Deuteronomy 3-4

An Overview of Chapter 3
As Moses continues to recount the conquests of the nation of Israel he reminds the people of the destruction of king Og. Og was a giant man and the Israelites defeated him and took his 60 cities. The lands they took on the west side of the Jordan were given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh.

Now the rest of the Israelites are to enter into the land and God has reminded Joshua not to fear because He will do the same things done to Sihon and Og when he leads Israel into the land.

Moses begs one last time to enter the land but is told he will only be allowed to look at it. Joshua will take the lead from Moses and he is to be encouraged and strengthened by Moses.

An Overview of Chapter 4
As Moses prepares to review the law he first gives them a warning to follow the commandments of the Lord. He reminds them of their brothers who were killed when they worshipped Baal. Moses also instructs the Israelites to teach their children what they have lived through and about the laws.

God never appeared to the people in physical form so that they would not make idols of Him and worship the idols instead of Him. God is a jealous God who will not put up with them worshipping anything except for Him. If they worship idols the Lord will scatter and destroy them. Even though God is a jealous God He is also a compassionate God who will listen to the people if they repent and return to Him.

What God has done for the Israelites is unlike anything that has been done in history. The entire nation heard His voice, He gave them signs and wonders, He fought for them, He loved their fathers so much that this generation will get to enter the land. There is no other God like this, and because of this the Israelites should keep His commandments and do what He says.

Moses also names the three cities of refuge for the nations that will not enter the land.

Reflection
What victories has God given you? What great blessings has God given you? How has God made Himself known to you? As you consider these things shouldn’t your desire be to serve Him?

For Further Study
Idols: Exodus 20:4, Leviticus 26:1, Deuteronomy 4:28, Psalm 78:58, Psalm 115:1-8, Psalm 135:15-18, Isaiah 2:18-20, Acts 17:29, 1Corinthians 5:11, 1Corinthians 6:9, Colossians 3:5

Deuteronomy 1-2

An Overview of Chapter 1
Moses speaks to the sons of Israel before they enter the promised land, recounting to them the history of how they got to Moab. He begins by pointing out that their 40 year journey should have only taken 11 days from the time the left mount Sinai! Rather than a detailed account he gives them only a partial review.

Moses mentions the huge burden that the people were for him, and the judges that were appointed over the people to assist him. He mentions the first time they arrived at the edge of the land, when this generations parents convinced Moses to send spies into the land. The spies came back and made the hearts of the people melt with fear. As much as Moses tried to convince them to enter the land they refused so God decided they would never enter the land. Then, after being told they could not enter the land they decided to rebel again and try to enter on their own strength, but they were defeated by the Amorites.

An Overview of Chapter 2
Then next 38 years of their journey are described as circling. Now, with the new generation God prepares for them to enter the land. First they must travel through the land of Edom (inhabited by Esau’s family), then the land of Ammon (inhabited by Lot’s family). The Lord caused the people in the land to fear the Israelites as the king of Sihon attempted to fight them off, but God helped the Israelites destroy Sihon and all of its inhabitants.

Reflection
Take a quick review of your journey with God, is it taking you too long to respond to God’s direction in your life? Do you often stop short of where God wants you to be so that you can “spy out” where He is sending you before you go? In your life can you say as this generation of Israelites that you go “wherever the Lord our God has commanded us?”

For Further Study
Do Not Fear: Genesis 15:1, Genesis 21:7, Numbers 14:9, Psalm 27:1-3, Luke 12:7, 1Peter 3:13-16

Numbers 35-36

An Overview of Chapter 35
The Levites were not given an inheritance in the land, but they still needed someplace to live. The Lord commanded that each of the tribes give a few cities (totaling 48) so to the Levites to live in. They also were given pasture land outside of those cities for their grazing animals.

Of the 48 cities six were given as cities of refuge. Cities of refuge were for people who had killed someone to flee. While they were their they were protected from the murdered persons family killing them, at least until there was a trial. The trial was used to determine if they had intentionally murdered or if they had unintentionally killed. Here are the standards for determining intentional versus unintentional manslaughter:

Intentional (penalty - death at the hands of the victims family)
- iron object used
- stone object in the hand used
- wooden object in the hand used
- pushing out of hatred
- intentionally throwing something at them
- hit them in anger

Unintentional: (penalty - remain in the city of refuge until the high priest dies, if they leave early the family avenger may kill them)
- accidental push
- something thrown carelessly
- accidently dropping something

Notice the standard for evidence is two eyewitnesses. Also, if people are allowed to get away with murder then the entire land is polluted.

An Overview of Chapter 36
In Numbers 27 the Lord gave instructions concerning women gaining their fathers inheritance. This caused a potential problem of tribes losing their land through marriage. The Lord gives further instructions here that require all women who have inherited land to marry within their tribe so that the land will remain in their family.

Reflection
Has God provided a place for you to live? Are you capable of giving a portion of land, finances, etc. to provide for God’s chosen servants? How do you apply the principle of “more given by those who have more and less given by those who have less” in your life? Where has God provided refuge for you? Do you run their in times of need?

For Further Study
Refuge: Ruth 2:12, 2Samuel 22:3, 2Samuel 22:31, Psalm 5:11, Psalms 7:1-2, Psalms 143:9, Proverbs 14:26, Proverbs 14:32, Proverbs 30:5, Hebrews 6:17-18.

CONGRATULATIONS ON COMPLETING THE BOOK OF NUMBERS

Numbers 33-34

An Overview of Chapter 33
As Moses lead the people of Israel on their historic journey he recorded all the names of the campsites. These are listed in chronological order starting in Egypt on the 15th day of the 1st month of the 1st year (Unleavened Bread). The Israelites left Egypt while the Egyptians were still burying their firstborn sons. Along the way they saw many exciting things some of which are highlighted by Moses. In verse 9 we are told about their Palm Springs vacation where they had a lot of dates, more can be read about this in Exodus 15:27. Verse 14 tells us about a time they had no water which can be read about in Exodus 17. In verses 38-39 we are reminded about the death of Aaron at the age of 123, which can be read about in Numbers 20. Then in verse 49 we see where the people are now, 40 years after leaving Egypt, in the plains of Moab by the Jordan river preparing to enter the promised land.

Two reminders are given at the end of this chapter, first they are to divide the land by lot, portioning the land based on size of tribe. The second reminder is more of a warning that if the Israelites do not remove the current residents out of the land they are heading to they will become like a poke in the eye and a pain in the (back)side.

An Overview of Chapter 34
Chapter 34 describes the borders of the promised land using geologic borders where possible. On the southern border you have a small river and a wilderness. On the western border you have a great sea. The eastern border is the Jordan river. The northern border is the smallest border and it is listed by city names.

God instructs the Moses who will be involved in dividing the land. Eleazar the priest and Joshua (whom God has chosen to replace Moses) will be in charge, and each of the tribes will send a leader to watch the proceedings. God names the leaders for each tribe that are invited to the land lotto.

Reflection
Have you taken the time to review where God has led you on your Christian journey? What are some of the high and low points?

