Numbers

Numbers 36 - November 6, 2019

Num 36:1-13. In ch. 27, the question of inheritance is raised by the daughters of Zelophehad. Ch. 36 concerns the relatives of the daughters (v. 1-4). If the daughters marry outside the family, who inherits the land? This question is addressed by Moses (v. 5-13). We see in this chapter that God rewards obedience, a theme seen throughout Numbers (1;19, 36:10). Lesson concludes with review of the book of Numbers. ICR videos: https://d3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net/staging/2023-1-22/314241945-44100-2-ac2f6b9e407b4.m4a://www.icr.org/thatsafact End of Series

Numbers 35 - October 30, 2019

Num 35:1-34. Ch. 35 describes the levitical priestly portions directed by God. The first section defines the provision of cities for the Levites (v. 1-8, 1:47-50, 18:20-21), and the second defines an area of refuge and case law (including capital punishment and blood vengeance) for perpetrators of accidental manslaughter (35:9-34, Gen 9:6, Deut 21:18-21). This infrastructure helped establish the religious and social well being of the nation.

Numbers 34 - October 23, 2019

Num 34:1-29. Study of the appointed boundaries of Israel's Promised Land detailed in ch. 34 (v. 1-15), beginning with the lead in from ch. 33 (33:50-56, Deut 7:1-5). At the conclusion of the chapter, the Lord personally identifies the leaders who will divide the land (34:16-29). God had a plan, and He knew precisely where He was leading Israel. God is capable of accomplishing His plan in our life as well. and of Canaan (v. 50-56). God has also planned our lives and is with us every step of the way.

Numbers 33 - October 2, 2019

Numbers 33:1-56. In ch. 33, God reviews the travel log of Israel from Egypt (Rameses) to the plains of Moab. Includes the summary of encampments and reminders of God's provisions along the way (v. 1-49). Chapter concludes with instructions for the conquest and division of land of Canaan (v. 50-56). God has also planned our lives and is with us every step of the way.

Numbers 32 - September 25, 2019

Num 32:1-42. Reuben and Gad request permission to settle in land east of Jordan River (v. 1-5, Num 21:10, 13, 33-35). Moses reacts with outrage and dismay (Num 32:6-15). After the tribes reassure Moses (v. 16-19), he grants their request (v. 20-42). Like the tribes of Israel, we should trust the Lord to fight our battles (v. 4, Josh 5:13-15, Phil 4:6-7, 1 Pet 5:6-7). We should also recognize that God's plan is flexible.

Numbers 31 - September 18, 2019

Num 30-31. In ch. 30, we study vows (Num 30: 1-16). Vows were a form of worship where the individual made a voluntary pledge to the Lord (Ps 66:13-15, Matt 6:1-6). In ch. 31, the Israelites are commanded by God to make war against Midian, but fail to comply fully with His request, causing God to intervene (Num 31:1-47). The officers respond by making an offering to the Lord (v. 48-54). God wants us to remember what He's done for us.

Numbers 30 - September 11, 2019

Num 28-29. Ch. 28 and 29 focus on the offerings God required during a seasonal and festival basis. Offerings reviewed: daily (v. 28:1-9), Sabbath (v. 9-10), monthly (v. 11-15), Passover (v. 16-25), Feast of Weeks (v. 26-31), Feast of Trumpets (v. 29:1-6), Day of Atonement (v. 7-11), Feast of Tabernacles (v. 12-39). These offerings were designed as times to worship and focus on the Lord (Eph 5:2, Phil 4:18).

Numbers 29 - September 4, 2019

Num 27: 1-23. In ch. 27, we open with a request from the daughters of Zelophehad. We find out what happens to inheritance when family members die with daughters but no sons (v. 1-11). We then see the direction and preparation for Moses' death (12-17) and review his life (Ex. 3:12). Chapter concludes with the commissioning of Joshua as the next leader (Num 27:18-23).

Numbers 28 - August 28, 2019

Num 26:1-65. In ch. 26, we review the second census and God's guidance for inheritance for each tribe based on lots. While all the first generation (except Caleb and Joshua) are dead, the numbers for the second generation compare favorably to the first. This is a sign that God blessed the Israelites even during their discipline. God blesses us also.

Numbers 27 - August 14, 2019

Deut 31: 7-8: The Lord's promise. Num 25:1-18. In ch. 25, Israel commits harlotry in Moab, kindling God's wrath (v. 1-3). This results in the deaths 24,000 Israelites, including 1,000 leaders, as punishment (v. 4-5, 9; 1 Cor 10:8). Only after Eleazar's son, Phinehas, zealously slays two idol worshipers does God's wrath abate (Num 25:6-13, Jam 5:19-20). Israel is an example of the believer in the Church Age. God's Word is our shield against temptations and attacks from Satan (Eph 6:10-19).

