The Book Of NUMBERS
Numbers 21:8 "And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole:
and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live."
|
CHAPTER 25: Chapter 24 is the end of Balaam’s meeting with King Balak, but it’s not the end of Balaam’s story. We know from Numbers 31:16 and Revelation 2:14 that Balaam advised the Moabites on the best way to lure the Israelites into sin and disobedience against God, which is described here in chapter 25. Shittim is the last encampment of the Israelites before crossing the Jordan River. (v.1) (Joshua 2:1) Because of its close proximity to Moab, it’s easy for the daughters of Moab to entice the men of Israel to idolatry and immorality. (v.1-2) (Exodus 34:15, Deuteronomy 32:38, Joshua 22:17, Hosea 9:10, 1 Corinthians 10:20) Nearly all of the Canaanite religions require orgies as part of their worship rituals, and Baal, specifically, is the god of fertility. The name “Baal-peor” very likely refers to a shrine built at the place where Balaam delivered his final oracle to Balak. (v.3) The term “whoredom” in verse 1 refers to both sexual immorality and spiritual infidelity. Israel violates her covenant with God once again by becoming involved in the pagan worship practices of the Moabites. Psalm 106:28-29 specifically mentions the practice of eating “…the sacrifices of the dead…” as part of this incident, which could refer to food that had first been offered to the idols or possibly some form of ritualistic cannibalism. Whatever the case, this egregious sin angers the LORD, and He commands Moses to slay any man who has gone to worship Baal-peor. (v.4) Their bodies are to be hung in the center of camp for all to see. (Deuteronomy 4:3) The judges of Israel mentioned in verse 5 are most likely the sons of the men appointed by Moses at Mount Sinai to help lead the nation, since most of the first generation has already passed away during the forty years of wandering in the desert. (Exodus 18:21-22) Moses instructs them to “Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baal-peor.” (v.5) (Deuteronomy 13:6, 9) While the text doesn’t say specifically, the man described in verse 6 is most likely one of the Baal worshipers. His name is Zimri, and he is a leader in the tribe of Simeon (v.14) The Midianites are allies of the Moabites (Numbers 22:4), and this man doesn’t even attempt to hide his sin from Moses or the people who are mourning at the entrance of the tabernacle. The implication here is that the judgment of the LORD has already begun, and the ones who are weeping are the families of the men who have been slain. That makes this man’s disobedience even more egregious and galling, which is the reason for Phineas’ furious reaction. (v.7) He spies the man and the Midianite prostitute, whose name is Cozbi, a daughter of one of the leaders of Midian (v.15), as they enter the man’s tent, and he takes immediate action. (v.8) (Psalm 106:30) Phineas, the grandson of Aaron, enters the tent and kills both the man and the woman by stabbing them with a large javelin in a single, vicious stroke. This action, along with the executions carried out by the judges, stays the wrath of the LORD. (Numbers 16:46) In addition to the slaying of the sinners, God had also sent a plague among the people, and Phineas’ swift, decisive judgment ends that as well. (v.8) The death toll for this latest act of rebellion is twenty-four thousand. (v.9) Because Phineas “…was zealous for my sake…” (v.11), God makes a covenant with him. (v.12-13) (Malachi 2:4-5, 3:1, Acts 22:3, Romans 10:2) He promises Phineas, the son of Eleazar, that the Levitical priesthood will continue through his specific bloodline, “…an everlasting priesthood…”. (v.13) While God had earlier promised this to Aaron (Exodus 40:15), He was now narrowing it further to the specific lineage of Phineas. The latter half of verse 13 implies that Phineas’ zealous and swift action saved the nation of Israel by serving as an atonement for their disobedience, in much the same manner as Aaron’s action with the incense in the incident following Korah’s rebellion. (Numbers 16:46-47) Some theologians and Biblical scholars, including John MacArthur, believe that Phineas’ bloodline is still present to this day, even though the twelve tribes of Israel as recorded in the Bible have long ago been lost to history, beginning in the first century when the Jews were scattered throughout the world following the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. When the sacrificial system is reinstated during the Tribulation and the Millennial Kingdom, as described in Ezekiel, it is believed that the descendants of Phineas will be serving as priests in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. Given the promise by God in verse 13, that theory seems very likely. What we do know for certain is that Phineas’ bloodline did indeed continue