Numbers

 

Growing in Christ

"He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:45

Overview of Old Testament or New Testament

Links to observations drawn from other other books of the Bible

Practical and Pastoral Observations on the Book of Numbers (please read each chapter slowly and meditatively before reading observations below):

Introduction: The Hebrew title of the book is taken from the first verse "in the wilderness" since it is the story of the consequence of refusing to enter the promised land resulting in 40 years of wandering in the wilderness of Sinai. The Greek translation (Septuagint) however titles the book "Numbers" after the census figures in chapters 1-3 and 26. The book recounts the period from receiving the Covenant at Sinai, through Israel's off-and-on again trust of Yahweh, to Israel's preparation to enter the promised land full a generation later.

Numbers 1

Military census: One month after the Tabernacle is set up (v.1, cf. Ex.40:2,17) the Hebrew people delivered from slavery in Egypt prepare to fight to enter the promised land. The number of battle ready men is 603,550 (v.46.) The 12 tribes differ in size, the largest being twice the size of the smallest:

Judah 74,600,
Dan 62,700,
Simeon 59,300,
Zebulun 57,400,
Issachar 54,400,
Naphtali 53,400.
Reuben 46,500,
Gad 45,650,
Asher 41,500,
Ephraim 40,500,
Manasseh 32,200,
Benjamin 35,400.

Joseph: The 12 tribes do not include Joseph despite his pivotal role in the survival of his father and brothers. Rather Joseph's sons are listed as two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, who remained most prone to the idolatry of Egypt, the land of their birth.

Levi: was not numbered for war as the tribe was tasked with maintenance and protection of the tabernacle and sacrifices made there. The term uezr is translated "layman" but other possibilities are more likely. The literal translation is "alien" or "foreigner" which could be extended to "member of another tribe" but it is doubtful the clerical meaning of layman developed afterwards would have been in view.

Growth of Israel: Jacob entered Egypt with his family of 70 people. 400 years later his descendants numbers (600,000 men x 3.3 (wife and 2.3 children) = 2 million or x 5 (wife and 3.3 children) = 3 million). Some argue for smaller numbers, making the term translated "thousand" mean "clan", i.e. 603 clans. For military purposes, the number of actual fighting men however would seem more practical.

Two important lessons:

It is clear Israel expected resistance and knew of their need to fight for the land they were promised. Yet their refusal to trust God for victory meant all 600,000+ men, except Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness.

The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai in the tent of meeting (v.1). This hearing the voice of the Lord is foundational to God's people and here in Numbers, the phrase "the Lord spoke" occurring over 150 times.

Personal Response: I will trust the Lord for His promises and be confident in Him for victory even if there is resistance. When challenged by circumstances, I will ask, "what has God promised?" and act accordingly.

My Prayer: Father, thank you for this account of your people, preparing for battle, yet wavering in trust. Father, help me prepare for spiritual warfare as Satan and his demons work against your glory and Kingdom but never to waver in trust, obedience or confidence in Your holiness or victory.

Numbers 2

Organization of the Army around the Tabernacle: The Lord Yahweh was central to Israel (v.2) as they camped and as they traveled (17). In this Levi camped and traveled in the center with the Tabernacle. Three tribes camped to the east of the tabernacle (v.3-9), three tribes to the south (v.10-16), three to the west (v.18-24) and to the north (v.25-31). Each unit of 3 tribes had a designated leader (Judah v. 9, Ruben v. 16, Ephraim v. 24 and Dan v.31). Each division had its own standard and each family within it, it's own banner (v.2).

There was in this way both unity and identity. Two divisions left first, then the tabernacle (v.17) followed by the final two divisions.

Discipline for the Good of the Whole: The smaller two tribes in each division appeared willing to be under the command of one of their brothers, and in the case of Reuben's leadership even it was not the largest.  

Israel is described at this stage as organized, disciplined and obedient (v.34). How easy it is to fall. With what vigilance we must guard our hearts and lives.

Personal Response: I will value the organizational structure of the church and it's ministry organizations and play my part with diligence and discipline. I cannot do all but I can do my part. This keeps anyone from being overcome with overwork. Together we can do what is needed for the good of the whole and our mission together.

My Prayer: Father, thank you that you care for your children and that you form us together for our own good and the good of your mission in the world through us in Christ. Help me not break rank but do my part strengthening the whole Body of Christ.

