As much of this information is a review of stuff we have already covered, please feel free to go back and answer an earlier question if you so desire. Or feel free to read the chapters in whole! These last four chapters are supplemental material to the book of Numbers. I'll simply going to do a quick overview of what each chapter covers. Chapter 33: Covers the entire journey from Egypt to Canaan, including some of the major stops. Chapter 34: Describes the borders of the land the Lord is giving them, Canaan. In future chapters, these borders will be adjusted, as the Israelites will NOT end up taking possession of the entire area, though they will end up controlling most of it. Chapter 35: Covers the cities of the Levites and cities of asylum. We will learn much more about these in future readings. This chapter also re-covers the death penalty. Chapter 36: Re-iterates what we learned about heiresses, but adds that if they marry outside of their tribe, their land will NOT be passed on to the outside tribe. In a case of "outside" marriage (aka- a heiress from the tribe of Judah marrying someone from the tribe of Simon), the land stays within the original tribe (in this case, Judah).
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In this chapter, the descendents of Reuben and the descendents of Gad decide that they like the land on this side of the Jordan. Making a deal with Moses, they will support their "brothers" in taking their own land, and receive as their share of the inheritance the land to the East of the Jordan. This “story” is used to explain why the Israelites are spread out on both sides of the Jordan. It is also used to demonstrate how they strongly they felt as one people, with descendents of Reuben and Gad willing to go to war to help their brothers. Question: Do you think that the decision to stay on the far side of the Jordan reflects a lack of faith in their eventual victory in the land of Canaan? -or- Was it simply a matter of the land being suitable for their flocks? The Israelites go now and attack the Midianites and take home their women, children, and all of their goods as spoils of war. Moses then orders all of the CHILDREN killed, along with all women who have ever had sex. The "girls who have not had intercourse with a man" [aka- bluntly speaking, the virgins] can be kept by the Israelite men. I'm sure we can imagine what life was like for them. Questions: Do you think God really ordered the children to be killed and the young girls to be treated that way? Why or why not? If so, why is it now morally wrong to treat people like that today, and not back then? If not, why does the Bible clearly spell out these details, condoning them? Final question: (which relates to both chapter 30 and 31): Is it all right to treat a woman as a possession not capable of making her own decisions (in the case of swearing oaths) or a possession that can be used as a man wills (in the second case)? Why or why not? Chapter 31: 1-2, 6-7, 9-12, 14-18
(Note: Earlier, in chapter 25, we read how the Israelites were tempted by those living in Moab to worship a false god. The Lord ordered them then to treat the Midianites as enemies. Moab's population consisted of both Moabites [descendants of Lot and his daughter, who had an incestuous relationship, and a son named Moab] and the Midianites [descendants of Abraham and his third "wife"...one of their six sons was named Midian, who was the founder of this tribe].) (1-2) The Lord said to Moses, "Avenge the Israelites on the Midianites, and then you shall be taken to your people." (6-7) Moses sent them out on the campaign, a thousand from each tribe, with Phinehas, son of Eleazar, the priest for the campaign, who had with him the sacred vessels and the trumpets for sounding the alarm. They waged war against the Midianites, as the Lord had commanded Moses, and killed every male among them. (9-12) But the Israelites kept the women of the Midianites with their little ones as captives, and all their herds and flocks and wealth as spoil, while they set on fire all the towns where they had settled and all their encampments. Then they took all the booty, with the people and beasts they had captured, and brought the captives, together with the spoils and booty, to Moses and the priest Eleazar and to the Israelites community at their camp on the plains of Moab, along the Jericho stretch of the Jordan. (14-18) Moses became angry with the officers of the army, the clan, and company commanders, who were returning from combat. "So you have spared all the women!" he exclaimed. "Why, they are the very ones who on Balaam's advice prompted the unfaithfulness of the Israelites toward the Lord in the Peor affair, which began the slaughter of the Lord's community. Sly, therefore, every male child and every woman who has had intercourse with a man. But you may spare and keep for yourselves all girls who had no intercourse with a man." ~~~~~Lesson: Numbers: Chapter 30
