In addition to the abundant offerings of the Israelites, there were also tithes given into the tabernacle, which went for the support of the Levites as well. This was thought of as a heave offering. Whether this was part of the aforementioned heave offerings or not is slightly uncertain, but the nature of the discussion … Continue reading Tithes for the Levites (Numbers 18:21 – 32)
The Support of the Priests (Numbers 18:8 – 20)
The priests were to have charge over all the holy gifts of the children of Israel. From these gifts, those not reserved to be burned up were the property of the priests. Grain offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings were to be eaten in a most holy place. The heave offerings and wave offerings could … Continue reading The Support of the Priests (Numbers 18:8 – 20)
The Budding of Aaron’s Rod (Numbers 17:1 – 18:7)
Those who doubted Aaron's place as the head of the priestly line of Jacob were called to a meeting where all the tribal leaders were told to bring a rod with them. The rod of the tribe of the Levites was inscribed with Aaron's name, as he was their tribal head. The rods were left … Continue reading The Budding of Aaron’s Rod (Numbers 17:1 – 18:7)
Rebellion Against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16)
Korah and 250 representatives of the tribes of Israel withstood Moses and challenged him on his role as leader of Israel. Korah wanted all Israelites to be equal. Moses accepted the challenge, telling them that God would decide who was truly His and holy. These men included Levites, who served the temple. Moses instructed them … Continue reading Rebellion Against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16)
The Sabbath and the Garment Tassels (Numbers 15:32 – 41)
The children of Israel found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath and came to Moses to see what should be done to him. The Lord said that he must be put to death. They stoned him and he died. The Lord told the children of Israel to make tassels on the corners of their … Continue reading The Sabbath and the Garment Tassels (Numbers 15:32 – 41)
Unintentional and Presumptuous Sin (Numbers 15:22 – 31)
God made provision for Israel to be forgiven for unintentional sins by making a way for Israel to be forgiven, even for those sins that the nation does not know about. Whether an individual or the nation were to sin unintentionally, the sin could be forgiven by an offering of a young bull on behalf … Continue reading Unintentional and Presumptuous Sin (Numbers 15:22 – 31)
Too Little, Too Late (Numbers 14:39 – 15:21)
When Moses revealed God's judgement upon Israel, the people decided to reverse field and attempt an attack on Canaan. Moses warned them that the attack would not be successful. They opted to try instead, but the ark of the covenant nor Moses left the camp. The people were defeated and driven back to Hormah. The … Continue reading Too Little, Too Late (Numbers 14:39 – 15:21)
Death Sentence (Numbers 14:26 – 38)
God laid out the plan for the children of Israel in no uncertain terms. He used direct and frightening language, talking about their carcasses being strewn across the wilderness. The children, whom the Israelites thought would be lost if they invaded Canaan, would serve as shepherds in the wilderness, and inhabit the promised land after … Continue reading Death Sentence (Numbers 14:26 – 38)
Israel Refuses the Promised Land (Numbers 14:1 – 25)
After the 10 spies spoke in doubt concerning Israel's chances of taking the Promised Land, the congregation complained against Moses and Aaron, and longed to be back in Egypt. Joshua and Caleb tried to persuade them again that the land could be taken, that it was a good land, and that the Lord was with … Continue reading Israel Refuses the Promised Land (Numbers 14:1 – 25)
Bearing One Another’s Burdens Galatians 6:1-3 I. God Knows Your Frame 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, … Continue reading