Chapter 5 – Purity, Restitution, and Jealousy Offering
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Purity of the Camp – God commands Moses to remove all that are ceremonially unclean (lepers, those with discharges, and those defiled by the dead) from the camp to keep Israel holy (vv. 1–4).
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Restitution for Wrongdoing – Instructions are given for confessing sins, making restitution for trespasses, and adding a fifth part to what was wrongfully taken (vv. 5–10).
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The Law of Jealousy – A special test is instituted for a wife accused of unfaithfulness. The priest performs a ritual with holy water and dust from the tabernacle floor, leading to God’s judgment. If guilty, the woman suffers a curse of barrenness; if innocent, she is cleared (vv. 11–31).
Key Theme: God demands purity in Israel’s camp and justice in relationships. Hidden sins are to be exposed, and restitution is required.
Chapter 6 – The Nazarite Vow and Priestly Blessing
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The Nazarite Vow – A voluntary vow of separation to the Lord, available to men and women (vv. 1–21):
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Abstain from wine and anything from the vine.
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No cutting of hair during the vow.
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Avoid all contact with dead bodies.
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At the vow’s completion, offerings were made, and the hair was shaved and placed in the fire under the peace offering.
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The Priestly Blessing – God instructs Moses to teach Aaron and his sons how to bless Israel (vv. 22–27):
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“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
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The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
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The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
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Key Theme: The Nazarite vow highlights consecration and separation to God. The priestly blessing is a direct word from God of His protection, grace, and peace upon His people.
? Summary
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Numbers 5: Purity and restitution—God requires holiness in the camp and integrity among His people.
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Numbers 6: Dedication and blessing—the Nazarite vow symbolizes complete devotion, and the priestly blessing reveals God’s desire to bless His people with peace.
