 Exploring
the Word of God____Unit 1: The Law |
To the next lesson in this series |
Numbers: Life as a
Pilgrimage
Organization for Worship
Chapters 1-10:10
| MOSES NUMBERS THE TRIBES CHAPTERS 1 – 2 |
One month after erecting the tabernacle, Moses and Aaron conducted a census. The purpose was to number all men over 20 who qualified for military service. God exempted the Levites because of their religious obligations to the community. The camp was arranged around the tabernacle, showing that the worship of God was central to the nation’s existence. In the New Testament era, members would be placed in the body, with Christ as the head (1 Corinthians 12).
When the Israelites moved, the three eastern tribes, headed by Judah, led the way. This same rectangular formation was popular in Egyptian warfare strategy. Ramses II, for example, used it in his Syrian campaign (circa 1279 B.C.). Perhaps God was allowing Moses to make good use of the military training he had received in Egypt.
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Click on picture for larger view |
| "So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each with his clan and family" (Numbers 2:34). |
| THE LEVITES
COMMISSIONED CHAPTER 3 |
In our studies in the book of Exodus, you will recall that God set apart Israel’s firstborn (Exodus 12). Now, God set apart the Levites as "substitutes for all the firstborn" (Numbers 3:12, New Revised Standard Version).
The idea of substitutionary atonement was central to God’s people ever since God substituted a sacrificial ram for Abraham’s son, Isaac (Genesis 22:13). It was reiterated through the Passover lamb in the Israelites’ escape from Egypt (Exodus 12) and repeated in their regular sacrifices (Leviticus 4). It was designed by God to foreshadow the role of his firstborn Son, Jesus Christ (Mark 10:45).
| JOBS FOR LEVITICAL
FAMILIES CHAPTER 4 |
This Levitical census listed all men between 30 and 50 eligible for service in the tabernacle. The Kohathites, Gershonites and Merarites were appointed to guard and transport the holy things of God through the wilderness.
| THE LAWS OF PURITY CHAPTER 5 |
Chapter 5 illustrates the need for the newly organized nation to be pure. For example, isolation and observation were required in all suspected cases of leprosy. [See commentary on Leviticus 13 – 14.]
The principle of restitution in God’s law (verses 5-10; Luke 19:8) was unique among ancient law codes. It demonstrates an important Christian principle: When we have wronged others, we should look for ways to set matters right.
Trials by ordeal were common in the ancient world. Such trials in other cultures utilized magic and sorcery. The test for adultery, however, safeguarded a wife from an unjust accusation by her husband (Numbers 5:11-31). It served to remove suspicion and doubt. Some scholars feel that the judgment of guilt described here caused the loss of capacity to bear children. There is no biblical record of such a test ever being used.
| THE NAZIRITE VOW CHAPTER 6 |
This special vow was a voluntary dedication to God. Usually, the vow was for a limited time, but Samson was set apart as a Nazirite for life. Samuel and John the Baptist may also have been Nazirites.
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Requirements for a Nazirite |
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| FREEWILL OFFERINGS CHAPTER 7 |
The princes of the tribes brought freewill offerings for the tabernacle and the dedication of the altar. Verses 84-88 give the total offering as 2,400 silver shekels, 120 gold shekels and 252 sacrificial animals.
Giving is an important part of worship, and God loves a cheerful giver (Hebrews 13:15-16; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8). The voice from the mercy seat (Numbers 7:89, NKJV) demonstrated God’s pleasure for Israel’s generosity. This fulfilled God’s promise recorded in Exodus 25:22.
| PURIFICATION OF
THE LEVITES CHAPTER 8 |
Vital symbolism is presented in this chapter. The dedication of the Levites prefigures our consecration to God for his service (Romans 12:1-2). The Levites belonged to God. They dedicated themselves, not in order to become his, but because they were his. We, too, are God’s own children, dedicating our lives to him because we are his (1 John 3:2-3).
| THE SECOND PASSOVER CHAPTER 9:1-14 |
God instructed Israel to observe the Passover. Those who missed it for legitimate reasons, such as being unclean or away on a journey, were permitted to observe a Passover one month later.
| GOD'S GUIDANCE CHAPTER 9:15-23 |
God led his people with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. In the wilderness of this world of sin, Christians need the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit by day and by night (Romans 8:9-14).
| THE SILVER TRUMPETS CHAPTER 10:1-10 |
These trumpets were used for summoning the Israelites and breaking up camp. They announced God’s feast days and new months, and they sounded the alarm in times of war. Long trumpets like these were common in Egypt. Some were discovered in the funeral chamber of Tutankhamen (circa 1333-1323 B.C.).
To commentary on chapters 10-36
Copyright © 1994
