In the second half of the book of Numbers we find the results of the Israelite’s sinful hearts. They aren’t going to make it to the promised land just yet, they have to wander for 40 years. Fun times? I don’t think so. However, God in His infinity mercy (and patience) makes new provisions for the Israelites who were now on an extended trip.
The first new law we see is the ordinance of the red heifer. This involves burning a specific animal until there is nothing left but ashes, and then putting the ashes in a special place so they can be used to purify holy water used to cleanse those who had come into contact with the dead. Sadly, there will be a lot of dead in the next 40 years.
God then provides water, despite Moses’ disobedience. “Talk to the rock, Moses,” says God. But Moses hits the rock, apparently because hitting the rock worked last time, but this lack of faith and obedience prevents Moses from entering the Promised Land.
God also provides a new priest, having Aaron literally pass the mantle of priestly leadership to his son before he dies. Then the Israelites begin a series of wars with the other people in the wilderness. We have in chapter 21 the first mention of Og, king of Bashan. Great name, no? (You will hear it repeatedly in later books.)
Then we have one of my favorite stories in the Bible—Balaam and his talking donkey. Balaam was not a Hebrew, and was not really all that great a guy, but in this story, at least, he refused to disobey the word of the Lord. Balaam goes to meet with Balak. We have another appearance of the Angel of the Lord, and then Balaam’s donkey talks! What is interesting is Balaam’s total lack of surprise in the text. Balaam just talks back to the donkey, and the Bible doesn’t tell us that he stood there looking shocked. Balak hires Balaam to curse the Israelites, but Balaam realizes that he cannot curse God’s chosen people and so he blesses them—three times. Balak is steamed, to say the least. More of Balaam’s prophecies tell of the rise of the kingdom of Israel and the fall of many other tribes of the wilderness. Balaam’s story does not end here, though, nor does it end well. Remember, he is a false prophet and a deceiver at heart.
In spite of all this, Israel once again turns away from God and so He sends a plague to punish the people. This helps me understand the mentality of people in the middle ages who thought that all plagues were punishments from God. It had happened before. The lesson? Follow the One True God, not just to avoid plagues, but because it’s the right thing to do.
Next, God sets up the succession of leadership after Moses—Joshua will take over. Also, there are provisions made in case a man dies and leaves all daughters and no sons. This new rule makes sure that no land or inheritance is passed from one tribe to another.
The Israelites are now preparing to enter the promised land—again—and so we hear repeated commandments about offerings, ceremonies, and the celebration of the Day of Atonement. Remember, they have been wandering for a long time, many people have died, and the young ones have not heard all these rules.
Wait, did we miss the 40 year wandering? Yeah, we did. They got ready to go into the promised land, then they got scared in chapter 13-14…and now in chapter 26 they are being counted so they can go into the promised land again. Forty years have passed in 12 chapters with more speeches than events (except for Balaam’s story).
Chapter 31 tells us how Balaam’s tale ends—in death by the sword. He is killed in battle because he led the Israelites in worshiping false gods.
Oh, and just in case you want to chart it on a map, Chapter 33 details the path the Israelites took through the wilderness. I am looking for a map we can link to, as well.
More final rules and we are done with Numbers! Whew!
Only one more book and we are done with the Torah! Keep it up.
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