OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY

Transcription

1 OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY By Rev. LeRoy Davis BSc. and Glenn Davis copyright 2003 by Rev. LeRoy Davis and Glenn Davis Lesson 5 NUMBERS Numbers means the numbering of Israel. It has also been called the book of wanderings. Between Exodus and Numbers is one month in which the events of the book of Leviticus happens. The name Numbers comes from ancient Greek and Latin translations. It was thought appropriate because of two census reported in Chapters 1-3 and 26. The Hebrews had two names for it a] And He Spoke from the first Hebrew word and In The Wilderness from the fifth Hebrew word. It deals the the walk of believers. Numbers 1. Has 36 chapters 2. Was written by Moses the lawgiver and leader of Israel. 3. Covers events a period of 38 years. 4. Takes Israel from Sinai to the border of Canaan. 5. Is often called the book of murmuring. Murmuring was often started by the mixed multitude. The word murmuring refers to complaining against God. 6. Shows that their unbelief had caused them to fail to attain the land promised in the Abrahamic covenant. They wandered and perished in the wilderness, they knew God's breach of promise. God, faithful to His covenant, raised up a new believing generation and prepared them to enter into the land. Serving God THEME CHRIST Christ is seen as the one lifted up on the cross. He is also seen as the Tabernacle, our Sanctuary, the Nazarite, the smitten Rock, and the Star out of Jacob. KEY WORDS The key words are number, wilderness, and murmur. Other often used words are offering(s) (278), tabernacle (107), pitch(ed) (49), wilderness (45), sanctuary (32), depart(ed) (27), remove(d) (23), and encamp(ed) (18). The whole book is about the numbering, wilderness wanderings, and the murmuring of the people so these words would be the key words. KEY VERSE Nu.21:9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

2 PURPOSE 1. To give account of the years Israel spent wandering in the wilderness. 2. To record the two murmuring of the two generations at the beginning and ending of the 40 years. LESSONS TO REMEMBER 1. Worship or heart attitude must precede doing God's will. 2. Murmuring is a cancer that destroys our service to God. Complaints: a. way 11: 1-3 b. food 4-6, 33 c. problem 13:33-14:2 d. leaders 16:3 3. Unbelief grieves God (Psa. 95:10) 4. A great type of Christ is found in Nu. 21 (SERPENT). 5. As a servant of God, never follow the pattern of Balaam, 2 Pet.2: Disobedience has a high price tag. Moses failed to enter because he struck the r rock. 7. They were brought out to be brought in. The entire plan was based on redemption. They were what, who, and where they were because of redemption from Egypt. God's intent was to bring them into the land. 8. Each Israelite had his place. He was camped around the tabernacle according to his tribe. He was not to usurp the place of another. 9. God never forsakes His people. They may sin and come under His discipline but He does not withdraw from them. 10. God leads to develop the various facets of the Christian's life. The wilderness revealed their unbelief, rebellion, and failure, so the pressure reveals our weaknesses. 11. Wilderness wanderings are unproductive years as far as growth is concerned. They entered the wilderness with 603,550 males above 20 (Nu.1:45) and came to Kadesh-Barnea with 601,750 males above 20 (Nu.26:51). 12. All but two failed to make it into the promise. It is not how your begin that counts but how you finish. It is the finish that determines whether you receive the ultimate prize or not. OUTLINE Israel's Journey from Sinai to the Plains of Moab: A lesson in sin and grace. I Preparations for Leaving Sinai 1-9 II Journey from Sinai to the Plains of Moab A story of repeated sin and resulting failure until Jehovah in His grace caused the serpent to be lifted up. III Blessing and Victory in the Plains of Moab OUTLINE (ALTERNATE) I The Old Generation - Sinai to Kadesh 1-14 The First Numbering II The Wandering - In the Wilderness 15-20