Numbers 26 - August 7, 2019

Num 22:39-24:25. The prophesies/oracles of Balaam. In order to curse Israel, Balak and Balaam try to impress God with seven offerings. God is not impressed and instead puts words in Balaam's mouth resulting in seven prophesies about Israel. Rather than curse Israel, He blesses them and curses their enemies. He also prophesies the coming Messiah (v. 24:15-19). God made promises to Israel and us, and He will never fail.

Numbers 25 - July 31, 2019

Num 22:1-41. In ch. 22, Balak, the king of Moab, hires Balaam, a “seer,” to destroy Israel by spiritual means (v. 1-8). God tells Baalam not to pursue Israel, but Balaam does anyway, kindling the anger of the Lord (v. 9-22). The Lord then speaks to Balaam first through his donkey, then face to face (v. 23-35, 2 Pet 2:15-16). God has a solution for our problems. Without having a relationship with Him, we will miss those solutions and blessings.

Numbers 24 - July 24, 2019

In ch. 21, we see opposition and discouragement, as well as God's victories. We open with the Lord delivering the Israelites from the king of Arad (v. 1-3). Following this great victory, we move on to the failure of the bronze serpent incident (v. 4-9) and God's subsequent spiritual deliverance (Jn 3:14-15). We then travel with Israel from Mount Hor to Moab (Num 21:10-20). Finally, Israel encounters two enemies but God gives them the victory (v. 21-35). When we trust the Lord, we can have the same spiritual victories.

Numbers 23 - July 17, 2019

Amos 4:12-13: Reminder of God's sovereignty. Num 20:14-29. In the second half of ch. 20, Israel attempts to pass through Edom to reach the Promised Land; however, despite Moses' attempts at diplomacy, Edom refuses passage (v. 14-20, Gen 12:3). God concludes the chapter by honoring Aaron's death, despite his failures (Num 22-29). God takes care of His saints in life and death (Ps 116:15).

Numbers 22 - July 10, 2019

Numbers 20:1-13. In the first half of ch. 20, we see God honor Miriam's death (Num 20:1), God provide water from the rock at Kadesh (v. 2-13,??1 Cor 10:2-4, Ps 18:1-2, Deut 32:4), and Moses disobey God (v. 10-12). God will honor and provide for us, despite our failures, if we remain committed to Him (Lev 10:3). Greater blessings are coming to those who honor and sanctify Him.

Numbers 21 - July 3, 2019

Remembrance of the Battle of Long Island (Revolutionary War). Num 19:1-22. The Laws of Purification. Ch. 19 describes steps the Israelites took to return to ritual purity after touching a dead body, which would render them unclean for seven days. It includes the ritual burning of the red heifer (v. 1-10) and the requirements of the unclean (v. 11-22). These rules were used to remind the Israelites about the holiness of God and our need to be purified from sin before Him.

Numbers 20 - June 5, 2019

Remembrance of the Battle of Midway (WWII). Reading from Gordon Prange's, "Miracle at Midway." Numbers 17-18. The Israelites continue to challenge the selection of Aaron and his sons as priest. In ch. 17, God provides a demonstration using the staffs of each tribe. Aaron's staff buds and sprouts almonds as a sign of his selection by God. In ch. 18, we review the priests' responsibilities (v. 1-7), provisions to sustain them (v. 8-20), and tithes to support them (v. 21-32). While the Levites did not get an inheritance or land, God provided for them. God is their inheritance.

Numbers 19 - May 29, 2019

Numbers 16:1-50. Korah, dissatisfied with his station in life and seeking to be part of the priesthood, challenges Moses and Aaron. Despite Moses' warning, Korah conspires and leads a coup again him (Num 16:1-19). In response to their show of rebellion, God directs the earth to swallow up Korah and his men (Num 16: 20-35). The congregation then rebels against Moses and Aaron, leading God to send a plague against them (v. 41-50). We should be content with God's plan for our lives (Phil 4:12, Col 3:12-17, Heb 13:5). When we oppose this plan, we oppose God (1 Sam 8:7).