throughout the OT and during the time of Christ’s ministry here on earth. We know this because the Levitical priesthood, the temple, and the sacrificial systems remained in place until the crucifixion of Christ. That is the essence of God’s promise to Phineas here in chapter 25. This chapter concludes with a command from the LORD to Moses. (v.16) The Israelites are to attack the Midianites because they enticed His chosen people to sin. (v.17-18) This is carried out in chapter 31, as already noted earlier regarding the death of Balaam. CHAPTER 26: This chapter opens with a command from God to have Moses conduct another census of the nation. (v.1-2) This instruction, following an account of new revelation from the LORD and then grievous disobedience of the Israelites, closely parallels the incident of the golden calf from Exodus 32 while Moses was up on Mount Sinai receiving the Law of God. The following table is courtesy of the Moody Bible Commentary:  What follows in this chapter is a census record similar to that of Numbers 1 and 3. Almost forty years has passed since that first census which was taken in the second month of the second year after the exodus. The purpose of that was to record all the men of Israel, twenty years and older, who were capable of going to war. The same purpose is given here (v.2) since a military campaign against Midian has just been announced. This census, though, has a secondary purpose: the proper division of the promised land among the tribes following their conquest of it. (v.53) The tribes with larger populations will receive a larger portion of land, while the smaller tribes will receive a portion equal to their populations. (v.54) The land will divided up fairly and equally by lot. (v.55-56) (Numbers 33:54, 34:13, Joshua 11:23, 14:2) There’s also a few more details of the clans within the tribes given here that is not found in chapters 1 and 3, including proper names and brief genealogies. (v.5-51, 58-62) The point of this is to show that the entire first generation that God decreed would never see the promised land due to disobedience (Numbers 14:22-23) has now passed away, save for Caleb and Joshua. (This also means that all those who were still alive of the first generation in chapter 25 were killed in the plague of God’s judgment for the sin of idolatry.) The Levites, of course, are counted separately as they are not allowed to inherit any land. (v.62) Dathan and Abiram are listed in verse 9, and Korah’s rebellion is briefly recalled (Numbers 16:1-2), but verse 11 reminds the reader that Korah’s children were not killed as part of God’s judgment against their father. Verse 33 mentions Zelophehad, of the tribe Manasseh, who has no sons. His daughters, who are also named, will be the focus of the first half of chapter 27. The following table illustrates the results of this second census:  Two things are immediately apparent: 1) despite the death of the first generation of the Exodus, the nation’s total population still increased in those forty years; 2) the most striking decrease in population occurred among the tribe of Simeon. This is most likely due to the recent incident of idolatry described in chapter 25. Zimri was a leader of that tribe, so it’s a reasonable assumption that the majority of the worshipers of Baal-peor were Simeonites. The Moody Bible Commentators have this to say of the census: “With the numbers given in this chapter, it is possible to calculate approximately on average how many of the first generation died per day during the wilderness-wandering period. Massive deaths occurred at the Korah rebellion and the plague of Baal-peor, but an average of 90 funerals a day would have had to be conducted during this period.”
Furthermore, there is the logical question of why Eleazar is still alive, since he was at least thirty when he began to serve in the tabernacle. (Numbers 3:2-3, 4:46-47) One possible answer is that only those of the first generation who actually rebelled against God died in the wilderness. It’s very likely that none of the Levites, especially those serving in the tabernacle, were part of that rebellion. This answer makes even more sense given Eleazar’s display of godly zeal in the previous chapter. However, the more likely answer is that the Levites were excluded altogether from God’s judgment of the first generation, just as they were excluded in the first census at Mount Sinai. Verse 64 clearly states that not a single member of that generation is alive at the time of this second census, and verse 62 also confirms that the Levites are again “…not numbered among the children of Israel…” this second time around. The only exception to this is Caleb and Joshua. (v.65) This proves God’s faithfulness and justice. He rewards those that obey Him and keep His covenant, while also keeping His word that those who rebel and disobey will be punished accordingly.
