A well known statement made by the Israelites concerning manna – we loathe this light bread – is found in this chapter. God’s response is pretty well known too, I imagine; fiery serpents came into the came and many people died. At the command of the LORD, Moses puts up a bronze serpent on a pole.
Numbers 21
When the Canaanite king Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel came by way of the spies; he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoner.
Continue readingThis is not a good chapter in the life of Israel. Miriam dies at the beginning, Aaron dies at the end, and in between Moses is judged by God and told he will die before entering the promised land. Throw in Edom coming out with a small army against them for good measure.
Numbers 20
Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel came to the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people stayed in Kadesh. Miriam died and was buried there.
Continue readingA sacrifice was required to produce the water of purification. More details are given here for who is clean and who is uncleaned.
Numbers 19
The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying:
Continue readingGod returns to giving instructions, as we see here with the details of what the priesthood costs and the benefits of service to Aaron and his descendants.
Numbers 18
The LORD said to Aaron “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear the guilt of the sanctuary: and you and your sons only shall bear the guilt of the sins of your priesthood.
Continue readingThere are three things kept in the ark of the covenant/ ark of testimony. The 10 commandments written on stone tablets, a jar with an omer of manna, and Aaron’s staff. Aaron’s staff is not actually in the ark, but kept with it in order to remind the Israelites who God has chosen to do his work. Here is that story.
Numbers 17
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
Continue readingThis is a longer chapter but very exciting so it goes by quickly. Korah, a descendant of Kohath, gets a group of men together who challenge the authority of Moses and Aaron. They agree with Moses’ plan to have both stand before God and let him choose (which he had already done).
Numbers 16
Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
Continue readingThis chapter almost feels out of place. The children of Israel have just rebelled against their leadership and God, and have been condemned to spend the next 40 years in the wilderness. Then he goes back into giving instructions about making offerings and emphasizes the importance of obedience; but the instructions are for that next generation that is being raised up.
Numbers 15
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
Continue readingA group of 12 went into the land to scope things out. 10 of the 12 bring back reports of walled cities and strong men that look like giants so the congregation of Israel decides to appoint new leaders that will take them back to Egypt. This is where the 40 years in the wilderness is mentioned for the first time.
Numbers 14
All the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
Continue readingSpies are sent, one from each tribe, to scout out the land of Canaan. They find a rich land described as “flowing with milk and honey” but also wall cities and men they believe are giants. 10 of the 12 men convince Israel they cannot take control of the land and should not try, despite God’s promise to give it to them.
Numbers 13
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
Continue readingIt’s Aaron and Miriam’s turn to do a little complaining as they question if Moses is the only one God speaks through. God explains some things about how he deals with Moses. In his anger Miriam is struck with leprosy for seven days. That pales in comparison to what is coming.
Numbers 12
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married: for he had married an Cushite woman.
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