Covenant History
and Deuteronomy begins with a brief recap of major events including the delegation of responsibility to tribal leaders and the rebellion that happened after the 12 spied out the Promised Land. In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God The Israelites fought and won many battles, physical struggles against those …
Boundaries — Physical and Legal
Cities of Refuge provide a holding place for those who accidentally kill someone awaiting trial. These were given to the Levites to manage. There are lots of rules that go along with using the haven, but the intent is to allow time to process the claim and protect the individual. Zelophehad’s Daughters get their inheritance, …
The Tribes Prepare to Settle Canaan
and Moses instructs the Israelites to fight the Midianites with 12,000 men, 1,000 from each tribe. They killed every man, the five kings of Midian are listed. Balaam is also killed in the battle. “Moses was angry with the officers of the army…have you allowed all the women to live?” he asked them. “They were the …
Offerings and Vows
and “On the Sabbath day, make an offering…” I found this interesting given the later interpretation of “work” on the Sabbath–surely preparing two lambs, grains, flour and olive oil would constitute “work” by definition. There are several places where the requirement to “do no work” or “do no regular work” is specified. Offering is not …
Moses’ Anger — Bronze Serpent — Balaam
and God tells Moses to put staffs representing each tribe in the Tent of Meeting for God to show the people who He has selected to care for the Tabernacle. Aaron’s staff sprouts overnight, even produces almonds, so he is definitively selected as the leader of the Levites. No real surprise here, though chapter 17 …
Korah’s Rebellion
Quail, Fire, Opposition, and Exploration
Number 10 records the first time the Israelites broke camp and moved from place to place. They now have to execute the plan that was presented, to form the ranks and manage the movement of the temple and, of course, all the people. No doubt this was a stressful time. It’s interesting to see Jethro …
Tabernacle Offerings and Cloud
Purity and the Nazarite Vow
The Kohathites, Gershonites and Merarites have specific tasks to perform as part of their duties as Levites. Moses provides a process for a husband to determine if his wife has had sexual relations with another man, specific process and details. I don’t believe there is a law written for the other way around. Interesting. The …