For Further Study
Inheritance: Exodus 15:17, Deuteronomy 3:28, Psalms 16:5, Proverbs 17:2, Matthew 25:31-40, Acts 20:32, Romans 8:16-17, Galatians 3:29, Hebrews 6:11-12, 1Peter 1:3-5, Revelation 21:1-7

Numbers 31-32

An Overview of Chapter 31
At the end of Chapter 25 God instructed Israel to be hostile towards Midian. Now the hostility will be completed in an all out war. One thousand men were chosen from each tribe to fight the Midianites. Phinehas (the priest with Godly jealousy) was selected to carry the trumpets and holy objects to war.

The result of the battle was Israel defeated and killed all five kings of Midian, they killed Balaam the prophet who had betrayed them, and every adult male. They captured all the women, children, cattle, flocks. They plundered their goods, and their slaves. They burned every city and camp. They returned to Israel with all they had captured.

Before they could enter the camp Moses, Eleazar and the leaders of the tribes met them outside camp and Moses was angry. The army had not killed the women who had caused Israel to sin at Peor. Moses instructed all the male children, and all the non-virgin women to be killed. The men of the army had to stay outside the camp for seven days because they had been made unclean by touching the dead Midianites.

The booty was divided, half was given to the 12000 who went to war and half was given to the rest of the nation of Israel. The army paid a tax to the priests and the rest of the nation paid a tax to the Levites. When the officers realized that not one of their men were killed in the war they realized that God had provided the victory for them, so they brought all the gold they had captured to Moses as a gift to God. The total was 16,750 shekels of gold (almost 4 million dollars by today’s standard).

An Overview of Chapter 32
The tribes of Reuben and Gad looked at the land they had just captured and decided it was perfect for them and their livestock. They asked Moses if they could stay their instead of continuing on to the promised land. Moses initial response was anger, he accused them of discouraging their brothers, and being a brood of sinful men that were acting like their forefathers the day the spies returned.

The two dissenting tribes promised to send their men to the promised land to fight alongside the rest of their family, but they wanted to return to Midian. Moses agreed to those terms, and the tribes of Reuben and Gad as well as 1/2 of the tribe of Manasseh rebuild the cities of Midian and rename them. Some of the names are very self honoring, and none of them seem to be honoring to the God who brought them to this land.

Reflection
When you have sin do you remove the cause of the sin or try to live with it? When you recognize that God has provided for you, do you give him the praise or do you claim some of the glory? Are you so happy with where God has you now that you would give up where God is leading you?

For Further Study
Sin will find you out: Genesis 4:7, Genesis 44:16, Psalms 90:8, Psalms 140:11, Proverbs 13:21, Isaiah 3:11, Romans 2:9, 1Corinthians 4:5

Numbers 28-30

An Overview of Chapter 28
These are instructions concerning offerings given at appointed times to be a soothing aroma to the Lord. These offerings were offered twice daily, every Sabbath (weekly), every month (1st of the month), and during the annual feasts of Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Feast of Weeks. During the feasts the daily offerings, Sabbath offerings, and new month offerings were still presented. These offerings included burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings and sin offerings.

An Overview of Chapter 29
This continuation of instructions concerning offerings given at appointed times covers the seventh month of the year. Offerings were brought on the first day of the seventh month during the feast of trumpets. Offerings were brought on the tenth day of the seventh month for the day of atonement. Offerings were brought for a week starting on the 15th of this month for the feast of tabernacles. During these feasts the daily offerings, Sabbath offerings, and new moon offerings were still presented. These offerings included burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings and sin offerings. What a bloody month!

In addition to all the appointed times of these offerings people still brought offerings when they made vows or at other times as determined by their will.

An Overview of Chapter 30
For men who make a vow they are required to keep it. Women who keep a vow can have it revoked by their father if they live with him, or their husband. Divorced women and widows must keep their vows.

Reflection
What daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and freewill offerings do you bring to God? What holidays do you celebrate to remember God throughout the year? Do you keep the focus of those holidays on God? When you make a promise do you keep it?

For Further Study
Offerings: Genesis 4:3-8, Genesis 22:1-14, Psalms 4:5, Psalms 40:6-8, Psalms 50:14, Ecclesiastes 5:1-3, Matthew 5:23-26, Romans 8:2-4, Ephesians 5:1-2, Hebrews 7-10, Hebrews 13:15-16.

Numbers 26-27

An Overview of Chapter 26
The Lord instructs Moses and Eleazar (Aaron’s son) to take a census of the tribes of Israel. Only men 20 years and older who are able to go to war will be counted. This census was important because it would be used to determine how large a portion of land they would get when they get to the promised land. The larger tribes would get the largest portion, and the locations would be chosen by lot. It is also pointed out that Caleb and Joshua were the only surviving members of the original genereation, as God had promised. These are the results:

Reuben: 43,730
Simeon: 22,200
Gad: 40,500
Judah: 76,500
Issachar: 64,300
Zebulun: 60,500
Joseph/Manasseh: 52,700
Joseph/Ephraim: 32,500
Benjamin: 45,600
Dan (also called Shuhamites): 64,400
Asher: 53,400
Naphtali: 45,400
Total = 601,730

The Levites were not counted in the above census because they had no inheritance in the land. God commissioned a different census for them, counting all male children one month and older. The total was 23,000 Levites.

An Overview of Chapter 27
The daughters of Zelophehad, from the tribe of Manasseh approached Moses, Eleazar, and the leaders of the people with a complaint. Their father died in the wilderness and had no sons, only daughters. Because he had no sons then no inheritance was available to his family in the land. The daughters asked if they could have his portion.

Moses brought their case to the Lord and the Lord agreed with the daughters. In addition He gave the instruction that the inheritance of any man without sons who dies will go to his daughters, and if he has no daughters to his brothers, and if no brothers to his uncles and if no uncles to his closest relative (we will see an addition to this law in Numbers 36).

God reminded Moses that he would die before he entered the land, but he would be allowed to see the land before he died. Moses requests that God appoint a new leader before he dies. The Lord chooses Joshua, and gives Moses instructions for commissioning him in front of all the people. Moses did as the Lord had commanded.

Reflection
Do you feel comfortable bringing your questions about God’s law to God? Are you faithful like Moses to inquire and then wait for an answer? Do you treat God as holy, or do you take for granted the relationship you have with Him? Can it be said of you, as it was of Joshua, that you are a person in whom is the Spirit?

For Further Study
Joshua: Exodus 17:8-13, Exodus 224:13, Exodus 33:11, Numbers 13:8,16, Deuteronomy 1:38, Joshua, Hebrews 4:8

Numbers 23-25

An Overview of Chapter 23
Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars and sacrifice a bull and a ram on each altar to God. God then meets with Balaam and tells him what to say to the sons of Israel in front of Balak. Balaam blesses Israel and Balak is not very happy about it.

Then Balak takes Balaam to a new place and again Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars and sacrifice a bull and a ram on each altar. The Lord again meets with Balaam and gives Balaam a blessing for Israel. Balak tells Balaam to shut up.

Then Balak takes Balaam to a new place and again Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars and sacrifice a bull and a ram on each altar.

An Overview of Chapter 24
This time Balaam does not go to meet the Lord, but instead tries to curse Israel on his own. When he opens his mouth to speak, the Holy Spirit comes upon him and causes him to bless Israel. This makes Balak very angry and he tells Balaam to go home.

