Numbers

Numbers 1:45 "So were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel" (Sabine Kulau from Pixabay)

Numbers is the fourth book in our Bible. It was written in the Canaanite form of Semitic language that we now refer to as ‘Hebrew’. In this setting ‘Numbers’ literally means ‘numbers in the desert’. The book is so called because it deals with two censuses numbering the Israelites during their travel to Canaan. But, it is far more than that – it was an epic exercise in categorising people into visible units, a gargantuan national management activity undertaken in very quick time.

Schematic layout of the 12 tribes of Israel camped around the tabernacle (Ralph F. Wilson)

When the number of fighting-age men was counted, God spoke again to Moses and Aaron. The Lord commanded where the tribes would camp, in relation to the Tabernacle, giving the tribe of Levi prominence as keepers of the holy place. “spake”, dāḇar, has a number of meanings but appears in this instance to mean ‘put in order’. It implies actual speech, as in a conversation. On the other hand, the following word, “saying”, 'āmar, can mean ‘to say in your heart’. It probably means, then, that when God commanded Moses and Aaron, they believed and kept it in their minds and hearts as a matter of complete faith.

Numbers 3: 42 "And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel."(Image by Erich Röthlisberger from Pixabay)

It would be nonsense to say that God wanted the people counted for His own reference, for He already knows who is alive, when they are born, etc. The numbers must have been for the use of Moses, so that he knew exactly the ‘state of the nation’. The numbers applied to the time period they were in, so would change daily, but were a very good guide to who was born, how many soldiers there were, etc. It was more-or-less ‘stock-taking’ of human beings. And God knew every one of them. This was the most amazing way to organise all of society, so that it lived with order and God’s demands, to the letter.

"This chapter shows us, in our own day, that every believer has a role to play. Our role can range from high-profile to unknown-to-others." (Image by Alexa from Pixabay)

Being carefree with God’s commands is never acceptable. In this chapter we see the penalty for disobedience is severe and irreversible. Many today flippantly think all they need to do if they sin or disobey a command is simply to repent. This is a foolish way to regard the most authoritative commands on this earth. Though the Lord allows us (it is not an human right, but an Holy privilege) to repent, we might not have the breath and time to do so. Ananias discovered that, when he dropped dead by lying. He had no opportunity to even think about repenting. Better to think before making a catastrophic error of judgment! God warns the Levites about this…

"We must never let sin go untouched, but must root it out. Not by violence or personal anger, but by God’s word." (Image by Pexels from Pixabay)

The outline infrastructure for civil rule and administration, plus the setting-up of a standing army, has now been dealt with. Next comes the institution of personal morality and obedience to God’s laws of marriage, a cornerstone of a sound society. Today, evil-doers are trying to destroy God’s commands and will for the rightful and orderly life of society. This has included the prevailing demands of illicit homosexual relationships (illicit because they reject God’s design – marriage between a biological woman and a biological man). Other sins have broken-down this holy requirement – such as easy divorce, widespread adultery and fornication, ‘trans’ wickedness, etc.

Numbers 6:18 "And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation..." (Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay)

In scripture the apostle Paul appears to be a Nazarite. Thus, he followed the Nazarite vow shown in this chapter, which looks at men and women who devote themselves to Jehovah in special ways, using a Nazarite vow. It is my view that some today are similar to Nazarites, so the vow, perhaps with differences, runs through from the days of Moses. The difference would be that in our day we live according to the New Testament or promise, and so what was once an outer law became inner and spiritual. It seems that if a Nazarite vow was somehow broken, he or she had to re-make their vow and start all over again, after acknowledging they had been ‘defiled’. Thus, repentance is a big part of this and prevents God striking us down, to, when we fail.

Numbers 7:3 "And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.” (Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay)

With many issues dealt with, and the huge camp settled, God now turns to the dedication of the Tabernacle to the Lord, an activity that took over 12 days, given the enormity of the task. Each tribe brings its own offerings, but in this chapter, though each tribe’s offerings are listed, we will go to the very end to give a summary, thus not repeating each offering.

Numbers 8: 2 "Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick." (Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay)

Piece by piece God was putting Israel in order, so they lived and worshipped rightly. In this chapter we see Aaron given precise commands concerning the lighting in the sanctuary, followed by separation of the tribe of Levi to do God’s service, under the priests. With God all is done precisely, with purpose. Why so adamant about lighting? Well, we only have to read the account of the instant deaths of Aaron’s two sone, a penalty for not following precise demands by God! When God speaks, nothing is minor or to be ignored. We need to remember this in modern times.

Number 9:11 "At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents."

