Numbers 21
In this section, the Israelities take over one city. They were able to, only because God gave them the victory. They begin to complain and are killed by snakes. Moses pleads to God on their behalf, and many are saved as they look up to a snake on a pole. They then take over many other lands and inhabit them.
The snake resembled the cross to me. The snake on a pole. Jesus talks about this very scene in John 3:14-15. Jesus must be lifted up, so that many may believe and have temporary life. The bronze snake only provided temporary life and healing from their afflictions but Jesus brings much greater freedom and healing.
Numbers 22
Balaam is instructed by Moab officials to curse the Israelites, but God still holds that they are blessed and will not be cursed--even after all they did. Why? because it is not about what they do or what we do...No. It is about what God does! It is about who God is...
Balaam disobeyed God, and went. It infuriated God. Balaam's donkey turned away. God used the donkey to grab Balaam's attention for his disobedience.
An important verse for this chapter is verse 38 where it says: “Well, I have come to you now,” Balaam replied. “But I can’t say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.” We should only speak God's words. We should be careful to please only the Lord. We need to focus only on Him.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Numbers 18-20
In this section, it was very interesting.. The Israelites just had the earth open up and consume them, fire came down and struck others, and plague hit them, which you'd think would solve any complaining on their part. God gives Aaron, his sons, and his tribe of Levi responsibilities on protecting the tabernacle. Then, they are given specific instructions on become pure from their uncleanness and sins using water. Chapter 20 is what really caught my attention: the Israelites are seen complaining again for their need of water, God gives Moses and Aaron instructions, and Moses and Aaron did not follow His instructions.. As a result,
Clark's commentary points out how Moses and Aaron disobeyed God's command.
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
Clark's commentary points out how Moses and Aaron disobeyed God's command.
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
Because ye believed me not - What was the offense for which Moses was excluded from the promised land? It appears to have consisted in some or all of the following particulars:
1. God had commanded him (Numbers 20:8) to take the rod in his hand, and go and Speak To The Rock, and it should give forth water. It seems Moses did not think speaking would be sufficient, therefore he smote the rock without any command so to do.
2. He did this twice, which certainly in this case indicated a great perturbation of spirit, and want of attention to the presence of God.
3. He permitted his spirit to be carried away by a sense of the people's disobedience, and thus, being provoked, he was led to speak unadvisedly with his lips: Hear now, ye Rebels, Numbers 20:10.
4. He did not acknowledge God in the miracle which was about to be wrought, but took the honor to himself and Aaron: "Must We fetch you water out of this rock?"
Thus it plainly appears that they did not properly believe in God, and did not honor him in the sight of the people; for in their presence they seem to express a doubt whether the thing could be possibly done. As Aaron appears to have been consenting in the above particulars, therefore he is also excluded from the promised land.
The sins of Moses and Aaron had real consequences. They were (A) not helping the people trust God, (B) behaved like it was their power, (C) Not entering the land promised, and (D) Aaron died as a result of their sin. They also couldn't pass through the land of Edom, so they had to turn around. Moses and Aaron were supposed to be the people's leaders! This passage is very powerful to me, because we have to be listening carefully to the voice of God and being OBEDIENT to what God has for us to do.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Number 16-17
Number 16
The people came against Moses and Aaron to avenge for they saw themselves just as holy as Moses. God told the congregation to separate from the tent of this group. The groups would be destroyed for their sins. The ground swallowed them up alive, and those holding the incense were killed with the fire of God. Despite all the conflict that came against Moses, he advocated for the people and they were purified to stop of the plague that God had set out to destroy the people of Israel.
Two thing stick out to me:
Choose your company very carefully. The Israelites started out as a few who were bad in character, and they multiplied.
Also, we need to advocate on people's benefits before God. We need to pray for them, and give them over to God.
Number 17
The budding of the staffs. Each tribe is given a staff. Aaron's is the only one whose sprouted something. It sprouted Almonds. It is going to be a sign to put an end to the complaining of the Israelites. It left questions to the Israelites: "Are we going to die? We are too lost. Are we all going to die?"
The people came against Moses and Aaron to avenge for they saw themselves just as holy as Moses. God told the congregation to separate from the tent of this group. The groups would be destroyed for their sins. The ground swallowed them up alive, and those holding the incense were killed with the fire of God. Despite all the conflict that came against Moses, he advocated for the people and they were purified to stop of the plague that God had set out to destroy the people of Israel.
