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

March 24 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 83 The relationship between Saul and David worsens.  David is now Saul's enemy.   DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 18-20 & Psalm 83 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 18 Saul's delight for David quickly turns.  Saul is jealous of David's success and the fact that everyone else seems to like David more than him. Of course, we have to think about what this evil spirit from the Lord might mean. Saul tries to kill David.  He even devises a plan to have him married into the royal family so that he can create a snare for him. What does it say about David that, even after Saul has tried to kill him, he still finds it an honor to be married to the family? David escapes Saul's traps.  So, from here on out, the text says that Saul considered David an enemy.  Think he knows what it means to love your enemies? 1 Samuel 19 Verse 5 reminds us of David's fight with Goliath.  At this point, David has fought other times.  What makes that ...
Post a Comment
Read more

May 23 + Daily readings & notes

DAY 143 DAILY READINGS Job 12-15 & Psalm 138 DAILY NOTES Job 12 Surely, Job says, his friends don't think they're the only ones with wisdom?  Plus, they are telling him anything that isn't known by all.   Maybe they aren't as smart as they think they are? God holds true wisdom.  "With God are wisdom and strength" (vs. 13). Job 13 Job's friends have taken it upon themselves to speak on behalf of God.  Job considers their representation to be false because they have not considered Job's condition. Job 14 Job's prayer to God continues. We see a bit of the book's larger vision in these verses.  Job recognizes, and wants God to remember, that all humanity shares the same days of life.   Job 15 Eliphaz considers that Job's questioning hinders God and would keep others from knowing God. Psalm 138 The praise of the psalmist is a communal act.   God has been faithful and the psalmist wants to thank God...
Post a Comment
Read more

March 13 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 72 Are you familiar with Gideon?  Do you know why the people who leave Bibles in hotel rooms call themselves the Gideons?   Well, let's read about Gideon first and found out about the Gideons later. DAILY READINGS Judges 6-8 & Psalm 72 DAILY NOTES Judges 6:1-10 The Israelites are oppressed by the Midianites.  They are forced to flee to the mountains and caves.  The Israelites were "impoverished" and the land was "wasted."   The Israelites call out to God.  A prophet arose to confirm their current situation is due to their turning away from God.  Scripture doesn't tell us who the prophet was, but Jewish commentary offers a name. Judges 6:12 Gideon is approached by an angel of the Lord.  He is called a "mighty warrior."   Judges 6:22 After the sign Gideon asks for comes to pass, he believes he has seen the angel of God and believes what he has told him.   Judges 6:25-27 ...
Post a Comment
Read more