Numbers 3

Prominence of the Levites: Of all the tribes of Israel, only the Levites stood with Moses in putting Yahweh, who had delivered them out of Egypt, above the gods of Egypt (golden calf, cf. Ex. 32). Therefore the Levites were chosen, instead of the first-born of Israel, to serve as priests (v.12). As the role of the first born, as given wholly to the Lord, was transferred to Levi and a symbolic ransom payment was made, relieving those first born since the exodus from their responsibility (v.44-48).

Purity: God had removed two of Aaron's sons for disobedience (v.3 and circled in diagram below. See also Lev. 10). God's standards for Levites would remain high, no distraction or contamination with lay persons was permitted (v.10, 38).

Division of labor and camping assignments: The descendants of Gershon camped to the west of the tabernacle (v.23) and were assigned specific duties (v.25), the descendants of Kohath to the south of the tabernacle (v.25) for their specific duties (v.31), the descendants of Merari to the north (v.35) for their duties (v.36). Moses and Aaron's families camped to the east (v.38). Eleazar served as chief of staff (v.32). 

(The priesthood was narrowed due to unfaithfulness during the exodus to a single tribe - Levi, then broadened again to all disciples in the New Testament (1 Peter 2:9; Rev.5:10). Yet the Constantinian church reinstituted a priesthood which, in my view, muddies the water. Leadership is needed in the NT church, yes, but not priesthood since Christ's sacrifice of himself ends the need of sacrifice.)

Personal Response: I will serve the Lord in holiness, not as a separate class, but as an example to all.

My Prayer: Father, whether priest, first born or, by Your grace, simply numbered among the redeemed, I am yours, I am grateful, I'm holy to the Lord.

Numbers 4

Census of the Levitical workforce: Only those ages 30-50 were active in service and counted for organizational purposes (v.3,23,30). In Num. 8:24 the age for entering service is given as 25. It may be a 5 year apprenticeship preceded full readiness for service at 30. The term service (v.3) is from the same root as military service in 1:3 suggesting the level of organization and discipline involved in Levitical service (Ryrie).

The descendants of Kohath in this age range numbered 2,750 (v.36) and were responsible to carry (v.15) the holy objects prepared for transport by the sons of Aaron (v.5-14) to the next location Israel would camp. They were not to touch the holy objects themselves (v.15) or even look at them (v.20).

The adult male descendants of Gershon ready for their work numbered 2,630 (v.40) and also included carrying materials between camps (v.25). They served under the oversight of Ithamar (v.28).

The adult male descendants of Merari ready for their work, numbered 3,200 (v.44). They also carried materials between camps (v.31-32) under the oversight of Ithamar (v.33) who would assign each man by name the specific items he would carry (v.32).

Eleazar, served as chief of staff (3:32; 4:16) and was responsible for the oil and incense which was to burn and rise continually to the Lord (v.16).

The three family groupings not only carried between camps but were involved in the "work of the tent" when it was assembled (v.23,30) which presumably included preparation of thousands of animal sacrifices, extremely heavy work at the scale involved. The organizational feat involved in moving camp for this great mass of people and their intricate portable tabernacle and it's holy content was tremendous.

Personal Response: I will do my duty within the church and Kingdom to serve our King and His purposes, whether my portion appears trivial or otherwise. Where necessary I will help organize others but not assume it is my role to do so.

My Prayer: Father, thank you that you know and organize the details of all things involved in your creation and mission, including my specific role in each sector and circumstance. Help me find joy in my part daily.

Numbers 5

Purity: The new organized nation is to be pure before the Lord. Many components of purity contribute to wholeness and holiness.

Health: Quarantine outside the camp is required so that illness not defile the camp (v.1-4).

Restitution for sin: Sin defiles both the sinner and the person sinned against, so confession and restoration is needed for wholeness (v.7). If the sin was against the Lord only, not affecting a person, restitution is given to a priest representing the Lord (v.8). This applies also to gifts given to the Lord (v.9-10).

Faithfulness in marriage: can be restored if broken (v.12-13) and tested if infidelity is suspected (v.14), by taking an oath (v.19-22) before drinking bitter water (v.23-26). If marital fidelity has been violated, the unfaithful partner will experience ill effect, possibly miscarriage (v.27), if she has been faithful, she will remain well and able to conceive children (v.28). The practice appears not to have been continued after the wilderness years but in that season served to promote marital fidelity and prevent corruption in community life.