3 The Transition III The New Generation - Kadesh to Jordan The Second Numbering COMMENTS [General] 1. Israel is numbered and prepared for moving on, (1-9). The twelve tribes are arranged in order around the tabernacle. They were to camp and march in a specific formation. Joseph and Levi are not named among the tribes. Ephraim and Manasseh gave Joseph the double portion in Israel. The Levites were not numbered because they had the special work of the tabernacle. The twelve tribes were the military components of Israel. The tabernacle was the central part of Israel whether camping or marching. God was to be the focal point in the life of Israel, whether nationally, in the family or individually. There were camp regulations concerning lepers, care for the dead, and other diseases. They also had the laws concerning theft, marital unfaithfulness, and other things necessary to live together in good order. God's presence was in the camp therefore they should avoid offending God or man. An Israelite could be used in special service for the Lord by taking the Nazarite vow. He thereby dedicated himself wholly to the Lord. He would not take the produce of the grapevine, (even grapes or raisins). He would let his hair grow as a public sign of his vow. He would not have any contact with a dead body, even the closest relative. They were commanded to keep the basic feast, that of Passover. God would also direct them in the Pillar of Fire and the Cloud, which rested on the tabernacle. It was by following these that they knew the direction God was leading. The silver trumpets were used to gather the people together and prepare them for departure. One trumpet called the leaders and two trumpets called the congregation of Israel together. 2. The aimless wandering in the wilderness (10-19). a. The murmuring of the people and the discouragement of Moses (10-11). The great sin of the people was their complaining against God. At a place called Taberah they complained against the Lord and He judged them by sending fire. They cried to Moses, who cried to the Lord and the fire was quenched. The second murmuring was instigated by the mixed multitude who spread their discontent to the rest of the nation. The complaint was over food, the manna God had given. They lusted for the meat of Egypt. God sent the quails, yet His judgment went out against them. This was at Kibroth-Hattaavah. b. The appointment of elders (12) Moses, while at Kibroth-hattaavah, becomes discouraged and complains of the load, that was upon him, in carrying the people. God instructs Moses to bring 70 elders of the people to the tabernacle and that He will place His Spirit on them to share the burden with Moses. c. Jealousy (12) They came to Hazeroth and there Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, because of his Ethiopian wife. God does not condemn nor condone this marriage but he does strike Miriam with Leprosy. The complaint may have been about leadership, disguised as the

4 matter of Moses' wife. Miriam seems to have been the ring leader in the opposition. Moses intercedes for her, she is healed, and after the proper purification time Israel is ready to move on. 3. The failure at Kadesh Barnea, the 12 spies etc. (13-20). The children of Israel came to Kadesh-Barnea and sent the twelve spies to look over the land. Ten returned acknowledging it was all God said it was, but said that the opponents were impossible to conquer. Joshua and Caleb argued they were able to conquer because of Yahweh's presence among them. The ten persuaded the people and so because of unbelief they could not enter the land. They were destined to wander in the wilderness until that generation was dead and a new generation rose up to take the land. The people who had witnessed the great deliverance from Egypt, and witnessed His miracles in the wilderness, were not willing to believe God could miraculously grant them the land. They were condemned to wander in the wilderness until the whole generation should die. Joshua and Caleb were the only ones who came out of Egypt who would go into the land. The Lord gave instructions concerning offerings in the land. They were reminded of the importance of worship through sacrifice, obedience, and faith. The rebellion of Korah against the leadership of Moses and Aaron was severely judged. They and all they possessed were swallowed by the earth. Their followers were consumed by fire. The leadership of Moses was vindicated by God. The next day the people again murmured accusing Moses and Aaron of murdering the people of the Lord. God judged them with a plague, which was stopped when Aaron at the command of Moses interceded for them. God gave a further verification of His choice by have the leaders of the twelve tribes lay their rods before the Lord, and Aaron's rod was placed there also. Each man's name was on his rod. the next day Aaron's rod budded, bloomed and bore almonds, while the others remained dead. Miriam dies at Kadesh and is buried. The people again murmur because there is no water. Moses and Aaron seek God and Moses is told to go and speak to the rock and water will come out. In anger he smites the rock. This was a serious act of disobedience for which he was refused the privilege of leading the people into the promised land. Aaron dies on the top of Mount Hor and his son Eleazar becomes high priest in his stead. 4. The brazen serpent (21). Israel defeated king Arad, a southern Canaanite. They again murmured regarding the food and the lack of water. God sends them fiery serpents and many die. They repent and Moses is instructed to raise the brazen serpent and those who look to it will live. The brazen serpent is a symbol of sin and a type of Christ. Looking to it demonstrated their faith in God's word. The murmuring of Israel ceases at this point. 5. The Story of Balaam and the corruption of Israel by the Moabites (22-25). Israel was required to march around Edom and Moab. Neither country would allow them passage and God forbade the taking of their land. The multitude of Israel was a threat to Balak king of Moab. He hired Balaam to come and curse Israel. Balaam at first refuses but because of the promise of wealth comes, but blesses instead of curses. He instructed the Moabites how to lead Israel into immorality, in order to bring God's judgment upon them. Those who participated were executed. 6. A new generation, laws and inheritance (26-35). A new census was taken and further instructions regarding inheritance were given. Moses is told that his death is near and Joshua is chosen as the new leader of Israel. He will

