moving the Tabernacle – Be Still…

Numbers 9:15-23 – The Fiery Cloud

Read Numbers 9:15-23

I wonder how many times the people of Israel broke camp and moved on. We’re told their stay could simply be an overnight or up to a year. In our previous readings, we learned how God instructed the people to be orderly in the process. I’m sure after a few moves it became easier and easier to get into the “habit” of moving.

Do you think the people felt comforted knowing God’s presence was there in the cloud? Perhaps over time they began to take for granted this visible sense of God’s presence in their midst. What I liked about this reading was how the people obeyed. Their every move was in response to a command from God. Continue reading “Numbers 9:15-23 – The Fiery Cloud”

Numbers 4:1-49 – Clan Duties

Read Numbers 4:1-49

Why do they have to die? I’ve always wondered that. The LORD said, “The Kohathites must never enter the sanctuary to look at the sacred objects for even a moment, or they will die.” The LORD also wanted them to be safe and gave them the way out, to always be in the company of Aaron or one of his sons. This command speaks to God’s holiness and how to preserve and honor it. It also shows God’s concern for his children.

The three clans of Levites are further singled out and given jobs to do with respect to moving the tabernacle. When we see the great number of men eligible for service, it would seem this tabernacle structure in the middle of the desert is really quite something. Having a clear expectation of duties alleviates anyone being left without a job to do and assures that the tabernacle’s holiness is preserved as it moves from place to place. Continue reading “Numbers 4:1-49 – Clan Duties”

Numbers 1:1-54 – Get Registered!

Read Numbers 1:1-54

The Book of Numbers meets up with the Israelites as they are about to move the Tabernacle of God’s presence. They have been settled near Mt. Sinai for a year or so after their departure from Egypt. You’ll recall from the book of Exodus how God’s miraculous rescue led Moses and his Israelites to safety.

The stories of God’s interventions will continue because God desires communion with his people. In today’s reading, God has commanded the first census be taken. It was apparently important to have a count of those men at the appropriate age to be warriors. God knew conquests would take place as his chosen people entered the Promised Land. Continue reading “Numbers 1:1-54 – Get Registered!”