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Numbers 15:39

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

Numbers 15:39 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to wear a fringe on the corners of their garments as a reminder to keep His commandments. The purpose of this fringe, known as tzitzit, is to serve as a visual reminder of their covenant with God and to help them resist the temptations of their own hearts and eyes. By looking upon the fringe, the Israelites are encouraged to remember the importance of following God's laws and to stay faithful to His teachings. The phrase "after which ye use to go a whoring" serves as a metaphor for straying away from God's commandments and seeking after worldly desires. Through this commandment, God emphasizes the importance of obedience and fidelity to Him, rather than giving in to sinful temptations. The wearing of the fringe serves as a tangible symbol of their commitment to God and a constant reminder to walk in His ways.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that the commandment to wear fringes serves as a visible reminder to the Israelites to obey God's laws. The act of looking upon the fringe would trigger their memory of the commandments and encourage them to live in accordance with God's will. By wearing the fringe, the Israelites would be constantly reminded of the covenant they had with the Lord and their commitment to following His commandments. The phrase "that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes" emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation and not straying from the path of righteousness. The mention of going "a whoring" serves as a warning against idolatry and following worldly desires. In this way, the fringe becomes a symbol of faithfulness and obedience, guiding the Israelites in their daily lives.

Numbers 15:39 in other translations

American Standard Version

and it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of Jehovah, and do them; and that ye follow not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to play the harlot;

World English Bible

and it shall be to you for a fringe, that you may look on it, and remember all the commandments of Yahweh, and do them; and that you not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you use to play the prostitute;

Douay-Rheims

That when they shall see them, they may remember all the commandments of the Lord, and not follow their own thoughts and eyes going astray after divers things,

Geneva Bible (1599)

And ye shall haue the fringes, that when ye looke vpon them, ye may remember all the commandemets of the Lord, and do them: and that ye seeke not after your own heart, nor after your owne eyes, after the which ye go a whoring;