Numbers

Growing in Christ

"He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:45

Overview of Old Testament or New Testament

Links to observations drawn from other other books of the Bible

Practical and Pastoral Observations on the Book of Numbers (please read each chapter slowly and meditatively before reading observations below):

Introduction: The Hebrew title of the book is taken from the first verse "in the wilderness" since it is the story of the consequence of refusing to enter the promised land resulting in 40 years of wandering in the wilderness of Sinai. The Greek translation (Septuagint) however titles the book "Numbers" after the census figures in chapters 1-3 and 26. The book recounts the period from receiving the Covenant at Sinai, through Israel's off-and-on again trust of Yahweh, to Israel's preparation to enter the promised land full a generation later.

Numbers 1

Military census: One month after the Tabernacle is set up (v.1, cf. Ex.40:2,17) the Hebrew people delivered from slavery in Egypt prepare to fight to enter the promised land. The number of battle ready men is 603,550 (v.46.) The 12 tribes differ in size, the largest being twice the size of the smallest:

Judah 74,600,
Dan 62,700,
Simeon 59,300,
Zebulun 57,400,
Issachar 54,400,
Naphtali 53,400.
Reuben 46,500,
Gad 45,650,
Asher 41,500,
Ephraim 40,500,
Manasseh 32,200,
Benjamin 35,400.

Joseph: The 12 tribes do not include Joseph despite his pivotal role in the survival of his father and brothers. Rather Joseph's sons are listed as two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, who remained most prone to the idolatry of Egypt, the land of their birth.

Levi: was not numbered for war as the tribe was tasked with maintenance and protection of the tabernacle and sacrifices made there. The term uezr is translated "layman" but other possibilities are more likely. The literal translation is "alien" or "foreigner" which could be extended to "member of another tribe" but it is doubtful the clerical meaning of layman developed afterwards would have been in view.

Growth of Israel: Jacob entered Egypt with his family of 70 people. 400 years later his descendants numbers (600,000 men x 3.3 (wife and 2.3 children) = 2 million or x 5 (wife and 3.3 children) = 3 million). Some argue for smaller numbers, making the term translated "thousand" mean "clan", i.e. 603 clans. For military purposes, the number of actual fighting men however would seem more practical.

Two important lessons:

It is clear Israel expected resistance and knew of their need to fight for the land they were promised. Yet their refusal to trust God for victory meant all 600,000+ men, except Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness.

The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai in the tent of meeting (v.1). This hearing the voice of the Lord is foundational to God's people and here in Numbers, the phrase "the Lord spoke" occurring over 150 times.

Personal Response: I will trust the Lord for His promises and be confident in Him for victory even if there is resistance. When challenged by circumstances, I will ask, "what has God promised?" and act accordingly.

My Prayer: Father, thank you for this account of your people, preparing for battle, yet wavering in trust. Father, help me prepare for spiritual warfare as Satan and his demons work against your glory and Kingdom but never to waver in trust, obedience or confidence in Your holiness or victory.

Numbers 2

Organization of the Army around the Tabernacle: The Lord Yahweh was central to Israel (v.2) as they camped and as they traveled (17). In this Levi camped and traveled in the center with the Tabernacle. Three tribes camped to the east of the tabernacle (v.3-9), three tribes to the south (v.10-16), three to the west (v.18-24) and to the north (v.25-31). Each unit of 3 tribes had a designated leader (Judah v. 9, Ruben v. 16, Ephraim v. 24 and Dan v.31). Each division had its own standard and each family within it, it's own banner (v.2).

There was in this way both unity and identity. Two divisions left first, then the tabernacle (v.17) followed by the final two divisions.

Discipline for the Good of the Whole: The smaller two tribes in each division appeared willing to be under the command of one of their brothers, and in the case of Reuben's leadership even it was not the largest.  

Israel is described at this stage as organized, disciplined and obedient (v.34). How easy it is to fall. With what vigilance we must guard our hearts and lives.

