Numbers 33:40-35:34
I only have a few observations for today.
Apparently to avoid a fight, God moved Israel another 8 times to position them opposite of Jericho. Next stop, the Promised Land.
V.50 God gives them the first of many warnings to make sure they drive the people completely out of the land. This wasn't just God giving Israel someone else's land. God was punishing these people. His witness to the Canaanites was finished and they hadn't listened to Melchizedek and others. This people, these cultures, were sick and were to be cleansed out of the land. Israel is warned, and the sad thing is that we know they won't listen. Israel, along with many of its kings, including Solomon, will be idolaters. Idolatry won't be removed from Israel until after the Babylonian exile.
34:1 You can probably find a map online or in a study Bible that gives these boundaries.
V.11 The sea of Chinnereth is the sea of Galilee.
35:1 The Levitical Cities were not just places for the Levites to live. God could have put them all around the Tabernacle like He did in the wilderness. The Levites were spread out among the people and were supposed to have a good influence on the nation, copying the books of Moses and teaching the people the Bible.
V. 9 The cities of refuge were interesting. What hits me was the idea that even in an accidental death, there was an avenger who would seek out the killer. Even if it was proven that the death was a totally freak accident and the "killer" was innocent, he had to live in the city and couldn't go outside until the high priest died. If he did stray outside and the avenger was still mad, the avenger could kill him without penalty. Sounds like Texas. Apparently, even in accidental death it would be looked at as God taking a hand in the action, calling one person to stand in His presence, and assigning the other person to live in a city of refuge for the rest of his life. This was an object lesson. Life was sacred and guilt was upon anyone who took a life.
Imagine what this law should have meant for David and for his son Absalom, both murders and adulterers.
Luke 5:12-28
V. 12 We've seen this story before. After telling the people in Nazareth that the only person ever cured of leprosy was a Syrian, Jesus heals the first Israelite, who promptly disobeys Him.
V. 17 What is interesting here are the visitors. They are here to check Jesus out. Those words, "Arise, take up your pallet and walk," will become haunting when these same leaders hear them again in Jerusalem coming out of the mouth of a man who has just been healed. When they say, "Who is the man who told you….," they will be remembering this incident.
V.27 Levi was ready to follow knowing that Jesus was willing to stand against the religious authorities and accept him.
Psalm 65
Vs. 3-4 Forgiveness and dwelling in the courts and temple of the Lord.
V. 5 O God of our Salvation
V. 7 Who stills the roaring seas
V. 9 The river of God
These are great truths and images that carry through the Bible, and through the life of Jesus.
Proverbs 11:23
And so we keep on praying and working in the harvest.
If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.”
I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.
If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.
I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.
Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.
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