Desiring purity from the heart is a large first step. The higher purity of the Sermon on the Mount of Jesus is widely recognized as superior, being internally motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit, rather than a purity externally enforced by priest and community. Yet for many purity remains elusive and the community unjustly bears the consequence.

Personal Response: I will place personal purity above my desire for pleasure and comfort, asking the Lord to purify my heart, mind, will and emotions by any means for His glory and the good of those around me.

My Prayer: Father, thank you that You dwell in our midst (v.3), brightly pure and holy. May the light of your countenance draw my ears and heart upwards always.

Numbers 6

Vows: Israel's purity of purpose and focus as God's people was invited expression in vows to fulfill voluntary commitments (v.2). The person who dedicated him or herself to the Lord in this way was called a Nazirite (from the verb "to be separate"). During the fulfillment of the vow the person avoided certain foods (v.3,4), cutting hair (v.5) and bodies of the dead (v.6-12). When the period and purpose of the vow was completed gifts were offered to bring closure (v.13-21).

The practice of Nazirite vows continued at least 1500 years into the New Testament (Acts 21:24) suggesting the deep spiritual value of defining commitments clearly.

Blessing: God directs Aaron in how to bless God's people (v.23). This beautiful blessing focuses on protection, forgiveness and peace flowing from close relationship with Yahweh (v.23-26). The blessing of God follows "putting the name of God on Israel" (v.27) and is widely spoken to this day by both Jews and Christians. The linkage of keeping vows and God's blessing following may be purposeful.

Personal Response: I will speak the blessing of Num.6:24-26 to friends and strangers to open the door to conversation about the protection, forgiveness and peace of God.

My Prayer: Father, thank you for the breadth and beauty of your heart towards your people and those in relationship to them. Help me invite those who don't know you into this relationship.

Numbers 7

On the day: when the tabernacle was completed, Moses did not delay but immediately (v.1) dedicated and put it to the use for which God designed it: communion with Himself (v.89).

Representative Gifts: The day had been prepared for. That day the leader of each tribe had ready and brought a practical gift for the transport of the tabernacle, six carts to carry the tabernacle when disassembled and 12 oxen to pull the carts (v.3). The carts were distributed as needed (v.6-8), except to those who carried the most holy elements on their shoulders (v.9).

These leaders also brought, on subsequent days, gold and silver vessels for use in the tabernacle, and offerings for sacrifice on the altar (v.12-17ff).

The repetition of the gifts in subsequent verses indicate their significance and example of generosity to us.

God's communion with Moses: The tabernacle was for a life-giving relationship between God with his people. This high purpose was immediately expressed and implimented as God spoke with Moses from the Holy of Holies (v.89).

Principles: I am to respond to the Lord "on the day" (v.1) he speaks, to give to the Lord both practical obedience in the world and more symbolic expressions in worship. The amazing implication of v.89 is that I can commune with the Lord and that he SPEAKS to me - and to us all!

Num 7:89: And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and it spoke to him.

Personal Response: I will give wholeheartedly (attitude) and generously (value of the gift according to our means) to bring delight in the receiver, be it God or man. I will "show worth" in compassion, service, gifts and worship.

My Prayer: Father, may I be not only a cheerful giver but a frequent giver and, as someone has suggested, an hilarious (i.e. overflowingly cheerful) giver.

Numbers 8

Light for the Tabernacle: Oil burning lamps provided light for the Levites to do their work in the tabernacle (v.1-4).

Chosen: The Levites were set apart to wholly belong to the Lord, serving in the tabernacle in place of the first born of the other tribes (v.16-19). Why the priestly class was changed from the first born of all tribes to the tribe of Levi is not stated but may be because of Levi's faithfulness to the Lord in Ex 32:26-28 when the rest of Israel had gone astray.

Set Apart: Levites were set apart to this role by being cleansed (shaving, washing and changing clothes, v.7), making burnt, grain and sin offerings, v.8, 12), the laying on of hands in the presence of the whole congregation (v.9-10), and in presentation to the Lord as a wave offering (v.11,13,21).

Duration of service: was from age 25 to 50, after which Levites could continue to assist in smaller ways on a voluntary basis but no longer do the primary work (v.24-26).

Personal Application: I will be zealous for the Lord as the Levites were when they separated themselves unto the Lord in Ex 32:26. The Lord then declared them to be wholly His own (Num 8:14).

