Numbers 1
3 Things You Should Know about Numbers by Iain Duguid
1. The book of Numbers is not a book simply about numbers.
2. The most important number in the book of Numbers is two.
3. The second most important number in the book is forty-two.
Numbers 2
Just a quick addition to yesterday’s reading - some commentators have noted the arrangement of the encampment of Israel is in a cross shape around the temple. I think this is honestly a bit of a stretch. But what is interesting is that the tribe that is facing the east (the same direction as the entrance to the Tabernacle), the same direction that the glory of the Lord later departs (Ezekiel 10-11) and then returns (Ezekiel 43) is Judah. It’s the primary tribe listed and also the tribe out of which the Lion of Judah comes. The neat thing is to see the connections and DNA of God's plan from beginning to end. A lot of Christians know the end of God’s redemptive plan. But so many people don’t see the intricacy and sovereignty in its connections. I think this is why a lot of people don’t appreciate the benefit of the Old Testament in helping us to trust God, as he has planned the end from the beginning. May we delight in the sovereign plan and control of our God. We go through our own uncertain, earthly life and pilgrimage from our perspective, but it is comforting to know that our path is absolutely sure-footed and sovereignly ordained for our good by our great God.
Numbers 3
Something interesting to consider in this chapter is how the Levites, as the priests of Israel, are a substitute for the firstborn of Israel belonging to God. In other words, they are acting in a substitutionary role. But they are obviously not perfect, as even Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu show us. We need a greater high priest and substitute on our behalf for sin. It’s interesting to note, too, that God is careful in his accounting, making sure that because there are more firstborn than there are Levites, Israel has to pay the difference with a redemption tax. What does this tell you about God? Is He indifferent to our sins and our need for forgiveness? It would be easy to think that He doesn’t care about the little sins that you do. But the evidence is that he is a careful accountant and therefore a just judge. We would be wise to continue to faithfully confess our sins to him and ask forgiveness and repentance and to throw ourselves on the mercy of our redeeming Saviour.
Numbers 4
My question: Why blue cloth? Lots of reasons apparently - some commentators believe it speaks of heaven or it was opaque. Interesting that the bronze altar in v.13 is covered in purple. Some believe this is to distinguish items in the presence of God (the blue covered items in the holy and most holy places) from more common items associated with the common areas accessible by more priests and people, and distance (like the bronze altar). All this to say we serve a holy God. May He help us to pursue holiness and separation from sin today.
Numbers 7
Apparently, according to something I read, this is the longest chapter in the book. It details costly sacrificial gifts from all the heads of tribes at the dedication of the Tabernacle, which demonstrates unity and equality in Israel in their devotion to God.
A little interesting note about the sons of Kohath v.6-9 not receiving wagons because they were the bearers of the most holy objects (which were supposed to be hand-carried according to God’s careful instructions). This will have particular relevance when we get to understanding the tragic story of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:1-11.
Interesting too that the voice of God is disembodied, coming from above the mercy seat. Our God expressly designed the place of meeting and communication with his people to be one of mercy. Have you sought his mercies this morning?
Numbers 11–13
These chapters begin a series on the grumblings of Israel and even Moses Himself, and God’s response. The thing that I took away this morning is just that complaining can be sinful and can even invoke the wrath of God. We know that not all complaints are sinful - consider in the Psalms when a complaint is made to God with respect based on His promises (not the likes or dislikes we have about what we receive). It reminds me of the hymn my sister requested at her funeral, “Whate’re my God ordains is right” that I think expresses the grappling we often have as Christians between what we want and what God provides. May God grant us hearts that persevere in pursuing contentment in Him even when our circumstances are hard.
Numbers 16–17
Korah's rebellion and the aftermath in Numbers 16-17 by reading Ligon Duncan's sermons on it.