0 Comments
CHAPTER 3: Chapters 3 and 4 focus on the tribe of Levi. After the rest of Israel has been numbered and their position in the camp assigned, God now turns His attention to the Levites whom He has chosen to help Aaron and his sons in the tabernacle. Verse 1: The Hebrew word for “generations” in this verse is the same one used in Genesis 5:1: tôledâh. Strong’s concordance defines it as “an account of men and their descendants”. It can also mean “results, proceedings, generations, or genealogies”. The Holman Bible Commentary has this to say about verse 1: Within the cultural framework of the ancient Near East, genealogical records served several purposes: (1) to provide historical connection to a pivotal point in the past; (2) to preserve familial community and organization within the larger societal structure; (3) to justify one’s position within the societal structure by providing a historical precedent from within one’s family line; and (4) to provide future generations with a source of pride. In this chapter, Moses is using the genealogy of Levi, the son of Jacob, to establish his and Aaron’s authority over the people. Verses 2-4: Aaron’s sons are listed in the order of their birth: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. (v.2) All four had been anointed and consecrated to serve as priests before the Lord alongside their father who is the high priest. (v.3) (Exodus 28:41) The deaths of Nadab and Abihu had occurred less than a month earlier (Leviticus 10:1-2), and neither of them had any children. That leaves only Aaron’s youngest sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, to continue the priestly line. (v.4) There is another important reason for Moses inserting this note about Nadab and Abihu. Besides the genealogical record, this is a reminder to all of Israel about the consequences of disobedience to God, especially regarding the holiness of His sanctuary. Obedience, remember, is one of the central themes of this book. Verses 5-10: The tribe of Levi is ordered by God to assist Aaron and his sons in their daily duties of the tabernacle, as well as being responsible for the assembly and disassembly of the tent itself when it comes time to move camp. (v.6-8) (Numbers 8:6, 19, 18:6-7, Deuteronomy 10:8, 33:8) This includes packing up and storing all the dishes, utensils, and other items used by the priests in their daily ministry. The entire tribe is to be given over to this service (v.9), but only Aaron and his sons are to serve in the roles of high priest and priests. (v.10) Anyone besides them that attempts to come near to the tabernacle to do any task other than what is prescribed to the priests alone will be put to death. (Numbers 1:51, 16:40) This warning is repeated again in verse 38. Verses 11-13, 40-51: God institutes a new rule regarding the Levites and the firstborn of all Israel and their livestock. (Exodus 13:2) From the night of their exodus from Egypt, and because of His striking all the firstborn of the Egyptians, God had claimed all the firstborn of Israel, both man and beast. (v.13) Up to this point, the firstborn belonged to God and His service, but now God is setting aside the entire tribe of Levi to serve Him instead. (v.12, 45) However, because of the census that He orders Moses to conduct of the tribe of Levi (v.15-16) and then of all the firstborn of Israel (v.40), there are 273 more of the firstborn of Israel older than one month than of all the males of the Levites. (v.43, 46) So the Lord tells Moses to redeem those 273 according to the law that was given in Leviticus 27 since only the Levites are now needed for service to the priests. He is releasing all the other firstborn from their obligation to Him. (v.47-48) This results in a sum of $1,365 shekels that is given to Aaron and his sons. (v.50-51) (Leviticus 27:6, Numbers 18:16) Verses 14-39: The three sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. (v.17) (Genesis 46:11, Numbers 26:57, 1 Chronicles 6:1, 16, 23:6) From these three descends the entire tribe of Levi which now numbers 22,000. (v.39) The tribe is divided into three groups according to the descendants of each of those three sons, and each group has an assigned section or category of tabernacle responsibilities. (Refer to the table below, courtesy of the Moody Bible Commentary.) Each group also has an assigned place to set up camp around the tabernacle in the same manner that God assigned the rest of Israel a specific side of camp in the previous chapter. From the totals given in verses 22, 28 and 34, you will see that there is a difference of 300, not 273. From the Moody Bible Commentary: “The simplest solution is that the additional 300 were excluded from consideration because they were themselves firstborn of the Levites and thus were not eligible to redeem the firstborn of Israel. All of the Levites over a month in age were tallied, and the count was 22,000.”  The locations of the camps for each of the three groups are as follows: Gershonites: west side of the tabernacle (v.23); Kohathites: south side of the tabernacle (v.29); Merarites: north side of the tabernacle (v.35). One member from each family is designated as the head of that family, and another as the overseer of their assigned tasks. (Refer to the table in Figure 2.) (v.24, 30, 32, 35) Moses, Aaron, and their families are to camp on the east side of the tabernacle, in front of the entrance. (v.38) They are the primary guard that will keep the tabernacle from defilement. According to the Moody commentators, “The Kohathites were the most favored clan of the tribe of Levi because of their responsibility to care for the objects of the holy place. Because both Moses and Aaron descended from that clan, the Lord gave Moses and Aaron and his sons a campsite on the favored east side of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise.”
