Numbers 31:1-54 – Conquest of the Midianites

Read Numbers 31:1-54

I’m not sure this victory is the legacy that Moses was wanting as one of his last duties as God’s leader of the Israelites. As I understand it, there are details in this account that don’t fit with reality or seem over the top in terms of the sheer amounts recorded. When we encounter difficult texts like this, it’s best to take a step back and see what God’s message is for us today despite all of those “distractions.”

So what do we see as messages from God in this reading? One I see fits with God’s character as he reveals himself and his desire for his people to have the best opportunity for success. The Midianites were the enemy in terms of distracting people from God and “leading them into idolatry.” This would be a clear violation of God’s desire for us to put him first. Without trusting God 100%, the people would not have that “best” opportunity available to them. Continue reading “Numbers 31:1-54 – Conquest of the Midianites”

Numbers 30:1-16 – Vows to God

Read Numbers 30:1-16

Vows made to God are serious business, and this section of the law sets out more guidelines to follow. This isn’t the only Biblical reference to vows. Here these rules protect husband and fathers concerning vows made by women. These men have the final say as to whether a vow is appropriate and should stand.

It’s helpful to know that a vow is a pledge expected to be kept. If that’s not possible, it’s better not to make a vow in the first place. Once a vow is made, a person is committed to the LORD to perform some special deed or even be abstinent from some action. The Hebrew culture has deep respect for the spoken word, a good model for the rest of us to follow. Continue reading “Numbers 30:1-16 – Vows to God”

Numbers 28-29 – Offerings

Read Numbers 28-29

The LORD had a lot to say on the topic of offerings. Don’t let the fact that I combined two chapters throw you off. In addition to the offerings, we are given instructions on what the holy days are and details of observing each one. These instructions would have been followed closely by the Israelites in the years to follow, and I wanted to reflect on them together.

What struck you as you read through each command? The list starts out by reminding us that these offerings are a “special gift” to the LORD, a “pleasing aroma,” the LORD’s food. There may be a lot of repetition between the different instructions, but what strikes me is the sheer number of animals being sacrificed each day. Imagine if Sabbath fell on the first of the month! Most of what we encounter here is also supported in other places in Scripture dealing with the Holy days and sacrificial practices. Continue reading “Numbers 28-29 – Offerings”

Numbers 27:12-23 – New Leadership

Read Numbers 27:12-23

I wonder how Moses felt in that moment of commissioning Joshua to be his replacement. Gratefulness was surely part of it for all that God had allowed him to do over these years. A sense of relief could also have helped Moses, knowing that the people would not be left “like sheep without a shepherd.”. Even to the end, Moses was the ultimate leader thinking of the people he had been charged to care for.

What a life Moses had lived. The first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch, are all authored by Moses. In the pages of the Bible we learn Moses’ story from birth to death. God used him in mighty, almost unbelievable ways. What a faithful example Moses has set for us. Continue reading “Numbers 27:12-23 – New Leadership”

Numbers 27:1-11 – Women’s Rights

Read Numbers 27:1-11

I appreciated the boldness of the daughters of Zelophehad. As land was being assigned, they realized they may be left out because their father had died and there was no male child left to inherit God’s provision. They rightfully acknowledged their father’s own sinfulness and would not be entering the Promised Land.

Their situation brought up a very real scenario, and I can’t imagine Zelophehad’s daughters were the only ones left in this position. Rather than act on his own, Moses went to God for the answer. Seeking God’s counsel is always the right move when presented with a new situation. God’s response may have surprised some, but what a fair way to assure these women their rights to land. Continue reading “Numbers 27:1-11 – Women’s Rights”

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