Bible in a Year - February 29

 Today is catch up day! February 29 only comes around every four years, so go out and celebrate!

Bible in a Year Feb 28 - Dt. 13: 1-16:8

 

Feb 28 - Dt. 13: 1-16:8

Verse 13:3 indicates that God will be testing the Israelites by allowing prophets and fortune tellers to try to persuade them to worship other Gods. Those prophets or ‘dreamers’ must be put to death. I wonder what our world would look like, what our religions would look like, if that command were followed today? I also wonder how much more faithful I would be if I looked at every temptation as if it were a test from God (although we are told that God himself will not tempt us, that is different  – see James  1:13).

I smiled when I read 13:6 where it says, ‘or the wife you love’. Most everything I’ve heard about those days seemed to involve arranged marriages and didn’t necessarily focus on a love relationship between spouses. I like that it is specifically added here!

Why would God have the people destroy the livestock of those who worshipped other gods? I can understand how the people could influence them to turn away, but what do you think might have been the reason for killing the animals (a.k.a. food)?

The text about servants who decided to stay with a family after the seventh year made me cringe. Truthfully I’d have to think long and hard about my choice if they were going to nail me to a door if I chose to stay!

We’ve made it through TWO MONTHS of Bible reading! Good job!

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Dt. 16:9 – 19:21

Bible in a Year Feb 27 - Dt. 9:22 – 12:32

 

Feb 27 - Dt. 9:22 – 12:32

In multiple places throughout the text (not just today’s reading), Moses says about the law, “Do not add to it or take away from it” (NIV).  According to various commentaries, this command was important for two reasons. First, God himself has given these commandments and He will not tolerate human revisions. Second, it indicates that the work, the law, is complete as it is stated. Over the generations, we see that the Pharisees definitely added to it (I doubt they took anything away). From what I understand they justified this by saying they were ‘clarifying’ the rules, not adding to them. Some of those clarifications were incredibly restrictive by the time Jesus came!

Moses also introduces the concept that some things will change once they cross the Jordan. The means and location of sacrifices will become very specific. People will have to travel to give their offerings, but there are some arrangements to make this a little easier for those who live far away.

Again there is quite a bit of warning to continue to love the Lord and obey his commands. I particularly liked verses 10:12 – 10:22.

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Dt. 13: 1-16:8

Bible in a Year Feb 26: Dt 6:16-9:21

 

Feb 26: Dt 6:16-9:21

Really? Today’s text begins AND ends in the middle of a paragraph (in my Bible). I hate that!!

Moses is truly lecturing the Israelites as if they were children, reminding them over and over again to obey God’s commands because God is good. They have seen wonderful miracles, have travelled without wear and tear to their clothes or bodies, and will soon be accepting a land fully built up and farmed without having to do the work.

But there are so many temptations – to collect gold and silver from idols, to intermingle with other cultures, and to presume they are obtaining all this because they are worthy.

While we often feel stretched financially these days, we live incredibly easy lives compared to many on our planet. How do you avoid becoming complacent or prideful that you have attained what you own by your efforts alone?

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Dt. 9:22 – 12:32

Bible in a Year Feb 25- Dt. 4:1 – 6:15

 

Feb 25- Dt. 4:1 – 6:15

There are so many verses in today’s text that offer wisdom and advice for being a follower of God! I found several that I have underlined at previous times and more that I marked today.

What was your favorite verse from today’s reading? Why?

Mine is Dt. 4:29-31. This is true for both Jewish and Christian readers and provides both hope and instruction for tough days.

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Dt 6:16-9:21

Bible in a Year Feb 24: Deuteronomy 1:16 – 3:29

 

Feb 24: Deuteronomy 1:16 – 3:29

Deuteronomy

We are in the final book of the Pentateuch! You are doing a fabulous job – stick with it.

‘Deuteronomy’ means ‘repetition of the law’. I know – that sounds like such an exciting book to read, especially if you struggled with the FIRST reading of the law! But we can do this – it’s only eleven days –and I’m sure there are some pearls of wisdom we will learn along the way.

Moses is proclaimed to be the author by almost all scholars, however we know someone else probably wrote the preamble and obviously the part after Moses dies. There are over 100 references to Deuteronomy in the New Testament, including quotations Jesus used.

This is considered Moses’ farewell address, and it’s believed this is  a series of ‘sermons’ he gave over the course of several days, knowing he would soon be going to his death. It is essentially al covenant renewal and is full of the love relationship between God and His people. Overall it is a call to commitment and obedience.

The key verses are probably Dt 6:4-7 “⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.⁵ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Moses is now an old man (about 120 years old), and he is remembering the journey the Israelites have been on. However, it seems to me his memory is fading a bit! Did you notice the way he’s changed the story?