In a previous chapter, God gave women the right to own property, but in this chapter her word can be canceled if the man "in charge" (aka- husband, father, guardian) of her doesn't like the vow she made. Question: Do you think this rule should apply today? Why or why not? Can you think of one good reason for this to apply during that time frame? Can you think of one bad result of this rule being applied during that time frame? ~Reading: Numbers: Chapter 30 Chapter 30: 2-6 Moses said to the heads of the Israelite tribes, "This is what the Lord has commanded: When a man makes a vow to the Lord or binds himself under oath to a pledge of abstinence, he shall not violate his word, but must fulfill exactly the promise he has uttered. When a woman, while still a maiden in her father's house, makes a vow to the Lord, or binds herself to a pledge, if her father learns of her vow or the pledge to which she bound herself and says nothing to her about it, then any vow or any pledge she has made remains valid. But if on the day he learns of it her father expressed to her his disapproval, then any vow or any pledge she has made becomes null and void, and the Lord releases her from it, since her father has expressed to her his disapproval." [The chapter goes on to apply the same rule to women living in her husband's house, with the husband able to null and void his wife's word.] ~~~~~Lesson: Numbers: Numbers 25-29
1) First, the Israelites commit their first instance of worshipping foreign gods in the land around Canaan. This will be an ongoing problem for a very, very long time, despite God's continuous punishment for this sin. Question: Can you think of a reason that the Israelites continue to worship other gods? Why do you think they ignore the punishment and continue to commit this sin throughout their history? 2) The Lord then gives rules for inheritance; including allowing daughters to inherit land (but only if there are no sons!). Question: Do you think ordered rules for inheritance are better than the person getting to write out a will and decide who should get their property? Why or why not? 3) Joshua is then chosen as Moses' successor. Despite the years that have gone by, Moses is still denied getting to walk in the holy land promised to them. Question: Do you think there are consequences for our sins even when God forgives us? Why or why not? ~Reading: Numbers: Chapters 25-29 Chapter 25- The Israelites fall to worshipping the god Baal of Peor. God's wrath falls upon them and twenty-four thousand are killed. Chapter 26- A second census is taken, again sorted by the twelve tribes. (52-56) The said to Moses, "Among these groups the land shall be divided as their heritage in keeping with the number of individuals in each group. To a large group you shall assign a large heritage, to a small group and small heritage, each group receiving its heritage in proportion to the number of men registered in it. But the land shall be divided by lot, as the heritage of the various ancestral tribes. As the lot falls shall each group, large or small, be assigned its heritage." [Note: This will be very, very important later!!! Remember it!!!] Chapter 27: 5-11, 22-23 (5-11) When Moses laid their [daughters of Zelophehad, who died without a male heir] case before the Lord, the Lord said to him, "The plea of Zelophehad's daughters is just; you shall give them hereditary property among their father's kinsmen, letting their father's heritage pass on to them. Therefore, tell the Israelites: If a man died without leaving a son, you shall let his heritage pass on to his daughter; if he has no daughter, you shall give his heritage to his brothers; if he has no brothers, you shall give his heritage to his father's brothers; if his father had no brothers, you shall give his heritage to his nearest relative in his clan, who shall then take possession of it." This is the legal norm for the Israelites, as the Lord commanded Moses. (22-23) Moses did as the Lord had commanded him. Taking Joshua and having him stand in the presence of the priest Eleazar and of the whole community, he laid his hands on him and gave him his commission, as the Lord had directed through Moses. Chapters 28 and 29 cover proper times for sacrifices. ~~~~~Lesson: Numbers: Chapters 21-24
It was a long reading today, but had one major point that is particularly interesting. Balaam says throughout the reading that he can only say what God wants him to say. Even with Balak promising gold and silver, Balaam continues to "do the right thing" (aka: giving God's message), not cursing the Israelites just to get the money. Questions: Do you sometimes speak without thinking and then realize that what you said was something hurtful/untrue/etc.? Name one way you can avoid doing this in the future. Do we, as a society, put money above truth? Can you name one example? ~Reading: Numbers: Chapters 21-24
