Skip to main content

February 9 + Daily readings & notes

DAY 40

We're starting a new book today!  

We call the book Numbers.  The Hebrew name is Bemidbar, which means "In the wilderness."  That is taken from the first line of the first verse.  That's a familiar naming mechanism that we've already seen.  I'll say a little more about the idea of being "in the wilderness" after we finish today's readings.

First, check out The Bible Project's video on Numbers:




Now, let's get reading.

DAILY READINGS


DAILY NOTES

Numbers 1:1-4
  • A census of every male aged 20 years and up.  
  • The purpose?  To know who would be able to go to war.
Numbers 1:46
  • According to the text, that's a grand total of 603, 550 able to wage war.
  • Levites are not counted because their work is dedicated to the tabernacle.
Numbers 2:2
  • "Ensigns" seems to indicate that each tribe had it's own insignia.
  • The people are instructed to camp in a way that their tents face the tent of meeting.
Numbers 3:10-13
  • The Levites are reserved for priestly duties.  No one can be a part of what they do.
  • The Levites serve as a substitutionary people.
Psalm 40
  • Patiently waiting for God.  
  • How easy is it to turn to other resources when you're waiting on God?

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

Numbers is about more than numbers.  This books shows us the people of God in the wilderness.  We'll watch a generation pass away and a new one prepare to take their place in God's story.

So, don't be put off by numbers.  Recognize the journey of God's people and how their journey often mirrors our own (or ours theirs).  There's a lot to be learned as we journey, if we pay attention.

Here's a thought for you to consider as you read Numbers: Why did God bring the people to the desert?

Stay blessed...john
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

February 16 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 47 Before the movie Shrek, the best known talking donkey was Balaam's donkey.  That's what we're reading about today.   Of course, that's only part of the story between Balak and Balaam.   DAILY READINGS Numbers 22-24 & Psalm 47 DAILY NOTES Numbers 22:2 Apparently, Israel is making a name for itself.  The Moabites are terrified and distressed/irritated by the news of what the Israelites are doing. Numbers 22:5-6 Balaam is, apparentely, a diviner with a good reputation.  Balak is "overcome with fear" and his response is to go to Balaam.  Balak knows that "whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed." Numbers 22:8 This is the recurring theme for Balaam.  He will only say what  God tells him to say.  That is, there's no money back guarantee.  Even if it doesn't align with what Balak wants, Balaam will only give the words that God gives him. There is no indication why Balaam w...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 3 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 93 After today we'll have finished another book of the Bible.  King David's place in the story of God is winding down. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 22-24 & Psalm 93 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 22 This is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving.  Psalm 18 is a variation of this psalm. 2 Samuel 23 David's reign (and life) are drawing to a close.  These are some of his last words and speak of men that have served under him.   2 Samuel 24 David wants a census of the people.  Since he later sees it as a sin, we can gather that he had prideful purposes for doing so.   The king repents, but also suffers the judgement of the sin.  Technically, 70,000 of the people he just counted suffered. Afterwards, David builds an altar to God. Psalm 93 God's rule over earth is celebrated.  This is what's called an enthronement psalm.  OTHER OBSERVATIONS There's an interesting observation to consider about 2 Samuel 24:1...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96 We've come a long way from wondering in the desert.  Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built. DAILY READINGS 1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96 DAILY NOTES 1 Kings 8 Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple. The temple is dedicated.  Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion. Solomon blesses the people. 1 Kings 9 The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?).  The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God.  The people must also follow. 1 Kings 10 The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom.  She is amazed (breathless).  The two crowns exchange gifts. Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple.  Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24). OTHER OBSERVATIONS Solomon's prayer at...
Post a Comment
Read more