Verse 19 is the only time I’ve seen any reference to the difficulty of the journey when he refers to the ‘vast and dreadful desert’. But then he talks to the new generation of Israelites as if they were the original travelers. In 1:22 he blames them for wanting to send out spies to investigate the Promised Land, yet Numbers 13:1-3 states it was God’s command. God selected the 12 men to go, not Moses.

A little later, in 1:37, Moses blames the Israelites for keeping him from seeing the Promised Land. Hmmm, that’s not how Numbers 20:9-13 tells it! Even later in our text, Dt 3:26, Moses refuses to take responsibility for his rash actions. He has begged God to let him step foot in the land, but God stands firm. He does, however, allow Moses to view it from the top of a mountain.

With these inconsistencies, does it mean that we can’t trust the Bible? Of course not! How many times do we see others remember things incorrectly after just a few days, much less 40 years (of course, we ourselves NEVER do that…). Honestly, I think this gives more credibility to the Bible. These words most likely came from a journal Moses kept and were recorded just as he wrote them instead of being corrected to ensure absolute consistency.

The little historical references that interrupt his speech are interesting, too, and add a lot of validity to the story. The items he mentions can be validated archaeologically when artifacts exist. My favorite reference, though, is to the size of King Og’s bed!

Oh, wouldn’t it be amazing to read his journal?

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Dt. 4:1 – 6:15

Bible in a Year Feb 23: Numbers 34 – 36, Deuteronomy 1:1-15

 

Feb 23: Numbers 34 – 36, Deuteronomy 1:1-15

As we finish out Numbers, God commands the people to establish Promised Land boundaries for the Israelites and allows them to subdivide it for each tribe. Again God names the participants on the committee to divide the land by name. The tribes of Reuben and Gad are left out because they already have land on the east of the Jordan. A portion of the tribe of Manasseh also stayed, but the remaining group participated in the division exercise. Having attended meetings that lasted for torturous hours over much less significant decisions, I can’t imagine how long and difficult those meetings must have been as they decided where each tribe should live!

The information about sanctuary cities is interesting to me. I guess the culture of the day was to get retribution immediately if someone was killed, regardless of intent! God institutes the requirement for more than one witness and provides a safe place in the event the death was an accident. Unfortunately, however, it seems the person who accidentally killed someone else was then required to spend quite a bit of time away from home – they had to remain in the sanctuary city until the death of the high priest.  As long as people lived back then I imagine that could be along time. Were the families of the accused also welcome?

At first I felt sorry for the daughters of Zelophehad for having to marry within their tribe. What a limitation! However, with 52,700 men of fighting age I imagine they didn’t have too much trouble finding someone to love.

Is anyone else frustrated by the places this Bible reading plan ends on a daily basis? Some days it’s impossible to stop reading at the ending point!

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Deuteronomy 1:16 – 3:29

Bible in a Year Feb 22: Numbers 31:48 – 33:56

 

Feb 22: Numbers 31:48 – 33:56

I wonder what the other tribes thought of the plans of the tribes of Benjamin and Gad to forsake the Promised Land and settle in the area where they were currently staying? Moses obviously was worried that God would smite them and cause the Israelites to wander in the desert forever. Did the other tribes wish they had thought of the idea? It sounds like it took quite a bit of work for this area to be built up appropriately but we have no idea how much time passed.

The listing of areas the Israelites traveled is incredible. There are some 35 places listed, and I’m sure there were times of multiple days travel between them. The historian in me loves that each was documented so we can chart their journey.

The elders of the group had been mere teenagers when they left Egypt and probably had little recollection of the tribulations of that time. Everyone under the age of 40 knew only the nomadic life, yet since birth they had heard the stories and held the hope of the end of their journey. I wonder how many knew of the forty year punishment and carefully marked the years waiting for the reward of the Promised Land? After a year or so the life became ‘normal’, with births, weddings, and other celebrations. Games were played, meals were cooked, prayers were said, and songs were sung. Traveling and living in a tent, gathering manna each morning, and watching for the cloud/pillar of fire to move was a way of life. It’s not hard to see why the Benjamites and Gadites were anxious to settle in a place they could see instead of continuing on.

Which group do you think you might have wanted to join?

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 34 – 36, Deuteronomy 1:1-15

Bible in a Year Feb 21: Numbers 29:1 – 31:47

 

Feb 21: Numbers 29:1 – 31:47

Today’s text continues a list of required offerings and actions for festivals. The three festivals listed, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles all take place in the seventh month of the Jewish calendar, Tishri, which occurs in our September/October timeframe. Out of those 30 days, 9 of them were times of required sacred assembly and no work. On the day of Atonement people were also to deny themselves, which amounted to fasting.  These festivals are still celebrated by the Jewish people today.

The Feast of Trumpets is celebrated as the two day holiday Rosh Hashanah and still involves the blowing of the shofar. The first ten days of the seventh month are seen as days of repentance leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people, a day of prayer and complete fasting – no food or water – and involve lengthy prayer services. The Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths) is called Sukkot, and commemorates the time the Israelites spent in the wilderness.  Full participation in this festival requires people to set up booths or tents and live outside for seven days.