CHAPTER 4: Of the three clans of the tribe of Levi that were named in the previous chapter, God instructs Moses to conduct another census. (v.1-3) (Numbers 8:24, 1 Chronicles 23:3, 24, 27, Ezra 3:8) This one counts all the males between 30 and 50 years of age for the purpose of organizing and assigning them their respective tasks within the tabernacle. Contrary to chapter 3, the three sons of Levi are not named here in their birth order but rather in the order of the importance of what part of the tabernacle they will be working on, starting from greatest to least. Verses 4-20: The Kohathites are named first because they will be responsible for transporting the most holy things: the two altars, the ark of the covenant, the table of the shewbread, the golden lampstand, and all the dishes and utensils. (Numbers 3:31) However, no one but Aaron and his sons are allowed to enter the tabernacle and, thus, look upon the most holy things. To do so is to suffer immediate death by the judgment of God. (v.15) Therefore they must first pack up all the furnishings so that the sons of Kohath may then transport them safely when it’s time to move the camp. (v.19-20) The veil which separates the holy place from the holy of holies is to be used to cover the ark of the covenant. On top of that is a layer of badgers’ skins and then a cloth of blue. (v.5-6) The last step is to insert the poles by which it may be borne. Only then may the ark be safely transported upon the shoulders of the Kohathites. Eleazar is put charge of all the furnishings of the tabernacle, including the oil used for the lamp, the incense, the daily meat offering, and for anointing. (Exodus 25:6, Leviticus 24:2) He will direct the other priests in the covering and packing of the furnishings and all the dishes and utensils, and then he will oversee the transportation of them by the Kohathites. Verses 21-28: The Gershonites are responsible for the skins which form the ceiling of the tabernacle and all the curtains that are hung in the outer court, as well as that which forms the door of the court and the door of the tabernacle itself. (v.25-26) But the curtains within the tabernacle, and especially that which separates the holy place from the holy of holies, are handled only by Aaron and his sons. (v.5-6) Ithamar, Aaron’s youngest son, is put in charge of the Gershonites. (v.28) Verses 29-33: Lastly, the Merarites are put in charge of dismantling all the framework of the tabernacle once the previous two tasks have been completed. Verse 32 mentions a system of numbering and categorization by which each board, pillar, socket, and peg are labeled so that the whole framework may be easily and properly reassembled. “…and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.” This group is also under the charge of Ithamar. (v.33) Verses 34-49: These are the totals of each clan: 2,750 Kohathites, 2,630 Gershonites, and 3,200 Merarites. That total number, 8,580, represents about 39% of the total number of male Levites, 22,000, that was given in verse 39 of chapter 3. Four times in this chapter does the phrase “…according to the commandment (word) of the Lord…” appear. (v.37, 41, 45, 49) Thus far, Moses, Aaron, and all the Israelites are obedient and submissive to all of God’s directives and commands. There is no record here of any of the Levites or Aaron’s sons rebelling against the authority that God placed over them. The commentators of my study Bible have this to say about the final verses of this chapter: “Note the New Testament exhortation in Hebrews 13:17 to “…obey them that have rule over you, and submit yourselves…”. (Compare 1 Corinthians 16:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Peter 5:5) Then note the admonitions to leaders to “command” (1 Timothy 4:11) and “rebuke with all authority” (Titus 2:15), for by adhering to scriptural teaching “…thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee…” (1 Timothy 4:16). CHAPTER 1: One month has passed since God began giving the Levitical portion of the law to Moses in the tabernacle. (v.1) (Exodus 40:2, 17, Numbers 9:1, 10:11) Ten months have passed since the children of Israel first arrived at Mount Sinai. (Exodus 19:1) The title from this book is derived from that phrase in verse 1 “…in the wilderness…”. According to the introduction to this book in my study Bible, “The English title has its origin in the Greek version of the Old Testament (Septuagint), where, by way of the Latin Vulgate, we get the English name.” Where Exodus gives an account of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt, the covenant at Sinai, and the erection of the tabernacle, and Leviticus is an instruction on the holiness of God and the proper way in