Numbers 18 - May 15, 2019

Voice of the Martyrs: Report on Sudan. Review of Israelites' whereabouts (Deut 1:42-2:1). Num 15:1-41. In ch. 15, we see more detail given regarding freewill offerings (v. 1-16) and sin offerings (v. 22-31). We then have a parenthetical section dedicated to those who violate the Sabbath (v. 32-36). Lastly, we see God's guidance on wearing tassels as a memory device to remember to obey. Throughout the chapter, we're reminded of God's provisions and everlasting love (Rom 8:31-39, Phil 4:6-7, Heb 13:5-6).

Numbers 17 - April 3, 2019

Ronald Reagan's godly remarks after attempted assassination. Num 14:26-45. The rebellion of the people continues. God declares they have tested Him "these ten times" (v. 22, reviewed) and announces His punishment for their disobedience (v. 26-35, Heb 3:16-19). With the exception of Caleb and Joshua, all the Exodus generation 20 years+ would perish in the wilderness. The evil spies died immediately (Num 14:36-37). We must trust God to provide during difficult situations (1 Cor 10:13). Refusing to accept this fate, the people try to enter land but are driven back (Num 14:39-45). Humility is a central part of recovery after failure.

Numbers 16 - March 27, 2019

Num 14:1-25. God used the spies to show the Israelites that Canaan was flowing with milk and honey. Now the question is, would they trust Him? Even after hearing a good report from Joshua and Caleb, the Israelites react with fear and delusion, even seeking to stone them (v. 6-10). God, in turn, responds with righteous anger, leading Moses to intercede for the people (v. 11-19). The Lord pardons them, but promises (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb) that they will never enter the Promised Land (v. 20-25). While life is designed to be difficult, God provides solutions. We need not fear because God has overcome the world (Jn 16:33).

Numbers 15 - March 20, 2019

Num 14:1-2. Israel has arrived at the southern boundary of Canaan. However, after hearing the spies' bad report, they refuse to enter and thereby refuse to follow God. The Lord gives us opportunities to demonstrate our faith in Him, and it's our choice to reject or follow Him. The Israelites respond by weeping and complaining against Moses (Num 14:1-2). This is otherwise known as the "emotional revolt of the soul," one of the eight stages of reversionism (reviewed). The Israelite response is an example of why we should follow God's will for our lives (1 Cor 10:1-11).

Numbers 14 - March 6, 2019

Numbers 13: 1-33. At last, the tribes of Israel have reached the Wilderness of Paran, southeast of Canaan. In response to the Israelites' request, a reconnaissance team is sent to spy out the land (v. 1-24, Deut 1:19-22). The journey takes forty days (Num 13:25). The land proves to flow with milk and honey but is inhabited by "giants" or formidable men (v. 26-29). With the exception of Caleb, God allows the team to give a negative report in order that Israel will trust Him (v. 30-33). God gives us the same opportunity (Ps. 56:3).

Numbers 13 - February 27, 2019

Recent Senate bill regarding abortion. Numbers 11:31-35. In response to intense complaining, the Lord sends the Israelites quail prior to their arrival in Sinai. Rather than being grateful, they grossly overeat the quail and become violently ill. God gives us what we need. Very often what we think we should have is not good for us. Numbers 12:1-16. Miriam and Aaron speak out against Moses. God responds by calling the siblings to face Him directly, reprimanding the dissension and leaving Miriam leprous, for which Moses intercedes. We, too, must not attack others or question God's will.

Numbers 12 - February 6, 2019

Ps 37: Trusting in the Lord in the midst of a violent and angry world. Num 11:1-35. In Ch. 11, the people complain. After the Israelites travel three days, they murmur against the Lord, kindling His wrath (v. 1). They continue to complain because of the lack of meat, exasperating Moses (v. 4-15). God responds by instructing Moses to assign 70 elders to assist him with the camp (v. 16-30). The Lord also sends quail (v. 31). Often we complain about a situation being too big to bear, but if we trust God we will endure.

Numbers 11 - January 30, 2019

Ex 3-6: Lessons learned from Moses. Num 10:1-36. Ch. 10 opens with the silver trumpets, which were used by the priests to guide the tribes (v. 2), and later for war (v. 9) and the feasts (v. 10). These trumpets served as a memorial of God's past guidance and blessing. Ch. 10 continues with the order of the march given to the Israelites as they prepare to depart Sinai (v. 11-28). We also see a brief interaction between Moses and his father-in-law's son, Hobab (v. 29-30). We conclude with Moses' "war cry" to the Lord recited before the ark sets out (v. 35-36).

