Numbers 5:1-27

NUMBERS—NOTE ON Numbers 5:1 The concept of uncleanness is important in the Bible, and it is not what most people assume the term means (for a discussion of the term, see Introduction to Leviticus; see also Leviticus 11:1). There were different levels of uncleanness, ranging from a mild form caused by marital intercourse (Leviticus 15:18), to moderate caused by skin disease (Leviticus 13:1), to severe uncleanness triggered by sins like idolatry, adultery, and homicide. Severe uncleanness had led to the Canaanites losing their land, and Israel was warned that the same thing could happen to them (Leviticus 20:22). People who were unclean were forbidden to participate in worship. Their uncleanness could infect the tabernacle, making it impossible for God to dwell there. The Day of Atonement cleansed the tabernacle once a year (Leviticus 16:1) to ensure God’s continuing presence with his people. These regulations in Numbers 5:1 protect the camp from uncleanness so that the tabernacle will remain pure and God can stay with his people.