Personal Response: I will value the organizational structure of the church and it's ministry organizations and play my part with diligence and discipline. I cannot do all but I can do my part. This keeps anyone from being overcome with overwork. Together we can do what is needed for the good of the whole and our mission together.

My Prayer: Father, thank you that you care for your children and that you form us together for our own good and the good of your mission in the world through us in Christ. Help me not break rank but do my part strengthening the whole Body of Christ.

Numbers 3

Prominence of the Levites: Of all the tribes of Israel, only the Levites stood with Moses in putting Yahweh, who had delivered them out of Egypt, above the gods of Egypt (golden calf, cf. Ex. 32). Therefore the Levites were chosen, instead of the first-born of Israel, to serve as priests (v.12). As the role of the first born, as given wholly to the Lord, was transferred to Levi and a symbolic ransom payment was made, relieving those first born since the exodus from their responsibility (v.44-48).

Purity: God had removed two of Aaron's sons for disobedience (v.3 and circled in diagram below. See also Lev. 10). God's standards for Levites would remain high, no distraction or contamination with lay persons was permitted (v.10, 38).

Division of labor and camping assignments: The descendants of Gershon camped to the west of the tabernacle (v.23) and were assigned specific duties (v.25), the descendants of Kohath to the south of the tabernacle (v.25) for their specific duties (v.31), the descendants of Merari to the north (v.35) for their duties (v.36). Moses and Aaron's families camped to the east (v.38). Eleazar served as chief of staff (v.32). 

(The priesthood was narrowed due to unfaithfulness during the exodus to a single tribe - Levi, then broadened again to all disciples in the New Testament (1 Peter 2:9; Rev.5:10). Yet the Constantinian church reinstituted a priesthood which, in my view, muddies the water. Leadership is needed in the NT church, yes, but not priesthood since Christ's sacrifice of himself ends the need of sacrifice.)

Personal Response: I will serve the Lord in holiness, not as a separate class, but as an example to all.

My Prayer: Father, whether priest, first born or, by Your grace, simply numbered among the redeemed, I am yours, I am grateful, I'm holy to the Lord.

Numbers 4

Census of the Levitical workforce: Only those ages 30-50 were active in service and counted for organizational purposes (v.3,23,30). In Num. 8:24 the age for entering service is given as 25. It may be a 5 year apprenticeship preceded full readiness for service at 30. The term service (v.3) is from the same root as military service in 1:3 suggesting the level of organization and discipline involved in Levitical service (Ryrie).

The descendants of Kohath in this age range numbered 2,750 (v.36) and were responsible to carry (v.15) the holy objects prepared for transport by the sons of Aaron (v.5-14) to the next location Israel would camp. They were not to touch the holy objects themselves (v.15) or even look at them (v.20).

The adult male descendants of Gershon ready for their work numbered 2,630 (v.40) and also included carrying materials between camps (v.25). They served under the oversight of Ithamar (v.28).

The adult male descendants of Merari ready for their work, numbered 3,200 (v.44). They also carried materials between camps (v.31-32) under the oversight of Ithamar (v.33) who would assign each man by name the specific items he would carry (v.32).

Eleazar, served as chief of staff (3:32; 4:16) and was responsible for the oil and incense which was to burn and rise continually to the Lord (v.16).

The three family groupings not only carried between camps but were involved in the "work of the tent" when it was assembled (v.23,30) which presumably included preparation of thousands of animal sacrifices, extremely heavy work at the scale involved. The organizational feat involved in moving camp for this great mass of people and their intricate portable tabernacle and it's holy content was tremendous.

Personal Response: I will do my duty within the church and Kingdom to serve our King and His purposes, whether my portion appears trivial or otherwise. Where necessary I will help organize others but not assume it is my role to do so.

My Prayer: Father, thank you that you know and organize the details of all things involved in your creation and mission, including my specific role in each sector and circumstance. Help me find joy in my part daily.

Numbers 5

Purity: The new organized nation is to be pure before the Lord. Many components of purity contribute to wholeness and holiness.

Health: Quarantine outside the camp is required so that illness not defile the camp (v.1-4).