Before Balaam leaves he prophecies again, telling Balak what will happen with the people of Israel. They will destroy Moab, take Edom as a possession, Amalek will be destroyed, the Kenites will be consumed, Asshur and Eber will be destroyed in a naval battle.

An Overview of Chapter 25
The Israelites began to party with the Moabites, they had flings with their daughters, ate food sacrificed to idols and bowed down to their strange gods. This was all part of a plan to defile Israel that Balaam told to Balak (Revelation 2:14). This angered God and He instructed that all those who were bowing down to other gods be publicly executed.

While all this was going on a guy named Zimri shows up with his Moabite girlfriend Cozbi. Phineas the son of Eleazar saw this and was jealous with the jealousy of God and chased these two down and killed them with his spear. God approved of this and promised to keep the priesthood in his line.

Reflection
Balak involved himself in the rituals of worshipping God, but he was not a follower of God; is the same true of you? Do you find ways to work around God’s word like Balaam did? What things in your life would God be jealous of? What is your reaction when you see people do something that is offensive to God?

For Further Study
Blessing: Genesis 1:22, Job 1:10, Psalm 1, Proverbs 3:33, Matthew 5:1-12, Mark 10:13-16, Ephesians 1:3-6, 1Peter 3:8-9

Numbers 21-22

An Overview of Chapter 21
King Arad attacks that Israelites and takes some of them captive. The Israelites make a vow with God that if He will help them defeat king Arad then they will destroy all of his cities. God helped them destroy these Canaanites and the sons of Israel keep their promise by destroying all the cities.

When the Israelites continue their journey around Edom they begin to complain about how long the journey is taking. God sends serpents to kill them. When they people realize their sin they ask for Moses to pray for them. Moses prays and God tells him to make a bronze snake on a stick and anyone who is bitten by a snake will live if they will look at the bronze snake.

Israel continues to travel from place to place camping as the Lord leads. When they get to Beer they sing a song about God’s provision of water. While on their journey they defeat Sihon, the king of the Amorites, and Og the king of Bashan.

An Overview of Chapter 22
Balak the king of Moab is afraid of the Israelites because of all their military victories. He calls on a prophet named Balaam to curse them. When first asked Balaam asks God what he should do and God tells him not to go to Moab or curse the Israelites. Balak asks again and this time God permits Balaam to go, but reminds him not to speak against the sons of Israel.

Balaam gets on his donkey and heads for Moab. Although God allowed Balaam to go He is not happy about it so he sends the angel of the Lord to kill him. Three times Balaam’s donkey saves his life, but Balaam doesn’t realize it and hits his donkey for making him look like a fool. The Lord opens the mouth of the donkey and Balaam and the donkey discuss their differences. The Lord also opens the eyes of Balaam so he can see the angel that was about to kill him. We find out this angel is the Lord himself (Balaam bowed down to Him). Balaam realizes his sin partially, but with the permission of the Lord continues on his way to meet Balak.

When Balaam finally meets Balak he is given some meet sacrificed to idols and a tour of the satanic temples of Baal.

Reflection
Have you ever made a vow to the Lord? Did you keep it? Have you ever complained about God’s plan for your life? When God answers your prayers in a way you don’t like, do you ask Him to change His mind? Has God allowed you to go places so that He can discipline you?

For Further Study
The angel of the Lord: Genesis 16:7-14, Exodus 3:1-6, Judges 2:1-5, Psalm 34:4-7

Numbers 18-20

An Overview of Chapter 18
The duties and provisions of the priests and Levites are listed here.

The priests do all the work concerning the altar, the furnishings of the sanctuary, and everything inside the veil. Their provision were the grain, sin, guilt, and wave offerings as well as the wine, oil, and first fruits offerings. The first born were also given to them, but the humans and unclean animals were ransomed so they received the cash from the ransom.

The Levites assist the priests in all the work of the tabernacle that does not concern the holy things. Their provision came from the tithe of the people and they presented a tithe of the tithe to the priests.

An Overview of Chapter 19
A red heifer was to be slaughtered and burned outside of the camp. Its ashes as well as the ashes of cedar, hyssop and scarlet material are mixed with water and used to cleanse those who are unclean.

A reminder is given that people become unclean for seven days when they touch dead people, and they must be sprinkled with the purifying water on the 3rd and 7th day. Anything that the unclean person touches becomes unclean and anyone who touches those things is unclean until evening.

An Overview of Chapter 20
Jump ahead in time about 40 years and we pick up the story with the next generation of Israelites who are preparing to enter the land. Miriam dies and is buried. The people are angry at Moses and Aaron because their is no water. Moses and Aaron bring this concern to the Lord and He gives them simple instructions to provide water - simply speak take the rod of Aaron and speak to a rock in the sight of the people of Israel.

Moses and Aaron change God’s instructions and instead of speaking to the rock they yell at the people and strike the rock 2 times. Water is provided, but the Lord is not happy. He informs Moses and Aaron that they will not enter the promised land.

As the people get closer to the promised land they attempt to make a treaty with the king of Edom. They ask to pass through Edom and are twice refused so they travel around the area.

Aaron is told to go to the top of Mount Hor and die. He does and his son Eleazar takes over as the anointed priest. All the Israelites cry about Aaron’s death for a month.

Reflection
Do you help provide for those who minister at your church by giving tithes and offerings? Do you consider yourself unclean when you sin? If you are in sin can you rightly fellowship with God or His people? What must you do first? Do you misrepresent God when you act angrily against those who are unbelievers? Are you willing to follow God until your death?

For Further Study
Meribah: Exodus 17:7, Numbers 20:13, Numbers 20:24, Deuteronomy 33:8, Psalms 81:7, Psalms 95:8, Psalms 106:32

Numbers 16-17

An Overview of Chapter 16
Korah from the tribe of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben along with 250 well known leaders from the nation of Israel rebelled against Moses and Aaron. Their main gripe was that they felt they were just as holy as Aaron and Moses and wanted to be as famous as them. When Moses hears the complaint he humbles himself, but then offers a test that will allow the Lord to choose who His servants are. The test will consist of all the rebels offering incense to the Lord and if God accepted their offering then they were holy, if not they would die.

The next day the rebels show up to offer incense and they bring all their buddies to watch them triumph over Moses and Aaron. When the Lord sees this scene He decides to destroy them all, but Moses and Aaron intercede and ask that only the rebels be destroyed. God does as is requested of Him (behold, the power of prayer) and devises a whole new way to kill rebellious people - He opens a trap door to hell under their houses and they and their families fall in. Meanwhile the 250 leaders are busy offering incense. The Lord rejects their offering and they are all fired permanently. As a reminder that layman are not supposed to make the offerings, the Lord instructs Eleazar to attach the silver censers to the outside of the altar.

The people of Israel are slow to learn and the next day instead of submitting to God and worshipping Him in fear they continue to complain. God sends a plague to kill them, but once again Moses and Aaron intercede for the people and God stops the plague after 14,700 people died.

An Overview of Chapter 17
God is getting tired of the constant complaints about His chosen leaders so He decides to give the people a sign so that they will know that Aaron was chosen by God. The leaders of each of the tribes is to bring a rod with their name on it to Moses. Moses takes the rods along with one for the tribe of Levi with Aaron’s name on it, and places them in front of the ark. The next day Aaron’s has miraculously budded and the leaders of the tribes all know who God has chosen. The rod is kept in by the ark so as a reminder that God ended the peoples grumbling.

