><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 16:1-35 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) There is evidence here of a double revolt: one by Korah (a Levite) 'and all his company' against Moses and Aaron; and one by Dathan and Abiram (Reubenites) against Moses. What was the ground of complaint in each case? See 16:3 and 16: 13, 14. To what extent was it justified? Cf Heb. 5: 4; 2 Cot. 10: 18. 2) What lay behind the revolts which made them serious enough to warrant so drastic a punishment and warning to the people? See especially verses II, 19, 28, 30. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 16:1-35 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- We can see in Moses a true leader w/compassion. Even after the people had grumbled, accused, etc., against Moses and Aaron, Moses consistently wanted to spare them. He instructed Aaron to put incense and fire in a censer and atone for the assembly. If not, more than 14,700 may have died. Similarly, Heb. 4:15-16 says about Jesus, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize w/our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 16 The Younger Generation's Rebellion In Chapter 12, Moses' co-workers spoke against him and felt that they could be the leaders of the nation. Now, the great grand son of Levi through Kohath rose up against Moses. The charge was that Moses exalted himself above the assembly. Moses humbly told them that the Lord sent him to do His deeds, "---- for this is not my doing." 16:28. Throughout generations, God's authority has been challenged constantly. The way to evaluate our leaders is that "is this their doing or God's doing?" -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In this section we see a major revolt from two sides. Korah accuses Moses of lifting himself up. Dathan and Abiram accuse Moses of bragging about delivering the children of Israel. 2 Cor 10:18 18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends. 2) The revolts were motivated by pride and jealousy and caused the Lord to BRING UP fire against those in revolt. Moses and Aaron saved the people by asking God not to punish the entire people for the uprising of a few. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 16:36-18:7 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) How is the exclusive Aaronite priesthood strengthened and con- firmed? What does the service of the priesthood involve? Notice especially 16:48, and compare the work of Christ as great High Priest. Cf Heb. 5:1,9,10; 7:25-28; 9:II,12,26. 2) How could our service be transformed by thinking of it as a gift (18:7)? Cf I Tim. 1:12-14; 2 Tim. 1:6. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 16:36-18:7 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- It is wonderful, v8, "...Aaron's staff, which represented the house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds." Such a clear and poignant sign of God's favor. The priests had a heavy burden, but special gift as well. They had to bear responsibility for offenses against the sanctuary and priesthood and watch over fellow Levites, perform the duties of the Tent, care for the sanctuary and altar. When we have a responsibility for something, we must take it very seriously. It is a gift from the Lord, regardless of how small or large a role we play. We serve the Lord, not men. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Number 16:36 - 18:7 Aaron's budded Rod - Confirmation of Aaron's Service Aaron's priesthood had been questioned. God used Aaron's rod as an answer to Israel who complained against Moses and Aaron. Then, the budded rod was to be placed in front of the ark of the covenant as a sign to those who would rebel and complain against God and His spokesmen. Hebrews 5:1 and 4 - "for every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: -----. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is call of God, as was Aaron." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In this section we see the exclusivity of the priesthood both further enhanced and established and confirmed. Aaron's staff budded to show the Lord's favor and to establish the covenant of the priesthood with Aaron's house. In the New Testament, Christ's role as high priest is etablished and confirmed. He is a high priest in the order not of Aaron, but of Melchizedek. Heb 7:25-28 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever. 2) If we thought of our service as a gift, perhaps we would want to share it more readily. We would be less likely to hoard it and use it only when we thought appropriate. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 18:8-19:22 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What does 18:8-32 teach us about offenngs which are holy and belong by right to God? 2) What are the special features of the sacrifice described in 19: 1-10? Note the use to which the ashes were put (19:9,12,17-19). What are the 'dead works' from which we need to be purified? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 18:8-19:22 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Only the best was given to the Lord. Likewise, we need to offer Him our best, and we can expect His best in return. (I think love is wanting the best for someone.) The ashes of the heifer were kept for cleansing from dead bodies, but were kept ceremonially clean and outside of the camp. This slaughter sacrifice differed greatly from previous ones in the OT. First, it was a cow (rather than ox) and was slaughtered (not sacrificed) outside the camp (vs. at the altar). Especially notable is that it was burned with its blood and offal. We can also remember our Lord Jesus, out of whose side flew blood and water, after dying on the cross (as our sacrifical lamb) John 19:34-5. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 18:8 - 19:22 Numbers 18:20-21 Levites - The Designated Tribe for Full Time Servants of God "---- You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor own any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the sons of Israel. ~And to the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting." I Corinthians 9:3-5, 7, -- 12-15: "My defense to those who examine me is this: ~ Do we not have a right to eat and drink? ~ Do we not have a right to take along A BELIEVING WIFE, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? --- Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? ---- ~ If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, WE DID NOT USE THIS RIGHT, but we endure all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. ~ Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share with the altar? ~ So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel get their living from the gospel. ~ BUT I HAVE USED NONE OF THESE THINGS. And I am not writing these things that it may be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one." 19:17 The Heifer Burt for Purification "Then for the unclean person they shall take some of the ashes of the burnt purification from sin and flowing water shall be added to them in a vessel." A heifer is a full grown young female cow. A female cow is offered to symbolize the giving of life. Hebrews 9:13-14 "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh. ~ how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 20 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Notice Moses' and Aaron's reaction to the people's discontent (verse 6). What did God desire to achieve through this incident? See verses 6, 8, 12. How did Moses and Aaron fail, and in what terms is their failure described? See verses 10, 12, 24; cf 27: 14;Dt. 32:51. 2) God's anger with Moses and Aaron may at first seem to us out of proportion to the extent of their failure. What ought we to learn from this? What ought we also to leam from the fact that even 'meek' (12:3) Moses 'spoke words that were rash' (Ps. 106:33)? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 20 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- By now, the people were certainly tired. This is their 40th year of wandering in the desert. Despite God's continuous leading, they still grumble and doubt Him. Moses acted in anger and lack of trust. Rather than just speaking to the rock as instructed by God, he struck it twice. It seems he didn't trust that mere words would produce water. Therefore, God said to Moses & Aaron that they would not bring the Israelites into the promised land. How bittersweet, but true! We can see just how God expects us to be childlike in our obedience and trust in Him. When we try to do things our own way, we FAIL and displease the Lord. We must trust and obey! It is like the children's song I learned years ago in AWANA - "Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to TRUST AND OBEY!" -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 20 Miriam, Aaron and Moses Died in The Same Year [Halley's HBK] Miriam's noticeable life - As a child, she stepped out and suggested to Pharaoh's daughter to find a Hebrew nurse for Moses. At the age of 92, she led the Israelites women dancing after crossing Red Sea, Ex. 15:20. She rejected Moses' leadership due to "bitterness (the meaning of her name)". Moses, the humblest man on the earth, Numbers 12:3, lost his patience - The impatience resulted discouragement. Moses failed to believe God and honor Him before the people. The lesson for us is that a minor mistake in life may cost major lost of a life-time commitment and goal. Aaron's honorable service to the Lord and his people - "And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron THIRTY DAYS, EVEN ALL THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL." Miriam dead at age of 130 at Kadesh., 20:1. In the same year, Aaron dead at Mt. Hor, 20:28, at about 123 years old. Moses lived 120 years on the earth. 20:24 made a clear statement about life after death by saying "gathered to his people". -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) When the people complained, Moses and Aaron sought help from God. They went to pray for His answer. God wanted to have the people trust in Him, they didn't. Moses failed in that instead of speaking to the rock as directed, he struck it twice. Their failure is described in terms of failure to believe and trust. 2) We need to learn that we should be meek and humble and follow the directions God gives us as directly as we can. We should not assume that we can interpret the application a certain way. May we not act irrationally, or be hasty to do things, but trust in His will alone. -------------------------------------------- 1) That which is holy and belongs to God should be set apart and santified. We are not to defile these offerings or any part of them. 2) The sacrifices in 19:1-10 were: unblemished, without defect, and upon which no yoke had been placed. This shows the perfect, unaltered nature of the animal. THe ashes were used to purify water. They were set outside the camp in a clean place. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 21 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Israel's reaction to adversity gets a little monotonous (verse 5),and it is easy to say, 'Why can't they learn to trust God?' But are we not often as unbelieving? Notice how Jesus uses this story (verses 6-9) as a 'type' in Jn. 3: 14, 15. What parallels are there in the condition of the afflicted and in the means of salvation in each case? Why a serpent on the pole? Cf 2 Cor. 5:21. 2) It is worth tracing Israel's journey on a map from 20:1 onwards. Notice how circuitous it was. What evidence is there, as againsi 20:2,3 and 21:4,5, that Israel was learning trust and obedience through discipline? What discipline? Cf Dt. 8:2. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 21 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The people had to look at the snake, just as we must look to Jesus. He is the one and only way to receive salvation from our sins. Christ is God's provision/the atoning sacrifice for all our sins. Every time the people complained, they were rebuked. They had to face the Lord's discipline when they sinned. Heb 12:6, "..the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son." May we understand the value of our Lord's loving discipline! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 21 The Faith in the Bronze Serpent God sent fiery serpents among the people, which caused suffering and death. The only way man can live is by looking to the One who took upon Himself the likeness of men and was lifted up on the cross to take the sting of death upon Himself. If we look on Him, we shall live. This is the truth that Jesus revealed to Micodemus - Sin and death can only be removed with faith to look up at the Cross. "--- as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life." John 3:14-15. The ones who looked upon the bronze serpent were healed and won the victory to defeat their enemies with victual songs as they experienced the miracles in the Wilderness. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) John 3:14,15 14 "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. In each case, both unbelievers and those who had the disease had something uncurable. It was something that they could do nothing about, and would eventually lead to death. In each case there is a necessary response on the part of the afflicted. It is not just enough that the cure is there, they need to accept it and partake of it. No one else could help the person to obtain the cure, and there was no transference of the cure, each man came on his own. 2Cor 5:21 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. The serpent on the pole was lifted up, representing the embodiment of sin. Similarly Christ was lifted on the cross. 2) The children of Israel were led in a circuitous rout because of their unbelief. God wanted them to learn to lean on Him and Him alone. Deut 8:2 2 "You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 22 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This is a difficult story. Before tacking it, it win probably be helpful to read 2 Pet. 2:15,16; Jude 11; Nu. 31:16 and Rev. 2:14, which give a clue as to Balaam's true character and motives. 1) Balaam's influence and relationship to God are interesting. Think about them. Consider also Moab's fear in the face of Israel's advance.What does this show concerning the ways in which God works? 2) What was the 'chink' in Balaam's armour? Why did his 'guidance' seem all confused after that? Contrast verse 12 with verses 20, 22, 32, 35. What ought we to learn from his failure? Do you think Rom. 14: 22b, 23 and I Tim. 6: 9, 10 give us a similar warning? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 22 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- God even used Balaam to deliver His message. Balaam, the money-hungry renowned pagan diviner. Even such a sinful person had to obey and speak the words of the Lord. Balaam was crafty and used to dealing with "false gods". However, God certainly outsmarted him. The Lord knew Balaam's wicked heart and intentions, and so caused his donkey to be rebellious, directly confronting Balaam's ill behavior. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 22 Balaam A Gentile Prophet Loved the Wage of Unrighteousness As pointed out in today's study guideline, Balaam was mentioned in Jude, II Peter 2 and Revelation 2:14. These references gave us a clear picture about the teaching in Numbers Chapters 22 to 24. Balaam was a real Gentile prophet, not a false one; but one who loved the wage of unrighteousness. He forsook the straight way (the way of the truth), II Peter 2:15. He promoted error teaching and perished form that account, Jude 11. His teaching involves idol worship and relates to fornication like the worldly church in Pergamos. That church was one that mixed Christianity with paganism, Revelation 2:14. Revelation 2:17 mentioned that the ones separating from worldly life would enjoy the hidden manna (the hidden Christ) and being a white stone with your name on it as building material of the Kingdom of God. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Balaam was a true prophet, but his heart was motivated by the wrong things. 2Peter 2:15,16 15 forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet. He loved the wages of unrighteousness(sin) which is death(Rom 6:23). Jude 11 shows us a picture of his false teaching: 11 Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. God works in mysterious ways, in ways we cannot fathom possible. He used a donkey to correct the wild prophets teaching. 2) Rev 2:14 shows Balaam's error: 14 'But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. We should learn from his error, only to speak that which God has placed in our mouths, not our own words, but His Word.