Our reading challenge for the day is Numbers 23-27. I’ll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?
Numbers 23-24 - The work of Balaam here reminds me that God has created all nature to proclaim his glory. No matter where Balaam stands or whether they have made an offering to a pagan god, Balaam ends up blessing Israel.
Numbers 25 - Mixing God’s commands with the prostitution of Baal proves deadly to Israel. God demands holy relationships. He has called out a people to be pure to him, not to link themselves to false gods. it is consistently considered adultery in the Bible and is condemned. See how again and again God calls his people back to himself.
Numbers 26 - The census of Israel serves several purposes. Not only is it important to be aware of how many men of military age there are, but we also see in the start of chapter 27 that matters of inheritance are important to life in the community. Family and inheritance customs are important in a civil society of any sort.
Numbers 27 - The inheritance exception for daughters appears. Having women receive inheritances is very rare in antiquity. But God’s people care for women. They are accorded considerable dignity. In chapter 27 we also see that God reminds Moses of his sin and failure to please God. Moses passes on some of his authority to Joshua, who is to be the next leader of Israel under God.
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