Numbers 26
This is the second census of the children of Israel. It came after
the 40 years in the wilderness 63-65. The total number of men 20
years and older was 601,730 (51) which was only 1,820 less than the
first census (1:46). The Levites gain over 1,000 (63) (comp 3:39).
It is amazing that God kept His people strong in number for 40
years of wandering in the wilderness. During that time God provided
for all their needs for nothing is impossible with God !
Numbers 27
Provision is made to give an inheritance to a family that only has
daughters and no sons, and those with no close relatives 1-11.
Note: It is interesting that the daughters of Zelopehad discover
truth in the midst of their circumstances that God affirms and
upholds (5-7). The Lord allows Moses to see the Promised Land but
he is forbidden to enter it as a consequence of his sin 12-14.
Note: Moses' eloquent prayer 15-17. Moses is commanded to appoint
Joshua as his successor 18-23. This was to be public and formal
because it was God ordained. Note: There should always be a careful
transition of leadership among God's people so that the new leader
will be respected and followed 20.
Numbers 28
Can you imagine all the animals needed on a daily as sacrifices to
please the Lord (360 days in the Jewish calendar x 2 = 720) add to
that the Sabbath offerings 2 x 52 = 104 (9-10) plus the first of
every month offering 9x12=108 (11-15) plus the following
Passover 9 (16-25) plus Weeks 9 (26-31). We are up to 950 animals
without defect, some only one year old. We are not done keep
reading chapter 29 and add to the 950...
Numbers 29
950 animals for sacrifice plus 9 for the feast of Trumpets = 959
(1-6) plus 9 for the day of Atonement = 968 (7-11) plus the Feast
of Tabernacles which lasted 8 days and included sacrifices
each of the eight days totaling 191 (12-38). That makes a
grand total of 1,159 animals for sacrifice each year ! The
Lord said this to be in addition to vow and freewill offerings
(39-40). Wow ! Can you comprehend the amount of blood that was shed
in order to cover the sins of the people ? Praise the Lord for the
complete and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ who died by shedding
His blood for our sins 'once for all' (Hebrews 10:10)
Numbers 30
God gives further instructions regarding vows, they were to be
fulfilled 1-2. Women under some instances could be freed from
obligation if the vow was forbidden by her father 5, or her husband
8,12. If a husband said nothing to nullify it she would then be
obligated to fulfill it 13-16. Rather than a negative, I suggest
that the Lord made these provisions to protect women from harm in a
culture where they might be taken advantage of, even in connection
with a vow.
Numbers 31
The Midianites were to be destroyed at the command of the Lord 1-3.
Balaam is killed in the process 8. The women who were spared were
some who corrupted the men of Israel. Those who slept with men were
put to death 15-18. The spoils were then divided and shared, with
portions given to the Lord 25-54. Note: Do I carry out the commands
of God readily and give Him the portion that is His due ? With all
the animals they got as spoil they had plenty for sacrifices.
Numbers 32
Two and a half tribes desire to have their inheritance on the
Eastern side of the Jordan (across from the Promised Land) 1-5.
Moses rebukes them for such a request. He does not want them to
discourage the people as did their fathers 6-15. He even calls them
a 'brood of sinners' 14. The Gadites and Reubenites agree to fight
alongside their brothers in conquering the Promised Land before
they would return to settle East of the Jordan 16-19. They are
permitted to do this but they must keep their word and fight with
their brothers 20-42. Note: I
wonder what is the parallel in this account to the christian and
his walk with God ? How do some believers settle in a land other
than where God wanted them to be. Can this illustrate that some
believers 'settle' for less than what God has for them, even though
they must still fight the same battles ?
Numbers 33
This chapter records the journey the Israelites took as they
traveled in the wilderness for 40 years 1-49. (It is their travel
log). Note: God commanded that this be recorded 2. Moses kept
perfect records, how much more so does God keep record and account
of our individual lives.
Jesus said 'even the hairs of our head are all numbered' (Matthew
10:30). Maybe in eternity God will show His people is 'stop' in
their lives and the purpose He had for them at each place. The Lord
commands His people to completely drive out and destroy the people
who live in the land God is giving to Israel 50-56. Failure to do
this will result in trouble, hardship, and judgment from the Lord
55-56. The land is to be divided by 'lot' 54. This is a
God-ordained method since the decision comes from the Lord (see:
Proverbs 16:33)
Numbers 34
God sets the boundaries of the nation of Israel 1-12. The entire
earth is the Lord's and all it contains, so He has every right to
give land to whom He wills. (Psalm 24:1). He has given the land
just outlined to the Jewish people as an everlasting possession
(Genesis 17:8). Today the Jews are back in their land, but are
still in unbelief. One day the Lord Jesus Christ will return to the
land (Mount of Olives - Zechariah 14:4) and the Jews will receive
Him as their Messiah and King (Romans 11:25-29). The Promised Land,
known as the land of Israel, is meant to be a testimony to God and
His faithfulness to His promises. Note: God has also ordained all
lands and nations, that people might seek Him (Acts 17:25-27).
Numbers 35
God commands that land be set aside for the Levites as pasture land
1-5. God also sets up six 'cities of refuge' where a person could
flee after causing the unintentional death of another
person 11. God gives examples of how these cities were to function.
A murderer was to be put to death (case closed) 16-21. This would
require at least two witnesses 29-30. One who unintentionally
killed another could live in a city of refuge until the death of
the high priest 22-28. The Lord indicates by these commands
that life is sacred and murder is a capital offense. That is why
even death caused accidentally had a consequence. Note: How many
nations of the world are corrupted because of the bloodshed that
occurs in them 33-34 ?
Numbers 36
A question arises concerning the inheritance a daughter may have
because no sons were born to their father. Once the women marry and
the year of Jubilee comes will they loose their inheritance ? The
Lord makes provision, so that it will remain with the family as
long as the women marry within their own tribe. Note: The extreme
care and attention given to who has possession of the land as an
inheritance says to me that God wanted His people (even specific
families) linked to the land He was giving them. For the New
Testament believer in Jesus our home and citizenship is in heaven
(Philippians 3:20)