Two thing stick out to me:
Choose your company very carefully. The Israelites started out as a few who were bad in character, and they multiplied.
Also, we need to advocate on people's benefits before God. We need to pray for them, and give them over to God.
Number 17
The budding of the staffs. Each tribe is given a staff. Aaron's is the only one whose sprouted something. It sprouted Almonds. It is going to be a sign to put an end to the complaining of the Israelites. It left questions to the Israelites: "Are we going to die? We are too lost. Are we all going to die?"
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90
Numbers 14:
The Israelites complain, want to take new leaders, disobey God's will by going back to Egypt, and want to stone Aaron and Moses. It is out of God's great love that He forgave them! These Israelites will not see the land promised to Abraham, but Caleb and Joshua will go to the land promised! The Israelites will walk around for forty years. Their children will suffer because of their parents' sins. The generation of grumbling Israelites will die in the wilderness, then the rest of the Israelites will inherit the land and get to enjoy the land. The Israelites tried to overtake the Amalekites, and were defeated by them.
The Israelites went from grumbling to complain, disobeying God's will by seeking to return to Egypt to stoning their God-given leaders. Complaining is nothing I want to take part of, for I know the lack of fruit it contains. It takes away faith. It takes root and makes our hearts sick. The sickness of our hearts shows up in our actions, just as it did in their actions!
Numbers 15:
After they enter the land, they are to give God offerings. God has specific offerings that are to be brought to Him. They are to have the same rules for the Israelites and aliens. God does not have favoritism, for the rules are the same. Sin offerings are also given with specific regulations as to how to do it. God wants the first of our stuff! For me, God wants me to give my tithe out of the money I am receiving from my paycheck. God wants the first of my time! God wants my best, not what is left!
Psalm 90:
In this Psalm, it reminded me of the Israelite's journey. God's wrath was experienced for the Israelites. Moses prayer was that they would be taught to number their days that they would be taught wisdom. I want God to satisfy me alone in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. I want to be satisfied by God alone. I do not want to give sin the power over me. I do not want sin to hide in my heart. I do not want to spend my days complaining. I want to praise God in my journey. I want to praise Him in my affliction. I do not want to sit and question what God is doing, for He is GOD!
The Israelites complain, want to take new leaders, disobey God's will by going back to Egypt, and want to stone Aaron and Moses. It is out of God's great love that He forgave them! These Israelites will not see the land promised to Abraham, but Caleb and Joshua will go to the land promised! The Israelites will walk around for forty years. Their children will suffer because of their parents' sins. The generation of grumbling Israelites will die in the wilderness, then the rest of the Israelites will inherit the land and get to enjoy the land. The Israelites tried to overtake the Amalekites, and were defeated by them.
The Israelites went from grumbling to complain, disobeying God's will by seeking to return to Egypt to stoning their God-given leaders. Complaining is nothing I want to take part of, for I know the lack of fruit it contains. It takes away faith. It takes root and makes our hearts sick. The sickness of our hearts shows up in our actions, just as it did in their actions!
Numbers 15:
After they enter the land, they are to give God offerings. God has specific offerings that are to be brought to Him. They are to have the same rules for the Israelites and aliens. God does not have favoritism, for the rules are the same. Sin offerings are also given with specific regulations as to how to do it. God wants the first of our stuff! For me, God wants me to give my tithe out of the money I am receiving from my paycheck. God wants the first of my time! God wants my best, not what is left!
Psalm 90:
In this Psalm, it reminded me of the Israelite's journey. God's wrath was experienced for the Israelites. Moses prayer was that they would be taught to number their days that they would be taught wisdom. I want God to satisfy me alone in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. I want to be satisfied by God alone. I do not want to give sin the power over me. I do not want sin to hide in my heart. I do not want to spend my days complaining. I want to praise God in my journey. I want to praise Him in my affliction. I do not want to sit and question what God is doing, for He is GOD!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Numbers 11-13
Numbers 11-13
In chapter 11, the Israelites felt their hardships and complained, and the anger of God raged against them. Moses pleaded with God, and he put his Spirit on seventy of Israel's leaders, so Moses was not carrying the Israelites all by himself. He shared the load with some of the nation's leaders. God gave the people their wish for meat, but he sent a severe plague on the people.
