Numbers 15:39: “You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 15:39 explains the purpose behind the tassels that the Israelites were commanded to wear on the corners of their garments. The tassels were not just decorative; they were there to serve as a daily reminder to follow God’s commands and to keep their hearts focused on Him. God knew the human tendency to forget and stray, so He gave the Israelites this practical tool to help them stay faithful.
The verse emphasizes that the tassels were meant to help the people remember and obey God’s commands, steering them away from following their own desires. The phrase “not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes” is strong language that underscores how easily people can be led astray by their own desires. The tassels were a constant reminder to keep God’s Word at the center of their lives, preventing them from turning to sinful ways.
Historical Context
During this period, the Israelites were living under the direct guidance of God’s laws, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt and set apart as God’s chosen people. They were called to be holy and distinct from the surrounding nations, which often followed idolatrous practices and selfish desires. The tassels on their garments were a visual cue that they were different and that their lives were to be marked by obedience to God’s Word.
In a world filled with distractions and temptations, the Israelites needed these reminders to stay focused on God’s commands. The tassels served as a safeguard against forgetting their identity and purpose. They were a daily discipline that kept the Israelites connected to God’s covenant, helping them to live as a light among the nations and not to fall into the practices that dishonored God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 15:39 teaches the importance of intentional reminders in our spiritual lives. God understands our weaknesses and provides practical ways to help us stay true to His path. This verse highlights that faithfulness to God requires conscious effort and discipline, and that visual reminders can be powerful tools in keeping us on track.
This passage also addresses the human struggle with temptation. It acknowledges that our hearts and eyes are often drawn to things that lead us away from God. By instructing the Israelites to wear the tassels, God was helping them guard against the natural inclination to follow their own desires rather than His commands. The verse underscores that obedience to God is not just about avoiding sin but about actively choosing to remember and follow Him every day.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Numbers 15:39 uses vivid and clear language to convey its message. The instruction to “look at” the tassels and “remember all the commands of the Lord” creates a strong mental image of mindfulness and focus. The contrast between remembering God’s commands and “chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes” highlights the stark difference between a life directed by God and one led by personal desires.
The choice of the phrase “prostitute yourselves” is particularly striking, illustrating the seriousness of turning away from God. This strong imagery conveys how deeply God values faithfulness and how damaging it is when His people stray. The verse’s language is direct and confrontational, reminding the reader of the real spiritual dangers of neglecting God’s Word.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 4:23 – Encourages guarding your heart, for everything you do flows from it, emphasizing the need to protect oneself from inner temptations.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – Commands the Israelites to keep God’s words close, binding them on their hearts and homes, reinforcing the idea of constant reminders.
- Matthew 6:22-23 – Jesus teaches about the eye being the lamp of the body, highlighting the importance of keeping one’s focus pure.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Numbers 15:39 serves as a reminder that we, too, need to keep God’s Word constantly before us. While we may not wear physical tassels, we are called to fill our lives with reminders of God’s presence and commands. This could be through reading Scripture regularly, praying, surrounding ourselves with other believers, or using visual symbols of faith in our daily environment.
The verse challenges us to be aware of our own hearts and the temptations that can lead us away from God. It calls us to be proactive in our faith, to guard against distractions, and to keep our focus on God’s ways rather than our own. In a world filled with competing desires and values, the lesson of this verse is to stay anchored in God’s truth and to make deliberate choices that reflect our commitment to Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Numbers 15:39 reflects a loving God who understands the human condition and provides practical means to help His people stay faithful. God’s command to wear the tassels wasn’t just about following a rule; it was an expression of His desire to keep His people close to Him. God knows that we are prone to forget and to be drawn away, and He lovingly provides ways to help us remember who we are in Him.
God’s love is seen in His desire to protect His people from the consequences of wandering hearts. By giving the Israelites these reminders, God was showing that He cares about their faithfulness and wants them to thrive spiritually. His commands are not burdens but gifts that help us stay connected to His heart and His purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and helps us keep our focus on God. Jesus emphasized the importance of the heart in obedience, teaching that it’s not just about outward actions but about inner devotion. In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” This echoes the principle in Numbers 15:39, where God calls His people to remember His commands and live by them.
Through Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit, who serves as our internal reminder, guiding us into all truth and helping us keep God’s Word at the center of our lives. Unlike the tassels, which were external reminders, the Holy Spirit works within us, continually pointing us back to God’s ways. Jesus’ teachings and His presence in our lives provide the ultimate guidance, helping us to resist the pull of our own desires and live in obedience to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What practical reminders can you put in place to help you keep God’s commands at the forefront of your daily life?
- How do you guard your heart against the temptations that can lead you away from God’s path?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your focus remains on God and not on your own desires?
- How does knowing that God provides these reminders out of love change the way you view His commands?
- How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you and keep you connected to God’s Word each day?
This article encourages Christians to be intentional about keeping God’s commands at the forefront of their lives, to recognize His loving guidance, and to rely on Jesus Christ, who empowers us to live faithfully in a world full of distractions.