5 take them into the promise. Further instruction and reminder of the worship and offering of vows is given. The journey from Egypt to Moab is summarized, for the new generation. Gad, Rueben, and half of Manasseh decide to gain their inheritance on the border of Canaan rather than waiting to go in. They pledge to war with the rest of the tribes until they have their inheritance and then their request is granted. In anticipation of the occupation of the land there are the last instructions of Moses. They are to drive out all the inhabitants and to posses the land they had been promised. Leaders for allotting the land were appointed. The instructions regarding the Levitical cities and the cities of refuge were given. Moses also instructed them that women who inherited land could only marry within their own tribe. In this way the inheritances could be protected and land would not be exchanged between tribes by inheritances. COMMENTS [Detailed] Israel is numbered. Aaron s sons, Nadab and Abihu, were killed not following proper procedure. They were probably drunk at the time. God s holiness cannot be violated. [3:4] 4 - The duties of the Levites. 5:1-4 - People who are unclean are put out of the camp. This shows that we are to be separate from all that would defile or corrupt us. 5:5-8 - When we offend against someone else we must seek forgiveness from both God and man. Restitution plus a penalty is to be given to the injured party. If, for some reason, that is not possible, then the money is to be given to God. [Never is it to be withheld or given to the State.] 5: The Law of Jealousy is given if an man suspects his wife is unfaithful but has no evidence. This is the only case, in Biblical Law, of Trial by Ordeal. Trial by Ordeal became famous in the Dark and Middle Ages and is in some countries even today. The corrupted form asks the accused to undergo some ordeal in the belief that if he is innocent he will not be harmed. As might be suspected, the one case in the Bible is the exact opposite. It would take supernatural intervention in order to prove guilt. Just drinking bitter water would not cause harm to anyone. [See Biblical Law I & II.] 6: The Law of the Nazarite. Normally the Nazarite vow was for a short period of time. Occasionally someone, like Samson, would become a life-long Nazarite. Israel. 6: Here we have the famous blessing that was put daily on the children of Here are the have sacrifices of dedication. God also takes the Levites for His own instead of the firstborn son. Instructions are given concerning the Passover. In 9:12 we see that none of the bones of the lamb were to be broken which was a prophecy that Jesus on the cross would not have any broken bones - which was unusual in crucifixion Instructions on when and how to sound the trumpets. Also the order in which Israel moved from place to place while following the Cloud or Pillar. 11:1-3 - Complaints bring the judgment of God. God hates whining.

6 11: The mixed multitude [i.e.. Egyptians and other nationalities which left Egypt with the Israelites] stirred them all up to complain for lack of meat to eat. [How often are problems caused in a church because of the uncommitted people on the edges?] Moses becomes discouraged and wants to give up even to the point of dying. God spreads the responsibility among 70 elders so Moses won t have to bear everything alone. Moses questions how God can keep His promise of meat. In vs. 29 we see that Moses was not jealous of power or his position with God but desired that everyone could enter into a special relationship with God. This was a reflection of the desire of God s heart which is fulfilled in the New Covenant. The people got their quail...and the judgment of God Aaron and Miriam rebel against Moses. God upheld His leader. It is a dangerous thing to be in rebellion against Godly leaders for God Himself will defend them. If you want to test this out for yourself [but not by experience!] follow the lives of people who have unrepentantly criticized or attacked Godly pastors and other leaders. In the long run are their lives happy, productive [for the Kingdom of God], and fulfilling? I believe in most cases you will find them suffering from problems, which may seem unconnected, but are a judgment from God for their actions. Certainly, when they stand before God personally, they will have much to answer for. God is very serious about His leaders. In this case Miriam was stricken with leprosy. Both Moses and Aaron interceded for her and after seven days she was healed. [Was this another case when Aaron was led astray by a stronger personality instead of standing for what was right?] 13-14:39 - Here we have the story of the spies going into Canaan. For forty days they searched it out. It was everything God promised it would be and more. Two men saw the potential and the promise and ten men saw the problems and their own weakness. The ten men convinced the children of Israel that it was too difficult. There was great mourning and they were threatening to stone Joshua and Caleb. God is again ready to destroy the nation and Moses intercedes on their behalf. The judgment is that they would wander in the wilderness 1 year for every day they had explored the land. God Himself executes the 10 evil spies. All the adult males who were over 20 years old when they left Egypt would die in the wilderness except for Joshua and Caleb. 14: Rebellion is deep in the human heart. First they rebel at going into the land. Then, after they hear the judgment of God, they rebel at it and try to take the land in their own strength. Of course, they are defeated. Opportunity has a window. If we miss it it may be a long time before it comes again. 15: Different offerings are detailed. Note that is the same for both the children of Israel and the stranger. One law for everyone is the only way to justice. 15: Here we have the case of a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath. It is unusual that it is a man as normally this would have been part of the woman s job. Because of that some have thought that the man was engaged in business. In any case, he was in direct defiance of God s command. And such a challenge to God s authority could only be responded to in one way. 15: They are instructed to make fringes on their garments to remind them of the law of God. It is good to have reminders as we are so prone to forget and go our own way. 16: Korah, Dathan, and others accused Moses of taking too much authority on himself. God shows that He defends His leaders. Rebellion against Godly leaders is a dangerous thing. In this case the ground opened up and swallowed the rebels and their families. Even within a family if someone is rebelling we must stand on the side of

7 righteousness or we may suffer in their punishment. 16: How foolish can people be? The ground had opened up - obviously a supernatural event - and swallowed up Korah and the other rebels and the children of Israel accuse Moses of killing them! God strikes a further 14,700 dead with a plague and only Aaron s intercession saved the others God shows His choice of a leader by having the staffs of all the leaders put before Him. In the morning only Aaron s rod had budded showing his Divine appointment God sets the Levites aside as the only ones who can minister in the tabernacle and defines what their payment will be Laws dealing with purification. 20: Again the children of Israel are complaining because they have no water. Moses is told to speak to the the rock but in anger he strikes the rock as he had done the previous time. This was an act of disobedience and because of it he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. One reason for the strict judgment was that it ruined the picture God was building. The rock represented Christ. First, He had to be struck [at the cross] to bring forth life-giving water. After that it was by speaking [prayer] we are to apply the lifegiving water to areas of need in our lives. Christ was to be struck once...but never again. 20: Edom refuses to let Israel pass and so they turn to another way. 20: The death of Aaron and the appointment of his son, Eleazar, as High Priest. 21:1-3 - King Arad attacks Israel but is totally destroyed in the counterattack. 21:4-9 - The people complain and God sends fiery serpents to kill them. Moses makes a brass serpent and places it on a pole. Anyone who looks at the serpent is saved. Jesus mentions this incident in John 3:14. This is the only time in Scripture where the serpent represents Christ. It portrayed the fact that He became sin for us on the cross thereby making salvation possible. 21: Israel travels on. The Amorites refuse to let them pass and attack them. Israel wins. Og, King of Bashan is also destroyed Here we have the story of Balak hiring Balaam to curse Israel Balaam was a type of witch-doctor but at first he refuses knowing that God is against it. In the end he goes and would have been killed by an angel if his donkey had not turned out of the way. He strikes the donkey and God allows the donkey to speak to him. God allows him to continue on his way but he is only permitted say what God tells him to say. He offers sacrifices hoping that he can bring forth a curse and earn the money Balak is offering him. Each time he tries he is required instead to bless. Balak is getting upset because he believes whatever Balaam says is going to come to pass and Balaam is only saying good things about Israel! This shows us that we live under the protection of God. No one, not even the demons of hell, can lay a curse on us But Balaam earned his money. He discovered he could not curse Israel but he was a wise man. He knew how to destroy them. This chapter is a result of the counsel of Balaam [we see this from other Scriptures which refer to this story]. Moab seduced Israel into adultery and idol worship and 24,000 of them died as a judgment from God.

8 26 - Israel is again numbered. 27: The law that if a man died without sons his inheritance could pass on to his daughters. 27: Moses is to prepare for his death and appoint Joshua as the next leader Various offerings If a man, a widow, or a divorced woman made a vow they were required to keep it without exception or excuse. A daughter or wife could make a vow but it could be overturned by the father or husband if he objected to it when he first heard about it. If he did not object at the beginning then he could not change his mind latter, and the vow would stand War against Midian and how the spoils were to be divided The tribes of Rueben and Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh ask Moses for their inheritance on this side of the Jordan. At first Moses is angry with them, thinking they are trying to get out of war for the possession of Canaan. However, when they promise to send all their fighting men over to help the others until Canaan is conquered, he agrees. 33: Summary of the travels of the children of Israel in the desert. 33: God promises to give them the Land and instructs them to completely destroy all the inhabitants and their idols. If they disobeyed then the inhabitants would become a source of temptation and God would end up judging Israel as He had the Canaanites. We see here that possession of the land was conditional upon obedience. We also see that we are to be ruthless against sin in our lives. No compromise, sin must be wiped out or it will continually trip us up The borders of the Land of Israel and how to divide it by lot Laws concerning the cities of Refuge. In the case of manslaughter a person could run to a city of refuge and be safe but if it was murder then there was no place of safety. Verse 33 states that the only way to cleanse the land of innocent blood is by the death of the murderer. This is still true today The concern is raised that if daughters are allowed to inherit land [as was previously stated] and they marry outside of the tribe then the original tribe would loose some of its land. It is then laid down that daughters in such a case must marry within the tribe. Note: Verse 6 shows that daughters had a say in who they married. We often think of arranged marriages being forced on the women. Biblically this was not to be the case. The parents may have made the arrangements but there had to be agreement and in this case, where the father had died, the daughters were free to choose for themselves. Assignment: In one or two paragraphs explain why the Serpent is used as a symbol of Christ in Numbers. Now you are ready to download lesson 6. God Bless

9 Glenn Davis