Here, I can see the danger of complaining. Complaining hardened their hearts, and made them ungrateful. I know I too have been ungrateful and complained about my hardships, but God's hand has heavily been upon my life. God has saved me in ways I cannot even know, so why do I sit and complain?!?
In chapter 12, Moses is confronted by Miram and Aaron. They brought on a foolish argument that Moses sees himself as the only one who spoke on God's behalf. Miram suffers for her sin by being confined outside the camp for seven days. Moses pleaded to God on her behalf. God's anger burned for what they were saying about his servant, Moses.
Complaining and opposing another seem to come from the same area. The Israelites are affecting Moses' inner circle, and it angers God. The hearts of those are deeply afflicted. Their hearts are hardened. They are distant from God if they are questioning Moses' intentions.
In chapter 13, Men from each tribe is sent to explore the land of Canaan. Caleb wanted to go overtake the land, while others falsified their testimony to attempt to get what they wanted quicker.
The hearts of the Israelites are seen, and this time their inpatience is seen greatly.
Complaining, opposing others, and impatiences is something we all struggle with. I know, I struggle with these things greatly. They are the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit that we get as we grow closer in our walk with the Lord. It is a matter of the heart. It does not say much about the hearts of the Israelites. Despite God's constant walking with them, their hearts are in ruins and not trusting in Him.
In chapter 11, the Israelites felt their hardships and complained, and the anger of God raged against them. Moses pleaded with God, and he put his Spirit on seventy of Israel's leaders, so Moses was not carrying the Israelites all by himself. He shared the load with some of the nation's leaders. God gave the people their wish for meat, but he sent a severe plague on the people.
Here, I can see the danger of complaining. Complaining hardened their hearts, and made them ungrateful. I know I too have been ungrateful and complained about my hardships, but God's hand has heavily been upon my life. God has saved me in ways I cannot even know, so why do I sit and complain?!?
In chapter 12, Moses is confronted by Miram and Aaron. They brought on a foolish argument that Moses sees himself as the only one who spoke on God's behalf. Miram suffers for her sin by being confined outside the camp for seven days. Moses pleaded to God on her behalf. God's anger burned for what they were saying about his servant, Moses.
Complaining and opposing another seem to come from the same area. The Israelites are affecting Moses' inner circle, and it angers God. The hearts of those are deeply afflicted. Their hearts are hardened. They are distant from God if they are questioning Moses' intentions.
In chapter 13, Men from each tribe is sent to explore the land of Canaan. Caleb wanted to go overtake the land, while others falsified their testimony to attempt to get what they wanted quicker.
The hearts of the Israelites are seen, and this time their inpatience is seen greatly.
Complaining, opposing others, and impatiences is something we all struggle with. I know, I struggle with these things greatly. They are the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit that we get as we grow closer in our walk with the Lord. It is a matter of the heart. It does not say much about the hearts of the Israelites. Despite God's constant walking with them, their hearts are in ruins and not trusting in Him.
Numbers 3-10
Numbers 3-4
The theme is that God gives us our load to carry, and He gives us the tasks that we are to complete..God gives each of us specific tasks that we are to complete. We are to be just as diligent, as those who were working near the tabernacle. We are serving the most high God, and God will give us our tasks. God is the One we are working for, not man!
Levites are to work under Aaron and his sons to serve and care for the tabernacle! They were to be counted by their clans and families. Each clan had their own individual responsibility, in caring for the tabernacle. None other than Aaron's family and the Levites were allowed near the tabernacle. The Levites were seen as God's. The first born of the Israelites were redeemed with 5 shekels each.
The Kohathite clans are given the job of carrying the most holy things in the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons are to carefully wrap the holy things using blue delicate cloth. The people of Kohathite are to carry the things, but not directly touch them or look at them for if they do--they will die.
The Gershonite clans are given the instruction of carrying the curtains and other equipment used in the tent of meeting. The Merarites clans are given the instruction of carrying frames and bases from the Tabernacle.
Each clan used all the men from the ages of thirty to fifty to serve in the Lord's tabernacle! They were each given specific instructions on what their task was.