Korah’s Rebellion Numbers 16:1-50
Aaron’s Rod Blossoming Numbers 17:1-13
It's neat to see talk of the Almond bush that blossoms out of Aaron's rod. As we said, the menorah was in the shape of an Almond bush symbolizing the watchfulness of God in the Tabernacle over the people of Israel. Ligon Duncan shares a bit more:
Now that’s very significant for Israel. If you’ve ever heard any sermons on the minor prophets, if you’ve ever heard any sermons, maybe, on the prophet Jeremiah, you’ll know that the almond tree has a very tremendous significance for the children of Israel. It is used over and over in different prophecies. It’s pictured in some of the carvings that they have done in their religious art. But one of the reasons for that is that it was the first of the flowering plants after winter. And they even had a name for it: they called it the watcher, because it was the first of the plants to break its flowering after the cold days of winter. It was a beautiful flower, and it indicated God’s watching over them even during the cold winter. So the prophets would sometimes use it to talk about how God was watching over the children of Israel. Even in their bleak winter of disobedience, God was watching over Israel. And so this rod flowers, and it’s designed again by God to show that Aaron is His chosen man and that the sons of Aaron are to be the priests of Israel.
Numbers 22–23
A truly amazing chapter in Bible history. Talking animals? Frustrated and utterly defeated false prophets who can't utter a word against God's people without His express permission? It makes it so patently clear, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Which is a great thought to take into a midweek Wednesday.
Further thoughts: Throughout the OT, there is a lot of speculation on who the Angel of the Lord is. Is it a preincarnate manifestation of Jesus, or is it just an angelic messenger? This is not a primary issue in the Scriptures, but the answer helps understand the role of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. I tend to think that many of the appearances of the "Angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament are a preincarnate Jesus (for example, as we'll soon see in Joshua 5, where the Commander of the Lord's Army meets Joshua). RBNet pastors Matt Foreman and Doug Van Dorn have written a helpful book called "The Angel of the Lord: A biblical historical and theological study" where they argue that this appearance in our Chapter today (and many others in the OT) was a theophany (or more specifically a "Christophany") of preincarnate Jesus in the Old Testament). While there are some difficulties with this position, it is nevertheless intriguing. Here's a little piece on how they make their argument.
"In Numbers 22:22-23, when the pagan prophet Balaam was going to prophesy against Israel, we are told, "God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road, with a drawn sword (weharbo shelupha) in his hand."
Many commentators will point out that the angel here is seemingly distinguished from God (in both 22:22 and 22:31), and so they conclude that this angel is a lesser spiritual messenger. If he is distinguished, this, of course, would be exactly what we would expect to see sometimes if the Angel is the Second Person of the Godhead. For he is both God and yet distinguished from the Father. Thus, this kind of language is quite in line with our view of the Angel. But in the same breath that he is distinguished, we also find him one with Yahweh. Notice the angel's words to Balaam, "Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me" (22:32). Then the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but speak only the word that I tell you" (22:35). The Angel speaks here with the authority and prerogative of God himself. Thus, in the same text, he is both distinguished and not distinguished from God. But the larger point for our study now is that the Angel is identified by his drawn sword as a man of war opposing Israel's enemies."
What struck me reading this today was the fact that Balaak, having seen the destruction of Sihon and Og, surmises that the defeat of Israel is not guaranteed unless he can dominate both physically AND spiritually. In other words, a pagan king recognizes the need to overcome God is the only way to win. Of course, he can’t, despite hiring the best diviner money can buy (Balaam). But this is helpful to us all in two ways:
1) As a reminder that our ultimate vindication and victory are secured no matter what in Christ. So no matter what physical or other harm we may experience in this life, no matter how badly we’ve messed up, God is gracious to save and secure us.
2) The stubbornness of unbelief. Facing the reality of Yahweh God, instead of submitting to Him in the face of His awesome power (demonstrated militarily time and time again for Israel), Balaak is wise enough to seek supernatural help but not wise enough to bow his knee to the only true supernatural God.
May we take comfort in God who fights for us,, and may we submit to Him in our lives in everything because He is both the Good Commander and the Good Shepherd who protects and provides for wayward sheep like us.
Question: Who was Balaam exactly? He wasn’t an Israelite but seemed to know God
Balaam was a Mesopotanian - a non-Israelite hired by Balaak king of Moab.
According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia:
That Balaam’s character poses problems can scarcely be denied. A non-Israelite, he yet acknowledged the supremacy of Yahweh and evinced a desire to please Him (Nu. 22:34; 24:1). At the same time he was famed for his skill as a diviner (Heb. qôsēm) and for his ability to use enchantments (Heb. neḥāšîm—the noun occurs only twice in the OT, in Nu. 23:23; 24:1; the cognate verb nāḥaš occurs frequently); both terms are used subsequently in the OT in connection with the false prophets of Israel (cf. Dt. 18:10; Ezk. 13:6; Mic. 3:7, 11; etc.). His prophecies were clearly given to him by Yahweh (Nu. 23:5, 16) and were uttered under the constraint and inspiration of the divine Spirit (Nu. 24:2).
