TAKE TIME: Reading Assignment for July 1-6, 2013

Introduction: The two different censuses have been completed now because one generation has passed off the scene and another one has taken their parents' place. Now Moses will deal at the end of Numbers with a few special circumstances concerning the inheritance of Canaan. After we finish reading this book we will begin the last one of Moses, Deuteronomy. The purpose of this last book of the Pentateuch was to instruct the second generation about the covenant between themselves and God. It begins with a review of some of the great things that God has done for the Israelites since they left Egypt.


Reading Assignment:

• Monday - Numbers chapter 35
• Tuesday - Numbers chapter 36
• Wednesday - Deuteronomy chapter 1
• Thursday - Deuteronomy 2:1-3:11
• Friday - Deuteronomy 3:12-4:24
• Saturday - Deuteronomy 4:25-49

Memory Verse

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Deuteronomy 4:39


Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - This week take time each day to praise God for His leadership in your life.
• Confession - Repent of times you did not want to follow and perhaps even wandered off in your own direction.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God that He allows you to get back onto the right path whenever you stray. 
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action
The book of Deuteronomy begins as a book of review. We have now been reading together for 1/2 a year. (This is the 26th week.) This would be a good week to review some of the suggestions made in previous weeks and pick one to do!

Sunday Psalm: Receiving an Inheritance from the LORD

Psalm 2

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.  8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Psalms 2:1-12 (KJV)

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Journal Through the Bible: Week 25 Saturday

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Numbers 33:50-34:29

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God commanded that when the Israelites crossed over Jordan into their inheritance they would drive out the inhabitants and destroy all of the idolatrous icons.
• God commanded the land to be divided by portions dependent upon population and then settled by lots drawn.
• God told Moses the borders of the land based upon standard compass directions and geographical landmarks.
• God commanded that the priest, Eleazar, and Joshua be the two men entrusted with the job of dividing the land. (They had both already passed God's test proving themselves to be faithful men.) There was to be one man from each tribe to help them. (God named them by name also.)

Does God make any promises?

• God told them that if they would not drive out the inhabitants of the land those who remained would cause them problems by enticing them to sin. God also promised direct punishment for such idolatry.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Once again we see Moses, the man who would not be allowed to partake of the Promised Land in his natural life, doing God's will and not his own even up until the time of his death. Jesus did the same thing when He was on earth. He did not partake of the glorious promise on earth but had to wait until after His death to obtain the joy that was set before him (see Hebrews 12:2). Likewise, Moses DID set his feet onto the Promised Land, but it was many years after his death. Moses and Elijah met Jesus and a few chosen disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• God will eventually see that Israel inherits all of the land that He promised them and that they will keep it.
• God will also make sure that each of His children receives the inheritance that He has specifically chosen for each one of them, too.

Read Through the Bible in 2013: July 1-6

Take Ten

7/1/2013	I Kings 20:1-21:16	Hebrews 1
7/2/2013	I Kings 21:17-chapter 22	Hebrews 2, 3
7/3/2013	II Kings 1-3	Hebrews 4
7/4/2013	II Kings 4, 5	Hebrews 5
7/5/2013	II Kings 6-8	Hebrews 6, 7
7/6/2013	Obadiah	Hebrews 8

For further information concerning the Old Testament books of II Kings and Obadiah click here.

For information about the New Testament book of Hebrews click here.  (Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the post.)

Journal Through the Bible: Week 25 Friday

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Numbers 33:1-49

This passage is a journal of the travels of the Children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan over the previous 40 years. Think of it as their itinerary. The travels up through verse 15 comprised the journeys of just a few weeks. Then they encamped at Sinai for about a year. Verses 16 and 17 are the travels from Sinai to Canaan which did not take very long at all. Then verses 18 through 36 tell of the territory the circled for the next approximately 39 years while they waited for the rebellious generation to die in the desert. Finally, verses 37 through 49 tell of the time when the people begin the eastern campaign. This included the time of Aaron's death. (Although we will not read of Moses' death until almost the end of the book of Deuteronomy he died in the same year as his brother.)

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God had evidently commanded Moses to keep a log of their journey from Egypt to Canaan.

Does God make any promises?