which to worship Him, Numbers now turns the focus to the Israelites’ journey towards the promised land. This book is about faith and obedience. Numbers is divided into two logical sections: chapters 1-21, which begins with a census of the generation that left Egypt, and chapters 26-36, which begins with a new generation after God’s judgement against those that violated His law by intermarrying with the Moabites and adopting their false religion. In between these two sections is the account of Balaam. According to the Moody Bible Commentary, “Numbers does not follow a strict chronological chain of events. This shows that Moses was not focusing on establishing a timeline but rather an account concerned primarily with thematic and theological lessons within their history.” Verse 1: “…the Lord spake unto Moses…” As with Exodus and Leviticus, this phrase appears several times throughout this book, emphasizing the divine origin of its contents. “…in the tabernacle of the congregation…” (Exodus 25:22, Leviticus 1:1) God is still meeting with Moses at the newly erected tabernacle. Verses 2-3: “Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel…” (v.2) (Numbers 26:2, 63-64, 2 Samuel 24:2, 1 Chronicles 21:2) The note in my study Bible says that this command echoes the one previously given in Exodus 30:12 and 38:21. “The men were counted in connection with the atonement money, that is, from that day forward, to pay for the daily offerings of the community. Since Exodus 30 does not state that the census was carried out, it makes sense to assume this census is the implementation of the payment.” This is the first of five such censuses that are in the OT: four of them recorded here in Numbers (chapters 3, 4, and 26), and the fifth is found in 2 Samuel 24. “…all that are able to go forth to war…” indicates that God is preparing Israel to conquer the promised land. (v.3) Verses 4-16: These verses list the representative from each tribe that is appointed to assist Moses with the census. (v.4) There are two names worth noting here: Nahshon of the tribe of Judah and Elishama of the tribe of Ephraim. It is the lineage of the former that will one day give birth to Boaz (Ruth 2:1) from whom will come Jesse, the father of David, the future king of Israel. That lineage, as we well know, is the one which will give birth to the messiah, Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1) Elishama is the grandfather of Joshua, son of Nun, who will be Moses’ successor and will lead the Israelites into the promised land. Verses 17-46: The total number of Israelite males, “…twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war…” (v.45) is 603,550. (v.46) That total is the same number given in Exodus 38:26. Keep in mind that this sum is only the men over twenty years of age. That means that when the number of women and children is added to that total the nation of Israel is very likely about two million, according to the Moody Bible Commentary. This fact has been a source of contention and controversy among Biblical scholars in the last two centuries. Some have argued that the Hebrew word “eleph” used in this chapter, which translated in English means “thousand”, actually means “clan” or “chief” instead of “thousand”. But the Moody commentators make this point: “In such an attempt, the total number of digits before ‘eleph from each tribe do not add up to 603 (i.e., 46 + 59 + 45 + 74 +54 +57 + 40 + 32 + 35 + 62 + 41 + 53 = 598, not 603) and the digits after the ‘eleph add up to 5,550.” We must always proceed with firm belief that the Bible states exactly what it says: no more, no less. God preserved His word in pure, perfect modern English for us today, and the King James translators got it right. There was, indeed, over two million Israelites that came out of Egypt and are now preparing to conquer the land that God had promised to them. This, then, is the result of the census:  Verses 47-53: The tribe of Levi is not numbered among the men of war because they are tasked with protecting the tabernacle as well as assisting with the disassembly and transportation of it when it’s time to move the camp. (v.50-51) (Numbers 2:33, 26:62) Not all of this tribe can serve as priests – that honor is reserved only for Aaron and his sons – but the Levites are also tasked with the daily maintenance and upkeep of the tabernacle and the holy things. (Exodus 38:21, Numbers 3:7-8, 4:15, 25, 33) Verse 51 makes it clear that only the tribe of Levi may assemble and disassemble the tabernacle. Anyone else that comes near to it will be put to death. Verse 53 states the reason for the protection of the tabernacle by the Levites: “…that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel…”. (Leviticus 