God rapidly gathered His people together with many laws, both religious and social, just two years after leaving Egypt, giving the coming nation of Israel a solid structure and aim. Now, we see God’s command to celebrate Passover formally and to only travel when He said so. As always, what God said was absolute, with no room for deviation or human interpretation. The same ethos is with us today, while many human beings try to change God’s word to suit their own ideas. Hence, sickly believers.

Numbers 10: 9 "And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies." (Image by Mircea Iancu from Pixabay)

It is now obvious that God’s commands are not to be trifled with. What He says is Law, and He commands complete obedience. Think this is tyranny? No, it is Almighty God telling human beings how to stay alive! We are all tainted, if not totally blackened, by sin, so our nature is to commit sin. God wishes us to live in holiness, hence His very detailed demands. How dare the pots defy the Potter?

Number 11: 31 “And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp…” (Image by Graham light from Pixabay)

God is ever-loving towards those who are elect, and He tolerates the unsaved with extreme compassion. But, when people who belong to Him complain unjustly and bitterly, though He protects and feeds them, God will quickly show that though He is  love, He is also a God of wrath. Unlike emotional humans, He will accept NO sins, and MUST act against them, especially when believers refuse to repent and change. Modern believers must remember this stark fact, for God will not tolerate sin for long – He WILL strike those who sin and ignore His commands.

Numbers 12: 6 "And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." (Image by Sepp from Pixabay)

Immediately following the complaints about having no meat, Moses was then confronted by his own brother (Aaron) and sister (Miriam) for marrying an Ethiopian woman years before. Aaron was High Priest and Miriam was a prophetess, yet here they were accusing Moses. But, of what? Whatever the reason for their complaint, if it gained influence generally it could be very corrosive to the national mood. All men are sinners in some way or another, no matter how high their spiritual standing (though we know of no sin in Moses concerning his wife). This rift between them comes suddenly so it seems, but it looks like a female argument.

Numbers 13: 33 "And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” (Image by Ralf Kunze from Pixabay)

In this chapter we have a great lesson – that of trusting in the God Who saved them. We have all been in this position, whereby we look at the massive perceived difficulties, and quickly hide away rather than do what we must. In this way we minimise the power of God and have little faith. We either believe, or we do not! It is that simple. When we look at our opposition and submit to continuous fear, we have no trust in the mighty Lord Who is our God! And if we have been promised something by that same God, but we back away from them in horror from perceived dangers, we may lose all that was promised to us.

Numbers 14:21 "But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD." (Image by Joshua Woroniecki from Pixabay)

Sadly, the fearful faithless spies took effect and everyone went back to their tents in tears! They repeated their former worries and woes, wondering if being slaves in Egypt was better than being left in the deserts. What shame they brought upon themselves. God would not have promised them Canaan, along with food and riches, only to leave them poor and defenceless! His promises are sure. Unfortunately, so is our ability to sin, as the people prove later in the chapter! Today, many of us doubt the ability and willingness of God to give us courage, faith and hope. It is this very doubt that stops us walking with God and receiving His promises. All it takes is for situations to not meet our expectations – and then we fall apart, proving we have little faith.

"One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.” Numbers 15:16 (Image by Hucklebarry from Pixabay)

The more we study Numbers the greater is the conviction that those who claim to be Believers MUST obey to the letter. If we lived as Hebrews in those times, oh how our holiness would be under review by God! His mercy alone prevents similar disasters befalling us in modern times. Let us not cynically sin, thinking that God will not come upon us in wrath. He can do so instantly, without warning. Read and obey.

"And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun." Numbers 16:46 (Image by Matthias Grießhammer from Pixabay)

In this chapter we see the awesome power and superiority of the Lord God. How many plagues and disasters may we attribute to the same Lord today? I dare to say – many. As society and ideas progressively deny God, truth and even salvation, God MUST act against us. In spite of seeing God acting against them, the Hebrews STILL complained and were rebellious! And so many died. We now have modern medicine and a badly corrupt political scene, but this is of no consequence to the Lord, Who can and does give His just reward to all who are evil and prefer sin to holiness.

Number 17: 8 "...and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds." (Image by Matthias Böckel from Pixabay)

Remember the New Testament text where the Apostles wanted to know who would receive prominence when they reached Heaven? This episode in Numbers is very similar. People like to be praised openly, and to receive a status for their obedience to God. The Pharisees lengthened the hems of their garments, and liked to be called ‘Rabbi’. They wanted everyone to know how ‘humble’ they were, and how loyal they were to the Torah. In this portion of Numbers, the tribal heads all wanted to have a ‘piece of the action’, by demanding to join Aaron’s family as priests. They rejected that Moses did not invent the hierarchy in his own head, to give favour to his own brother. Whatever he said and did came direct from Jehovah.

