Number 4-6
While Numbers 4 still involves some counting, it becomes much more interesting with a little Holy interior decorating! I fell down a little Google rabbit hole reading about what kind of leather was used in the temple. NIV says sea cow, NASB says porpoise, theologians have theorised other interpretations. But I think the point is, it was valuable and special. All of the designs and decor of the tabernacle were both God instructed and enabled. I have always wondered how the people building the tabernacle could build what they were told to build. I then heard from someone, that they were able to do this work because they were given the gift of the Holy Spirit (Exodus 31:1-6 and 35:30-36:2). I think this makes a lot of sense!
Also, and part of the importance of this passage is God was very clear who could touch what and when. Death comes to those who did not heed God’s commands, no matter how small they may seem. God will not be mocked nor disobeyed.
Numbers 5 and 6 are kind of a wild mix of blessings and curses. First Numbers 5 speaks of the sanctification of anyone who was ceremonially unclean or guilty of sin. Moses then writes of a “grain offering for jealousy.” I looked at several commentaries and still cannot quite understand why it was included in scripture and what it all means. One commentary reminds readers that this was a time of many rituals for many issues and this would not have been that odd to the people of that time. My own thought is that this was another situation where it was very important to obey God. I believe that God protected women who were innocent of adultery and they were not affected by this curse.
In Numbers 6, we learn what one needs to do to become a Nazirite. Reading this reminds me of the sacrifices my Catholic nun friends had to make to become a nun. It is very honorable to dedicate your life to God. However, it is not necessary to become a Nazirite or a nun/monk to dedicate your life to God. Because of Christ, through baptism, we can be sons and daughters of God. And we can receive the Aaronic Blessing:
The Lord bless you and keep you,
The Lord make his face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
God bless you this week as you obey His word!
-Maria Knowlton
Reflection Questions
- What do you find in Numbers that reminds you of the importance of obeying God?
- What do we learn about God so far in the book of Numbers?
- Have you ever experienced the Lord making His face shine upon you? When? How does it feel? What do you think the Lord likes to make His face shine upon?
Seek Grow Love 