The text ends with vengeance on the Midianites. The five kings of Midian are killed, along with Balaam the seer. There are some hard elements of this battle – although all women and children were originally taken as captives, God required that the boys and all women who weren’t virgins to be killed. I imagine that was difficult for many of the warriors to do. In all, 32,000 women and girls survived and most likely became slaves. All plunder that was captured had to be purified with fire if possible or at least washed with the water of cleansing (remember, that had the ashes of the red heifer in it).

It is hard to imagine the emotions of all players on those days.

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 31:48 – 33:56

Bible in a Year Feb 20: Numbers 26:35-28:31

 

Feb 20: Numbers 26:35-28:31

Today’s reading starts with the rest of the census. At this point not a single person from the original census (those over the age of 20 at that time) was left except Caleb, Joshua, and Moses of course. That meant that there was no one else over the age of 59! Everyone had spent at least twice as long in the desert as they had in Egypt. Now there were actually a few thousand more men of this age than there was at the beginning!

A couple of items that interested me in the genealogy – the only woman mentioned is Serah, the daughter of Asher (v 26:46). Did no other son of Jacob have a daughter? And of course there is no mention of Dinah. I wonder what influence Serah must have had to be named here? Some speculate that she may have been a prominent ancestor of the Asherite clan because she is mentioned in all the Asherite genealogies (here, Num 26:46, and 1 Chr 7:30).

Did you find it strange that Moses and his family are left completely out of the picture? Exodus 18:4 says that Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought the two sons of Moses, Gershom and Eliezer, to join Moses along with his wife Zipporah. We never hear any more about them. Did they stay with Moses in the desert or return with Jethro when he went back home? They don’t feature in the genealogy of the Levites.

There is so much more to be said about today’s reading. Oh, the courage Zelophehad’s daughters must have had! And God goes totally against the culture to give them an inheritance. Moses gets to view the Promised Land from a distance, but will never step foot on it in his lifetime (but wait until we get to the New Testament!) We also see the commissioning of Joshua to succeed Moses.

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 29:1 – 31:47

Bible in a Year Feb 19: Numbers 24:1 – 26:34

 

Feb 19: Numbers 24:1 – 26:34

So Balaam continues with his prophecies, and when he saw that God was pleased when he blessed the Israelites, he did so again. I imagine this was the only time he got reinforcement for his prophecies other than when he told others what they wanted to hear!

While the Israelites are waiting for permission to pass, it appears that many of the men were seduced by Moabite and Midianite women. This kicked off another huge plague which was stopped by the actions of Phineahas, son of Eleazor the head priest.

Some background – the Moabites are the nation that descended from the son of Lot and his oldest daughter (remember, she seduced him in a cave after Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed). The Midianites hail from the fourth son of Abraham and his second wife, Keturah. Moses’ wife and father-in-law were Midianites.

Then we get into the second census of men who were of fighting age. In general it is hard for me to read through these genealogies and census numbers, so I like to look for interesting facts that are hidden among them. The history of Reuben’s clan again reminds us of the rebellion against Moses, and in the descendants of Judah we are reminded of Er and Onan, Tamar’s first and second husbands. It is also interesting to look for names that show up later in the genealogy of Jesus. Perez (verse 26:20) is listed in both genealogies of Jesus (Mt 1:3 and Lk 3:33).

How far back can you trace your ancestors?

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 26:35-28:31

Bible in a Year Feb 18: Numbers 21-23

 

Feb 18: Numbers 21-23

The Israelites are trying to get through the desert to the Promised Land, but they are having difficulty getting permission to travel across the land. It’s little wonder that people didn’t want this huge crowd walking through their land, drinking their water, eating their food, and leaving a mess behind. But despite their promises to merely pass and not be a disturbance, they were refused. As a result of attacks on the wanderers, God allowed his people to overtake their enemies and inhabit the towns. Can you imagine how wonderful it must have been to sleep in a real house for the first time in decades? Even if it wasn’t your own.

The king of Moab hears about these battles and is terrified of the Israelites. He calls on Balaam, a well known oracle, to curse the group.

So who was this Balaam? He is mentioned in eight books of the Bible! He wasn’t an Israelite, at least not a devout one, but he obviously knew a lot about the history and current status of God’s people.  In his discourses he mentions Jacob and the exodus from Egypt. He knows about the sacrificial practice and the significance of the number seven. I wonder who he was actually offering these sacrifices to, for the Lord was very clear about the process for offering sacrifices to him.

And it is obvious that he has heard from God and respected (somewhat) what he heard. My study Bible points out that the author of Numbers (Moses) didn’t have much respect for Balaam’s contact with the Lord. If you look closely, the ‘narrator’ of the story uses the term ‘God’ (original term Elohim) most often when referring to the interaction between God and Balaam, yet uses the word ‘Lord’ (Yahweh) when quoting Balaam.