My Prayer: Father, show me what you are calling me to now at 75, in Christ, as a "Levite" retired from "the work" (v.26).

Numbers 9

Passover: an annual reenactment of the Lord's deliverance from Egypt (v.5) was so important that any who could not participate due to uncleanness or travel (v.10) were to observe it one month later on pain of being put out of the community (v.13).

The Alien: strangers who chose to live among Israel were obligated to participate in the reenactment and, in fact, obey all laws, ceremonial and ethical. It seems those who liked or disliked this expectation, alien or Israelite, were free to immigrate or emigrate. This common expectation produced a unified people around Yahweh's calling to be a holy people set apart for His redemptive purpose. Jesus extended God's redemptive purpose to all the earth and commissioned his followers to make disciples of all ethne.

God's Presence over the Tabernacle: On the day the tabernacle was assembled (v.15) God's presence appeared over it to guide Israel's travel to the promised land.  God knew the way and where danger and water was and His timing for arrival and point of entry into the promised land.

The parallel between the flames of fire on those filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 and the appearance of fire and cloud over the tabernacle (v.15) is striking. 

Personal Application: I will be conscious of God's presence resting on me, whether or not physically visible. I will seek to be led by the Lord, day by day, as was Israel in the wilderness, to my calling, tasks and movements.

My Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, lead me, guide me, fill me. Display in and through me the Living God to everyone I meet.

Numbers 10

Communication on the Journey: as Israel prepares to set out from Sinai to Canaan, trumpets are made to assemble for marching (v.5-6), for battle (v.9) and for festivals (v.10). Communication is vital to keep together a great people in changing circumstances.

The evangelical church today lacks central communication and guidance. The Catholic and Orthodox churches have central leaders with authority to "blow the trumpet" and guide the faithful. Those in the reformation tradition have no agreed means of communication keeping them together in crisis and mission. It is urgent therefore we seek the Lord diligently to hear and obey. 

The Journey Begins: after 11 months near Sinai (v.11) Israel sets out for Canaan. The process is orderly with the army of each tribe going before them. After three tribes set out (v.14-16), the tabernacle is taken down (v.17). Yet, presumably because those carrying the tabernacle are unencumbered by managing flocks, the tabernacle arrives and is set up before the rest of Israel come to the site of the new encampment (v.21).

Guides on the Journey: Moses follows divine guidance as the cloud lifts (v.11) and settles (v.12). At the same time Moses seeks the human help of his brother-in-law Hobab the Midianite (v.29) to serve as guide in the journey. While Hobab initially declines (v.30), it appears Mose's urgency (v.31-32) prevails (Judges 1:16; 4:11) and the journey began with Moses' request of the Lord to go before the people as a fore guard for protection (v.35) and to return as their covering by night (v.36).

Num 10:35:  And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, "Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you."

Personal Application: Though I may live in the same home for years, I am on a journey and must be on constant guard for battle. I will listen for God's trumpet (as He directs a godly prophet or APEST leader to blow it) and I will be available to blow it myself as the Lord directs.

My Prayer: Father, guide and strengthen me in the journey to paradise and battle against the world, the flesh and the devil.

Numbers 11

Complaining of adversity: while it may be understandable why people complain in adversity the Lord expects us to persevere through adversity rather then turn back (v. 1, 20). The draw can be so pervasive even Moses is infected and complains to the Lord about the burden of leading Israel (v.11-14), asking the Lord to kill him instead (v.15).

Strength in adversity - from Above: God provides support for Moses by anointing 70 others from among the elders of Israel (v.16) to share the load of leadership (v.17). It's likely this model was followed by the Sanhedrin in Jesus' day. These elders are empowered with same Spirit from Yahweh that God had already placed on Moses (v.17, 24-25). Interestingly, even those who did not respond to Moses' invitation to gather received God's gracious gift (v.26).

God's Spirit for all God's people: when Joshua, jealous for Moses' leadership status among the people, asked Moses to stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying among the people (v.27), Moses anticipates God's purpose fulfilled at Pentecost: "would that all God's people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them" (v29).

Meat for the Multitude: God punishes the ungrateful with what they demand (v.4). It seems impossible to supply 600,000 men (v.21) and their families in the wilderness with meat daily for a month (v.20) without slaughtering their own flocks (v.22). But God's power is not limited (v.23). He sent a wind which carried quail into the camp in abundance and everyone ate (v.31). But the greedy (v.34) God punished with a deadly plague while the meat was still in their mouths (v.33), a warning to the people to do nothing but trust the Lord in all circumstances.

