DAY 261: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – NUMBERS 21-24

September 16, 2024

NUMBERS 21-24
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DAY 261: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Our journey today continues the Israelites’ trek through the desert and their confrontations with the nations of Arad, the Amorites, Bashan, and Moab.  Much attention is paid to Balak, king of Moab, and Balaam.

Take a moment and pray, asking for understanding of today’s reading. Read Numbers 21-24. Let’s journey!

Numbers, the fourth book of the Jewish Torah and the Christian Old Testament, was written by Moses, who recorded events through which he lived.  It picks up where Leviticus left off.  The Israelites had been delivered from Egypt and entered into a covenant with the Lord.  They were concluding their one-year stay at the base of Mt Sinai and beginning their journey to the Promised Land.  The book of Numbers shows God’s faithfulness to the Israelites, while also delivering judgment on those who choose to walk away from Him.

Numbers 21-24: The Israelites experienced victory with the defeat of Arad.   However, they quickly began complaining again, leading to the Lord cursing them with snakes.  Moses intercedes.  Once recovered, the Israelites continued their trek, defeating more nations.  This caused Balak, King of Moab to become concerned and send for Balaam, who was a prophet.  The remainder of today’s reading records what happens between Balak, his princes, and Balaam, including Balaam’s four oracles.   (Numbers 21:1-24:25)

After reading chapters 21 through 24, consider the following:  How does God show His faithfulness to the Israelites?  Do the Israelites recognize God’s faithfulness?  Think back on your own life and to a time when you were faithless to God, or grumbled against Him.  Can you see how God remained faithful and continued to help and provide for you?  Can you see God’s faithfulness in your life now?

Godspeace!