DAY 247: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – NUMBERS 13-16

September 2, 2024

NUMBERS 13-16
Click here for the reading
DAY 247: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today our journey through the Bible takes us through Numbers 13-16. It is a journey that contrasts faith with rebellion. 

Ask God for His understanding of Numbers 13-16. Read Numbers 13-16. 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 were 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 13-16: Our journey begins with a scouting trip into Canaan. Only two of the scouts rendered good reports regarding Israel being able to overcome the inhabitants of Canaan to secure “The Promised Land.”  The Israelites revealed their reliance upon themselves, not trusting God to deliver Canaan to them as He delivered them from Egypt. Their faithless response to this challenge resulted in God refusing to allow any person delivered from Egypt to enter Canaan. Only those born on the journey and the two scouts who gave positive reports entered Canaan. The book of Numbers continues with teaching on supplemental offerings, offerings for unintentional sins, a Sabbath-breaker being put to death at God’s direction, and wearing tassels on garments to remind the Israelites to obey God. Moses and Aaron’s authority was challenged by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, claiming that all Israelites are the same in relationship with God: that Moses and Aaron have no special relationship with God. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram raised 250 followers to challenge Moses and Aaron. God’s response was to destroy Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and their followers. After this, a great assembly gathered to challenge Moses and Aaron resulting in a plague from God that killed 14,700 people who challenged God’s chosen leaders.  (Numbers 13:1-16:50)

After reading chapters 13 through 16, 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!