As always the peoples response to the power of God is underwhelming. Instead of praising God for making His power visible and His leader known they freak out and realize that they are going to die.

Reflection
Do you find yourself standing against someone that God is using to lead His people? Do you find yourself unsatisfied with your position in the church, desiring to be in someone else's position? What plagues in your life seem to be the result of murmuring and complaining? Are you as forgiving as Moses and Aaron seem to be? Would you put yourself in harms way to protect your enemies? Do you pray for your enemies to be saved?

For Further Study
Complaining: Exodus 16:7, Lamentations 3:39-40, Malachi 3:13-16, Luke 10:16, 1Corinthians 10:10, Philippians 2:14, James 5:9, Jude 1:14-16

Numbers 14-15

An Overview of Chapter 14
After hearing from the spies that they will be unable to enter the promised land the people go through a full range of emotions, form tears to anger. They wish they were dead (vs. 2) and then question God (vs. 3). Ultimately they decide the last two years have been wasted so they decide to appoint leaders to replace Moses and return to the slavery of Egypt.

The two faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb, are all tore up about this and try to reason with the people begging them not to rebel against God but to trust God to bring them safely into the land. The people pick up stones to kill them, but God shows up.

God and Moses have a back and forth conversation that ends with God forgiving the people, but deciding that the people will still suffer the consequence of their sin; getting their wish to die in the wilderness. They and their children will wander around for forty years until everyone who is over 20 years old dies, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb.

Now the people are upset that they won’t get to enter the land, so they reject God’s word and try to enter without Him, only to get beaten down by the Amalekites and the Canaanites.

An Overview of Chapter 15
God shows His faithfulness to His promise by giving the next generation of Israelites a set of instructions for “when” they enter the land.

Those instructions concern vows, freewill offerings, and appointed sacrifices. God instructs that all burnt offerings be given with grain and drink offerings. God also extends the same instructions for those who will be living with or traveling through the land of his chosen people.

God makes clear that unintentional sin can be atoned and forgiven with the sin offering. Intentional, defiant sin requires that the individual be separated from the camp.

As the sons of Israel were still in the wilderness a guy is caught working on the Sabbath. The people make a citizens arrest and he stands trial before THE Judge. Verdict, guilty. Punishment, public execution. Everyone was to have a hand in his death so that all could see where their sin would end.

So that these types of sins were less likely to happen God required that the Israelites wear tassels on their garments to remind them of the commandments of God.

Reflection
What fears in your life are preventing you from reaching God’s purposes for your life? What promises of God bring you comfort? Do you stand up for God, even when a crowd is in opposition to you? What is your definition of unintentional and defiant sin? What practical ways do you employ to remember to follow God?

For Further Study
The Bible comments on this passage: Psalm 95:7-11, Psalm 106:24-27, Nehemiah 9:16-17, Hebrews 3:7-4:16.

Numbers 11-13

An Overview of Chapter 11
The people begin to complain and it angers God to the point that He sends fire to devour some of the people on the outskirts of the camp. Moses prays and God puts out the fire. Then the people complain a second time, this time led by the rabble (the Egyptians who came out of Egypt with Israel - Exodus 12:38). Their specific complaints centered around food, like teenagers who look at a full fridge and see nothing to eat.

Moses then flips out and questions why God would let him suffer with these people. Moses is starting to feel the pressure of leadership and even claims that he has carried these people by himself like a mother carrying a nursing baby. Ultimately Moses asks for his own death.

God answers Moses with a sarcastic tone, “ok, since you are the only leader here why don’t you gather together the 70 leaders whom you appointed to help you.” In addition God promises to give the people more meat than they could eat in a month - literally. Moses then shows his lack of faith and asks God if he has done the math on this. God responds by asking “Is the Lord’s power limited?”

When 68 of the 70 elders show up at the tent of meeting (2 declined to attend), the Lord puts His Holy Spirit on them and they surround Moses prophesying around him. This was a one time deal, and even the two that did not show up were prophesying. This seems to cheer Moses up.

Then the promised meat blows in and the people spent a couple of days gathering quail. Some people ate themselves to death because they were so greedy.

An Overview of Chapter 12
Moses brother and sister pridefully decide that they are more righteous than Moses so they begin to speak bad about Moses and his wife. God hears this and it ticks Him off. He calls a meeting with Moses, Aaron, and Miriam at the doorway to the tent of meeting.

The Lord appears to the three of them and lets Aaron and Miriam see the kind of face to face relationship that He has with Moses. When the Lord leaves Moses and Aaron see that Miriam has leprosy. Aaron confesses their sin and begs for Moses to bring healing to her.

Moses asks God to heal her, but God refuses. He wants her sin to be known by all. For seven days she must remain outside the camp with the rest of the unclean and the Israelites will not move until she returns. This must have been frightening to the people who saw the cloud leave, but for the first time were told that they were not to leave until Miriam was cleansed.

An Overview of Chapter 13
After a two year journey the Israelites are prepared to enter the promised land. They beg to have spies enter the land before they go and God gives them their wish (Deuteronomy 1:22). The Lord instructs that one leader from each tribe go. They are given instructions to see what the land and the people are like.

When the spies return they are carrying amazing produce from the land, and confirm that the land is flowing with milk and honey (sounds sticky). The report about the people of the land is not as great, they report that their are giants in the land. The people begin to freak out, but Caleb (from the tribe of Judah) stands up and tells them not to worry and that they should go take the land God had promised them. Unfortunately the other spies disagree and tell the people that they will not be able to accomplish what God has promised.

Reflection
Do you overlook the blessings that God has given you to complain about what you don’t have? Do you remember they way things were and long for them? Is this coveting? Do you surround your spiritual leaders for the purpose of encouraging them? Do you stand against those whom God has called to lead you? Do you fear the future so much that you often ask God to show you where he is leading you before you will go?

For Further Study
Prophesy: Exodus 7:1-2, Numbers 12:6, Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Deuteronomy 18:20-22, Psalm 105:15, Matthew 5:17, Mark 6:4, Acts 2:17-18, 1Corinthians 12:7-11, 1Corinthians 12:28, 1Corinthians 13:8, 1Corinthians 14:1-3, 1Corinthians 14:22 (purposes of prophecy)

Numbers 8-10

An Overview of Chapter 8
Instructions are given to mount the lamps so that they give light in front of the lampstands.

These are the instructions for cleansing and consecrating the Levites for God. First they bathed, shaved and washed their clothes. Next, all the congregation of Israel was to congregate in front of the tabernacle to watch the ceremony. A sin offering and a burnt offering were made to atone for the Levites (appease, or pacify God). Now that the Levites officially were qualified to serve the Lord and they belonged to Him, He gave them as a gift to the Priests (the sons of Aaron) to assist in the work of the tabernacle.

The Levites were to work in the tabernacle from age 25 to age 50. At age 50 they would retire from the work in the tabernacle, but could become servants of the working Levites. Remember that they could not carry any of the tabernacle until age 30 (Numbers 4:46-47)so it seems that the first 5 years of their service was an on the job training program.