Chapter 21: Israel defeats those who live in Negeb. As they travel, they request from the Amorites simple passage through the land. They refuse and the Israelites defeat them. Chapters 22 through 24 cover a period of time when the Israelites are camped on the Plains of Moab. Balak, the king of Moab, was fearful of the Israelites after he saw what they had done to the Amorites. Therefore, he summoned a magician/soothsayer, Balaam, to curse the Israelites. Chapter 22: 6-15, 20-21, 36-38 (6-15) [Balak to Balaam] "Please come and curse this people [the Israelites] for us; they are stronger than we are. We may then be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed and whoever you curse is cursed." Then the elders of the Moab and of Midian left with the divination fee in hand went to Balaam. When they had given him Balak's message, he said to them in reply, "Stay here overnight, and I will give you whatever answer the Lord gives me." So the princes of Moab lodged with Balaam. Then God came to Balaam and said, "Who are these men visiting you?" Balaam answered God, "Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me the message: 'This people that came here from Egypt now cover the face of the earth. Please come and lay a curse on them for us; we then be able to give them battle and drive them out.'" But God to Balaam, "Do not go with them and do not curse this people, for they are blessed." The next morning Balaam arose and told the princes of Balak, "Go back to your own country, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you." So the princes of Moab went back to Balak with the report, "Balaam refused to come with us." Balak again sent princes, who were more numerous and more distinguished than the others. (20-21) That night God came to Balaam and said to him, "If these men have come to summon you, you may go with them; yet only on the condition that you do exactly as I tell you." So the next morning when Balaam arose, he saddled his ass, and went off with the princes of Moab. (36-38) When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the boundary city Ir-Moab on the Arnon at the end of the Moabite territory. And he said to Balaam, "I sent an urgent summons to you! Why did you not come to me? Did you think I could not reward you?" Balaam answered him, "Well, I have come to you after all. But what power have I to say anything? I can only speak was God puts in my mouth." Chapter 23: 11-12, 25-26 (words in brackets are my paraphrases) [Balaam builds alters and then gives voice to his first oracle, which blessed the Israelites] (11-12) "What have you done to me?" cried Balak to Balaam. "It was to curse my foes that I brought you here; instead, you have even blessed them." Balaam replied, "Is it not what the Lord puts in my mouth that I must repeat with care?" [They go to another place and Balaam gives voice to his second oracle] (25-26) "Even though you cannot curse them," said Balak to Balaam, "at least do not bless them." But Balaam answered Balak, "Did I not warn you that I must do all that the Lord tells me?" Chapter 24: 10-13, 25 [They go to another place, build alters, and then Balaam gives voice to his third oracle] (10-13) Balak beat his palms together in a blaze of anger at Balaam and said to him, "It was to curse my foes that I summoned you here; yet three times now you have even blessed them instead!" Be off at once, then to your home. I promised to reward you richly, but the Lord has withheld the reward from you!" Balaam replied to Balak, "Did I not warn the very messengers whom you sent to me, 'Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not of my own accord do anything, good or evil, contrary to the command of the Lord'? Whatever the Lord says I must repeat." [Balaam gives voice to his fourth oracle] (25) Then Balaam set out on his journey home and Balak also went on his way. ~~~~~Lesson: Numbers: Chapters 17-20
1) Again, we find the Israelites raising up their voices against Moses for the situation they are in. We can be forgiven for believing that complaining and blaming is all they did for 40 years...I'm sure there were times of great faith, it probably is simply that the "unrest" times were different enough to be recorded (see last section of lesson). It is easy to look at their situation and say what they were doing wrong. Can you look at your life and find one thing that you change today to make your life more for God? 2) It is still debated among scholars exactly what Moses and Aaron did wrong: was it actually striking the rock instead of simply standing before it and/or the actual words that they used. Question: Which (or both) "feels right" to you? Why? How can we avoid the sin of Moses and Aaron (taking credit for God's work/false pride)? Question (for fun): imagine wandering around the desert living for even just a year....what would you miss most? What would you dislike most? 3) Simply take note of 20:20-21...we will read a lot about Edom later. 