I wonder what surprised Balaam more – hearing his donkey speak or seeing the angel of the Lord?

There is actually an inscription related to Balaam at an archaeological site in Gilead, east of the Jordon River. It is a poetic story of a vision supposedly given to Balaam by the god El that he relayed to the leaders regarding an impending disaster. This reinforces the theory that Balaam was not a follow of the one true God, but a mystic who professed to speak to multiple gods. I bet he was surprised when our Lord actually responded!

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 24:1 – 26:34

Bible in a Year Feb 17: Numbers 17 – 20

 

Feb 17: Numbers 17 – 20

God decides once and for all to prove that he wants Aaron to be the head priest. As a result of this and the events in yesterday’s text, the Israelites are terrified to go near the Tabernacle for fear of instant death. God then states that the priests themselves will also be liable alone for any indiscretions related to the Tabernacle and the priesthood as a way to calm fears.

I noticed the term ‘covenant of salt’ for the first time (I apparently missed it back in Lev 2:13). Apparently this was a common term in many of the cultures at the time as covenants were often celebrated over dinner. Salt symbolized life and the enduring nature of an alliance since it is a preservative and prevented decay. Salt also impedes the action of yeast, so it was also to signify the avoidance of rebellion against the covenant. This term is referred to again when God renews the covenant with David (2 Chron 13:5).

Did you see the reference to a red heifer in 19:2? This is the only time a specific color was named for the animal to be sacrificed. The Bible says the heifer (a female cow who has not yet given birth) must be red, without defect or blemish, and should never have been under a yoke. If you have time, it is interesting to do some internet research on the red heifer – lots of references to how the Jewish people see this requirement and how Christians relate it to Jesus. Too much to go into here.

Our reading ends with Moses being forbidden from entering the Promised Land. In one quick moment of frustration with the people he forgot who God was and lost his chance. Yet God didn’t open up the ground and swallow him up, and he didn’t fire him from his position. It gives me hope that the Bible shows us how even those most revered people in the Bible made mistakes. It also makes me wonder what blessings I might miss that I’m not even aware of because I’ve been disobedient to God.

We say good bye to Aaron, who at this point must be well over 100 years old. The priesthood shifts to his son Eleazar and the people mourn.

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 21 – 23

Bible in a Year Feb 16: Numbers 15:22 – 16:50

 

Feb 16: Numbers 15:22 – 16:50

Well that was intense.

Korah was a Kohathite, one of the Levite clans that was responsible for physically carrying the most holy of items from the Tabernacle when it was time to move. I imagine they were seen as the group with the most important responsibility other than the priests. He and his Reubenite friends (the brothers Dathan and Abiram) apparently riled up a large group of leaders and attempted a coup. I presume they thought they could do a better job than Moses and Aaron.

God is still trying to convince the Israelites that he is the one true God and his ways are best. While this story seems incredibly harsh to us, it’s vital that those who have been set aside by covenant uphold their end and God must enforce the boundaries.  We don’t know how long it’s been since the Tabernacle was completed and God moved in amid the ceremony, but somewhere along the line a power struggle has ensued. These leaders were obviously working under their own desires and weren’t seeking God’s guidance.

It is important to remember that God himself institutes those who are in governing authority. That doesn’t mean leaders are godly by any means, but it does mean that we are to respect them and to seek God’s direction if we are feeling the need to confront them (see Rom 13:1).

I am so humbled and very grateful that Jesus has come to stand between us and God when we sin (as long as we are repentant). If justice were as swift and harsh as it was then I imagine few of us could survive. Passages like this bring me to my knees asking forgiveness for my attitudes and actions.

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 17 – 20

Bible in a Year Feb 15: Numbers 13:17 – 15:21

 

Feb 15: Numbers 13:17 – 15:21

Did you notice that Moses gave Joshua a new name? He’s been referred to as ’Joshua’ in every instance except  Num 13:8, so we don’t know when Moses might have renamed him or why. In essence the words mean the same thing – ‘salvation’ and ‘the Lord saves’. (Salvation in this case definitely refers to salvation by the Lord, not other means). I’d love to know where Nun (Joshua’s father) and his wife came up with that name, especially given the role Joshua will play later in the Bible. Was it a family name, or was the name given to them divinely?

Most of today’s text is familiar to me; it’s a lesson frequently taught to children in Sunday school. The land is explored, all but Caleb and Joshua report that it’s too dangerous to move forward and they convince the Israelites to argue against it. God is frustrated with the people and tells them they will not get to see the Promised Land because of their disbelief. For the first time I noticed that it doesn’t say ALL of those over 20 won’t be allowed in – go back and look at verse 14:29.