An Overview of Chapter 9
In the second year when it came time to celebrate the Passover a few men were excluded because they were unclean. They questioned Moses why they were not able to worship God? Moses initial response is great, wait and let’s see what God has to say about this. God’s response was to offer a second time, a month later when they could celebrate the Passover. This is offered for those who are unclean and those who are out of town.

The cloud that covered the tabernacle on the day Moses set up the tabernacle would remain there until God wanted His people to pack up and leave. Sometimes the cloud would stay put for just a night and sometimes for as much as a year, but when it lifted they people knew it was time to leave.

An Overview of Chapter 10
The Lord instructs Moses to make two silver trumpets. They were to be blown by the Priests (sons of Aaron) at the following times:
- to summon the whole congregation (both trumpets)
- to summon the leaders of the congregation (one trumpet)
- when it was time for the camps to set out (they would blow an alarm)
- when they went to war (so that God would remember them and save them from their enemies)
- in days of gladness
- on feast days (over their sacrifices and burnt offerings)
- the first of each month

On the 28th of the 2nd month of the 2nd year the cloud lifted and the congregation left in the order they were supposed to; Judah, then the Levitical tribes of Gershon and Merari carrying the tabernacle, then Reuben, then the Kohathites carrying the of the tabernacle, then Ephraim, then Dan.

Before Moses left he asked his brother in law Hobab to come along as a scout. Then Moses said to the ark as it was leaving:

“Rise up, O Lord!
And let Your enemies be scattered,
And let those who hate You flee before You.”

When the ark arrived at its new location Moses would say:

“Return, O Lord,
To the myriad thousands of Israel.”

Reflection
Do you consider yourself set apart for God? Why or why not? Do you consider your service at church as a gift to God? If you feel that you are too old to lead ministries in the church, do you consider yourself able to serve those who are leading ministries? When you have a concern or question do you wait patiently and ask God for an answer? Do you follow God wherever He leads you?

For Further Study
Following God: Numbers 15:39, Matthew 9:9, Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:61-62, Acts 16:6-10, Romans 8:14

Numbers 7

An Overview of Chapter 7
After Moses completed the setup of the tabernacle he anointed and consecrated it and all its furnishings. The leaders of the 12 tribes brought carts and oxen as a gift to the Lord, who in turn gave them to the Levites for carrying the tabernacle when they traveled.

The tabernacle was dedicated over the next 12 days, with 1 tribe presenting their gift each day. Each tribe presented:
- one silver dish and one silver bowl filled with flour, oil, and grain.
- one gold pan filled with incense
- one bull
- one one ram
- one male lamb one year old

When Moses entered the tent of meeting for the first time he heard the voice the Lord from above the mercy seat.

Reflection
What gifts do you bring God from your time, money, and energy? Have you set apart (consecrated) a place to talk with God?

For Further Study
Offering: Genesis 4:3-7, Psalm 51:14-19, Matthew 5:23-24, Romans 8:3, Ephesians 5:1-2, Hebrews 10:1-18

Numbers 5-6

An Overview of Chapter 5
All those who are unclean must leave the camp so that the camp will remain clean.

When someone is guilty of sin they are to confess their sins and make full restitution plus 20% in addition to the offerings required. All restitution that cannot be accepted by the offended party or their family belongs to the priests.

The law of jealousy gives a jealous husband a test to see if his wife has been unfaithful. The jealous husband is to take his wife to the priest, and the priest will make her swear an oath that she has not been unfaithful. She will drink some dirty water, and according to the oath if she has been unfaithful then her belly will swell and her thighs will fall. If she has not been unfaithful then she will be innocent and the Lord will bless her by allowing her to conceive (which will still cause her belly to swell, but this time only temporarily).

An Overview of Chapter 6
From time to time men and women would make a Nazarite vow to dedicate themselves to the Lord. They were not allowed to drink anything that may make them drunk, they could not cut their hair, or go near a dead person.

If they did not fulfill their vow then they had to go outside the camp for seven days and on the eighth day they would bring a sin offering, a burnt offering and a guilt offering to the priest and start their vow over.

After the vow has been fulfilled the Nazarite will bring a burnt offering, a sin offering, a peace offering, a grain offering, and a drink offering to the priest. He will shave his head and his hair will be placed in the fire. His time of separation to God is fulfilled.

This chapter ends with this very famous blessing:

“The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.”

Reflection
When you encounter jealousy do you deal with it immediately by taking it to your High Priest Jesus Christ? How successful are you in keeping vows or promises to God? In what ways have you tried to set yourself apart for God’s use?

For Further Study
Nazarite vows: 1Samuel 1:11, Judges 13:4-5, Amos 2:11, Luke 1:15, Acts 18:18, Acts 21:17-26

Numbers 3-4

An Overview of Chapter 3
Aaron and his two living sons (his other two were fired) are to be the priests that serve God. All the male Levites were given to Aaron and his sons to assist them in the service in tabernacle, and upkeep of the furnishings of the tent of meeting.

God had originally intended for all the firstborn sons of Israel to serve in the tabernacle, but the Levites are replacing them because of their faithfulness when the rest of Israel rebelled in Exodus 32. To make the transaction a fair return, God appoints a census to count the firstborn sons and the male Levites. When all is counted it turns out that there is 273 more firstborn then there are Levites. To make up the difference and free the remaining 273 firstborn God appoints a ransom price of 5 shekels per person.

Along with this census God assigns duties and camp areas to the Levites, who are to be divided out by family lines among the three sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Gershon camped on the west side of the tabernacle and there were 7,500 men. Their duties in the tabernacle included the coverings of the tent, the doorway of the tent, the hangings of the court, the doorway for the court, the altar, and its cord.

Kohath camped on the south side of the tabernacle and there were 8,600 men. Their duties in the tabernacle included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and their utensils. They were under the supervision of the priestly sons of Eleazar.

Merari camped on the north side of the tabernacle and there were 6,200 men. Their duties in the tabernacle included the frames, bars, pillars, sockets, pegs, and the equipment used in the tabernacle.

Moses and the priests lived on the east side of the tabernacle.

An Overview of Chapter 4
In addition to the duties the Levites have in serving the priests in the tabernacle they were required to carry the tabernacle and all of its implements when it was time to move.

Before the holy objects in the tabernacle could be moved the priests would go in and cover all the objects of the tent of meeting and insert the carrying poles. Aaron and his sons would supervise the Levites and assign to each one what they were to carry. The only Levites who were allowed to carry were those who are between the age of 30-50. The only ones who “counted” were those who were serving or carrying.

Reflection
What are you doing to serve the body of Christ, do you count? What was the ransom that God provided for us? What does this passage teach us about the casual handling of God’s work? How do you serve those who have dedicated their lives to serving God?

For Further Study
Priests: Genesis 14:18, Psalm 132:9, Matthew 27:1, Romans 15:15-16, Hebrews 3:1-2, Hebrews 10:19-22, 1Peter 2:4-10

Numbers 1-2

An Overview of Chapter 1
The Lord instructs Moses to take a census of the warriors from each of the tribes of Israel. To assist with this the Lord appoints by name the leaders of each tribe. Here are the results of the census:

Reuben - 46,500
Simeon - 59,300
Gad - 45,650
Judah - 74,600
Issachar - 54,400
Zebulun - 57,400
Joseph/Ephraim - 40,500
Joseph/Manasseh - 32,200
Benjamin - 35,400
Dan - 62,700
Asher - 41,500
Naphtali - 53,400

Total size of the army of Israel - 603,550

The Levites were not counted because they were not warriors. They were responsible for the setting up, tearing down, and carrying the the tabernacle and all of its furnishings.

