When things got hard, the people began to look around to see who they could blame things on. Aaron and his sons were ripe targets. The LORD defended his choice of Aaron and destroyed the rebellion of Korah. He gave signs – including the sign of the budding of Aaron’s staff – to show who was God’s appointed servant.
LORD, give us the wisdom to submit to those you have placed over us in the body.
A theme throughout this chapter is the idea that all the commands of God apply to everyone in the community – no exceptions. There is only one LORD in the Israelite camp. There was even a dress code that tied everyone to each other and to the LORD.
We are in this thing together. We might as well get along with one another, and not try so hard to be different.
LORD, help us to be us, and not a million me’s.
I was tempted to call this section “a courageous walk” because it highlights the courage of Joshua and Caleb. They did not go along with the majority, and chose to trust God – that he would deliver Israel from the occupants of the land.
The fact is, they were just being obedient. They had been commanded to “be of good courage” (13:20). But, later, after God punished the majority by forbidding them entrance, they drummed up the courage to attack, and it was a disaster.
LORD, give us the courage to obey first, and trust you to take care of the obstacles.
The LORD struck Miriam with leprosy to pun ish her for questioning the authority of his chosen servant, Moses. Even after Moses prayed that he heal her, God chose to let her remain leprous for seven days. He wanted to teach his people to respect his authority, not just that of Moses. He protects the reputation of those whom he has called.
LORD, make us respectful of those whom you have placed in authority over us..
Numbers 11 If we just read this chapter as a warning against complaining, we will miss a major point. Yes, the people complained that they had no meat, so God sent the quail until they choked on them. Yes, it is a terrible thing to complain about the LORD.
But Moses did some complaining here too. The difference was that he brought his complaints to the LORD in prayer. His burden was too great for one person to bear. The LORD provided a solution in the seventy elders.
LORD, give us the good sense to complain to you, rather than about you.
Numbers 10:11-36 Moses wanted Hobab’s help because he knew the territory that the Israelites would be travelling. But Moses also knew that the LORD would be with them, so he assumed that they would be blessed. He did not want his brother-in-law to miss that blessing. May we show the same confidence, asking others to join us because we know God is on our side.
LORD, give us the confidence that befits a people who have the presence of the LORD with them.
Numbers 9:15-10:10 The Israelites were given clear visual and auditory aids to help them follow the LORD’s commands. They could see the cloud resting over the tabernacle by day, and the fire at night. They could hear the trumpet blasts summoning them to set out, to receive instructions from Moses, or (later) to go to war in the land.
Following the Holy Spirit in the Christian walk is not so easy. The signs to set out or to go to battle are not so pronounced. We must be sensitive to the LORD’s commands by staying close to him in prayer, and by regularly reading his word.
LORD, keep us sensitive to your direction.
Numbers 9:1-14 The Israelites had to keep three things in mind at all times – the LORD’s promise for the future (the promised land), the LORD’s presence in the present (the tabernacle), and the LORD’s deliverance in the past (the Passover). Those who could not celebrate the Passover on the first month because of defilement could celebrate it on the second month. The important thing was that those walking toward God’s future never forget his deliverance in the past.
LORD, thank you for the cross, which makes eternity possible.
The Levites had to be cleansed for the service of the LORD, and were to continue that service until their retirement at age 50. After that, they could continue to keep guard, but were to pass the work of worship on to the next generation.
LORD, our time in your service in this life is limited. Make us wholly committed to the work.
After six chapters detailing the importance of the Levites work at the tabernacle, this chapter shows the support and contributions (six wagon loads) of all the tribes to that work. For 12 successive days, each tribe gives a contribution that would enable the Levites and priests to begin carrying out the regular worship at the consecrated tabernacle. This was a show of equal consecration of the whole nation, and each tribe in particular. Although the priests and Levites only come from one tribe, the tabernacle was the LORD’s, and he was not the God of one tribe alone.
A New Testament corollary is found in Romans 12:4-8:
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Numbers 16-17
Numbers 8
Numbers 7