• None.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• None.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• None.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 25 Thursday

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Numbers chapter 32

The tribes of Reuben and Gad saw the pastureland that they had just conquered and requested permission to settle there on the east side of the Jordan River. Moses' fear was that these tribes would discourage the hearts of the other tribes from going across and taking possession of the land on the west side like the original spies had done almost 40 years earlier. The men replied that they would not only settle their families and livestock onto the east bank but that they would then lead the charge on the west bank to help the other tribes to settle onto the land promised to them by God.

Does God issue any commands?

• Not explicitly, but the inference in verses 20-25 is that the men of Reuben and Gad were commanded to keep their vow of helping the others obtain their inheritance.
• Based upon the agreement, God commanded via Moses to give the tribes of Reuben and Gad possessions in Gilead. He also included half the tribe of Manasseh in that eastern inheritance.

Does God make any promises?

• One of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was now being fulfilled by the tribes settling into the land of the Canaanites on the east side of the Jordan River.
• Through Moses, God promised that if the tribe of Reuben and Gad would keep their vow of helping the other tribes obtain their inheritance they could settle peacefully onto the land they wanted on the east bank, but if they did not fulfill their vow they would be punished. (This is where the often quoted verse, "Be sure your sin will find you out" is found and what it is about.)

Does it teach anything about Jesus?

• The tribes that settled on the eastern side of the Jordan were a picture of Jesus who was the first to receive the promised possession once He had put away our sin knowing that He would then be able to help His brethren (those who believe on Him) to obtain their inheritance also.

Does it teach anything about yet-future events?

• The vow of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh to help their brethren obtain an identical inheritance reminds us that someday we will obtain our promised inheritance also because Jesus, our Brother, has promised that He has prepared a place for us (John chapter 14) and through Him we can have an inheritance with Him in Heaven and on the New Earth.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 25 Wednesday

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Numbers chapter 31

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• God commanded Moses to lead the army of Israelites against the Midianites before his death. Every tribe sent 1,000 men armed for war. They killed the kings of Midian and Balaam the son of Beor that caused the Israelites to sin.
• The warriors, their captives, and the spoils had to be purified through fire and water.
• Spoils were to be divided between those who went to war and the rest of the congregation. Then a tribute was made to God by offering to the tabernacle: 1/500 from the men of war and 1/50 from the rest of the congregation.

Does God make any promises?

• No, but He kept a prior promise to them to fight their battles for them. Not one Israelite killed in the battle. (The men were so grateful that they brought gold and jewels as a memorial offering.)

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• It isn't mentioned in this chapter, but it was stated in previous readings that the Angel of the LORD would go before them into battle. This Angel is believed to be Jesus.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• The future principle is that right now this earth is populated by the enemies of the LORD. Someday Jesus will lead His army into battle and redeem the earth. This will usher in the New Earth that only God's people will inherit.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 25 Tuesday

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Numbers chapter 30

This is a continuation of the lessons the younger generation of Israelites needed to learn.

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• Moses told them the ordinances for making vows. He stated that this was something previously commanded by God. (And it was. It was give to the previous generation.) Vows and oaths could be negated by a woman's husband or a minor daughter's father without penalty.

Does God make any promises?

• He promised that a person who resided under another person's authority would be released without penalty from any oaths or vows sworn.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The laws concerning vows and oaths teaches the lordship issue. Without thinking things through to their conclusion we bind ourselves by oaths that enslave us to sin. Jesus, as our Lord, sets our souls free from the oaths that bind us to sin. Sometimes we do not even realize that the things we promise are wrong or possibly harmful, but the omniscient Jesus knows and releases us from those oaths. As His children, we are under the authority of Jesus and He alone will either allow us to carry out our vows or will negate them altogether.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• None that I identified.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 25 Monday

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Numbers chapter 29

This is a continuation from the previous chapter. God commanded Moses to give instructions to the younger generation for the required offerings and feasts.