An Overview of Chapter 2
These are the instructions for how the army’s camp will be setup and marching orders for when the army is traveling.

Camp setup/Marching orders:

1st camp to march out:
East side of the tabernacle - Camp of Judah made up of the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun with 186,400 warriors.

2nd camp to march out:
South side of the tabernacle - Camp of Reuben made up of the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad with 151, 450 warriors.

Next the tabernacle will set out with the Levites.

3rd camp to march out:
West side of the tabernacle - Camp of Ephraim made up of the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin with 108,100 warriors.

4th camp to march out:
North side of the tabernacle - Camp of Dan made up of the tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali with 157,600 warriors.

Click this link to see a birdseye view of how this would look:
Israel's Camp Setup

Reflection
Remembering that the tabernacle was the only way that the people of Israel could relate to God, notice that God assigns the entire army of Israel to protect it. Do you value your relationship with God enough to protect it with all you have?

For Further Study
Tabernacle: Exodus 25:8-9, Psalm 27:5, Acts 7:44-50, Hebrews 8:1-6, Hebrews 9:1-12, Revelation 15:5-8, Revelation 21:1-4

Leviticus 26-27

An Overview of Chapter 26
At the end of the law the Lord also gives a promise. If the Israelites will keep the laws and do what they say then he will bless them. Here are some of the promised blessings:
- rains
- abundance of crops year round
- peace in the land
- elimination of harmful beasts
- enemies will fall before them
- 100 of the enemy will flee from 5 Israelites
- they will be fruitful and multiply
- God will keep His covenant
- the Lord will live and walk amongst them

If they do not keep the Lords laws and follow them then the Lord promises many bad things in increasing difficulty. What is truly amazing about this passage is that the Lord says at least four times that the purpose of the bad things is to bring repentance (vs. 18, 21, 23, 27). If at any time the people repent He will remember the covenants, and the land He promised them.

An Overview of Chapter 27
Just when you thought this thing was wrapping up you get a chapter about making vows. This is similar to saying “I bet my life on it (or wife, or house, or whatever).” The Lord requires that vows be kept, but sometimes the thing vowed is too difficult to keep. In those cases there is a valuation placed for redemption.

For humans it is tiered by age and sex:
- men 20-60 years old = 50 shekels of silver ($194)
- women 20-60 years old = 30 shekels of silver ($116)
- men 5 years old to 20 = 20 shekels of silver ($77.61)
- women 5 years old to 20 = 10 shekels of silver ($38.81)
- men 1 month to 5 years old = 5 shekels of silver ($19.40)
- women 1 month to 5 years old = 3 shekels of silver ($11.64)
- men over 60 years old = 15 shekels of silver ($58.21)
- women over 60 years old = 10 shekels ($38.81)

If a person cannot afford to pay his valuation the priest may change it so he can afford it.

For animals and stuff they paid the value of the stuff plus 20% more.

Of course anything that belonged to the Lord they could not use in redemption of a vow.

Reflection
Consider your life, do you recognize more blessings in your life when you are following God? When you feel that God is disciplining you are you quick to repent and return to God’s favor? Do you make foolish vows that are difficult to repay? How do you value life?

For Further Study
Repentance: 1Kings 8:46-52, Psalm 7:12-17, Luke 3:8, Luke 17:3-4, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:22, 2Corinthians 7:8-10, 2Timothy 2:24-26, Hebrews 6:1-6, 2Peter 3:9

Leviticus 24-25

An Overview of Chapter 24
Aaron and his sons were responsible for the upkeep of the holy objects in the holy place. The people of Israel were to bring olive oil for the lamp, and the priests would keep the lamp filled with oil so that it could burn continually, checking it day and night. In addition they are to keep 12 baked cakes that were eaten and replaced weekly. They also kept the frankincense on the altar of incense burning.

An account is given of a fight between an Israelite and a man who was half Israelite half Egyptian. During the fight the half breed man blasphemed and cursed the name of God. After this the people took the man into custody and brought him to Moses to see what punishment he deserved. Moses brought the case before the Supreme Beings Court and it was determined that he deserved death. The method was stoning, the witnesses were to lay hands on him and cast the stones themselves.

This event is used as a transition into God’s personal injury laws. They are summed up with the phrase “just as he has done, so it shall be done to him...”

An Overview of Chapter 25
This chapter covers the property laws that will apply when the people enter the land that God has promised them. These laws include a Sabbath for the land every 7th year, with the promise that God will provide a larger harvest in the 6th year so the people can eat. It also includes an extra sabbath for the land every 50 years which means that the land will not be worked for two straight years.

The jubilee year also included a legal provision that returned all land to the original owners. The purpose for this law is to remind us that the land is His, and the Israelites were just pilgrims he allowed to live on it. With this concept in mind the law stated that when land was purchased it was bought at a rate of 1/50th of the total price for every year remaining until the Jubilee year. The land wasn’t really purchased, but instead they were paying for the produce of the land during the time they owned it. In addition at anytime during the time they owned it the original owner or a relative of his could “redeem” it or buy it back.

This law included people as property as well, slaves. The Israelites could be purchased, but more as a contract worker until the year of Jubilee when he is freed. This type of purchase should only happen in extreme cases of poverty, and to help prevent it the Israelites were not to charge interest to other Israelites and they were to take care of the needs of someone who owed them money. If an impoverished Israelite sold himself into slavery he was not to be treated as a slave. This law applied even if a non-Israelite purchased an Israelite. In addition he or his family could buy his way out of slavery - they could “redeem” him at the rate of 1/50th per year until the year of Jubilee. On the other hand a foreigner could be not be redeemed.

Reflection
Notice the continual aspect of the worship that God expected from the priests. Does your worship reach God continually through shining His light day and night, offering the incense of your prayers without ceasing and eating/fellowshipping with God weekly? As a Christian God has set you free from the slavery of sin, but do you return to it? When you return do you remember that you have a kinsman who can redeem you in Jesus Christ?

For Further Study
Compare the description of the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-37, with the description Jesus gives of himself (John 9:5, John 15:1-17).

Leviticus 22-23

An Overview of Chapter 22
The priests (Aaron and his sons) would receive a portion of the sacrifices brought by the people, this is what they ate. Because this food was considered holy they were to be careful how they treated it. When they ate this food they had to be considered ceremonially clean, they could not share it with non-priests unless it was a close family member or a personal slave.

In addition to the compulsory offerings (sin, burnt, etc.) that are given at certain times there are non-compulsory offerings (thanksgiving, freewill, votive) that may be given at any time. They are still required to be without defect, at least eight days old, not sacrificed on the same day as their mother, and should be eaten on the same day. The purpose of all these instructions is to avoid profaning the name of the Lord, to sanctify God because He sanctified them.

An Overview of Chapter 23
The Lord’s appointed times for holy convocations (assemblies) are listed here, in addition to the weekly sabbath.