10:6, Numbers 8:19, 16:46, 18:5, 1 Samuel 6:19) The holiness of God and His dwelling place are paramount and must be kept undefiled. Perhaps it was because the sons of Levi answered Moses’ call to arms during the incident with the golden calf that God chose this tribe to protect and defend the tabernacle. (Exodus 32:26) Verse 54: As with many passages in the Pentateuch, this chapter ends with an affirmation that the children of Israel obey all that Moses commands them to do because it is the word of the Lord. It is especially emphasized here at the beginning of Numbers because of the events recorded later in this book. Sadly, the Israelites are not always so faithful and obedient. CHAPTER 2: This chapter is God’s instruction to Moses for the arrangement of the twelve tribes when they set up camp. God is a God of order and detail, and all of these directions here at the beginning of Numbers are to help prepare His chosen nation for their conquering of the promised land. There’s also a specific order and significance to the placement and listing of the twelve tribes throughout this chapter. There is always a unique symmetry and/or symbolism to everything that is recorded of God and His actions throughout scripture, and this chapter is no exception. Verse 2: The Hebrew word for “standard” is degel, which means “flag” or “banner”. Each tribe has its own standard “…with the ensign of their father’s house…”. (Numbers 1:52, 24:2) An ensign is an emblem or symbol. The tents of each tribe will be pitched so that the entire camp surrounds the tabernacle, but with a large buffer zone between them and the tabernacle. (Joshua 3:4) As made clear in the previous chapter, the dwelling place of the Lord must be kept free of any accidental or deliberate defilement. Verses 3-33: Starting on the east side of the camp (v.3), God lists the placement of each tribe. (See Figure 1 on the next page, courtesy of the MacArthur Bible Commentary.) Judah is named first, and with them are Issachar and Zebulun. (v.5-9). The list of men chosen at the beginning of chapter 1 are named here as the military leaders of each tribe. (Refer back to the table above.) The total of these three tribes is 186,400. (v.9) Next up is the south side, under the flag of Reuben, and he is joined by Simeon and Gad. (v.10-16) Their total is 151,450. (v.16) On the west side, under the flag of Ephraim, is Manasseh and Benjamin. (v.18-24). Their total is 108,100. (v.24) And, finally, in the north are Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. (v.25-31) Their total is 157,600. (v.31) Verse 32 repeats the same total from the census in chapter 1: 603,550. Verses 9, 16-17, 24, and 31 list the order of marching rank. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun are first; Reuben, Simeon, and Gad second; then the tribe of Levi bearing the ark and all the materials of the tabernacle (Numbers 10:17, 21); then Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin in the third rank; bringing up the rear are Dan, Asher, and Naphtali.  It is no coincidence that the tribe of Judah is named first, for it’s from that lineage that the Messianic line of Christ will be born. The Moody Bible Commentary also makes this point: “Rachel’s sons were located together on the west side of the tabernacle. Leah’s offspring were on the east and south side of the tabernacle with one exception—Gad (the oldest son of Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid) was in the open slot with Leah’s two oldest sons, Reuben and Simeon, on the south side. The rest of the handmaids’ sons were together on the north side of the encampment.” The text does not specify the placement of each tribe within their assigned sides, but it can be safely presumed from the phrasing of verses 3, 10, 18, and 25 that the tribes of Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, and Dan are at the center of their respective groups. The tribe of Levi is not numbered because of their special assignment regarding the tabernacle. (v.33) (Numbers 1:47, 26:57) God will give further instruction to Moses regarding the Levites in the next two chapters.
Verse 34: Same as chapter 1, this passage ends with the note that Israel obeys all that God commands Moses regarding the arrangement of the camp. (Numbers 24:5-6) “The posture of the people presented at this point is one of order and obedience. Here there was universal harmony and submission to both the Lord and Moses. This early obedience contrasts, however, with the people’s later rebellions.” (The Moody Bible Commentary) |
Click here to get back to the chapter links on the Bible study homepage.
Archives
October 2024
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed