Numbers 15:14

Num 15:14. If a stranger sojourn with you — It is plain this is to be understood of such strangers as had renounced idolatry and become proselytes to the worship of the true God. And if strangers, who were intermixed with the Jews, and resided in their country, had not been obliged to conform to the same ceremonies of public worship with the Jews, their example might, by degrees, have produced a change in, and corruption of, that form of worship which God himself had instituted.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Verse 14. If a stranger sojourn] See the notes on Le 19:33; Le 22:9. When the case of the Jewish people is fairly considered, and their situation with respect to the surrounding idolatrous nations, we shall see the absolute necessity of having but one form of worship in the land. That alone was genuine which was prescribed by the Almighty, and no others could be tolerated, because they were idolatrous. All strangers - all that came to sojourn in the land, were required to conform to it; and it was right that those who did conform to it should have equal rights and privileges with the Hebrews themselves, which we find was the case. But under the Christian dispensation, as no particular form of worship is prescribed, the types and ceremonies of the Mosaic institution being all fulfilled, unlimited toleration should be allowed; and while the sacred writings are made the basis of the worship offered to God, every man should be allowed to worship according to his own conscience, for in this respect every one is

"Lord of himself, accountable to none

But to his conscience and his God alone."

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

14. a stranger] a sojourner. For this word and the ‘homeborn,’ see on Num_9:14.

or whosoever be among you] This appears to mean one who is residing in the land but has not been granted the definite status of a gêr or ‘sojourner.’ Some, with less probability, understand it of a foreigner who is staying temporarily with Israelites.

throughout your generations] i.e. at any future time.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation,.... Or "O congregation" (i), as Ben Melech, and so the Targum of Jonathan, "O whole congregation"; though Aben Ezra denies it to be vocative:

and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you; the same ordinance, statute, or appointment, respecting the above things, were equally binding on one side as on the other, an homeborn Israelite and a proselyte of righteousness:

an ordinance for ever in your generations; to be observed by them, one and the other, in all ages, until the Messiah came and abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances:

as ye are so shall the stranger be before the Lord; not in things civil, but religious, and particularly with respect to the above sacrifices and offerings: Ben Gersom and Aben Ezra say this respects the burnt offering only, which was before the Lord.

(i) "O Congregatio", Noldius, p. 237. No. 1077.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

A stranger, to wit, proselyte, for such offerings were not accepted from others.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

A stranger. Septuagint, proshlutov .

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

he must make an offering made by fire

This can be stated in active form. AT: "he must burn an offering on the altar" (See: Active or Passive)

to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

"to produce a smell that pleases Yahweh." The Lord being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offers the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. AT: "to please Yahweh by offering it" (See: Metaphor)

As you are, so also must be the traveler

Possible meanings are 1) "You and the traveler staying with you are alike before Yahweh" or 2) "The same law applies to both you and the traveler"

He must act as you act before Yahweh

"He must act as you act in Yahweh's presence." Because it says that they must act as the Israelites in Yahweh's presence, it is implied that they must obey all of Yahweh's commands. AT: "he must act as you act and obey all of Yahweh's commands" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

translationWords

alien

life

generation

law, laws

decree

unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.