It was hard for me to look at our current culture and not see similar situations. Many times in the past few years we’ve dealt with conflicting reports about situations where the majority feels one way and a few disagree. When faced with such dichotomies, how do you decide which is the right choice? Do you jump on whichever bandwagon feels right to you, or do you first seek God’s will in the situation? It’s so easy to agree with those who, in general, believe the way you do. But is that always the right choice?

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 15:22 – 16:50

Bible in a Year Feb 14: Numbers 10:11 – 13:16

 

Feb 14: Numbers 10:11 – 13:16

Happy Valentine’s Day.  I pray that on this day you see evidence of God’s love for you in a tangible way.

So, only seven days after the Israelites celebrated their first anniversary of the Passover they were instructed to move on. They ‘traveled from place to place’ and finally came to rest in the Desert of Paran, some 130 miles away.

If it took 25 square miles for the Israelites to make camp, can you imagine how long the procession was as they moved from place to place?

Oh, the rest of the text hurts my heart. The Israelites, probably tired from moving regularly during this time, begin complaining about their food. Moses even rails against God and his job of dealing with the complainers. I am so convicted by this text. How often do I stare at a relatively full pantry, fridge, AND freezer and feel like there is nothing to eat? I get bored with the same meals that it feels like we make over and over, yet they are much more varied than that of the Israelites in the desert.

God gives the people what they ask for – until they can’t stand it anymore. Oh, we must be careful what we ask! God in his infinite wisdom knows what we need and will provide it. We must trust him.

Then Miriam and Aaron begin to gripe about Moses and his wife, seemingly jealous that they have not been given the same level of authority. God punishes Miriam (but not Aaron?) and sends her away for a week of pain and suffering to consider her sin.

Father, help us remember and obey Philippians 2:14 – 16a, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation’.”

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 13:17 – 15:21

Bible in a Year Feb 13: Numbers 7:60 – 10:10

 

Feb 13: Numbers 7:60 – 10:10

Ok, I have to admit that I secretly appreciate all the duplication in both yesterday’s and today’s texts. It is easy to scan the text and get done quickly. Just so you know, I did carefully look at each contribution to verify that everyone brought identical offerings! Ok, so I definitely went off on a tangent when I was reading all of this. Did one group of craftsmen make all of the plates, sprinkling bowls, and gold dishes, or did each tribe make their own? Were the designs identical, similar, or totally different? And the organizer in me wants to know if they stacked efficiently!

Can you imagine the pageantry and grandeur of the dedication time? Twelve days of sacrifices and then the gathering of the entire group (remember, almost 2 million people) to dedicate the Levites.  More than 8500 men were dedicated to service in the tabernacle (and we don’t know if all the rest of the Levite men and women were included). All freshly washed and their entire bodies shaved. The Israelites must have juggled for position to lay their hands on a Levite in dedication. Children were stretching and creeping forward through the crowd to be able to see. Oh, the awesome responsibility of being not only set aside from the world as an Israelite, but then dedicated wholly to serve God in his earthly residence.

And then, in the presence of the entire assembly the cloud of God descended upon the tabernacle as evidence that all they had done was acceptable to God. I can’t even comprehend the amazement they must have felt.

Some ‘fun’ items in today’s reading:

·         This is the first mention of retirement – at age 50

·         The Levites were presented as a wave offering to the Lord. I have to giggle a bit (probably disrespectfully) because I can only imagine ‘the wave’ that occurs in a stadium. Lord forgive my disrespect.

·         The second Passover was celebrated. Oh, the memories people must have had as they recollected all the events of the past year.

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 10:11 – 13:16

Bible in a Year Feb 12: Numbers 5:23 – 7:59

 Feb 12: Numbers 5:23 – 7:59

The Nazarite vow is interesting. There really is no detail explaining why someone would take such a vow other than to spend time dedicated to God. Additionally, there is no information about how long the vow would last -- at least long enough to grow one’s hair out long(er). Commentaries suggest that people entered into vows during military actions, while the Jews were exiled from Israel (much later in our reading), or when requesting answer to certain prayers (for health as an example).

There are really only three requirements during the vow – don’t ingest any kind of grape, don’t cut your hair, and don’t go anywhere near a dead body.  It’s suggested that the prohibition on grapes/wine ensures that the person will not be under the influence of any substance that might ‘possess his spirit’.  Uncut hair apparently symbolized strength and life, and actually relates to not pruning vines during Sabbath years. Being in the presence of a dead body was serious in the daily life of the Israelites and caused them to be unclean. It apparently was the most significant part of a Nazarite vow since it immediately ended and nullified the vow.

We know that parents could make the vow on the part of their children (e.g. Samson and Samuel), or people could make the vow for themselves – both men and women. To end a vow was really expensive – a person had to bring sacrifices to the priest for sin, fellowship, grain, and drink offerings.

Have you ever set yourself aside for a time in dedication to the Lord? What sacrifices did you make during that time? It brings to mind the sacrifices of the Lenten season, which is Feb 22 – Apr 8 this year. Without having to shave your head or sacrifice animals, what vow might you make to the Lord during that time?