4) When Aaron dies, he is first stripped of his garment (his priestly robe). This is not intended as an insult, so please don't read it that way. If a dead body touches a garment, it becomes unclean. It would be improper for a priestly garment (which was what Aaron wore) to touch a dead body. Therefore, it was passed on to his son before he actually died to avoid uncleanness. 5) When Aaron dies, the whole community mourns, showing that most of the time there was good faith, love between neighbors, and basically, just a "good community." And clearly, Moses and Aaron were respected most of the time as great people, as shown by the 30 days of mourning done by the entire community. Question: When reading about the wanderings, does it sometimes seem every story is about rebellion? Why do you think this is? (Or why don't you think this is a true statement?) ~Reading: Numbers: Chapters 17-20
Chapter 17 covers the leaders of the twelve tribes putting forth their staffs before God. God causes the staff of Aaron (the Levite tribe) to not only sprout, but have blossoms and ripe almonds, showing the Israelites that it IS Moses and Aaron he wants in charge of them. Chapter 18 covers the priests' share of the sacrifices, the tithes due the Levites, and the tithes paid by the Levites. Chapter 19 covers the burning of the red heifer and the use of the ashes. Chapter 20:1-13, 20-21, 27-29 (1-13) The whole Israelite community arrived in the desert of Zin in the first month, and the people settled at Kadesh. It was here that Miriam died, and here that she was buried. As the community had no water, they held a council against Moses and Aaron. The people contended with Moses, exclaiming, "Would that we too had perished with our kinsmen in the Lord's presence! Why have you brought the Lord's community into this desert where we and our livestock are dying? Why did you lead us out of Egypt, only to bring us to this wretched place which has neither grain nor figs nor vines nor pomegranates? Here there is not even water to drink!" But Moses and Aaron went away from the assembly to the entrance of the meeting tent, where they fell prostrate. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to them, and the Lord said to Moses, "Take the staff and assemble the community, you and your brother Aaron, and in their presence order the rock to yield its waters. From the rock you shall bring forth water for the community and their livestock to drink." So Moses took the staff from its place before the Lord, as he was ordered. He and Aaron assembled the community in front of the rock, where he said to them, "Listen to me, you rebels! Are we to bring water for you out of this rock?" Then, raising his hand, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed out in abundance for the community and their livestock to drink. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you were not faithful to me in showing forth my sanctity before the Israelites, you shall not lead this community into the land I will give them." These are the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites contended against the Lord, and where he revealed his sanctity among them. (20-21) But Edom (the king of) still said, "No, you shall not pass through," and advanced against them with a large and heavily armed force. Therefore, since Edom refused to let them pass through their territory, Israel detoured around them. (27-29) Moses did as the Lord commanded. When they {Aaron, Moses, and Eleazar} had climbed Mount Hor in view of the whole community, Moses tripped Aaron of his garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Then Aaron died there on top of the mountain. When Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain, all the community understood that Aaron had passed away; and for thirty days the whole house of Israel mourned him. |
Jennifer Becker Landsberger
Who am I? Freelance writer (magazines, websites, & copywriting), Catholic, military wife, and Mensan. Double Bachelor's in History & Psychology. Witnessing by charity and love are above all. Studying the Bible and beyond helps me on this quest. Feel free to join my walk into the Bible.
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Oh creator of the universe, who has set the stars in the heavens and causes the sun to rise and set, shed the light of your wisdom into the darkness of my mind. Fill my thoughts with a loving knowledge of you, that I may bring you like to others. Just as you can make even babies speak your truth, instruct my tongue and guide my pen to convey the wonderful glory of the Gospel. Make my intellect sharp, my memory clear, and my words eloquent, so that I may faithfully interpret the mysteries what you have revealed. Categories
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