Numbers - part 1

 Numbers 1-15 (These are my notes from my reading.)

(1-4) God continues to set up an orderly nation.  The warriors are numbered and the camp set up in an orderly fashion so that the tabernacle and, therefore, God, is at the center of Israel and is guarded well.  The Levites are also numbered and assigned specific duties.  They are dedicated to God and represent the firstborn of the nation, given to God because of the Passover and because the first of everything should be given to God.

(5-10) Laws are reiterated and new laws given.  Tests and punishments are set out so that the people can judge guilt or innocence.  Women are protected by these tests for adultery so that their husbands cannot just make accusations and be rid of them.  Every tribe gives an offering to the Lord for the tabernacle and the priests to use.  There are rules for the lamps and trumpets made for signaling the camp.

(11-12) The Israelites, like most humans, are huge complainers.  Moses struggles to lead the people by himself, so God provides elders to help him.  The big difference between Moses and the people (with Aaron and Miriam) is that Moses goes to God with his complaints.  The people simply murmur to each other (maybe pretending to be complaining to God, but they don't go to Him right away). Moses goes to God in humility and respect.

(13-14) Spies are sent into the land.  They see that, indeed, God has brought them to a fruitful, beautiful land, but they are fearful.  Only Caleb and Joshua have the faith that God will see them through.  Their faith is true, alive, and backed up by actions.  The rest of the nation shows their lack of faith by their lack of action due to fear.  Only because of Moses' intercession are the people not destroyed.  Moses intercedes mostly on behalf of God and His reputation among the nations.  He understands that Israel represents God to the nations and, even though they are poor representatives, God is glorified.  There is still punishment for their rebellion,, but God listens to Moses and Israel remains.  They try to go back and do as they were told, but the chance is gone.  We need to obey God immediately, without question, and without complaint, just as we teach our children to obey us.  God is sovereign and chose Israel because of His choice, not because of anything about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, or any of their descendants did.

(15) Laws are remembered and enforced here.  There is no difference between blood Israelites and those who are not but live with them.  All must obey the Lord.  There are provisions given for unintentional sin to be forgiven, but deliberate sin means one is cut off from the people, dead to them.


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