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• The command to tell these things to this generation was given in the first verse of the previous chapter.
•  Moses was commanded to teach them about the Feast of Trumpets which was to take place on the first day of the seventh month with a holy convocation and no work. Burnt offerings of one young bull, one ram, and seven lambs, plus the meat offering and the sin offering of a goat were to made over and above the usual sacrifices that were made on the first day of each month and those continual offerings given each day.
• The tenth day of the seventh month was to be the Feast of Atonement. There was to be a holy convocation and no servile work done except a repeat of the burnt offerings, meat offering, and sin offering like what was offered on the day of the Feast of Trumpets and over and above the daily burnt offerings, meat offerings, and drink offerings.
• The fifteenth day of the seventh month was to be the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles which lasted for 7 days. Many animals were sacrificed during this time. Day 1: 13 bulls, 2 rams, 14 lambs, with their meat and drink offerings for the burnt offerings, 1 goat kid for the sin offering, and the usual daily offerings. Day 2: 12 bulls, 2 rams, 14 lambs, with their meat and drink offerings for the burnt offerings, 1 goat kid for the sin offering, and the usual daily offerings. Day 3: 11 bulls, 2 rams, 14 lambs, with their meat and drink offerings, 1 goat for the sin offering, and the continual daily offerings. Day 4: 10 bulls, 2 rams, 14 lambs, with their meat and drink offerings, 1 goat kid for a sin offering, and the continual daily offerings. Day 5: 9 bulls, 2 rams, 14 lambs, with their meat and drink offerings, 1 goat for the sin offering, and the continual daily offerings. Day 6: 8 bulls, 2 rams, 14 lambs, with their meat and drink offerings, 1 goat for a sin offering, and the continual daily offerings. Day 7: 7 bulls, 2 rams, 14 lambs, with their meat and drink offerings, 1 goat for a sin offering, and the usual daily offerings. Day 8: they were to have a worship service and no work was to be done except to sacrifice 1 bull, 1 ram, 7 lambs with their meat and drink offerings, 1 goat for the sin offering, and the daily continual offerings.
• Besides these feasts and offerings there were vow offerings, free will offerings, and peace offerings

Does God make any promises?

• The implied promise for obedience done with a repentant heart was acceptance.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• All of these feasts and offerings teach about the propitiatory work of Jesus on the cross. The fact that the offerings were constant shows that man is constantly a sinner. He cannot do good. All his righteousness is as filthy rags. But Jesus is the constant atonement. His sacrifice was made once but it was sufficient to last throughout eternity for those who will repent and accept it. There was much blood shed in these sacrifices but it was only a picture of the redemptive work of Christ.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Only in a negative way. There will be no sacrificing of animals throughout eternity like is stated here, although there will probably be sacrifices before Jesus sets up His earthly kingdom because prior to that time many will not yet believe upon the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. The perfect atoning sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient and God will not require a daily sacrifice before His altar in the eternal State. Jesus is our sacrifice and He is our altar. Sin was laid upon Him. Hebrews 9:28 says that when Jesus was on the earth the first time He carried the sins of the believers but when He comes the second time He will not have any sins upon Him, nor will we have sins attributed to us either because Jesus atoned for them. God says that when they were forgiven He put them as far away from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). So in the future, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world will appear without sin and those who are His children will also fully enjoy being forgiven and without sin. There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12) and that includes the the above-named animals, too.

TAKE TIME: Reading Assignment for June 24-29, 2013

Introduction: Moses was preparing to meet the LORD on Mount Abarim but first he had to leave instructions for the generation that had matured in the wilderness over the 39 years of wanderings and also to recount the travels of the Israelites. (Don't worry! We will need to complete the book of Numbers and most of Deuteronomy before we read about his death.) The scriptures that we will read were probably written over the period of about a month and it will take us at least that long to read the end of Numbers and all of Deuteronomy. Prior to his death Moses was privileged to see some of the tribes settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River. We will read about some of that this week.


Reading Assignment:

• Monday - Numbers chapter 29
• Tuesday - Numbers chapter 30
• Wednesday - Numbers chapter 31
• Thursday - Numbers chapter 32
• Friday - Numbers 33:1-49
• Saturday - Numbers 33:50-34:29

Memory Verse

None this week. Review previous memory verses.


Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - This week take time each day to praise God for keeping His promises.
• Confession - Sometimes we do not receive the promises of God as quickly as we want them so we complain. Confess the sins of impatience, unbelief, and grumbling.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God that there is a Land that will someday be inherited by His people. 
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action

There were only 2 people from the older generation that were allowed to live long enough to possess the inheritance promised by God and they were Caleb and Joshua. One of the treasures of any city, church, or family is their older generations. If your area has elderly veterans or citizens that witnessed important historical events make an effort to record their stories for future posterity. Or if you have older relatives or church members record their memories. If the elderly person is shy or not talkative there are questions found on websites or in books to help unlock a person's memories or to provide suggested topics. Some libraries have ongoing World War 2 veteran memory projects and are repositories of recordings, photos, and other memorabilia so you might want to contact your local library if you need help.

Sunday Psalm: Protect Your People from Evil Men

Psalm 140

1 Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; 2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. 3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah. 4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. 5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah. 6 I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. 7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. 9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. 10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again. 11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him. 12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Psalms 140:1-13 (KJV)


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Journal Through the Bible: Week 24 Saturday

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Numbers chapter 28

The older generation that had been schooled around Mount Sinai almost 39 years earlier had died and their children needed to be taught the lessons of holiness that had been so despised by their parents.

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• God told Moses to command this new generation about the daily offerings. These were to be two lambs that were younger than a year old and without spot or blemish for burnt offerings. One would be offered in the morning and one in the evening. They were also to offer the meat offering of flour mixed with oil in the morning and a drink offering of wine.
• God commanded that there be additional offerings of lambs for a burnt offering, as well as meat and drink offerings made each Sabbath.
• God commanded at the beginning of each month there be burnt offerings made of two young bulls, one ram, and seven young lambs without spots or blemishes, meat offerings and drink offerings with each sacrifice. There would also be a goat for a sin offering each sacrificed each month.
• God told them to observe the Passover on the 14th day of the 1st month each year to be followed on the 15th day of that month with the Feast of Unleavened Bread which would observed for 7 days. The first day of the Feast would be a sabbath rest and sacrifices would be made of burnt offerings and meat offerings. No work would be done on the 7th day either.
• God commanded the new generation to observe the day of Firstfruits with their meat offerings and burnt offerings.

Does God make any promises?

• None, but the implication is that obedience would bring blessings.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• As mentioned previously when the sacrifices and feasts were introduced in Leviticus, they all teach of Jesus. (See Hebrews chapter 9.)

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• None, but since the sacrifice of the blood of bulls and goats cannot wash away sins but the blood of Jesus does, those who repent and accept His sacrifice for their sins means that when we see Jesus He will appear without our sins but with our salvation provided (see Hebrews 9:28).

Read Through the Bible in 2013: June 24-29

(This post was edited to correct the erroneous omission of II Timothy chapter 4 from the schedule.)

Take Ten

6/24/2013	Ecclesiastes 9, 10	Philippians 1
6/25/2013	Ecclesiastes 11, 12	Philippians 2
6/26/2013	I Kings 12, 13	Philippians 3
6/27/2013	I Kings 14, 15	Philippians 4
6/28/2013	I Kings 16, 17	II Timothy 1, 2
6/29/2013	I Kings 18, 19	II Timothy 3,4

For background discussion on the New Testament book of Philippians click this link.

For background discussion on the New Testament book of II Timothy click here. (Scroll down when you get there!)

We also return to the book of I Kings which is being used as the historical framework for the history of the kingdom years.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 24 Friday

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Numbers 26:52-27:23

The life of Moses was coming to an end. He had been shepherding God's chosen people for almost 40 years. The time had come to pass the shepherd's staff, or in Moses' case his rod, over to the new shepherd chosen by God to care for His flock.

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God commanded that the land of inheritance be divided according to the numbers from the census that had just been taken. Large tribes would receive larger portions than the smaller tribes. The land was to be divided by lots that were drawn. The tribe of Levi was not to receive an inheritance.
• The older generation was not to have an inheritance either except for Caleb and Joshua, the two spies who did not rebel against God. They were the only two of the older generation that were allowed to inherit in the land. Everyone else died in the wilderness over the 39 years of wandering.
• God listened to the request of the daughters of Zelophehad and granted that daughters of men who had no sons would inherit their father's portion to keep his name alive in Israel. God further explained that the possession could be inherited by a person's near relation, perhaps a brother, if he died childless.
• God told Moses to go up onto Mount Abarim to see the Promised Land, a land he would not be allowed to possess because of his sin at the waters of Meribah.
• God commanded Moses and Eleazar, the high priest, to ordain Joshua before the congregation as their leader and shepherd.

