Numbers

Yesterday I started to read through the book of Numbers. Numbers is an interesting book in that some of it is like Leviticus in that it is law and holiness. In the reading today we found some of this Law as the purity of the camp and the Nazerite vow were commanded by God. Numbers is also similar to Exodus in that there is story mixed in to help illustrate a point and show some theological truth. This will be illustrated in the reading tomorrow as the Cloud of God and the leaving of Mount Sinai takes place. It is important to remember though as we read through any of Scripture that the setting and backdrop of the passage is in view.

In Genesis 15 and 17, God makes 2 covenant promises with Abraham. The first promise is the promise of an offspring to the point of a great nation. Numbers chapter 1 highlights the fulfillment of this promise as the people are counted and a nation of around 3 million is organized. The second promise to Abraham is the promise one day of the land. The rebellion of the spies, except Joshua and Caleb, show that the people have forgotten this promise. But at the end of the book as the nation is waiting for God across the Jordan river in Moab, the highlight and fulfillment of this promise is at hand. So as we read through Numbers we must keep the Covenant with Abraham in view. As we read about the faithfulness and rebellion of the people in this book we must keep the promises of God in view.

So what promises of God do we need to keep in view everyday in our lives so that we live more faithful to Him daily?
-"I will never leave you nor forsake you"
-"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases"
-"God's mercies never come to an end and are new every morning"
-"He who began a good work in you will see it through to completion"
-"His Word is truth"
-"His Word is a lamp for our feet"
-"The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul"
-"The commands of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart"
-"be Holy because I am Holy"
-"God is love"
-"I am not a God of confusion but a God of peace"
-"For I the Lord your God am a jealous God"
-"Vengeance is mine, I will repay"
-"I am coming soon"