Complaining is cheap and easy; supplying good leadership through hard circumstances is the opposite. Yet the Lord gives of His spirit and authority to those who trust Him to lead His people for their good.

Num 11:23: The LORD said to Moses, "Is the LORD's power limited? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not." Num 11:29: Moses said, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!"  

Personal Application: I will not complain. I will rather seek a fresh anointing of God's Spirit for leadership and strength in adversity.

My Prayer: Father, would that You would put your Spirit on all your people and on me afresh. Thank you that your Spirit and power is not limited and that your Word comes true. With open face turned upwards I rejoice in you!

Numbers 12

Challenge to Moses's Leadership: "spoke against" (v.1) is feminine singular indicating Moses's older sister, Miriam in the lead. Aaron, as at the time of the golden calf, seems swept along. The nature of Miriam's jealousy (v.2) is not known, whether of Moses' wife or his position in Israel or his relationship with God. Perhaps because of Moses humility by which he did not defend himself (v.3) God intervened directly (v.4-10).

God speaks: in such a way that all three (not only Moses) hear Him and go to the Tent of Meeting (v.4), then again calling Mariam and Aaron to step forward (v.5) to hear a word especially to them (v.6-8).

Moses Among the Prophets: There are indeed many prophets among God's people (11:25-29) and God reveals Himself and His Word to them in dreams and visions (v.6). But Moses stands apart from them, consistently faithful to the Lord and His Word (v.7) which comes to him clearly and directly. The Lord speaks to Moses "mouth to mouth" (v.9) as with a friend (Ex.33:11). Moses even beholds God's "form" in some way. If God so chooses Moses, why do you oppose him? (v.9)

God's Anger: One senses God's growing anger in vs.6-8 which then burns against Miriam and Aaron (v.9) leaving her leprous (v.10). Aaron is first to confess and pleads for Mariam's forgiveness and healing (v.11) describing the consequence of her sin in graphic terms (v.12). Moses becomes her advocate (v.13) and the Lord is gracious. Yet God knows it is best that Miriam reflect and deal with her heart for seven days outside the camp before being cleansed and received again (v.14-15)

God's forgiveness is entirely gracious but is yet more appreciated if we are given opportunity to reflect on our need and gratitude for it.

Personal Application: I will ask forgiveness for myself and others quickly, as did Aaron, and for healing of the consequences of sin, as did Moses. Yet I will not move quickly on, but reflect on my sin and His grace.

My Prayer: Father, I pray that you would give me the knowledge of the Holy One, yes, through dreams and visions (v.6) and through the work and power of Your Holy Spirit.

Numbers 13

"I will give": lit: "I giving" - a process, but with a certain outcome. The scouts are not formal leaders but those from each tribe best equipped for the task (v.4-16). Their task was not to decide whether to take hold of Yahweh's gift but to examine it carefully in order to do so (v.13-16). They followed the Jordan river north and returned along the western border, including Hebron (Kirjath Arba, Gen 23:2), one of the oldest cities of the region, and nearby the Eshcol ("cluster") valley (v.23). From there they carried a large cluster of grapes, pomegranates and figs to show how fruitful was the land (v.24).

The Mixed Report: After 40 days the spies agreed the land flowed with ""milk and honey"" (v.27). They were realistic about the challenge of it's strong people and fortified cities (v.28-29) including descendants of Anak who were descendants of Nephilim (v.33). Moses expected the spies to return with a plan for the best way forward. Rather, they reported not to Moses privately, but to all the community publicly (v.26), sowing doubt and fear. It was true that Israel had been a slave people, not a seasoned warrior people, but they forgot their God.

Minority trust: Caleb urged the people to trust Yahweh: v.30 "Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “Surely, let us go up and let us take possession of it because surely we will be able to prevail over it.” Yet the majority conclusion was: "We are not able to go up to the people because they are stronger than us (v.31)". What was true of some of some of Canaan's inhabitants, the spies generalized and concluded "we were like grasshoppers" (v.33).

Personal Response: I will look to the Lord for His gift and command, and for His direction as to how to advance against the obstacles in order to receive. I will not be afraid to be a minority voice when I am certain that voice is the Lord's.

My Prayer: Father, give me the courage of your presence against demons, within and without, trusting you alone; seeking of you both courage and strategy for the promised victory.

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