Search The Scriptures —Study 24 — Numbers 32. Inheritance of the two and a half tribes

Study 23 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 32. Inheritance of the two and a

half tribes

1.      What was wrong with the request of Reuben and Gad? What was the result which Moses feared might arise from it, and on what conditions only could it be granted? Why is this event particularly significant for Israel as it arrives in the promised land, and begins to form itself into a tribal confederacy? How will its future life as a ‘nation’ differ from all that it has been up to now?

2.     What great principle with regard to sin and its consequences is expressed in verse 23? Can you think of instances in Scripture which illustrate its working? Cf. Gal. 6:7-8.

Note.  Verses 1-5.  The tribes of Reuben and Gad understandably thought that the land of Jazer and Gilead would suit their large herds of cattle.  But, their self-willed choice brought their descendants into constant trouble in later times.  The territory lacked natural frontiers and was somewhat isolated and exposed to attack.  Often in later centuries the other tribes had to come to their rescue.  Cf. 1 Sa. 11; 1 Ki. 22:3.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 23 — Numbers 31. Conquest of the Midianites

Study 23 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 31. Conquest of the Midianites

1.      This is another difficult passage unless you bear in mind (a) that it records only the bare outline of an event far greater in scope; (b) that it is recorded from a particular standpoint (the Midianite account was probably quite different from this one); and (c) that its message concerns a God of love who must purge of evil everything that is His.  What are the forms of purging found in this account? In what directions ought a Christian to act with comparable severity? Cf. Col. 3:5-11.

2.     What does the chapter teach about sharing and giving? On what grounds were portions given to the priests and Levites?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 22 — Numbers 30

    

Study 22 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 30

1.      How does this chapter show our responsibility in speech? Cf. Mt. 5:33-37; 12:36

2.     Do you think the woman’s relationship to father and husband should be viewed as merely local Israelite custom, or is there an implied principle which hold in the twentieth century too?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 21 — Numbers 28 and 29. Reviews of Israel’s Sacrifices

Study 21 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 28 and 29. Reviews of Israel’s

Sacrifices

1.      Distinguish between the daily sacrifice throughout the year offered every morning and evening (28: 3-8) and the additional sacrifices: (a) on the Sabbath (28:9, 10); (b) at the new moon each month (28:11-15); (c) throughout the feast of unleavened bread and at the 

Passover itself (28:17-25, see Note below); (d) at the Feast of Weeks (28:26-31); (e) at the blowing of trumpets (29:1-6); (f) on the Day of Atonement (29:7-11); (g) at the Feast of Tabernacles (29:12-38).

2.     It was easy for these sacrifices to become mere ritual-so much so that later prophets strongly condemned their misuse. Am. 5:21-24 and Is. 1:11-18 give a clue as to the purpose of these offerings and to God’s real requirements in and through them. Cf. Also Heb. 10:1-18.

Note. 28:24. The meaning is the sacrifices prescribed above in verses 19-22 are to be offered daily throughout the feast.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 20 — Numbers 27 and 36. Laws of inheritance

Study 20 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 27 and 36. Laws of inheritance 

1. What was the principle lying behind the request of the daughters of Zelophehad, and to what did the request lead? What was the importance of all this?
2. What was Moses’s overriding concern before his death? How was Joshua’s commission different from that of Moses? Was it inferior?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 19 — Numbers 25 and 26

Study 19 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 25 and 26

1.      Chapter 25. Why was God’s anger so fierce against the sins of His people? Cf. 1 Cor. 10: 6-12. In this situation what two complementary concerns stirred Phinehas to action? Who likewise was moved to action on our account by similar concerns?

2.     Chapter 26.  Compare the numbering in chapter 1. This is a new generation.  See verses 64, 65.  Notice which tribes had increased and which decreased.  What explains the survival of Caleb and Joshua?

Note.  25:1-5. Nu. 31:16 and Rev. 2:14 reveal that these developments were due to Balaam’s activities. The Israelites were seduced into idolatry and immorality.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 18 — Numbers 23 and 24 (second study)

Study 18 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 23 and 24 (second study)

1.      What can we learn from Balaam about the demands of being a spokesman for God, and a steward or minister of His Word? Note carefully the answers which Balaam gives to Balak’s suggestions. Cf. 1 Cor. 9:16, 17.

2.     23:19. What is here said to make God’s words different in character from those of men.?  When God gives us His word, of what else can we be sure? Cf. 1 Thes. 5:24.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 17 — Numbers 23 and 24 (first study)

Study 17 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 23 and 24 (first study)

1.      Two studies are to be given to these chapters. On this occasion concentrate attention on Balaam’s oracles. Make a list of the statements in them which indicate God’s special purpose for, and care of, the people of Israel.

2.     Seek to appreciate the full significance of each one of these statements.  What were the grounds of Balaam’s assurance of Israel’s victory and success? What similar grounds have we for thankfulness and wonder? Cf., e.g., 1 Pet. 2:9, 10.

Note. 23:10. ‘The righteous’: the word is plural, and refers here to the Israelites.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 16 — Numbers 22. The story of Balaam

Study 16 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 22. The story of Balaam

This is a difficult story.  Before tackling it, it will probably be helpful to read 2 Pet. 2:15, 16; Jude 11; Nu. 31:16 and Rev. 2:14, which give a clue as to Balaam’s true character and motives.

1.      Balaam’s influence and relationship to God are interesting.  Think about them.  Consider also Moab’s fear in the face of Israel’s advance. What does this show concerning the ways in which God works?

2.     What was the ‘chink’ in Balaam’s armour? Why did his ‘guidance’ seems all confused after that? Contrast verse 12 with verse 20, 22, 32, 35.  What ought we to learn from his failure? Do you think, 10 Rom. 14:22b, 23 and 1 Tim. 6:9, 10 give us a similar warning?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 15 — Numbers 21. Conquest of the Amorite kings

Study 15 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 21. Conquest of the Amorite kings

1.      Israel’s reaction to adversity gets a little monotonous (verse 5), and it is easy to say, ‘why cannot they learn to trust God?’  But are not we often as unbelieving? Notice how Jesus uses this story (verses 6-9) as a ‘type’ in Jn. 3:14, 15. What parallels are there in the condition of the afflicted and in the means of salvation in each case? Why a serpent on the pole? Cf. 2 Cor. 5:21.

2.     It is worth tracing Israel’s journey on a map from 20:1 onwards. Notice how circuitous it was.  What evidence is there, as against 20:2, 3 and 21:4, 5, that Israel was learning trust and obedience through discipline? What discipline? Cf. Dt. 8:2.

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