Restitution for sin: Sin defiles both the sinner and the person sinned against, so confession and restoration is needed for wholeness (v.7). If the sin was against the Lord only, not affecting a person, restitution is given to a priest representing the Lord (v.8). This applies also to gifts given to the Lord (v.9-10).

Faithfulness in marriage: can be restored if broken (v.12-13) and tested if infidelity is suspected (v.14), by taking an oath (v.19-22) before drinking bitter water (v.23-26). If marital fidelity has been violated, the unfaithful partner will experience ill effect, possibly miscarriage (v.27), if she has been faithful, she will remain well and able to conceive children (v.28). The practice appears not to have been continued after the wilderness years but in that season served to promote marital fidelity and prevent corruption in community life.

Desiring purity from the heart is a large first step. The higher purity of the Sermon on the Mount of Jesus is widely recognized as superior, being internally motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit, rather than a purity externally enforced by priest and community. Yet for many purity remains elusive and the community unjustly bears the consequence.

Personal Response: I will place personal purity above my desire for pleasure and comfort, asking the Lord to purify my heart, mind, will and emotions by any means for His glory and the good of those around me.

My Prayer: Father, thank you that You dwell in our midst (v.3), brightly pure and holy. May the light of your countenance draw my ears and heart upwards always.

Numbers 6

Vows: Israel's purity of purpose and focus as God's people was invited expression in vows to fulfill voluntary commitments (v.2). The person who dedicated him or herself to the Lord in this way was called a Nazirite (from the verb "to be separate"). During the fulfillment of the vow the person avoided certain foods (v.3,4), cutting hair (v.5) and bodies of the dead (v.6-12). When the period and purpose of the vow was completed gifts were offered to bring closure (v.13-21).

The practice of Nazirite vows continued at least 1500 years into the New Testament (Acts 21:24) suggesting the deep spiritual value of defining commitments clearly.

Blessing: God directs Aaron in how to bless God's people (v.23). This beautiful blessing focuses on protection, forgiveness and peace flowing from close relationship with Yahweh (v.23-26). The blessing of God follows "putting the name of God on Israel" (v.27) and is widely spoken to this day by both Jews and Christians. The linkage of keeping vows and God's blessing following may be purposeful.

Personal Response: I will speak the blessing of Num.6:24-26 to friends and strangers to open the door to conversation about the protection, forgiveness and peace of God.

My Prayer: Father, thank you for the breadth and beauty of your heart towards your people and those in relationship to them. Help me invite those who don't know you into this relationship.

Numbers 7

On the day: when the tabernacle was completed, Moses did not delay but immediately (v.1) dedicated and put it to the use for which God designed it: communion with Himself (v.89).

Representative Gifts: The day had been prepared for. That day the leader of each tribe had ready and brought a practical gift for the transport of the tabernacle, six carts to carry the tabernacle when disassembled and 12 oxen to pull the carts (v.3). The carts were distributed as needed (v.6-8), except to those who carried the most holy elements on their shoulders (v.9).

These leaders also brought, on subsequent days, gold and silver vessels for use in the tabernacle, and offerings for sacrifice on the altar (v.12-17ff).

The repetition of the gifts in subsequent verses indicate their significance and example of generosity to us.

God's communion with Moses: The tabernacle was for a life-giving relationship between God with his people. This high purpose was immediately expressed and implimented as God spoke with Moses from the Holy of Holies (v.89).

Principles: I am to respond to the Lord "on the day" (v.1) he speaks, to give to the Lord both practical obedience in the world and more symbolic expressions in worship. The amazing implication of v.89 is that I can commune with the Lord and that he SPEAKS to me - and to us all!

Num 7:89: And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and it spoke to him.

Personal Response: I will give wholeheartedly (attitude) and generously (value of the gift, as able) to bring delight in the receiver (valuing the person receiving, be it God or man)

My Prayer: Father, may I be not only a cheerful giver but a frequent giver and, as someone has suggested, an hilarious (overflowingly cheerful) giver.

In process...please come again...