1. Passover - 14th day of the first month (March/April)
2. Unleavened Bread - 15th day of the first month (March/April)
3. First Fruits - the day after the first sabbath following the harvest (generally March/April)
4. Feast of Weeks/Pentecost - 50 days following First Fruits (May/June)
5. Trumpets - 1st day of the seventh month (September/October)
6. Day of Atonement - 10th day of the seventh month (September/October)
7. Feast of Booths - 15th day of the seventh month (September/October)

Reflection
If you are a leader in the church, do you consider the sacrificial giving (tithes, offerings, time, etc.) that is given to your church as holy? Are you careful how you use these things? As a Christian do are you careful to bring the best of what you have, not just the leftovers or unusable things? Is your giving really a sacrifice?

For Further Study
Prophetic nature of the holy convocations:

Fulfillment of the feasts:
1. Passover - Luke 22:1-20, 1Corinthians 5:7
2. Unleavened Bread - 1Corinthians 5:7-8
3. First Fruits - 1Corinthians 15:20-23
4. Pentecost - Acts 2:1-47

Possible future fulfillment of the remaining feasts:
5. Trumpets - Matthew 24:29-31, 1Corinthians 15:51-52, 1Thessalonians 4:16 (Rapture).
6. Day of Atonement - Isaiah 59:20, Romans 11:26 (Israel accepts Jesus as the Christ).
7. Feast of Booths - Revelation 21-22:9 (the millennial kingdom).

Leviticus 19-21

An Overview of Chapter 19
This chapter starts with a reminder about the requirements for the peace offering, then lists several more laws that guide the Israelites in living holy lives. Here is a simplified list:
- save some for the poor
- don’t make false statements
- be good to your neighbors
- pay your employees in a fair way
- don’t take advantage of the handicapped
- judge fairly
- don’t lie
- don’t bear a grudge
- don’t mix breeds, seed, or material
- don’t eat blood
- don’t dabble in “magic”
- don’t shave your head or beard
- no tattoos
- don’t let your daughters grow up to be prostitutes
- keep the sabbaths
- revere the sanctuary
- honor old people
- love strangers and foreigners
- use accurate measurements and balances

Verse 23 is a reminder that many of the laws will not apply until the Israelites enter the land God had promised them. One such law is the setting aside of produce from new trees for 4 years.

An Overview of Chapter 20
The purpose of this chapter is to lay down the consequences of many of the sins listed in the previous chapters. The purpose for these seemingly harsh consequences is so that the people that God has sanctified (set apart) to be his will be holy and consecrate themselves and so the land God is giving them will not spit them out.

The punishments listed include public stoning, burning, and removing them from the nation.

An Overview of Chapter 21
This chapter contains further rules for the priests (sons of Aaron). They could not approach a dead person unless it was their mother, father, brother, or sister. Priests were only allowed to marry virgins. Handicapped priests were not allowed to serve in the tabernacle, but they were still provided for by the sacrifices.

Reflection
Consider your life, do you consecrate yourself as holy to God?

For Further Study
Law: Matthew 5:17-18, Matthew 22:34-40, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:15-29, Ephesians 2:14-16, 1Timothy 1:6-11.

Leviticus 16-18

An Overview of Chapter 16
On the 10th day of the seventh month (September-October) the nation of Israel would celebrate Yom Kippur - the day of atonement.

It began with Aaron taking a bath and then putting on his holy uniform. He would then sacrifice a bull for a sin offering for himself. Next he would bring a fire pan inside the veil of the holy place and let if fill up with smoke so he could not see God.

He would then slaughter a goat for a sin offering for the people of Israel, and sprinkle some of the blood on the mercy seat. Aaron then lays hands on a second goat and confesses the sin of the people over it. This scapegoat is released into the wilderness and carries with it the sin of the people.

The sacrifices on the day of atonement did not cover sins, it cleansed them.

An Overview of Chapter 17
No one was allowed to offer sacrifices to any other Gods. To insure this all sacrifices had to be done by Aaron and the priests in front of the tent of meeting. Those who did not follow this law were cut off from the congregation.

Another law is given that makes it illegal to eat blood, which represents the life of all flesh. Those who break this law will be cut off from the congregation.

An Overview of Chapter 18
Miscellaneous laws dealing with sex. These laws are given to counteract practices the people saw in the land of Egypt, and what will be seen in Canaan.
- No sex with a blood relative. That includes parents, stepparents, sisters, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, your children’s spouse, stepchildren, and the spouse of any of these groups. This is described as lewdness.
- Don’t marry your wives sister.
- No sex during menstrual period.
- No sex with your neighbors wife.
- No sacrificing your children to false gods.
- No homosexuality.
- No sex with animals.

Reflection
Do you periodically “humble” yourself and remember the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for your sins? Have you considered the Biblical definition of life? Do you guard your sex life so that you are not guilty of lewdness?

For Further Study
Life: Genesis 2:7, Genesis 9:4, Genesis 25:8, Leviticus 17:11, Mark 8:35, John 1:4, John 3:14-17, 2Corinthians 3:5-6, Galatians 2:20, Revelation 20:12-15.

Leviticus 14-15

An Overview of Chapter 14
Laws for cleansing a Leper:
- After it is determined that leprosy is gone then the person should be brought to the priest outside of the camp to be inspected.
- Ingredients of the sacrifice: two clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet string, hyssop.
- One bird is killed over a pot and running water.
- The other bird, with the wood, the string and the hyssop are dipped in the water/blood mixture.
- Then you sprinkle the cleansed man seven times.
- Let the live bird go.
- He takes a bath, and shaves his hair.
- On the 8th day he will bring a guilt offering, a grain offering, a sin offering and a burnt offering.
- If he is too poor for all those offerings a cheaper offering is available.

Laws for cleansing a leprous house:
- Specifically given for when they get houses in the land of Canaan.
- The owner of the house will empty the house and then have it inspected by a priest.
- If it looks like it is not just a surface stain then the house is quarantined for a week.
- After the quarantine the priest will inspect the house again.
- If the mark has spread then the bricks that the mark are on are taken out and trashed and the plaster in the house is replaced. If the mark comes back then the house is demolished and the debris is hauled away.
- If the house is clean then the owner brings a sacrifice similar to the sacrifice for a leper who is cleaned.

An Overview of Chapter 15
Law for cleaning the uncleanness for men who are unclean because of a discharge. His bed and his chair and anywhere he sits down are unclean and he and everyone who touches them must take a bath and wash their clothes. Seven days after it has been determined that he is clean he will bring two birds to the priest for a sin and a burnt offering.

Law for cleaning the uncleanness for mens seminal emissions. He needs to take a bath and clean anything that the emission gets on. The woman he has sex with must also bathe afterwards.

Menstrual laws for women. She is impure for seven days as well as anyone she touches. Everything she sits on or touches is considered unclean and needs to be washed. Seven days after her bleeding stops she is considered clean and on the eighth day she will bring two clean birds for a sin and a burnt offering.

This is all to describe how God kept the Israelites healthy by separating them from their uncleanness.

Reflection
Take the time to thank God for being the first microbiologist!

For Further Study
Leprosy: Matthew 8:1-4, Matthew 10:5-8, Matthew 11:2-6

Leviticus 11-13

An Overview of Chapter 11
The laws for edible (clean) and inedible (unclean) foods.

