><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 23-24 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------- Fri May 28 Num 23-24 1st study -------------------------------- 1) Two studies are to be given to these chapters. On this occasion concentrate attention on Balaam's oracles. Make a list of the statements in them which indicate God's special purpose for, and care of, the people of Israel. 2) Seek to appreciate the flill significance of each one of these statements. What were the grounds of Balaam's assurance of Israel's victory and success? What similar grounds have we for thankfulness and wonder? Cf, e.g., I Pet. 2: 9,10. Note. 23: 10. 'The righteous': the word is plural, and refers here to the Israelites. -------------------------------- Sat May 29 Num 23-24 2nd study ------------------------------- 1) What can we learn from Balaam about the demands of being a spokesman for God, and a steward or minister of His Word? Note carefully the answers which Balaam gives to Balak's suggestions. Cf I Cor. 9: 16, 17. 2) 23:19. What is here said to make God's words different in character from those of men? When God gives us His word, of what else can we be sure? Cf I Thes. 5 24. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 23-24 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God's favor rests upon Israel, they live apart from all other antions, are vast in number. Balaam sees the "dust of Jacob" from the mountain tops. Balak changed views, so the Israelites would look less numerous, but the oracle was even better. There is "no misfortune" and no misery, God is with them, strong as a wild ox, no sorcery or divination against them, like lioness and lion, devour their prey, drinks the blood of their victims. (very graphic!) >From the wasteland, Balaam again spoke, showing his own humility before God - "who falls prostrate". He speaks of the beauty of Jacob's tents, comparing them to spreading valleys, gardens beside a river, and various other images of abundance and growth. Their king is great, kingdom exalted. Those who bless them will blessed, who curse them will be cursed. This really angered Balak! Balaam's fourth oracle foretold Balak's own people's future - Israel will crush Moab's foreheads, Edom and Seir will be conquered. 2) When speaking for the Lord, it must be the TRUTH. Regardless of the moral character of the speaker. Balaam clarified to Balak that he could only say what the Lord says. Although Balaam wanted the money/was greedy, he ended up with nothing. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 23 and 24 Balaam Prophesied Four Times - First Study Balaam prophesied four times in these two chapters. The first two times were done as per the request of Balak. The third time did not seek omens; it implies that the first two time he consult omens. An omens is a practice of sorcery or enchantment. It shows that Balaam is a man that God Spirit came upon him as well as evil spirit. The first three prophecies are about Israelites as a nation. The fourth one is about Christ. Through these chapters, we have the understanding that God may still use unrighteous men in His ministry. The tough part of our church lives is that how do we "deal with" such kind of individuals? Numbers Chapter 23 and 24 The Second Study of the Four Prophecies of Balaam The Major Topic of Each Prophecy 23:8-9"How shall I curse, whom God has not cursed? And how can I denounce, whom the Lord has not denounced? ~ ------Behold, a people who dwells apart, And shall not be reckoned among the nations." 23:20" Behold, I have received a command to bless; when He has blessed, then I cannot revoke it." | 24:7"--- And his king shall be higher than Agag (*), And his kingdom shall be exalted." 24:17"----- A star shall come forth from Jacob, And a scepter (law giver) shall rise from Israel, ---" (*) Agag was a general title given to the Amatekite kings, just as Pharaoh was the general title for a king in Egypt. Since the Amalekites were the very first to oppose Israel after they left Egypt (Ex. 17:8), they represent the non-Jewish kingoms in oppostion th God's kingdom. [NAS Key Word Study Bible] -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1st study -------------------------------- 1) Balaam's oracles: 1 - Israel is a nation that is separated. v 7-10 chp 23 2 - blessing for Israel 23:17-24 3 - prosperity for Israel 24:4-9 4 - Messiah 24:15-24. These first three show God's hand blessing His people Isreal. 2) Balaam's assurance of Israel's victory and success was that God had ordained it. The NT application is found in I Pet 2:9,10 9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 2nd study ------------------------------- 1) As we can see from Balaam, sometimes being a spokesman of God means making people upset. People do not like to hear the Truth sometimes. We must be bold to proclaim it, but be sure it is the Word which is giving offense, and not us. I Cor 9:16,17 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 2) Num 23:19 19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? If God tells us in His word, we can be assured He will bring it about. I Thes 5:24 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 25-26 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Chapter 25. Why was God's anger so fierce against the sins of His people? Cf I Cor. 10:6-12. In this situation what two com- plementary concerns stirred Phinehas to action? Who likewise was moved to action on our account by similar concerns? 