At first sight, what is most perplexing of all is that, although God had given Balaam permission to go with Balaak’s second deputation, “God’s anger was kindled because he went” (Nu. 22:22). A closer examination of the narrative suggests that this apparent inconsistency arises from Balaam’s character. The categorical prohibition of Nu. 22:12 was modified as a judicial penalty for Balaam’s venality.
Balaam is a very interesting character, and as we might have read, so are his prophecies. His identity is closely associated with his character.
Moses and the apostles have painted for us a very negative image of Balaam (Deu 23:4-5; 2 Pe 2:15; Jude 11; Rev 2:14). This picture would likely have been due to Balaam’s own desire/willingness to prophecy for money and an unwillingness to acquiesce to God’s demands.
Yet, the beauty of the narrative is found in God using wicked men as his mouthpiece. Through the narrative, we find both Balaam and Balak realizing that God alone blesses and curses (Num 23:8), and that God is not man, that He should lie or change His mind (23:19).
Numbers 29–30
A reflection on today's reading - just a reminder of the imagery of Christ in the feasts and what they anticipate:
1) Feast of Trumpets: The trumpet call represents a call to repentance and preparation, anticipating the proclamation of the Gospel and the call to faith in Christ.
2) Day of Atonement: Centres on atonement for sin, prefiguring Christ's ultimate sacrifice as both our High Priest and the Passover Lamb, who offers Himself once for all (Hebrews 9:12).
3) Feast of Tabernacles: Celebrates God's provision and presence, pointing to the incarnation of Christ, "the Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us" (John 1:14). And He will again in Heaven!
Numbers 31–32
Here we come to one of the toughest passages in Scripture because it speaks of violence and capital punishment of the Midianites. This is the introduction that Ligon Duncan put in his sermon on it:
"...when we come to Numbers 31, the focus is on vengeance, the Lord’s vengeance on Midian. The content of this chapter is not pretty. It’s yet another reminder that the Bible is not a children’s book in the sense of being a story filled with nice bedtime fairy tales. It’s a book of utter realism. It gives us the way things are. It spells out stories that aren’t nice because we live in a fallen world. And because the world is fallen and because sin always is attached to misery, in a fallen world full of sin there are very hard things that happen."
Sometimes Scripture contains very hard truths about the reality of sin and its cancerous effects. A lot of times we don't take it seriously enough and so passages like even Jesus' instruction in the New Testament in the sermon on the mount to "cut off" body parts seems too radical (by the way, if you remember my sermon the instruction is not literally to cut something off, but, to treat sin as the deadly serious cancer that it is). Now, the situation here in Numbers 31 is complex, and the context is important. It requires thought, and it should drive us to prayer about how we tolerate our sin. Ligon Duncan's sermon might be a place for you to look deeper into this text to understand it better, should you so desire.
Numbers 34–35
One thing I've been reflecting on this week in these chapters is just God's faithful, careful care of the Israelites. We might get our heads tied up with all of the ceremonial laws, but the idea behind it was to help Israel live every day on a path of communion with God. To help them think through their every decision, whether it was what they were to eat or when they would have sex or what to do on a particular day. Their lives were structured around communion with God. How different is it in our modern world? Do I seek to build my day/week around communion with Him? Is the "hole" in my holiness (as Kevin DeYoung puts it in his very helpful book by that title) that I don't think or pursue holiness? A very great book to read, that was one of our "books of the month" years ago.
Another thought is the extent of care that the Lord extends, even to the perpetrators of manslaughter, with the cities of refuge. I have wondered sometimes, other than those who experience it, what particular anguish it must be to accidentally have caused someone else's life to end and to change the course of so many other people's lives, including your own, in an instant. Laura Bush (former POTUS President Bush's wife) raised some awareness of this. There was also this sad but informative article in the New Yorker years ago (secular non-Christian source) about what a person experienced.
The fact is, God cares even for the marginalized, the guilt-ridden, the sad and lonely and depressed. Go to Him this weekend. Seek His presence - make communion and rejoice in your union in Him.