Search The Scriptures —Study 5 — Numbers 8:1– 9:14. Observance of the Passover

Study 5 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 8:1– 9:14. 

1. Chapter 8 is a re-assertion of the ‘separatedness’ of the Levites. How was this made clear to Israel? What is a wave offering? Cf. Lv. 10:15; 23:20; a probable meaning is “contribution”. What was the relationship of the Levites to God, priests and people respectively?
2. 9:1-14. How is the importance of the Passover shown here? Cf. Ex. 12:24-27. What are we to learn from this?
3. What do we see here of Moses’ way of exercising leadership? How did the deal with practical problems when individuals brought them to him?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 4 — Numbers 6:22-7:89. Dedication of the Tabernacle

Study 4 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 6:22-7:89.

1. What did it mean for Aaron and his sons to ‘put’ God’s name upon the people of Israel? How did the blessing effect this? See Dt. 28:9, 10: Dn. 9:18, 19; and cf. 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 13:14.
2. Notice how often the words ‘offering’ or ‘dedication offering’ are used in chapter 7. The solemnity is emphasized by repetition. In what way is 7:89 a fitting climax to this ‘build-up? What did it all mean to Israel? Do we ‘offer’ to God in this atmosphere of reverence? What similar climax may we expect when we thus approach God> Cf. Heb. 3:7; 4:16

Note. 6:26. ‘Peace’ (Heb. Shalom) does not mean simply ‘cessation of hostility’. It indicates ‘completeness’, ‘perfection’ or well-being’.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 3 — Numbers 5:1-6:21. Civil and religious laws

Study 3 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 5:1-6:21

Many of the civil and religious laws of Israel and the rites connected with them are hard for us to understand.  They may seem strangely abhorrent, sometimes inhumane or quasi-magical in character.  It is important to bear in mind (a) the authority of the priest in every sphere  of Israel’s life, including that of cleanliness and hygiene, which were as much a part of ‘religious’ ceremony as the worship in the Tabernacle ; (b)  the background of religious rites common to the whole of the ancient Near East and used by Israel, thought transformed both by her faith in the one true God, and in order to make them usable in His worship; and (c) the need that this new, God-chosen nation should be constantly reminded of the holiness and moral demands of her God.

1. What sort of people were to be ‘put out’ of the camp, and why? Cf. Lv. 13: 46; 15:31. What interests of humanitarian justice are satisfied in the commands of 5:11-31? These seem like purely magical rites, but note verses 16, 18, 21 and 30.
2. How did the Nazirites’s separation to God find expression? What was the point of it all, since it was apparently not and act of service which could be offered to God as acceptable in an of itself apart from the regular offerings of the Tabernacle? See 6:14-16; and cf. Lv. 1-7 for details. How far is there a similar challenge to consecration confronting the believer in Christ? Heb. 9: 10-14; Rom. 12:1, 2.

Note. 6:2.     A ‘Nazirite’ was a man who desired for a period to set himself apart for God in an unusual way. The Hebrew root, nazir, expresses the idea of separation or consecration.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — Numbers 3 and 4. Work of the Levites

Study 2 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 3 and 4

For background details concerning the tribe of Levi, see Ex. 6:16-25; 32: 25-29; Lv. 10.

1. How was the work assigned to the Levites divided between the three ‘families’ of the tribe? How, if at all, might the command ‘each to his task’ (4:49) apply to Christians? Do these two chapters throw any light on the possible implications of such a command? See especially 3:5-10, 25, 31, 36, 45; 4:46-49.
2. Whom did the Levites represent? Why did the first-born belong to God? What does ‘redemption’ mean in this context? Is there a New Testament counterpart which involves us?
3. How does 4:1-20 bring out the ‘frighteningly’ sacred character of the Tabernacle? Cf.1:51b, 53; 2 Sa. 6:6-11; Rev. 4:8. What truths does this illustrate and enforce?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — Numbers 1 and 2. Numbering and order of the Tribes

Study 1 From The Book of Numbers is: Numbers 1 and 2

1. Israel’s immediate future was to be characterized by war and worship. How is this shown in chapter 1? Can the two be separated in the daily life of the Christian? Cf. 2 Cor. 10:3-6; Eph. 6:10-13.
2. What point is there in the detailed ordering of the tribes as given in chapter 2? What are the central and governing interests? Cf. 1 Cor. 12:7, 11, 12; 14:40

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Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — Book of Numbers

Study 0 From The Book of Numbers is: The Introduction of the Book

In the book of Numbers, the narrative of Israel’s journey from Egypt, interrupted at the foot of Sinai (Ex. 19) for the giving of the law, is resumed. The history, however, is throughout the book alternated with further laws and enactments.  The book is a story of failure.  The people are brought to the edge of the promised land, but owning to unbelief and disobedience are prevented from entering it.  Then follows the long forty years of wandering in the wilderness, passed over almost in silence, except for one or two incidents. Finally, the people come again to Kadesh-Barnea, the whole generation that came out of Egypt as adults being dead, with three exceptions.  Their first conquests are recounted, and their destiny foretold in the mysterious prophecies of Balaam.

Search The Scriptures —Study 21 — Hebrews a Revision of the Book

Study 21 From The Book of Hebrews Is: Revision of the book of Hebrews 

With the revision of the book of Hebrews we end the study today and will delve into the book of Numbers tomorrow.

1.      Review the doctrinal teaching of this Epistle.  See the Introduction and Analysis.  List the ways in which what is ours under the new covenant is better than the things which the Israelites enjoyed under the old covenant.  What do we have to do to gain full possession of these benefits? Why is rejection of them so serious?

2.     Consider the positive exhortations to be found in the following passages: 2:1; 4:1, 11, 14, 16; 6:1; 10:22-24; 12:1, 28; 13:17, 22.  Which of these exhortations do I particularly need to heed, and to act upon?

ANALYSIS:

1.      1: 1-2:18   Christ the perfect Revealer, better than angels (a) as the Son of God (1:5-14); and (b) as the Son of man (2:15-18).

2.     3:1 – 10:18 Christ the perfect Redeemer, better than Moses (3:1-6) and better than Aaron (a) in His Person and character (4:14-5:10); (b) in the ‘order’ of His Priesthood (7:1-25); and (c) in His ministry (8:1-9:12) and in His offering (9:13 – 10:18).

3.     10: 19-12:29 Practical teaching.

4.     13:1-25 Final counsels and greetings.

Within this outline are contained five passages of solemn warning:

1.      2:1-4          Against the danger of drifting.

2.     3:7-4:13     Against the danger of missing God’s promised rest.

3.     5:11-6:20   Against the danger of losing salvation.

4.     10:26-39    Against the danger of drawing back.

5.     12: 25-29   Against the danger of refusing to hear God’s final word.