Numbers 5-6
God seeks purity. God is holy. We too need to be holy. There needed to be purity in the camp, so those who were unclean were sent outside the camp to reside. The people needed to confess their sins and have atonement made for their sins. Temporarily, animals were able to atone for the people's sin. We have the ultimate sacrifce for our sins, Jesus Christ. One sin sacrifice to last eternity!
There is a test that must be done for an unfaithful wife. The husband is to bring his wife and a grain offering before the priest. The priest will have the wife stand before the Lord, and if she has been unfaithful---she will have brought a curse on herself when she drinks bitter water if she has indeed sinned by being unfaithful to her husband. Her abdomen will swell, and she will miscarry. If she has been faithful to her husband, she will be able to bear children.
In chapter 6, there is the dedication to the Lord by the Nazirite. The long hair cut by the priest is the sign of their dedication to the Lord. They are to bring certain offerings to the Lord, and it is a process. It is the process of setting themselves apart where they are not allowing themselves to be defiled by things. They are consecrating themselves to the Lord.
Choosing to dedicate ourselves to the Lord is a serious time of setting ourselves apart for God and His work. It is choosing to be set apart for His purpose and to serve and follow only Him.
Numbers 7
Moses consecrated the tabernacle, and each tribe came to bring offerings before the Lord. Grain, burnt, sin, and fellowship offerings were offered. Each day, each tribe took turns to bring their offerings before the Lord. It was their dedication. The Lord spoke to Moses in this place.
This shows me the importance of realizing the chance we have to give offerings before the Lord. God no longer requires us to give sin offerings, for only Christ can give a lasting sacrifice for our sin. What I can give God is my heart! God wants my motives and confessions of my sins. God wants me, and my time! I can give the chance to fellowship with others and pray for those around me facing trials!
Numbers 8-10
The Levites are given wholly to the Lord! The Levites are to be set apart, and ceremonially clean. The Israelites are to put their hands on them, and present them before the Lord. What I found interesting is the men from 25-50 are to do the work of the tabernacle, but once they are 50 years old--they must retire.. We need to be wholly given to the Lord. We need to wholly surrender ourselves to the Lord. The old way was to have a set age to serve in the tabernacle. But with Christ, there is no age group. Anyone and everyone is invited to participated in the Kingdom of God. Jesus even calls the children to come and we are to come little little children if we want to inherit the Kingdom of God.
The Israelites questioned what to do if they were unclean during the Passover. The Lord told Moses that they are still to participate in the Passover. However if someone is clean and does not participate, then they are cut off from the Israelite community. The Israelites obeyed the Lord's command. If the cloud encompassed the tabernacle, they stayed encamped. If the cloud lifted, they set out. They followed the Lord's command, which is so important to remember to do. We have to stay on track. It is so easy to get distracted by the world, but we have to continue to follow the Lord. We must continue to be diligent in dedicating ourselves to Him!
God instructs Moses to gather the community using trumpets. The Israelites leave Sinai at the Lord's command! Each tribe followed through with their responsibilities concerning the tabernacle, for it was required to be set up by the time of everyone's arrival. The ark of the covenant would find them a place of rest. The cloud of the Lord would follow them by day. This passage shows me the purpose in the preceding chapters. God gave them responsiblities for reasons. God had Moses count them for reasons. God was leading his people, and going to give them the land he promised if they obeyed his commands and followed his leading.
The theme is that God gives us our load to carry, and He gives us the tasks that we are to complete..God gives each of us specific tasks that we are to complete. We are to be just as diligent, as those who were working near the tabernacle. We are serving the most high God, and God will give us our tasks. God is the One we are working for, not man!
Levites are to work under Aaron and his sons to serve and care for the tabernacle! They were to be counted by their clans and families. Each clan had their own individual responsibility, in caring for the tabernacle. None other than Aaron's family and the Levites were allowed near the tabernacle. The Levites were seen as God's. The first born of the Israelites were redeemed with 5 shekels each.
The Kohathite clans are given the job of carrying the most holy things in the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons are to carefully wrap the holy things using blue delicate cloth. The people of Kohathite are to carry the things, but not directly touch them or look at them for if they do--they will die.
The Gershonite clans are given the instruction of carrying the curtains and other equipment used in the tent of meeting. The Merarites clans are given the instruction of carrying frames and bases from the Tabernacle.