"And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation." Numbers 18:21 (Image by Bruno from Pixabay)

God now leaves Aaron in no doubt, that his service to God is full-time and serious. He has been chosen by God to be high priest, and the first of all high priests who follow, and whose family would provide all priests in history. The Levites were given to him as a gift, and they had to fulfil God’s demands, to the letter. Because he and his sons were chosen, and could not acquire goods and land, he and his priests were fed and clothed, and the other Levites were to serve him. God promised them a good life, free of want, so long as he and all priests did as God commanded.

"Bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:.." Numbers 19: 2 (Image by ArtPyle from Pixabay)

Repeatedly, we see in the Old Testament books that God’s demands are fixed; they are true (because they have to be), and given to mankind in intricate detail. This is in contrast to modern Christianity in which God’s word is treated as optional or in a broad humanised way, negating the immensity of God’s commands. Today, many Christians ‘forget’ (if, that is, they ever knew in the first place) that God still demands the very best of us, our minds, and our hearts. So why do many invent their own faith and beliefs by giving their own personalised interpretations?

"Speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water..." Exodus 20:7 (Image by Hans from Pixabay)

Even after forty years the Hebrews are STILL contentious! God is long-suffering, even in our own day, and it is only His mercy that prevents Him from bringing about our demise. We now see that not only will Moses be stopped from entering Canaan, but also his brother, Aaron. We should view this as an earthly judgment and not an eternally damning one. It came about not because of unbelief, but by adding to God’s command. At the very end of Revelation we are warned never to add or take away (from Revelation, and, by association, the whole of scripture). As we see in this chapter, the same kind of warning applies. Do not trifle with God’s word – obey it as demanded, or risk His anger.

"And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died." Numbers 21: 6 (Image by Karsten Paulick from Pixabay)

In this ancient setting we see something similar to what is now happening in modern day Middle East. When God is for His people there is no stopping them. The fierceness in battle of modern Jews echoes the same ferocity found in the Hebrews of Moses’ day. As I have written elsewhere, the ferocity of Israelite soldiers in ancient days was well-known and they were feared. But, what pagans really feared was God, Jehovah, Who was behind the ferocity. Christians today try to avoid this aspect of God, but it was He Who sent the Israelites out against their foes, usually to obliteration.

"What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?" Numbers 22:28 (Image by JackieLou DL from Pixabay)

This is the first of several unusual chapters about Balaam. Children see and hear cartoon animals talking and having human actions. They have no problem accepting that they ARE talking and behaving in human ways. Scripture is not a cartoon or a fairy story… so what to make of an ass talking – and a man talking back, apparently with ease, mentioning no problem with the situation. Are we not to be child-like (not childish) towards our Father? Did not Eve and a snake speak to each other? Rather than laugh in derision, we should ask “Why not?” God can say and do anything HE wishes.

"Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain." Numbers 23:25 (Image by Ian Lindsay from Pixabay)

In this chapter the trials of Balaam continue. He told the king God’s answers, but the king persisted in pushing Balaam into giving him the answer he wanted! Neither man knew God in a true sense, but were pagans/heathen trying their best to understand how the mighty Hebrew God ‘worked’. Like so many today, the king kept trying against all odds to change God’s mind and to align with his pagan desire. People are like that today. They want God’s benefits but not the faith.

" As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters." Numbers 24: 6 (Image by wal_172619_II from Pixabay)

These chapters are very interesting, because they show the Canaanite side of the other chapters. As the Hebrews moved in huge numbers around Moab, the king wanted any advantage to keep them out, because he had seen what happened to the Amorites. So he called on the most famous magician in the Middle East, Balaam. What we have is the ‘enemy’ side of the account, showing that no enemy is greater than God, even if they were descendants of Lot.

"And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab" Numbers 25: 1 (image by AJW)

This is the beginning of the end for the Canaanites. But, it also depicts how mankind chases after godless things, even though they have only just known God’s wrath for sin. Moab, Midian, and other Cannanites, were very much under the influence of powerful prophets such as Balaam, and the Israelites were still looking for sexual and other novelties. So much so that God quickly showed his wrath in deadly fashion. We are all the same – easily distracted from true faith by satanic activities (though we pretend otherwise). But, there is always a reminder from God.

"Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt." Numbers 26:4 (Image by mericeruefenacht from Pixabay)

A year or two after leaving Egypt, God told Moses to number the Hebrews; in particular the number of men from age 20 to 50 – fighting men. Now, 40 years later, another count is taken, before the people finally entered the Promised Land. It was a final count, showing how many Hebrews would move into Canaan. The numbers were crucial, for the number in each tribe represented the size of land given to each tribe.

"If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter." Numbers 28: 8 (Image by Paul Edney from Pixabay)

The account now turns back to everyday activity in the new nation, starting with a legal query from the tribe of Manasseh. God’s answer upturned the standard way of dealing with inheritances. This chapter begins the ‘countdown’ to Moses dying and the entrance to Canaan.

"Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work" Numbers 28: 26 (Image by beatricedarugna from Pixabay)

This chapter should be linked to Leviticus which contains many more sacrifice details.

Do not be fooled into shirking this kind of content. The rites and sacrifices no longer exist, but they are useful as background to what Christ did on the cross. The activities do not apply today, but they provide a down-to-earth description of how God dealt with the people, and why, as He turned them into God-fearing servants of Himself.

The rules of worship and sacrifices continue. Sadly, many Christians read a few lines and move on to something else – they see such verses as ancient and useless. But, they are far from useless. They show us life at that time, under God.  The amazing detail in these texts proves that all the texts are of God and to be noted. They have a purpose. For us, it is to prove the existence and dire need to follow God in every jot and tittle. (A jot is an iota; a tittle is a dot – suggesting the saying that refers to the small strokes in Hebrew are essential). Every part of what God says is therefore vital and must be observed. Jesus said something similar. Thus, Christians must look closely at the principles of these long-gone sacrifices, though the practices are gone.

"If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth." Numbers 30:2 (Image by corinna-kr from Pixabay)

Today, a vow or oath is treated lightly. A man may even swear an oath in a law court, but will not be sincere, and so he lies. The first thing a criminal says when caught by police is “I wouldn’t lie to you!”, when the exact opposite is true. And many make a vow to God when under pressure and they want something. They say “Oh God, I promise to do this or that if you will only make everything okay”. Could be anything, from avoiding the consequences of one’s actions, or wanting to be free from a serious illness, etc. But, once the crisis is over they forget their vow. Even the unsaved make such vows though they do not believe in God!

"And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire." Numbers 31: 10 (Image by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay)

Even before we look at this chapter I can sense the inherent anxiety of some, who think God is only a God of love and peace. He is also the Judge of all mankind, and He says and does what most people shrink back from. But, this is the REAL God, the true Lord of all Who can give life or take it… we are His creatures, not pets! It is time for genuine believers to remove their rose-tinted glasses and see the actual God we claim to follow, and how absolute His holiness is.

"And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:" Numbers 32: 16 (Image by Dinh Khoi Nguyen from Pixabay)

When Christians are in direct contact with God every day, they can be assured of continual guidance from Him. Their prayers, too, will be genuine and answered, and God will prompt them easily, for they will be open moment-by moment to His voice and His will for their lives. God will prompt those who belong to Him, to do and say all manner of things. In this chapter we see how people live and worship, by obeying the Lord Jehovah in everything He demands. What do we do in between times, when God is not speaking directly to us? We simply live faithful to the previous direct command until we hear from Him again. If we remain faithful, the Holy Spirit will show us what to say and do, so that it will be consistent with the more direct times. That is, we use God-given logic and rely on conscience. And the more we obey God and speak with Him, the more often we will know His guidance.

"And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there." Numbers 33: 9 (Image by Manuel_Edelmann from Pixabay)

In this chapter we have the most authentic time-line, from the exodus to when the Israelites massed on the Moabite border, before they went across the Jordan into Canaan. The detail shows that we are reading actual history and not a mythical story. There is no need to elucidate what is already clearly given – the text speaks for itself.

"And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.” Numbers 34:12 (Image by Svetlana from Pixabay)

In this chapter we see who was commanded to divide the land of Canaan, and also the boundaries of Israel are given…. A very large amount of land.

"Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares." Numbers 35:11 (Image by Gianni Crestani from Pixabay)

This chapter deals mainly with the matter of murder and manslaughter, plus how the 11 tribes should give the Levites cities and land. As can be seen, these Levite cities had an important role to play in the justice system.

"And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers." Numbers 36:8 (Image by Giorgio Montanaro from Pixabay)

We now have the final chapter of Numbers, in which another legal question arises –  marriages between different tribes. The problem was simple: if a woman married outside her own tribe, any inheritance would be dissipated and lost to the tribe. If allowed, the inheritances in each tribe would be spread out, making no differentiation between tribes and eventually mixing all tribes to their detriment.