><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 1-2 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Israel's immediate future was to be characterized by war and worship. How is this shown in chp 1? Can the two be separated in the daily life of the CHristian? Cf 2Cor 10:3-6;Eph 6:10-13. 2) What point is there in the detailed ordering of the tribes as given in chp2? What are the central and governing interests? Cf 1Cor 12:7,11,12;14:40. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 1-2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- In Hebrew, Numbers bears the title of bemidbar, "in the desert". It tells of the 38 years Israel was in the desert (NIV Study Bible). The Lord already planned for Israel to be at war, commanding Moses to divide those able to serve in the army. Truly, we are in a spiritual war each day, whether we acknowledge it or not. Even the encampment of the tribes of Israel had specific order. God has purposes in ALL things. It just exemplifies how God's design is so intentional, so perfect. He has a plan and order for each tribe, likewise, for each of us. Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 1-2 The Book of March 603,550 men over the age of 20 marched out of Egypt. In the wildness, they walked, worshipped and served the Lord, God. 8,580 Levi priests, 4:48, were not included in this census. The estimated number of the total Israelite population is over two million. They are moving north toward the promised land around the tabernacle. Dan, at that time, was the tribe led the way while Judah, the largest tribe, was guarding the gate of the Tabernacle in the east. Considering food, water, clothing and transportation, it is a miracle to meet the needs of supplies for these warriors. For instance, today in America, each person is designed to consume 100 gallons of water per cap per day. Let us just figure that each of them takes 5 gallons of water per day, their daily water demand is 10,000,000 gallons to satisfy the needs. This is our family prayer at dining table when our children were little - GOD IS GREAT! GOD IS GOOD! Thank You for our food. Keep us healthy and help us do your will. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen. By reading through today's scripture, I would say Amen and Amen. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The book of Numbers is a recap of the years between the Exodus from Egypt and the entry into the promised land. From the outset, it is apparent that the future of the Israelites would include both war and worship. In Chp1, a census is taken to number the men of the tribes and setup armies for war. 603,550 was the number 'able to go out to war'. The next portion of the text deals with the setting apart of the Levites for service in the tabernacle. This shows the two aspects of Israel's immediate future war and worship. Eph 6:10-13 shows that to be strong in the Lord, we must worship Him and take the full armor of God with us each day. 10 ¶ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 2) The point to the detailed ordering of the tribes in Chp2 is to setup for defensive posture. The people were separated by tribe / standard. This was to create the military formation for the nation. God had His perfect reasons for setting up the camp the way He did, partially for their protection and also for other reasons. 3 tribes were positioned on each side of the tabernacle, with the tribe of Levi residing in the tabernacle. When marching Eastward, their strongest direction would be forward, with equal protection on the sides and a weaker defense in the rear. Here we see God's perfect plan in the protection of His people. WEST NORTH(157,600) EAST (108,100) Naphtali Asher Dan (186,400) (53,400) (41,500) (62,700) Benjamin Judah (35,400) (74,600) Manasseh Levites Issachar (32,200) Merari,Kohath,Gershon(sons of Levi) (54,400) Ephraim Moses, Aaron, Priests(Aaron's sons) Zebulun (40,500) (57,400) Reuben Simeon Gad (46,500) (59,300) (45,650) SOUTH(151,450) ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 3-4 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Background on Levi - Ex 6:16-25;32:25-29;Lv 10 1) How was the work assigned to the Levites divided between the three families of the tribe? How, if at all, might the command 'each to his task' (4:49) apply to Christians? Do these two chapters throw any light on the possible implications of such a command? See esp. 3:5-10,25,31,36;4:46-49 2) WHom did the Levites represent? Why did the firstborn belong to God? What does 'redemption' mean in this context? Is there a New Testament counterpart which involves us? 3) How does 4:1-20 bring out the 'frighteningly' sacred character of the Tabernacle? Cf 1:51b,53;2 Sa 6:6-11;REv 4:8. What truths does this illustrate and enforce? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 3-4 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Each tribe was assigned different tasks, just as all the members of the body of Christ serve different purposes. All are important. It is fascinating how detailed all the descriptions are. Levites represented the community, doing tabernacle work. They belonged to the Lord. Kohathites cared for the most holy things. The Gershonites were to carry the tabernacle curtains, etc., Merarites carried the frames of the tabernacle, etc., Their sole responsibility was to do their specified job. Likewise, we must view our work as our responsibility. No job is small when taken seriously. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Number 3 and 4 The Service Of The Levites Levi was the third son of Jacob by Leah. Because of the Levites stand on the Lord's side on the day of the Golden Calf episode, God assigned them a holy responsibility, Ex 32:25-29. [Salem Kirban] Levi's son, Gershon (7,500), were camped on the West side of the Tabernacle to take care of the Tabernacle, coverings and drapes, 3:25-30. Levi's son, Kohath (8,600), on the South side, responsible for taking care of the Ark, the table, the lampstand, the alters, etc. 3:31-35. Levi's son, Merarites (6,200), were camped on the North side, they take care of the frame of the Tabernacle building; the posts; the bases for the posts etc. 3:36-37. When they broke camp, Judah and eastern tribes led the march - In the ceter, the Tabernacle was bulwarked with southern and western tribes; northern tribes bringing up the rear. [Halley's Bible Handbook] -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God set the Levites as caretakers of the tabernacle. The Gershonites were responsible for the covering and drapes(3:25-30); the Kohathites were responsible for the Ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the other furniture(3:31-35); The Merarites were caretakers of the building and tents themselves(3:36-37). Each of us in the church has different gifts and responsibilities that God has called us to do. These chapters show that no matter what age, they were expected to serve. This means to us that even when we are older we still are profitable for service to the Lord. 2) The Levites represented the firstborn of all the tribes. The firstborn belonged to God because it was the best. Redemption or ransom here refers to taking the place for, as a ransom takes the place of a person, or is given in exchange for someone's life. Christ is our NT Levite. He is the ransom for our sins. 3) The rituals that go along with the setting up of the tabernacle show its holy nature. It was an awesome thing, and was to be taken very seriously. Just touching wrong or seeing what was not suppossed to be seen could cause death. We read earlier in Num 1:51,53 and later in 2Sam 6:6-11 of the blessing and curse that the ark caused. 51 "So when the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle encamps, the Levites shall set it up. But the layman who comes near shall be put to death. 53 "But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there will be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the testimony." 6 ¶ But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. 7 And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God. 8 David became angry because of the LORD'S outburst against Uzzah, and that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day. 9 So David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come to me?" 10 And David was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD into the city of David with him; but David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household. This enforces the truth that God's presence is Holy and holiness cannot exist with impurity. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 5:1-6:21 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What sort of people were to be put out of the camp? and Why? Cf Lv13:46;15:31. What interests of humanitarian justice are satisfied in the commands of 5:11-31? THese seem like purely magical rites, but note verses 16,18,21,30. 2) How did the Nazirite's separation to God find expression? WHat was the point of it all, since it was apparently not an act of service which could be offered to God as acceptable in and of itself apart from the regular offerings of the Tabernacle? See 6:14-16; and cf LV 1-7 for details. How far is there a similar challenge to consecration confronting the believer in CHrist? Cf HEb 9:10-14; Rom 12:1,2. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter5:1-6:21 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Hallelujah! Formerly, those w/infectious skin diseases, discharges, or exposure to dead bodies were forbidden from the camp. Now ALL are welcomed to approach God through our Lord Jesus Christ. None is cleaner than any other, but we are all washed by Jesus' blood! Nazirites were "restricted"/separated to the Lord in three major ways: diet, appearance, association (no wine or fermented drink, no razor to hair on head, special guidelines if exposed to dead people). It is thought provoking to me today. Should I drink socially, and how much? How about my hairstyle or even clothes - what is proper? As for someone unexpectedly dying in your presence, it is God's will. There is, however, nothing I can do to earn God's favor. It is all from Jesus alone. What a humbling and relieving thought. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers Chapters 5 and 6 Walk With Endurance and Resisting Lustful Temptation As we take our daily walk before the Lord, we must separate from leprosy (disobedience), contaminating discharge (sickness in spiritual life, weak in faith), being defiled by the dead (walk in darkness) and adultery (unfaithful). James 1:21 - "Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls." Christian life is a practical living of endurance of environmental trials and resisting of lustful temptation. The test of the bitter water is a kind strange way of testing of the morality of a person. With clear conscience, one would take the bitter water with faith. Yet, it really is a way that the Lord would bring charge to a sinful one. Concerning the Nazarite Vow, Samson, Samuel and John the Baptist were Nazarites from birth. Jesus was born in the Town of Nazareth(Nazarene), but He was not a Nazarite. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Unclean ones were to be put out of the camp. This was to insure that no one else would become defiled by being in their proximity. All of the laws and rites were upheld that the people might stand clean before the LORD. The 'water of bitterness' was a way of charging one as not standing right before the Lord. May we each one seek to be standing right that when the test is put to us, we come out as a sweet drink offering to the Lord, not a bitter curse. 2) Nazirites could be men or women who were seperated from the world. They fulfilled the following: - No abstinence from wine, vinegar, strong drink, grape juice, or grapes. - Nothing from the grape vine, or even allowing a seed to touch them. - no razor shall pass over their head. - no contact with dead persons Their vow of separation could be for a time, or for their life. Examples of Nazirites were: Samson(Judges 13), Samuel (1 Sam1:9-11), JOhn the Baptist(Luke 1:15,80), and Paul(Acts 18:18). The point of it all was to separate from the world, to serve God in a more dedicated way. Each of us can in this day and time take our own challenge of consecration from Romans 12:1,2 1 ¶ Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 6:22-7:89 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What did it mean for Aaron and his sons to 'put' God's name' upon the people of Isreal? How did the blessing effect this? See Dr 28:9,10;Dn9:18;and Cf 1 Cor 6:11;2cor 13:14. 2) Notice how often the words 'offering' or 'dedication offering' are used in CHp 7. The solemnity is emphasized by repetition. In what way is 7:89 a fitting climax to this 'build up'? What did it all mean to Israel? Do we 'offer' to God in this atmosphere of reverence? What similar climax may we expect when we thus approach God? Cf Heb 3:7;4:16. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 6:22-7:89 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- This famous blessing is significant. It uses the Lord's name three times for extra emphasis. Each benediction has two components: blessing and keeping, face shine upon and be gracious to you, turn his face toward and give you peace. Moses' meeting w/the Lord in the Tent of Meeting was climactic in that he spoke to the Lord, direct communion. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 6:22- 7:89 Benediction and Offerings 6:22-27 Benediction for a peaceful life With the conditions set in chapter 5 and 6 to sanctify themselves, the benediction of blessings were given to them to live with the peace of God. Chapter 7 Offerings for the March Six covered carts and twelve oxen were offered for the march, 7:3. Two carts and four oxen were given to Gershon for their service, 7:7. Four carts and eight oxen were given to Merari according to their service, 7:8. But none was given to Kohath; because theirs was the service of the holy objects which they carried on the shoulder - When the Lord charge you to do more important task, your burden is heavier. The offerings of the twelve tribes were identified each one individually rather than a short and brief summary; which caused a long chapter of 89 verses. It shows that the Lord cares of the efforts of each one of us. Meanwhile, it makes the arrangement for the order that how the tribes should be lined up by their tribe names for this 40 years march. 7:89 - "---- so He spoke to him." We feel that it is awesome that the Lord spoke to Moses. It is also awesome and wonderful that the Lord our God speaks to us daily, if we "---went into the tent of meeting to speak with Him, --" Then, positively we would hear His voice speaking to us from above the mercy seat ---. "May the Lord bless and protect you; MAY THE LORD'S FACE RADIATE WITH JOY BECAUSE OF YOU; may He be gracious to you, show you His favor, and give you His peace." 6:24-26, Life Application Bible. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This was a seal of ownership showing God's care for the children of Israel. Deut 28:9 9 "The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. 10 "So all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will be afraid of you. We too share a similar standing by being justified in Christ 1Cor 6:11 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 2) Verse 89 caps a chapter of solemnity and reverence towards God. The term offering is used extensively (some 65 times) to show the seriousness of the situation. The order of the offerings was grain, burnt, sin, peace. This is the case for everyone. We too should approach God in an offering of praise. May this be our thought and our confidence, the Rock on which we stand: Heb 4:16 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 8:1-9:14 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) CHp8 is a re-assertion of the 'separatedness' of the LEvites. How was this made clear to Israel? What is a wave offering? Cf LV 10:15;23:20; a probable meaning is 'contribution'. What was the relationship of the Levites to God, priests and people respectively? 2) 9:1-14. How is the importance of the Passover shown here? Cf Ex 12:24-27. What are we to learn from this? 3) What do we see here of Moses' way of exercising leadership? How did he deal with practical problems when individuals brought them to him? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 8:1-9:14 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Levites had to be ceremonially clean to help serve the priests, who had to be made holy. Levites were only sprinkled, while priests were anointed and washed. Levites washed their garments, but priests had to have new ones. The wave offering was performed over Levites, while priests had blood applied to them. The Passover was mandatory, and if not celebrated, it was considered sin. Even aliens were under the same regulations of Passover. Those who were unclean due to a dead body could not celebrate at the regular time, but did have a make-up day. It shows how holy God cannot accept uncleanness, but wants to give His people a chance for worship. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 8:1 - 9:14 FROM ITS BASE TO ITS FLOWERS, 8:4 - There are seven lamps. All the lamps are lighted up from the same source. The oil reservoir of each one is connected. All the glory of the seven churches comes from the same spiritual source. TAKE THE LEVITES --- AND CLEANSE THEM, 8:6 & 7 - Their body washed, hair shoveled and clothes cleaned. To serve the Lord, our sin must be washed away; there is no hidden spots, in the hair, to cause possible defilement and have clean appearance with cloth of His righteousness. OBSERVE THE PASSOVER, 9:13 - "--- the man who --- neglects to observe the Passover, that person shall then be cut off from his people,---" -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 8:1-9:14 -------------------------------- 1) The Levites were pulled aside and cleansed for service. This showed their separation. The wave offering was an offering for the priest's family. It was an ongoing perpetual offering. It was an offering of consecration or dedication to the Lord. The Levites were the 'contribution' and a representation of the first fruits of the children of Israel given to the Lord's service. 2) Ex 12:24-27 24 "And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever. 25 "When you enter the land which the LORD will give you, as He has promised, you shall observe this rite. 26 "And when your children say to you, 'What does this rite mean to you?' 27 you shall say, 'It is a Passover sacrifice to the LORD who passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians, but spared our homes.'" And the people bowed low and worshiped. We should each one remember what God has done for us. Sometimes we need to be reminded because we are a people who live by the phrase - what have you done for me lately? We too easily forget God's love for us, His leading us through tough times and trials. 3) Moses brought forth all his problems to the Lord, and told the people v8: 8 Moses therefore said to them, "Wait, and I will listen to what the LORD will command concerning you." We too need to bring our daily dealings and problems before the Lord and listen to what He commands us concerning them. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 9:15-10:36 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Isarel were made very sure of God's guidance. Without the actual symbols of cloud and fire can we claim the same assurance? Cf Acts 16:6-10;Rom 8:14. Why the repetition of the words 'at the command of the Lord'? 2) Notice the correspondences and the differences between 10:14-28 and 2:3-31. What is there in chp 10 to show that, although GOd led and protected the children of Israel, He did not expect them to be utterly passive and do nothing for themselves? 3) What was the significance of the trumpets(10:1-10)? Cf Lv 23:24;Num 29:1. It has been said, 'When God remembers, He acts'. Cf Gn 8:1;19:29;30:22. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 9:15-10:36 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The Israelites were following the Lord step by step, literally. They followed the cloud. This was a time when they were very obedient, and God really gave them direction. However, they still had certain division leaders and responsibilities. The trumpets were used to call the community together and as a signal to walk out, and orderly way to assemble and lead God's people. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 9:15 - 10:36 From Mount Sinai to Paran I used to think that Israelites winding in the wilderness was their desire of staying there. Now, I think that the Lord purposely kept them there to leave the old generation, old selves, off from His blessing. The march in the Wilderness was arranged in the order that Judah first, Issachar, Zebulon, Gershon (Levi's son, at the West side of the Tabernacle), Merar (Levi's son, the North side), Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Koharth (Levi's son), Ephraim (Joseph's son), Manasseh (Joseph's son), Benjamin, Dan, Asher and Naphtali. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) What a priviledge for the Israelites to be so directed by God in such a clear cut manner. These days, we are not confronted by clouds, or burning bushes, but we too seek God's clear cut direction for our lives. Today, we have the Spirit of God to lead us. Rom 8:14 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. May each of us move each day only 'at the command of the Lord', and not on our own emotions, ideas, concepts, or theories. 2) The fact that there was organization within each tribe showed that though God led the people, he did not expect them to do nothing for themselves. They set up intra-tribal leaders, and inter-tribal organization. 3) The trumpets in chp 10 were sounded to summon the congregation for moving out. They were used to show a remembrance of God and gather together the people in His name. When God remembers, He acts. Gen 8:1 1 ¶ But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided. gen 19:29 29 Thus it came about, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot lived. Gen 30:22 22 Then God remembered Rachel, and God gave heed to her and opened her womb. May God remeber each one of us and lead us in our lives and act upon our hearts.