Each clan used all the men from the ages of thirty to fifty to serve in the Lord's tabernacle! They were each given specific instructions on what their task was.
Numbers 5-6
God seeks purity. God is holy. We too need to be holy. There needed to be purity in the camp, so those who were unclean were sent outside the camp to reside. The people needed to confess their sins and have atonement made for their sins. Temporarily, animals were able to atone for the people's sin. We have the ultimate sacrifce for our sins, Jesus Christ. One sin sacrifice to last eternity!
There is a test that must be done for an unfaithful wife. The husband is to bring his wife and a grain offering before the priest. The priest will have the wife stand before the Lord, and if she has been unfaithful---she will have brought a curse on herself when she drinks bitter water if she has indeed sinned by being unfaithful to her husband. Her abdomen will swell, and she will miscarry. If she has been faithful to her husband, she will be able to bear children.
In chapter 6, there is the dedication to the Lord by the Nazirite. The long hair cut by the priest is the sign of their dedication to the Lord. They are to bring certain offerings to the Lord, and it is a process. It is the process of setting themselves apart where they are not allowing themselves to be defiled by things. They are consecrating themselves to the Lord.
Choosing to dedicate ourselves to the Lord is a serious time of setting ourselves apart for God and His work. It is choosing to be set apart for His purpose and to serve and follow only Him.
Numbers 7
Moses consecrated the tabernacle, and each tribe came to bring offerings before the Lord. Grain, burnt, sin, and fellowship offerings were offered. Each day, each tribe took turns to bring their offerings before the Lord. It was their dedication. The Lord spoke to Moses in this place.
This shows me the importance of realizing the chance we have to give offerings before the Lord. God no longer requires us to give sin offerings, for only Christ can give a lasting sacrifice for our sin. What I can give God is my heart! God wants my motives and confessions of my sins. God wants me, and my time! I can give the chance to fellowship with others and pray for those around me facing trials!
Numbers 8-10
The Levites are given wholly to the Lord! The Levites are to be set apart, and ceremonially clean. The Israelites are to put their hands on them, and present them before the Lord. What I found interesting is the men from 25-50 are to do the work of the tabernacle, but once they are 50 years old--they must retire.. We need to be wholly given to the Lord. We need to wholly surrender ourselves to the Lord. The old way was to have a set age to serve in the tabernacle. But with Christ, there is no age group. Anyone and everyone is invited to participated in the Kingdom of God. Jesus even calls the children to come and we are to come little little children if we want to inherit the Kingdom of God.
The Israelites questioned what to do if they were unclean during the Passover. The Lord told Moses that they are still to participate in the Passover. However if someone is clean and does not participate, then they are cut off from the Israelite community. The Israelites obeyed the Lord's command. If the cloud encompassed the tabernacle, they stayed encamped. If the cloud lifted, they set out. They followed the Lord's command, which is so important to remember to do. We have to stay on track. It is so easy to get distracted by the world, but we have to continue to follow the Lord. We must continue to be diligent in dedicating ourselves to Him!
God instructs Moses to gather the community using trumpets. The Israelites leave Sinai at the Lord's command! Each tribe followed through with their responsibilities concerning the tabernacle, for it was required to be set up by the time of everyone's arrival. The ark of the covenant would find them a place of rest. The cloud of the Lord would follow them by day. This passage shows me the purpose in the preceding chapters. God gave them responsiblities for reasons. God had Moses count them for reasons. God was leading his people, and going to give them the land he promised if they obeyed his commands and followed his leading.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Numbers 1-2
Numbers 1-2
The Lord commands Moses and Aaron to form a census for each of the camps of Israel using the head household of each tribe. The Levites were not included in the census. When they settled into a camp, the Levites were the ones camped closest to the tabernacle. The Levites were in charged for caring for the tabernacle. If another came close to it, they would be killed. This was the organization of Israel's congregation and community.
The Lord commands Moses and Aaron to form a census for each of the camps of Israel using the head household of each tribe. The Levites were not included in the census. When they settled into a camp, the Levites were the ones camped closest to the tabernacle. The Levites were in charged for caring for the tabernacle. If another came close to it, they would be killed. This was the organization of Israel's congregation and community.
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