2 Chapter 26. Compare the numbering in chapter 1. This is a new generation. See verses 64, 65. Notice which tribes had increased and which decreased. What explains the survival of Caleb and Joshua? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 25-26 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The Israelites broke covenant w/ the Lord, worshipped other gods. They were sexually immoral as well. This behavior was detestable to the Lord. Phinehas was stirred to act based upon the contempt for holy things and the word of the Lord (NIV Study Bible). In this second census, most of those men over 20 y.o. had died. Most tribes increased in number, except Simeon, Gad, Ephraim, Naphtali and Reuben(probably due to some being allied with Korah in the rebellion). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers Chapter 25 and 26 Chapter 25 Sin Would Cause Separation of Men from God In last three chapters, we learned how God would protect Israelites from other nations. Now, it comes to a point that Hebrews gave in to idolatry by worshiping the Midianite and Moabite god Baal of Peor, which brought God's wrath upon them 25:1-15. With the zeal of Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, God made a Covenant of Peace with him. Later he became the third high priest of Israel, a position in which he served for 19 years. [The word in Life Study Bible] Chapter 26 The Second Census The first census was called for counting the worriers. This time, the census was called for apportionment of land in Canaan. 26:33 reads " Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but only daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah," These five women did not get their land until they made a request to Moses. This case was recorded in Chapter 27. When we get unfair treatment, should we file complaint or not? Search the Scriptures and use your wisdom; live peacefully, as much as possible, with all men. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) 1 cor 10:6,12 Tells us not to crave evil things, this is what the children of Israel had done. They had sought after the gods of the original inhabitants of the land. 6 Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. The Lord's anger required the death of 24,000. who were not following the Lord. The false leaders who were leading the people astray. This is many times the case, when leaders turn bad, they draw quite a following. Phinehas was stirred to action by the Spirit. This caused God to form a covenant of peace with his family to establish it as a line of priests. 2) It is very telling that no one in the original generation that left Egypt was alive, save for Caleb and Joshua. The Lord had removed all with direct links to Egypt. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 27,36 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What was the principle lying be hind the request of the daughters of Zelophehad, and to what did the request lead? What was the importance of all this? 2) What was Moses' overriding concern before his death? How was Joshua's commission diiferent from that of Moses? Was it inferior? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 27,36 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Zelophehad's daughters were assertive. They asked for what was rightly "deserved" and received it. The Lord granted their request. It lead to the establishment of inherited land remaining within a tribe. This also meant marriages would now be intratribal. Moses was concerned for the people, that they have a strong leader. God chose Joshua, "a man in whom is the spirit." It was important that Moses began relinquishing power to Joshua while he was still alive. This would facilitate a smooth transition of leadership. Joshua's commission was through Moses, in front of the Israelites. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers Chapters 27:1-11 and Chapter 36 Zelophehad Five Daughters' inheritance and Marriage The Five Daughters came to Moses to present their case. 27: 3-4 " Our father died in the wilderness, yet he was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah (refer to Numbers 16:1-2 for details); but he died in his own sin, and he had no sons. ~ Why should the name of our father be withdrawn from among his family because he had no son? Give us a possession among our father's brother." Numbers 27:6-7 "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'The daughters of Zelophehad are right in their statements. You shall surely give them a hereditary possession among their father's brothers, and you shall transfer the inheritance of their father to them." The Conditions of Their Marriage Numbers 36:6 "This is what the Lord has commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, 'Let them marry whom they wish, only they must marry within the family of the tribe of their father.'" Numbers 36:12 "They married those from the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained with the tribe of the family of their father." Moses; Joshua; Jesus - Shepherds Numbers 27:15-17 "Then Moses spoke to the Lord, saying, 'May the Lord, the God of the spirits of flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep which have no shepherd." Isaiah 53:6 "All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. ---" Isaiah 40:11 "Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs, And carry them in His boson; He will gently lead the nursing ewes." John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The daughters of Zelophehad pointed to the fact that they had right to an inheritance of land just as legitimately as did sons. Moses agreed with them and setup some stipulations for this to occur. The requeset led to a new law whereby a daughter could inherit land. The significance being women owning property for the first time. This was voided if she married outside her tribe. The land became her husband's and reverted to the tribe he was from. 2) Moses was concerned that the people find a suitable leader to replace him. It is interesting that the Urim was used to determine if Joshua was in fact the successor for Moses. The Urim and Thummim were stones in the priestly garb for determining (almost like dice) decisions from the will of God. It sometimes seems rather amusing that decisions of great magnitude were left to the 'roll of a dice'. Ex 28:30 30 "You shall put in the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron's heart when he goes in before the LORD; and Aaron shall carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD continually. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> Numbers Chapter 28 and 29 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from Numbers Chapter 28 and 29 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Sabbath was as rest for both people and animals. Passover and Unleavened Bread feasts commemorated the Lord's deliverance from Egypt, in haste. Feast of weeks celebrated harvest w/joy and thanksgiving. The blowing of trumpets (later: Rosh Hashanah-New Year's Day)was to present Israel before the Lord to receive His approval/favor. Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement was for cleansing priests and people from sins and purifying the Holy Place. The Tabernacles' Feast was a week of celbration for the harvest, in memory the journey from Egypt to Canaan, and give thanks for Canaan's productivity. (NIV Study Bible) Heb 10:17 says, concerning Christ's sacrifice for us, "...Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." Hallelujah for the Cross! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 28 and 29 Worship After the second census, chapter 26, a new lead was appointed, chapter 27. Now in chapter 28 and 29, worship service is reiterated. It is a repetition of Leviticus 28. The theme is that life and righteousness come through an atoning Saviour. The sin offering was never to be omitted. In maintaining this sin offering Israel would show that all the promises were based upon the precious blood of Christ. These two chapters set the base of worshipping. It means respect or reverence to God for the salvation given by grace to ascribe worth and honor to Him. It is a daily offerings of food and drink, 28:3-8; weekly offerings on Sabbath, 28:9-10; monthly offerings at the beginning of each month, 28:11-15; annual feasts of Passover, 28:16-25; the Feast of Weeks, 28:26-31; the Feast of Trumpets, 29:1-6; the Day of atonement, 29:7-11; the Feast of Tabernacles, 29:12-40. The first month, Nisan, is the month in remembrance of Passover, Unleavened Bread and Frist Fruits; it is in the month from mid March to April. In the seventh month, Ethanim, which is from mid September to October. It is the beginning of a new year - it starts with the Festival of Trumpets, Day of Atonement and feast of Tabernacles. John 4:24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." These word was given to the Samaritan Woman at the Well by Jesus. It instructs her to worship in spirit by drinking the living water. That is the New Testament way of our worship service today. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 30 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) How does this chapter show our reponsibility in speech?Cf Mt 5:33-38;12:36. 2) Do you think the woman's relationship to father and husband should be viewed as merely local Israelite custom, or is there an implied principle which holds in the twentieth century too? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 30 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- We are to fulfill our vows to the Lord. There is no specific punishment stated, but it just says, "must do everything he said." As for the women, NIV Study Bible notes that in ancient near eastern society women often faced strong societal pressures. This may have been enacted to help protect a wife or daughter. Notice that the husband has responsibility to speak against a wife's vows in a timely manner, v15, "If, however, he nullifies them some time after he hears about them, then he is responsible for her guilt." The NT, Matt 5:34-37 says, "...Do not swear at all...simply let your 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no,' 'no'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." However, I think making commitments are different than swearing, and should be made sometimes. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers Chapter 30 Daughters and Wives This chapter gives straight instruction that women shall live under the authority of either their father or husband at Moses' time. Should this instruction be kept in this age? New Testament did not address any different provision. However, when God calls a woman to serve Him, her ministry ought to be blessed with evidences. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In Matthew, Jesus told us to let our yes be yes and our no, no. HE also says in Mt 12:36 36 "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. We must be very careful about our speech. James goes further to describe the tongue in James 3:5-10 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 2) Here in the OT the woman was totally defined by her relationships. She was not a person in and of herself. That is in part due to the custom of the day. God's only guidance comes from Paul in Ephesians: Ephesians 5:22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Ephesians 5:24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, Ephesians 5:28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; However, this is not an implication of slavery for the woman, but of respect towards a husband who is seeking to honor her and seeks the best for her. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 31 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) This is another difficult passage unless you bear in mind a) that it records only the bare outline of an event far greater in scope; b) that it is recorded from a particular standpoint (the Midianite account was probably quite different from this one); and c) that its message concerns a God of love who must purge of evil everything that is His. What are the forms of purging found in this account? In what directions ought a Christian to act with comparable severity? Cf Col 3:5-11. 2) What does the chapter teach about sharing and giving? On what grounds were portions given to the priests and Levites? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 31 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- This war was the Lord's, for cleansing evil. As Christians, we are to do as in Rom. 12:9, "..Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." Also, I Thess. 5:21-2, "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." This war against the Midianites was "the Lord's vengeance" (v.3). Spoils of the war were to be divided equally among the people (both the fighters and those who stayed back), w/ a portion for the Lord as well. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 31 Moses' Final Assignment The Lord asked Moses to defeat Midianites for their former sin in refusing Israelites passage through their land, 25:6-18; 31:1-2. Whenever we fight, it would be right if it is "to execute the Lord vengeance --." 31:27 shows that the ones who did not go out to battle were to share the spoils with those that fought at the front line. When I read this verse, I give thanks to the Lord that I am not doing so hard a work to support the missionaries in prayers and others provisions; yet the Lord would give me the same reward as to them. Lord! Thank You; and instruct me to do it right of my assignments for what I may deserve to get. This chapter specified that the Levites were to receive 1/50th and the priests were to receive 1/500ths of all the spoils form this war. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In this section, we read the Israelite view of the capture of the Midianites. V3, the Lord's vengeance is executed on Midian. V8 shows us that Balaam is also executed. All the males children and all non-virgin girls were killed so that all unclean ones would be wiped from the midst of the children of Israel. After the battle, the soldiers and everything had to be cleansed. Col. 3:5-11 shows us what we ought to do to purge evil. 5 ¶ Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 ¶ But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him-- 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. 2) The chapter shows us that all in the Lord are equal. Those who stayed home were given as much as those who fought. Also, the priests received a portion from all. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 32 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What was wrong with the request of Reuben and Gad? What was the result whcih Moses feared might arise from it, and on what conditions only could it be granted? Why is the event particularly significant for Israel as it arrives in the promised land, and begins to form itself into a tribal confederacy? How will its future life as a nation differ from all that it has been up to now? 2) What great principle with regard to sin and its consequences is expressed in v23? Can you think of instances in Scripture which illustrate its working? Cf Gal 6:7,8. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 32 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Moses feared that the Lord would become angry w/them, as he was at Kadesh Barnea because the people did not trust Him. Moses stated that the Reubenites and Gadites could only settle in the lands of Jazer and Gilead if they would all go to battle w/the Israelites, over the Jordan and subdue their enemies. This is a very significant chapter, showing how complete obedience and reverence must be shown to the Lord. v23..."But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; an you may be sure THAT YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT." So often in the OT we see people being faced w/punishment for "discovered" sins. It is certainly a call to "TRUST & OBEY", for there's no other way, again! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers 32 A Selfish Request Made by The Three Eastern Tribes After the war against Midianites, the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh wanted to stay on the east side of Jordan River. Moses' answer was "--- Shall your brothers go to war while you yourselves sit here?" 32:6. "---- be sure your sin will find you out." 32:23b. 32:23 is also the confession Judah made to Joseph about having sold him to an Egyptian merchant - "--- God has found out the iniquity of your servants; ---" Gen. 44:16. "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion." Proverbs 28:13. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Reuben and Gad wanted to stay on the Transjordan region while the other tribes went further to conquer the land. This was an exceptionally good area for raising cattle. Moses feared another incident similar to the defection at Kadesh. He denied Reuben and Gad their request. 2) v23 tells that 'your sin will find you out'. Galatians 6:7,8 tells us similarly. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Numbers) CHAPTER 33-35 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What details stand out in this statistical account which make one aware of the particular interests and concerns of Moses(see 33:2) the 'statistician'? What does he want his readers to take note of and remember? 2) THe theme of entry into a promised inheritance appears several times in the New Testament. Cf especially Acts 20:32; Rom 8:17; Gal 3:29; Heb 6:11,12. Heb 11 makes it clear that our real inheritance, both Israel's and Christians', is a heavenly one. What does Israel's entry into its earthly inheritance teach us about preparing for and claiming our true inheritance? TO what warnings ought we to pay heed? 3) What can we learn form chapter 35 concerning God's standards of judgement as regards manslaughter and murder? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Numbers) Chapter 33-35 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- It seems apparent that each movement of the Israelites, great or small, was ordered by the Lord. When the Israelites were entering into Canaan, they had to destroy all cast images, idols and high places. A very serious command. If not followed, there would be impending punishment. We also need to walk in the Spirit, purge our minds of evil, and transform our thinking. This requires self-examination and prayer. God was very fair regarding manslaughter. Different categories existed for involuntary and voluntary, with different punishments. The cities of refuge show God's provision for those "alternative" cases. It shows God's true, just nature. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Numbers Chapters 33 - 35 Red Sea/Salvation * Jordan River/Sanctification * Cities of Refuge/Godly Living These three chapters describe our Christian life very well. Our salvation starts with Passover Lamb - The Lamb of God. After our salvation, there is a prolong period of winding around in the Wilderness until our old selves are totally dead. Then, we reach a stage of sanctification with the experience of crossing Jordan River - destroy all idols and separating from fornication (high places) and worldly life etc. 33:50-56. Finally, we will enter in the safe places of Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron (on west bank) and Golan, Ramoth, and Bezer(on the east side). Each one of them stands for Holiness, Strength, Fellowship, A Fortress, Uplifting and Happiness respectively. [Salem Kerban Reference Bible] These names set out the sufficiency of Jesus as the refuge of sinners. Jesus only is our message, Jesus all our theme shall be; We will lift up Jesus ever, Jesus only will we see. Jesus only, Jesus ever, Jesus all in all we sing, Saviour, Sanctifier, and Healer, Glorious Lord and coming King. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1)This record is very precise and historically recorded. This shows the interest and concern of Moses in his role as statistician. It also showed his wanting the reader to remember where God told the people to start their journeys from. 2) Heb 6:11,12 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to remain diligent to the calling that we are called, our true inheritance. Acts 20:32 also warns us: 32 "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 3) In chp 35 we are again reminded of God's mercy and His true intention for the law - fair judgment, not unfair condemnation regarding unintentional sin. This also reminds us of our fallen state and our inability to do anything for this in and of ourselves. We are reminded of the fact that without Christ it is impossible for us to be forgiven for our sin.