As you go through your day, I pray Numbers 6:24-26 over you!

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 7:60 – 10:10

Bible in a Year Feb 11: Numbers 3:33 – 5:22

 

Feb 11: Numbers 3:33 – 5:22

I found the division of labor to be quite interesting. It must have been an amazing feat to move the tabernacle and all that was associated with it. Did you notice that most of the items from inside the tent were originally wrapped in blue fabric then covered with sea cow pelts, while the ark of the Testimony was covered first with the hides and only then covered by blue fabric? In my research I couldn’t find any good reason for this, other than to be sure the ark was clearly identified as separate so no one inadvertently looked upon it.

But of course the most shocking text today takes place near the end. I couldn’t stop at verse 22 and had to read on to the end of the chapter. Did this text bother you too?

I read several commentaries looking for more information. Most said this concoction of water, dust, and ink was probably not poison in any way and they suspected results were psychosomatic. Interesting that this was the direction they went as opposed to God causing the reaction because he knew the truth.

While the texts referred to Jewish traditions stating that there must be some cause for the husband to bring his wife to the priest, I can only imagine that some were just overly jealous or were angry at their wives and wanted to embarrass them and cause suffering. I was rather angry that there were no repercussions for false accusations and there seems to be no effort to deal with any man involved in the indiscretion. Plus, what did a wife do if she suspected her husband was unfaithful?

Commentaries indicated that the bottom line was the significance of remaining true to a covenant of marriage, just as the Israelite should remain true to their covenant with God. This text just bothered me because it seems rather unfair. But God didn’t ask me. I’ll chalk this up to one more discussion I can have when I get to Heaven.

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 5:23 – 7:59

Bible in a Year Feb 10: Numbers 1:42 – 3:32

 

Feb 10: Numbers 1:42 – 3:32

After reading how many men of fighting age were among the Israelites in yesterday’s text, I started wondering how much land it would take to house all these people! Of course I ran down a fascinating bunny trail, but thought maybe you would be interested too.

So there were 603,550 non-Levites who were 20 years or older AND were able to serve in the Army. So a very conservative estimate would be three times that many people were in the camp. Then you add 22,300 Levite males of all ages (let’s presume that’s half the Levite population), we get an estimated 1,855,250 people in the camp!

In today’s standards, a refugee camp states that 45 square meters per person is the desired space, but 35 square meters is acceptable in a pinch. Using that smaller amount, the campers would take up approximately 25 square miles! Not to mention the sheep, goats, and cattle.

That really helped me understand how critical it was for God to establish guidance for the camp. Some days these folks had to relocate after a few hours, others times they stayed in place for months. What crazy confusion there would be if everyone started fighting over the ‘best’ place to raise their tents!

As a total aside, I learned that most refugees end up living an average of 12 years in a refugee camp. Can you imagine? Look around you – what items do you have that you would definitely carry if you had to evacuate! How would you manage for 12 years without the amenities you have in your home?

TOMORROW’S TEXT:  Numbers 3:33 – 5:22

Bible in a Year Feb 9: Leviticus 26:14 – 27:34, Numbers 1: 1 – 41

 Feb 9: Leviticus 26:14 – 27:34, Numbers 1: 1 – 41

Wow – today’s reading starts off with a serious warning about what will happen if the Israelites don’t uphold their part of the covenant. There is no doubt that God is willing to punish them for disobedience (and if you’ve read the Old Testament before you know most of this prophecy comes true). AND YET, verses 26:40 – 45 show that God is ever gracious and will uphold his side of the covenant no matter what. What emotions did you feel when reading chapter 26?

Chapter 27 was a bit confusing to me, so I did some research. People could dedicate a person (or themselves) to the Lord, by either providing full time service to the priests and/or temple (like we’ll see Hannah do with Samuel in a few chapters) or they could dedicate them by paying a fee instead. The person was still considered holy because of the vow, but didn’t have to provide service. Land could be dedicated to the Lord, most often when there wasn’t a descendant to inherit it, in the same way. It was a bit disappointing to me to see that women were valued less than men, but since they were unclean for 7 days out of the month they weren’t able to serve full time. Apparently not many people were dedicated and redeemed – 50 shekels, even at the reduced sanctuary shekel weight, was a significant investment. 50 shekels would be close to $400 in USD. Might not seem like much to us but if you are living in the desert with no real job opportunities it was a significant amount.

Then we start the book of Numbers. Anyone who doubts that God is into the details or that he doesn’t’ know our names should look at this chapter – he even named the people who were to help Moses with the census. The Israelites had been in the desert for 14 months. Did you see which tribe had the  most men of fighting age?