Numbers 10 - January 23, 2019

Evidence of anatomy from divine design. Gen 37-45: Lessons learned from Joseph's life. Num 9:1-23. In ch. 9, Numbers reverses its chronology. We pick up before the census in v. 1:1 with Moses' commanding the Israelites to keep the Passover (v.1-2). Those made unclean, on travel, and even strangers were given an opportunity to celebrate (v. 6-12, 14), and there were consequences for those who refused (v. 13). The remainder of ch. 9 summarizes the activities of the cloud and fire throughout Israel's experience in the wilderness. Today, God desires to lead us every day through an internal, rather than visible, presence.

Numbers 9 - January 16, 2019

Voice of the Martyrs: China and the crackdown on Christianity. Genesis 17, 18, 21: Abraham and Sarah laugh at God. In return, God names their first born Isaac ("laughter") to indicate their lack of faith and God's faithfulness. Num 8:1-26. Ch. 8 provides guidance on lampstands (menorahs that represent Jesus Christ, the Light of the world) and the cleansing and dedication of the Levites (the "firstborns").

Numbers 8 - January 9, 2019

Gen 15-21: Observations about Abraham, walking with God, keeping our eyes on Him, and trusting Him. Num 7:1-89. Ch. 7, the second longest chapter in the Bible, opens with the completion, blessing, and consecration of the tabernacle by Moses (v. 1, Ex 40:1). The remainder of the chapter details the offerings the tribal leaders brought to the tabernacle for the Lord. While the chapter seems repetitive, the dedication of the tabernacle was critical to Israel.

Numbers 7 - January 2, 2019

Num 6:1-27. In ch. 6, we study consecration and blessing as represented by Nazarite vow. God set provisions so that any man or woman could take a special vow to be a Nazarite for a specific period of time. This period of separation for God was demonstrated by abstinence from vine (v. 3-4), razor (v. 5), and contact with dead bodies (v. 6-7). Vow represents God's desire for Israelites to be set apart for Him (v. 2) and reminds us that proper devotion to Lord may require abstinence from certain activities. Lesson concludes with priestly blessing seen in v. 22-27.

Numbers 6 - December 19, 2018

Num 4:21 - 5:1-31. Duties of Gershonites, Merarites, and priests (specifically, Eleazar and Ithamar) discussed as it relates to moving tabernacle. Special care is given to this endeavor because of importance of items being moved. Study of ch. 4 concludes with numbering of Levites and how it differs from general census. Ch. 5 describes how to deal with purity, sin, and infidelity in camp. These rules ultimately given to demonstrate importance of maintaining holiness in presence of God, but also to prepare Israelites for entry into Canaan.

Numbers 5 - December 12, 2018

Reading from Johannes Vogel's Pre-Trib presentation, "From Hate to Love." Num 4:1-20. While ch. 3 provides a general explanation of duties of priests and Levitical families, ch. 4 deals more specifically with functions of families (Kohath, Gershon, and Merari). Unlike other tribes, Levites are counted selectively based on their ability to perform these functions. The significance of rituals and warnings inherent in these duties reminds us that God cares about details and should be treated reverently. It's important for us to honor Him with that in mind.

Numbers 4 - November 28, 2018

Bill Nye's comments on colonizing Mars. Num 3:1-51. Third chapter explores Aaron, his sons, and the selection, numbering, and placement of the Levites. God's special instructions for Levitical priesthood help us understand the principles of substitution and redemption seen throughout the Bible. While today we have direct access to God previously granted to the priests, we must understand that God is still holy and needs to be treated as holy.

Numbers 3 - October 24, 2018

Num 2:1-34. Recap/update on CEF Rhode Island by Kathi Haley. Intro to Numbers continued. Bible Knowledge Commentary Outline shared as a way to view Numbers by chapters (vs. by geography or topic). In the first chapter, God's purpose for Numbers is both stated (military roster) and non-stated (He cares about details, knew size of nation would be challenged, etc.). Second chapter explores the placement of the tribes in the Israelite encampment.

Numbers 2 - October 17, 2018

Num 1:1-54. The Moon: Required for Life on earth. Introduction to Numbers continued. Historical background: Israel's exodus from Egypt and and first year spent in the wilderness. First chapter explores purpose and logistics of Israel's first census. Dispute over final census numbers discussed.

Numbers 1 - October 10, 2018

Ps 19:1-6. Article by Jamie McIntyre: “Stargazing: What will the next 60 years bring to space?" Introduction to the Book of Numbers: name & author, date, theme & purpose, and outlines. Continuing Exodus's narrative, Numbers compares and contrasts the Exodus generation to the next generation. The book, which records two censuses, spans the time from the Israelites' second year in the wilderness to Moab, as the Next-Gen prepares to enter the Promised Land.