From my non-scholarly reading it appears that the Israelites made a pit stop in some of the towns they came across as they wandered in the desert lands.  In Numbers 21, they captured all the cities of the Amorites and “settled in them.”  But shortly after, Moses sent some men out; these men utterly destroyed King Og and his family and his subjects.  They conquered his lands and towns as well. So it would seem that some of the Israelites, at least the ones not on these advance fighting parties, were able to take a rest from wandering. But then … Continue reading Numbers 21-22: Taking a pit stop

Aaron died at the end of Chapter 20 — and he and the entire community had advance knowledge of it.  Can you imagine what it would be like if the Lord told you that you needed to climb to the top of a mountain, hand the clothes off your back to your firstborn, and then you would die? Yet that is exactly what happened. Backtracking a few pages is the reason Aaron had to die at that time: the Lord was not happy about the way Moses and Aaron got water to come out of the rock in the desert. … Continue reading Numbers 18-20: Walking the Green Mile

Moses and Aaron were mediators between the grumpy, desert-worn people and the Most High God.  When the Lord wanted to destroy everyone because of the rebellion of 250 men, Moses and Aaron interceded for them and asked the Lord to spare the many and only punish the few.  They fell face down and pleaded with God…and, once again, He relented. A colossal sink hole opened up in the desert and swallowed the men who were inciting rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and tongues of fire killed the 250 Levite leaders who had joined in the rebellion.  These people were tired … Continue reading Numbers 16-17: Bridging the Expanse

I sometimes find myself wanting to argue with the Lord as I read through the Bible.  I encountered that uncomfortable feeling a few days ago after reading about the “bitter water” test to be given to wives when their husbands suspected unfaithfulness.  Then the sermon at church on Sunday reminded me (again) of the TRUTH of God’s word.  Whether I agree with it or not, God is God, He is just, and His laws are perfect. And yet…God is apparently not against arguments, at least for his servant Moses.  Moses pleaded with the Lord…he reasoned with Him…he reminded God of … Continue reading Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90

The theme throughout these chapters is one with which I am intimately familiar: complaints. My husband jokes that I like it whatever temperature it’s not.  I like my food to be burning hot, my water to be ice cold, and my socks to be fuzzy and warm. But God’s word clearly shows that He is not fond of those who complain against His blessings.  The Israelites whined for meat instead of manna, so He sent them more quail than they knew how to use…along with a devastating, quick-acting plague that killed many who had complained about the food. When Miriam … Continue reading Numbers 11-13: Removing the giants