as keeping Scriptures in our homes or praying regularly. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the more we will remember His commands and the better equipped we will be to live according to them.
Living in Obedience to God
Numbers 15:40 reminds us that remembering God’s Word is not enough—we must also obey it. Obedience is a sign of our relationship with God, and it demonstrates our trust in His wisdom. It’s one thing to know what the Bible says, but it’s another thing to live it out in our daily lives.
Obedience to God’s commands may not always be easy, especially when they challenge our natural desires or the world’s standards. However, God promises that His ways are good and that obedience leads to blessings. In 1 John 5:3, we read, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” Obedience to God’s Word brings joy and peace because it aligns us with His perfect will.
Pursuing Holiness
The ultimate goal of remembering and obeying God’s commands is to live holy lives. Holiness is not about perfection; it’s about being set apart for God’s purposes and living in a way that reflects His character. Numbers 15:40 challenges us to live in a way that honors God in every area of our lives.
To pursue holiness, we must prioritize our relationship with God and seek to reflect His character in our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. This may involve making choices that align with His Word, avoiding things that would compromise our relationship with Him, and seeking to grow in the fruit of the Spirit. As we grow in holiness, we become more effective witnesses of God’s love and truth to the world.
Conclusion
Numbers 15:40 teaches us an important lesson about the necessity of remembering God’s commandments, living in obedience to them, and pursuing holiness in our lives. The Israelites were given a physical reminder in the form of the fringes on their garments, and in the same way, we must find ways to keep God’s Word at the center of our lives. Our obedience to God is not just an external act but an expression of our love for Him and our commitment to living according to His will.
As we strive to remember and obey God’s commandments, we will grow in holiness and become more like Him. Our lives will reflect His love, His truth, and His grace, and we will be a powerful witness of His goodness to the world around us. May we take the message of Numbers 15:40 to heart and live lives that are holy and pleasing to our God.
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