JUL 18

Numbers 1:1-4, 26:64-65
Memorise Luke 12:7
“Caleb…and Joshua… they have wholly followed the LORD”

The name of ‘Numbers’ it is a rather apt summary of what this whole book is about. Two large portions of this 36 chapter book is given to a genealogical record of the numbers of the whole nation of Israel – once at the start of the 40 year wilderness wandering, and once towards the very end. It is important to note though, that the people that make up the two numberings, though similar in number, are a completely different set of people. All those numbered in the first numbering, except Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb, died in the wilderness, and it was a new generation that would be standing at the banks of River Jordan ready to enter into the Promised Land.

In between the two censuses, various other events (especially rebellions of Israel) of the wilderness wanderings are narrated, and a few other laws and instructions are fleshed out. The contents of the book will span nearly 40 years, from the time that they leave Sinai till the end of the book where they defeat Og and Sihon and claim the lands east of Jordan.

At the beginning of the book, Israel had spent more than a year encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai, from the time they received the 10 commandments (Exodus 20) till then. They had built the Tabernacle, ordained the priesthood and received all the laws of God. Now it was time to proceed on with their journey, no longer as a band of slaves but as a conquering nation ready to occupy their land. From a motley crew of slaves who had fled from Egypt, they were transformed into an ordered nation, with a political, military and religious system. This transition is most noticeable in the book of Numbers, as we see God Himself as the one preparing His people. Though He judged them for the rebellions and made them wander in the wilderness, yet His goodness never left them, and He continued to care for them as the apple of His eye. Precisely because He loved them, He continued to chastise them that they may turn back to Him.

Our journey through this Earth is like a wilderness wandering. Will we be rebellious like Israel, requiring chastisement? Or will we show forth a testimony like Moses, Joshua or Caleb, ever faithful, pleasing to God?

Thought: I am a stranger and pilgrim here, this World is not my home!
Prayer: Help me to be faithful always, as I sojourn on the Earth.