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 1:42 – 3:32

Bible in a Year Feb 8: Leviticus 24:1 – 26:13

 Feb 8: Leviticus 24:1 – 26:13

Could you imagine everyone doing a Jubilee ‘shuffle’ back to their original home every fifty years? It would be a logistical nightmare. At least during that year you wouldn’t be responsible for planting, maintaining, or harvesting crops. Where would you be heading back to if this practice was still enforced? Then think back generations – where did your family own land 200 years ago? I found it interesting that God said no land could be sold permanently because it belongs to him (25:23). I guess this kind of a major shuffle would reinforce that. It is a reminder that in truth nothing we have really belongs to us – everything is God’s and he loans it to us for a while.

So much information on redemption here – it’s hard not to think about the way Christ redeemed our souls with his very life. The talk of slavery makes me cringe, but we have to remember this was written to people who lived in a very different culture than we do today. Doesn’t EVER excuse the buying and selling of humans, but in reading these passages we are asked not to be judgmental.

Again there is a lot of discussion on how to treat the poor. This is a regular feature of God’s regulations and something we are called to continue even now. How can you help someone in need today?

The passages end with an amazing promise to the Israelite people. Oh, that they would have upheld their part of the bargain! How does this promise apply to Christians?

Only one more day in Leviticus – we made it!

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Leviticus 26:14 – 27:34, Numbers 1: 1 – 41

Bible in a Year Feb 7: Leviticus 22:1 – 23: 44

 

Feb 7: Leviticus 22:1 – 23: 44

Chapter 22 has more regulations about how to deal with sacrifices that are made, and the chapter ends with what feels like a summary statement in verses 31-33, explaining why God provided these regulations – go back and reread them if you missed them the first time.

Did you notice that God, for the second time, reminds the Israelites not to harvest the edges of their fields. He has a special place in his heart for the poor.

Then it’s time to CELEBRATE! God establishes some major festivals for the Israelites to celebrate the Passover, the harvest, and more. One of the most holy days is the Day of Atonement, when the Jewish people still fast and atone for their sins of the prior year.

Why do you think God established so many festivals? We actively celebrate Christmas and Resurrection Day, but all other religious holidays get less attention. Many are mostly related to a specific religion. Lent is starting soon, but it seems to be primarily a Catholic holiday.

Should we still celebrate the Jewish holidays? What do we lose when we don’t celebrate?

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Leviticus 24:1 – 26:13

Bible in a Year Feb 6: Leviticus 18:19 – 21:24

 

Feb 6: Leviticus 18:19 – 21:24

Wow – today’s reading was harsh. Lots of death by burning or stoning for sin, but there are a few verses that offer the reasoning for this. V 18:24 says “Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled.” And V19:2b: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” All of the regulations and punishments mentioned are for the purpose of setting the Israelites apart from those cultures around them.

I struggle with the verses at the end of our reading, though, do you? Those people with disabilities or deformities weren’t allowed to present offerings. We know that God doesn’t make mistakes when he creates his people in the womb, so why do you think he established this rule?

What choices do you make to help you live a holy life? How can we as Christians separate ourselves from the sin in our culture?

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Leviticus 22:1 – 23: 44

Bible in a Year Feb 5: Leviticus 15:1 – 18:18

 

Feb 5: Leviticus 15:1 – 18:18

Ok, I don’t want to get into gross discussions on discharge, but apparently these verses are talking about diarrhea or other discharges that might influence items you sat on. Again it seems pretty intense to deal with, but infections would spread rampantly in this area.

As I read the preparations for the Day of Atonement, the one day Aaron or other high priests officially entered the presence of God, I was in awe of the amount of work that had to be done to ensure the priest was ‘clean’ enough to enter the Holy of Holies. This was only done one day per year and resulted in atonement for the entire community. It makes the perspective of ‘come as you are’ seem a bit lame, but I’m thankful for the approachability of the new covenant.

Did you ever feel sorry for the poor scapegoat who got sent out alone into the desert? I always imagined him dying of thirst and heat stroke. But I did a bit of research and it appears that goats can make it just fine in the desert! They can tolerate high temperatures and don’t need much water. They can forage for whatever they need and apparently can even live off of cactus plants!

Moving on, did it seem strange to you that the Israelites needed so many regulations about whom to have (or not have) sex with? These things are taboo in our current culture (probably because of these texts), but may not have been common in the time God gave these commands. I’m glad He made it clear.

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Leviticus 18:19 – 21:24

Bible in a Year Feb 4: Leviticus 13:40 – 14:57

 Feb 4: Leviticus 13:40 – 14:57

Ok, a bit of rather gross stuff today – oozing sores and mildew.

The sores described in verse 14:42 are very similar to the sores of leprosy. While leprosy isn’t highly contagious, it can be spread to people who are nearby for a decent length of time through coughs and sneezes. With so many people in a relatively tight space that could be a problem. But given the repercussions of going to the priest with such a sore makes me wonder if people were more likely to hide their infections as long as possible. Was there a group of people who had to live outside the camp, or was this a more limited issue? And can you imagine the difficulties a priest had dealing with the purification ritual with a live bird (check out Lev 14:3 – 7 if you haven’t yet)?

