Numbers

“God disciplined His people

Wanderings of a faithless generation “

First impression:                                                              

1.What do I see in this book that’s tells me about the Original Reader                                                                                                 

They have been wandering about 40 years in the wilderness. The years is c. 1444-1405 BC. The book covers from the last 20 days at Mt. Sinai, the wanderings round Kadesh Barnea and finally the arrival in the plains of Moab. (NB.p.47)

In ch.33.1 we see Moses writing the route the Israelites followed.

A journey that could have taken 11 days, took 40 years (ch.13) because of their unbelief. After all the miracles they are still stubborn in their unbelief – so all men 20 and older will not see the Promised Land.

They are a rebellious people  - the Levi complains –even his brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam (ch12.3), complains to Moses. At different times he had to stand in these challenges. It must have been hard.

2. What do I see in this book that tells me about the author                                                                                                                      

Most likely it is also Moses who have written this book. In ch. 33.2 it says Moses kept a written record after Lords direction.

He has the goal clear: “The Lord has promised wonderful blessings for Israel” ch.10.29

Numbers may be divided into three main parts:

1.    The old generation, the law (1.1-10.10)

2.    A tragically transitional period (10.11-25.18)

3.    And finally ends with the doorway to The Promised land – with a new generation that had been raised in the time Moses was leader.

From the time Moses understands he will not himself enter the Promised Land – I assumes he also understands that he is writing this book to a very young generation, and in a way a “shorthistorynation”. They have not been influenced like their parents by the pagan culture. I will assume that as a leader, Moses because of this, sees the very importance of really giving them the whole big God’s picture and plan, so they will carry out all Gods plan. It must have been challenging, and disappointing for Moses not to be able to go in to the land he had led the people to.

I enjoyed especially the details he is given about the various places God spoke to him:

God spoke to Him in the Tabernacle. Ch.1.1

He spoke to Him on Mt. Sinai ch.3.1

In the wilderness 3.14

In between the cherubs 7.89

In front of the tabernacle 16.43

On the border of the land of Edom 20.22

By the well of Beer (which they built because the Lord spoke to Moses: “Assemble the people, and I will give them water”) 21.16

The plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho –were he died.

It is like that today too  - God speaks to us everywhere – and we often have a special remembrance of time and place when God speak specific to us. And I guess it would be a smart thing for us too, to write it down – so ourselves, and generations to come, must be reminded of His works. 

I also enjoyed reading how God Himself buried Moses (Dt.34.5)

– The man that He chooses to lead this. The saying after his death is written in Dt.34.10-12.  No prophets in Israel as him.

Moses was a humble man (ch.16.4)

From Jo’s Lecture:

Lessons from Moses´ leadership:

Vent you anger with God – not people

Don´t respond to angry people in the same spirit

Do we trust God that He´ll come to our defense?

Moses has knew were they were heading “ we are on our way to the place the Lord has promised us, for he said “I will give it to you “ Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised wonderful blessings for Israel”(don’t find the verse again)

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what else is a one sentence summery of the “main idea”?                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

God has a setup for order and system

Don’t move before God does. (Ch. 10.33-36)

Let God be in the center. NB p.50 – (chi 2.17)

He has a glorious present (Ch. 20.6)

He wants us to have faith in Him and His plan (see quote on faith in Leviticus)

One sentence: this book tells us about how God’s people complains, are faithless and have fear, and that results in 40 extra years of wandering. God shows anger on disobedience and unbelief, all the time but shows mercy and patience to lead His people on.

                                                                        

4. What is the primary reason for this book was written                                                                                                                            

Quoted from SVB. P. 170:“He (Moses) wrote this book to document their story   - a story of their past to shape their future. To show God’s judgment against sin, in the context of His constant faithfulness and patience with his beloved Israel”

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

5.What does the book show about the character and nature of God?                                                                                                   

He has a plan –organizes the people and the priests  (chi 1-4)

He sanctifies His people (ch5-10.10)

He provides (ch.11.16-35)

He judges (ch 14.20-28)

He is jealous and tolerates not your affection for any other gods. Ch5.9

He want to be in the Center – compare to the placement of the arch (ch.2)

He believes in the young and faithful

He disciplines His people – all through the book

When people complain about his providing he got angry  (ch.13)

6.What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?                                                                                           

The way everybody in turn against and complaining to and over to Moses – makes my think of how much some of the same happened to Jesus.
Even a pagan seer foreshadows Jesus in Ch. 24.17. In the message of Balaam we see he is speaking of  “ a star will rise from Jacob”. As we heard in class today in Jo’s lecture this point forward to both David and Jesus.

Also in ch.10.12 we see how God gives instructions on the sacrificed lamb – that “they must not break any of its bones” – the same happened to Jesus. John 19.31-37

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Application questions                                                                                                                                                                                  

7.Personal application:                                                                                                                                                                              

The last months we as a couple had had a focus on the Benediction from Aaron to the Israel people Ch. n 6.24-26:

May the Lord bless you

And protect you

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you

May the Lord show you his favor and give you His peace.

We have had a book studying this –and increasingly prayed it over our children, in-law’s and grandchildren, as often as we can. God has been showing me  - as my children grow older it is so many issues –but the good habit in every that lifting them to the Lord and pray down his blessing in all issues. It has been a really blessing back, and a tremendous freedom.

The way God works with us. Put the focus on issues – and I can neglect it or even do wrong – but he brings me back to the same point.

What you put your effort into.

God is discipline me these days in taking me out of my safe and known settings, out of my/our comfortzone. And this Wednesday we had a really moll day – tires and worried about the homework. But we talked and reminded each other of God bringing us here, and Danielle’s devotion on Thursday confirmed it – how this is right into these books message – do I believe He will see us through.

Reading His world will always make changes, and do what ever it is sent for Is. 55.11

8.Point of passion:

We are so coloured by the world we live in. New laws are passed in our contry – looks at first innocent – but changes whole attitudes and really fundamental issues. Like the matter of “making “babies,  parenthood, abortion of children with defects…..

When I was praying this week , 3 names came into my present  - two of them are involved in the work with my nations biotechnology rules and laws. Two doctors in medesine , who are followers of Jesusu, and one pastor who has risen their voice to preserve life and promote protection of LIFE in general. Both on cell level and in the area of God’s idea of marriage and family. The two first are highly respected in official matters – the latter one is more of a disturber- I admire how they dear to be bold in these matters, and will have a specific time of prayer for them this weekend.