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Numbers 17-27 and Psalm 26

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 ends rather abruptly: “We will die! We are lost, we are all lost!” Really?

Chapter 18 provides confirmation of Aaron and the priesthood. In particular, I found this intriguing:

I myself have selected your fellow Levites from among the Israelites as a gift to you…I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. Numbers 18:6-7

As we work with those called to plant churches, as well as those that currently lead churches, this section is quite interesting. I know the modern church is not a Levitical priesthood, but in the metaphor of The Story, perhaps this is a glimpse into God’s Upper Story, his desire for those who serve the church apart from those who are ministered to by the church. Other than the part about, “anyone else who comes near the sanctuary is to be put to death,” this is an interesting perspective.

Moses’ Mistake (Numbers 20:8-12)

If I read this passage alone, I don’t think it makes much sense — God’s response to Moses’ error would seem harsh. But having just read through Korah’s rebellion, the bitterness of the people, the incredible gift God has given to the Levites and in turn to Moses, the context for this verse has a bit of clarity.

God’s instructions:

Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water

Moses’ response:

Moses said to them, “Listen you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with the staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

The result:

Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them

Wow! God was pretty clear in his instructions, but Moses was fed up with the people, out of his mind with frustration and acted out in front of the entire group. God could have zapped him out of existence, but he showed mercy and grace, as always. Moses would continue to lead because the chosen people were more important than the chosen person. God’s story will prevail. They got the water they needed (though God could have refused that) and they continued on their journey with Moses as their leader. My guess is the next meeting in The Tent was not so cordial.

Balaam Blesses Israel

Though it wasn’t his plan, Balaam couldn’t help but do God’s will. https://teracomp.net/balaam-blesses-israel/

Balaam’s Donkey (Numbers 22)

Balaam did everything he could to resist the Lord, but his donkey was smarter!

The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?”

The Lord allowed a donkey to convey the message to the pagan Balaam. Interesting to say the least! The theme of today’s reading seems to be, “God’s story trumps our story.” We know that intuitively, but here are concrete examples to learn from.

Zelophehad’s Daughters

Another interesting observation from this text is the inclusion of these women in the narrative. Zelophehad’s daughter stood before Moses and plead their case. This must have been unprecedented in a male-dominated culture, but Moses was wise enough to put this before the Lord.

and the Lord said to him, “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them.”

A new law is born. “If a man dies and leaves no son, give his inheritance to his daughter.”

Joshua Formally Chosen as Moses’ Successor

The rest of chapter 27 includes Joshua’s formal announcement as Moses’ successor. Joshua was a consistent and faithful servant and will be the right leader as the Israelites enter the Promised Land…soon.

 

Numbers 10-13

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 mentioned indirectly, though with a different name: “Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law.” (Numbers 10:29).

Chapter 11 begins, “Now the people complained…” they actually whined about the manna that was provided for them, “But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” Numbers 11:6 Pretty incredible, but again, with the stress of moving and no clear path in sight, I have some sympathy for the people. Moses does as well and argues with the Lord,

The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me–if I have found favor in your eyes–and do not let me face my own ruin.” Numbers 11:10-12,15

The Lord tells Moses to gather some leaders and he will give them “some of the power of the Spirit” and share the burden. He will also give them meat. Now this is truly funny:

You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, but for a whole month–until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it–because you have rejected the Lord who is among you, and you have wailed before hime, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?” Numbers 11:19-20

Of course, I think it’s funny because I’m not living in the desert and listening to Moses or the rumors from my neighbors. Nor am I hungry or threatened in any way. From my vantage point this if humorous, but this is far from comedic, this is real life and the struggles are very real.

Exploring Canaan

From the Desert of Paran, Moses sent 12 men, one from each tribe, to explore Canaan and provide a report.  It’s an amazing land, “but the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large.” (Numbers 13:28). Caleb declared, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it,” but the people were frightened and it seems like the other 10 exaggerated the story to spread fear among the people.

It’s interesting to note there is so much fear. Perhaps the overwhelming desire for routine clouded their judgment.  How many times have I seen shadows and reacted in fear when all along the Lord was showing me a land of opportunity. I wonder.

Numbers 7-9 and Psalm 24

As I read through the accounts of leaders showing their respect and devotion to God, I have an appreciation for the names listed as a way of honoring the individuals. Most of these names are unfamiliar, but they served God with all they had.

It’s difficult to wrap my mind around the scale of this enterprise, some 2 million people plus livestock. The sheer magnitude creates the potential for chaos. The rules, that is compliance with the rules, provides a basis for civility. I can only imagine that this was not the case for the neighboring territories, all part of God’s plan to show his people as distinct.

Moses, Aaron and the whole Israelite community did with the Levites just as the Lord commanded Moses. Numbers 8:20

Side note: the word Israelite is often hyphenated: Isra – elite. I know this isn’t proper Etymology, but it’s interesting. 🙂

Sometimes the people camped for a few days, sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. “Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.” Numbers 9:22.

Unwinding 400+ years of slavery was an arduous task that was going to take time. Moses probably figured this out early on. The theme is all about devotion, about letting go of personal desires, of putting God first. There is much to learn from this disposition.