Edible creatures:
- chews the cud and has split hoofs
- animals that live in the water and have fins and scales
- insects with no wings, and more than 4 legs.(exception: winged insects with four legs that have a joint above the foot for jumping)

Inedible creatures:
- everything that does not fit in the above categories
- among birds: eagles, buzzards, kites, falcons, ravens, osterich, owls, hawks, pelicans, carrion vultures, storks, heron, hoopoe, and bats
- winged insects with four legs

Touching dead unclean animals/insects will make you and anything else that touches them unclean.

The purpose of these laws is to consecrate yourselves and be holy for God.

An Overview of Chapter 12
When a woman gives birth to a son she is unclean for seven days. On the eighth day her son is to be circumcised. She then is not able to touch holy objects or enter the sanctuary for 33 days (called the days of purification).

When a woman gives birth to a daughter she is unclean for two weeks, and she cannot touch holy objects or enter the sanctuary for 66 days (called the days of purification).

After the days of purification (whether for a son or daughter) the mother should bring a burnt offering and a sin offering for atonement and cleansing from the blood of her birth. The law requires a lamb, a pigeon and a dove. However, if a woman cannot afford a lamb an alternate “cheaper” offering is available.

An Overview of Chapter 13
The tests for leprosy:
If anyone has a swelling, a scab, raw flesh, a boil, a burn, a scale, or a bright spot on their skin then that person should be brought to Aaron or his priestly sons and he will examine the wound to see if it is leprous. The general rules are as follows:
- if the infection or wound is spreading then it is leporousy
- if the infection or wound is not spreading then the person is isolated for a week to see if it will spread.
- if the infection or wound is shrinking then the person is declared clean.

Those who are determined to have leprosy are to wear torn clothes, cover all his hair, and yell “Unclean, Unclean.” They will also live alone outside of the camp until they are cleansed of their leprosy.

Similar rules are applied to the clothing of a person with a wound as are applied to the person with a wound or infection. If it is determined to be leprous the garment is burned or the section that is infected is torn out and burned.

Reflection
What would you be willing to avoid or give up to set yourself apart for God? Do you examine the questionable looking things in your life to determine if they are dangerous to your spiritual health? Do you quarantine questionable things until you determine if they are harmful?

For Further Study
Clean/Unclean: Genesis 7, Psalm 19:9, Proverbs 16:2, Ecclesiastes 9:2, Luke 5:12-14, Luke 11:37-41, John 15:3, Romans 14:13-23.

Leviticus 8-10

An Overview of Chapter 8
Aaron and his sons are brought to the doorway of the tent of meeting as well as the congregation of Israel to watch their ordination ceremony. First, Aaron and his sons are bathed, then Aaron puts his new uniform on. Next, Moses anoints the tabernacle with oil and then Aaron with oil. Then Aaron’s sons put on their new uniforms.

The offerings are brought, first a sin offering, then a burnt offering, the an ordination offering. Some of the blood from the ordination offering is placed on Aaron and his sons right earlobe, hand and foot. Next a grain offering is brought and placed in the hands of Aaron and his sons stacked on top of the fat and right thigh of the ordination ram. They wave these in the air and then place them on the altar as an offering by smoke next to the burnt offering. The breast is also waved and it is given to Moses as payment for his services. This is followed by Moses sprinkling blood and oil on the new uniforms of Aaron and his sons.

The meat is then gathered from the altar and boiled. Aaron and his sons eat it before the Lord. They then move into the tent of meeting for a week to complete their ordination.

An Overview of Chapter 9
The day following the week long ordination ceremony Aaron finally gets to work in his new job. He offers a sin offering and a burnt offering and a burnt offering for himself. Next, he offers a sin offering and a burnt offering and a peace offering for the people. After this he blessed the people. Then he and Moses enter the tent, and when the come back out the glory of the Lord appears before all the people, and a fire from the Lord consumes the burnt offerings on the altar. When everyone see this they hit the dirt.

An Overview of Chapter 10
Two of Aaron’s sons decide that this is all a cool game. They decide to offer some incense to God, but the do not do it in the right way. God fires them as priests and they die. Aaron does not mourn their death because it was a righteous judgement from God. Moses calls two of Aaron’s nephews to drag their crispy bodies out of the tent of meeting and take them outside of camp.

Moses gives Aaron some instructions that include don’t drink on the job, keep the holy stuff separate from the not holy stuff, and teach the law to the people of sons of Israel. Next Moses discusses wages with Aaron and his remaining two sons. They will be paid in meat and grain from the offerings that are brought to them.

After the offerings are done, Moses tries to find the sin offering so that Aaron and his sons may eat it, but he cannot find it. It turns out that the offering was taken outside camp and burned. This makes Moses angry because it was supposed to be eaten, but Aaron explains that he had a bad day and would not be of the right heart to eat it. This explanation works for Moses.

Reflection
How important is it that this ordination was done in front of the congregation? Notice that the outside appearance (new clothes) could not change until what was under it was clean (by bathing). With that in mind how should you make changes in your life? How can you set yourself aside for God’s use. How careful are you about doing things the way God intended? How careful are you to do things in the right attitude?

For Further Study
Consecration of the priests: Exodus 29

Leviticus 5-7

An Overview of Chapter 5
Instructions for the sin offering are continued here.

Reasons for guilt: False testimony, touching an animal carcass, touching human uncleanness, and swearing thoughtlessly.

Variations for poor people: If a bull cannot be afforded, then a lamb or goat was allowed. If a lamb or goat could not be afforded, then two doves or two pigeons were allowed. If you could not afford the birds, then a grain offering would suffice.

Name of Offering: Guilt Offering.

Purpose of Offering: For atonement and forgiveness.

Variations: Before this could be brought restitution had to be made with a 20% fee. Even those who sinned unintentionally had to bring this offering.

An Overview of Chapter 6
Instructions for restitution for the guilt offering are continued here, with the examples of deception, extortion, robbery, or lost items.

The priests payment for the burnt offering: When presenting the offering the priest must wear his uniform, except when he is cleaning up the mess. His payment for his duty is a basket of grain to eat.

The priests payment for the presentation/anointing/ordination offering: He will burn all the grain and none should be left over to eat.

The priests payment for the sin offering: The priest gets to eat whatever is sacrificed.

An Overview of Chapter 7
The priests payment for the guilt offering: All the meat of the guilt offering is to be eaten by the priest.

The priests payment for the burnt offering revisited: The priest also receives the skin of the offering.

The priests payment for the peace offering: The priest gets to eat whatever is sacrificed, but he gets an extra day to do it if the offering is a votive or freewill offering.

Miscellaneous laws: Don’t eat roadkill or blood.

The priests payment for the peace offering revisited: The breast and the right thigh are the meat that the priests get to eat.

Reflection
Does it bother you that your pastors get paid from the tithes and offerings that you bring? Should it? Is it important to give restitution above what is owed to someone you have taken advantage of? Do you confess your sin before you bring “sacrifices” to God?

For Further Study
Priest: Genesis 14:18, Psalm 132:9, Matthew 2:4, Matthew 16:21, Romans 15:15-16, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14-15, Hebrews 5:1-10, 1Peter 2:4-10.