Today's Reading:

Leviticus 26
Leviticus 27
Numbers 1
Numbers 2

 
Wow, you finished another book in the Torah- part of the Old Testament, and I’m so glad you made it through the laws. I do not mind them, as they showed the Israelites how to live close to God. Now Numbers was also written by Moses, and this book was all about the census at the beginning and the end, which boiled down to the Wilderness time and how many went into the wilderness and how many came out to go into the Promised Land. The wilderness journey took the Israelites from Mount Sinai on a trip that lasted 40 years, which in reality should have taken about 40 hours! Surprise, surprise , it was all in God's plan due to the Israelites' rebellion. God said, welp, you will all stay wandering until your generation fully perishes and then, I will let your children into the Promised Land. Numbers was the sequel book to Exodus, where the Israelites were brought out of Egypt. So, enjoy the rest of the story on how Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land, they rebelled against God, and His mercy was always at work behind the scenes.   

 

 

In the readings from Leviticus, there was punishment for sins or not obeying the laws, and in Chapter 26, the bright contrast of rewards (or blessings) for obedience was clearly laid out. It began with warnings against idolatry and to keep God’s Sabbath, and the promised rich blessings for those who faithfully obeyed His commands. The blessings for obedience included the abundant provision of rain, harvests, and food to eat, with satisfaction. God would provide peace, security and protection. They would sleep without fear of wild animals or enemy attacks. God would look on them with favor, keep His covenant and dwell among them. This painted a picture of harmony like a restored Eden with an intimate relationship with God.  

Of course, with every blessing there was a curse for disobedience. The first were sudden terror, wasting diseases, failed crops, and being defeated by enemies. If they persisted in rebellion, then there would be harsher consequences “seven times over,” and when they remain hostile, even harsher consequences , such as famine so severe that the parents would have to eat their children, cities laid to waste, and exile, where they would then live in fear. The land would even be desolate and laid to rest; then those who were left would perish. God would humble the hostile.  

BUT, through confession and humbled hearts (even for those in exile), God would remember His covenant with Abraham, Isaac , and Jacob (patriarchs), He would not completely destroy them but would restore them. These warnings were to motivate the Israelites to keep God’s covenant and commands.  

Leviticus 27 dealt with vows, dedication , and tithes, with the value for the item that was to be redeemed or dedicated to God. The vows were a serious commitment to God; the person would serve the priest, but could not do all of the duties, as that was reserved for the Levites only. The vows were sometimes made rashly or on impulse, emotionally in desperation to God; therefore, God gave a provision, knowing human nature , and would allow a redemption option. The payment served as the redemption price or substitute. Instead of a person having to serve for life (getting out of the vow), they would pay a fixed amount to the priests, which would help to support the sanctuary, priests, and tabernacle operations. They gave something valuable to God without serving for life. The value of people was based on their sex and age, while even the poor could barter with the priest for a lower cost of redemption. For animals, land, and houses, there would be the cost to buy it back, plus a 20 percent penalty to discourage backtracking. One did not have to pay if the person or animal was dedicated for life. The same with tithes, if you gave a tithe and decided to redeem it, there would be an additional 20 percent fee (more on tithes in Deuteronomy 14). Vows were all handled equally, and the Tabernacle would be supported by the people in fairness.  

The book of Numbers gave the account of the Israelites' journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. The first chapter gave a census of the Israelite men who were eligible for military service. This was taken about 1 year after the Exodus from Egypt to be ready for war. Each of the 12 Tribes had a leader who would help Moses count the number of people. Notice that the tribe of Levi was not listed- they were set apart for the Tabernacle use, and Joseph was not listed: instead, his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were given status through the adoption by Jacob.   

Chapter 2 continued with the census count and with how to organize the tribes around the Tabernacle each time they set up camp. The blueprint protected the center where the Tabernacle would stay, like God’s heart being the center of the community. The layout of the tribes with their family crest flags actually made a picture of a cross (from a bird’s eye view) due to the number of people from each tribe.   

1. The East= Judah’s Tribe faced the tabernacle entrance facing the sunrise and included Issachar and Zebulun. Judah- the Messiah line had the prestigious East side.  
2. The South= Reubens Tribe as well as Simeon, and Gad.  
3. The Central= The Tabernacle and the Levites. The Levites were divided into 3 groups of the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites.   
4. The West= Ephraim's Tribe, including Manasseh, and Benjamin. (Joseph , divided by his sons, and Benjamin were both from the beloved Rachel and honored Joseph’s double portion.  
5. The North= Dan’s tribe, including Asher and Naphtali.  

This God-centered community now had the rules for obedience as well as the list of consequences in order to thrive. They would be ready to march out in conquest to obtain the Promised Land. Could our modern society live with collective blessings and curses based on shared moral choices? How can our humility lead to redemption in our own lives?  

 

Today's Discussion question: 

I left off with a question to ponder- Could our modern society live with collective blessings and curses based on shared moral choices? How can our humility lead to redemption in our own lives? What are your thoughts?

 
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