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
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