Then there is the  mildew issue. Which of us HASN’T had an issue with mildew in our homes? I wondered about the environment in the desert, though. Mildew in our area grows in humid environments, but I did some research and found that it can be prevalent in the desert, too. Some of these ‘cures’ may seem extreme, but homes in those days were small and didn’t necessarily have good ventilation. Mildew can cause respiratory problems and disease, so it was important to deal with it quickly and effectively. But I wonder how many of the Israelites actually had stone homes in these times – weren’t they still traveling in tents? Perhaps they didn’t have to deal with too many of these issues other than mildew on their clothes. The rules pertaining to homes must have been guidance for the future (which might have given them hope of living in an actual home sometime soon).

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Leviticus 15:1 – 18:18

Bible in a Year Feb 3: Leviticus 11:9 – 13:39

 

Feb 3:  Leviticus 11:9 – 13:39

Ok, the reading is getting a little more tedious today. But there are still some interesting things to note:

1. Several theories have been put forth about the food restrictions listed here, but none is really clear. Some credence is given to not eating animals that eat garbage or dead animals, but not all restrictions are consistent with this. Others say that animals that are suitable for sacrifice to God are suitable as food, but again there are some inconsistencies. Suffice it to say that God knew what was best for his people!

2. Uncleanness after childbirth also afforded a woman time to rest and bond with her child. Some say that the ‘sin’ offering to be given was really more of a purification offering – it was never defined as a sin to have a child. I imagine there were times when a woman was glad to have a girl so she had a bit more time to recuperate!

3. LOTS of talk about skin diseases! In such an environment as the Israelites were living, it was important that an outbreak not occur. The IVP Background Commentary states that the word ‘white’ relating to sores is not clearly stated in the original text and refers more to scaly or flaking skin.

I’m not sure I would have enjoyed the priest’s role in examining raw, oozy sores!

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Leviticus 13:40 – 14:57

Bible in a Year Feb 2: Leviticus 8:1 – 11:8

 

Feb 2: Leviticus 8:1 – 11:8

It is hard for me to comprehend the seriousness of today’s passages. In our pretty informal Christian churches we don’t see much pomp and circumstance as was seen with these original priests. But we don’t live in the world in which they lived.

The Israelites had been camping in the desert for at least three months at this time and had very little religious leadership beyond Moses, who was often gone. Before this time God had not established much in the way of specific guidance to individuals who lived in a culture that worshipped more than 2000 gods, and each had established rituals for worship! (https://www.worldhistory.org/article/885/egyptian-gods---the-complete-list/) Now the one true God was establishing HIS protocols for holiness to establish a clear delineation between truth and current culture.

What a ritual it was to establish priesthood! It took a full eight days with many sacrifices, lots of splattered blood, and very clear instructions. Aaron and his four sons were required to sit at the entrance to the tabernacle for seven full days as they participated. Did you notice that this time Moses did most of the sacrificing? And I know this is a silly thought, but every time I read this story I have to wonder what they did when they had to go to the bathroom!

Then, in their enthusiasm to worship, Nadab and Abihu really mess up. We don’t know if they were following their own ideas, being lazy and not doing all they were told, or something else, but they broke the serious rule not offer incense on the altar. This was God’s opportunity to prove that he meant what he said – these rules were serious and holiness was expected of the priests. This may seem excessively harsh to us, but it’s important to remember that God knows our hearts and intentions and regardless of our own ideas he is in charge.

Do you think we have lost a bit of reverence for God in our informality?

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Leviticus 11:9 – 13:39

Bible in a Year Feb 1: Leviticus 5 - 7

  Feb 1: Leviticus 5 - 7

It is really difficult for us to understand all the implications of the various sacrifices that were offered. However it is obvious that God is really into the details. Sacrifices were common in the pagan world at this time, and I imagine the regulations related to the placement of blood on the altar and the requirement not to drink/eat the blood of animals was different from the typical sacrifices occurring in other parts of the world at that time.

There were so many different rules related to how things were slaughtered, who could do it, where it occurred, and what happened to the remains that I imagine it took a while for the priests to learn and remember it all. We don’t see any mistakes or repercussions early in this process, so I’m presuming God gave them a bit of time to learn. Or maybe the priests were able to make their own sacrifices for times they made inadvertent mistakes.

The one thing that keeps popping into my head as I read this is the limited number of priests (Aaron and his sons) and the vast number of people who might be making sacrifices. I imagine there were days when the priests were sick of meat!

I know we are no longer under these laws, but I often wonder if we have lost something by being able ask for forgiveness, maybe even flippantly, without experiencing the true guilt and sense of repentance one would have felt as they had to kill a perfect animal as a result of sin. I definitely wouldn’t want to go back to the days of sacrifices, but I also don’t want to minimize the impact of my failure to please God.

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Leviticus 8:1 – 11:8