The LORD wanted his people to be free from defilement in every way. He commanded the camp to be kept clean, and this included their hearts that they may be forgiven. This meant they should confess their sin and be held accountable, with restitution made to any person who was injured. Then, a blood sacrifice should be offered to God for atonement. Sin is more than a human matter; a man who wrongs another and does not set it right is unfaithful to the LORD. Only God can make a person holy.

A person who is unfaithful to his or her marriage vows is defiled. A jealous heart also defiles a person, for jealousy makes it impossible for one to see himself and others from God's point of view. The law of jealousy was given to remove jealousy from a person's heart. If there is a legitimate reason for jealousy, then the person who has been unfaithful must be punished. If there is no reason for being jealous, then the jealous person must repent and cast jealousy out of his or her heart.


Application: Lord, help me to take sin seriously. Thank you for providing a way for sinners to be healed. Help me to repent and bring my sins to you with full trust in your forgiveness.
One Word: God can purify his people