Does God make any promises?

• God promised that the Holy Spirit was upon Joshua and that he would be the shepherd of the people.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Joshua is a type of Christ. His name means "savior" just as Jesus' name means "savior." Joshua was chosen to lead God's people into their possession. Jesus is the Chosen to lead God's people into their possession. 
• Moses asks God specifically to appoint a shepherd for the people: to go out before them, go in before them, lead them out and bring them in. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and all who follow Him are His sheep. He goes before us (the firstborn of the resurrection). He goes in before us (He is at the right hand of God right now making intercession for us until such a time as He presents us to the Father). He leads us out (specifically, out of sin). And He leads us in (He leads us into a relationship with God the Father and He will ultimately lead us Home to our Father either through death or through His coming for those who are alive and remain until that day).

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• The New Testament teaches that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, when it comes to salvation. (See Galatians 3:28, 29) This would also mean that in matters of eternity, a person's gender or nationality will not deter anyone from receiving their inheritance in God's Kingdom.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 24 Thursday

Numbers 26:1-51

Time for the second census. Read the names. All these names are proof that God keeps His promises.

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God told Moses and Eleazar to take a census of all the people from the age of 20 years and upward who were able to go to war.

Does God make any promises?

• None. But the names prove that God kept His promise to Abraham to make him a great nation.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• None that I found.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• None that I found.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 24 Wednesday

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Numbers 24:14-25:18

Before he returned home, Balaam offered one final prophecy.  He told of the future of many nations and of Israel for some time to come. He even prophesied about the Messiah.

Evidently before he left the king of Moab, Balaam offered him some advice. Since Balaam could not actually curse the people of Israel he pointed out their weakness and sinfulness. This led to the seduction of the Israelites by the Moabites.

God punished the Israelites with a plague. The action of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, stopped it.



Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God commanded the killing of all who were seduced by the people of Moab to illicit relationships with the people and worship of their idols.
• God told Moses to fight against the Midianites and Moabites that seduced them to sinful behavior.

Does God make any promises?

• God gave Phinehas, the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron, a covenant of peace which included an everlasting priesthood.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• 24:17 - The Star out of Jacob, a Sceptre ... out of Israel all are descriptive and prophetic of Jesus.
• 24:19 - He that shall have dominion is descriptive and prophetic of Jesus.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Balaam prophesied the One that shall have dominion. I took it to mean eternal dominion.
• Phinehas was granted an everlasting priesthood. I am not sure what all that means for eternity but I know that everlasting means just that!

Journal Through the Bible: Week 24 Tuesday

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Numbers 22:41-24:13

Today we read about three times that Balak sought to have Balaam pronounce a curse upon the Hebrews that were encamped near the border of his country. The first two times Balaam used enchantments and the third time he did not but each time 7 sacrifices were made and each time God appeared to Balaam and put words of blessing in his mouth.

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• After Balaam and Balak, king of Moab, offer their first 7 burnt offerings God commands Balaam to tell a prophecy of the Children of Israel to Balak that pronounces a blessing upon the Hebrews and not the curse that Balak wanted. In fact, Balaam said that he wanted to die the death of the righteous and he wanted his last end to be like Israel's.
• After Balaam and Balak offer their second 7 burnt offerings the LORD puts words in Balaam's mouth and sends him back to Balak. 

Does God make any promises in this passage?

• The words that God puts into Balaam's mouth as a blessing upon Israel are full of promise both in that time and in times yet to come.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• The LORD met Balaam each time that Balaam offered burnt offerings to Him. This is probably the same person who was designated as the Angel of the LORD. (Hebrews 1:3 states that Jesus is the express image of the Father. Read in context with verses 1 and 2 of Hebrews chapter 1.)
• The second blessing by Balaam upon the Hebrews tells of undeserved merit (grace). Such grace only comes from the work of a redeemer, Jesus.
• In the second blessing Balaam states that the shout of a king is among them. This could be a prophetic reference to the future Davidic covenant that states that he will have a descendant upon his throne throughout eternity, which is the eternal reign of his descendant, Jesus, or it might mean that the Angel of the LORD present there is the king both then and forever. Even the reference to a lion is prophetic of Jesus, the Lion of Judah.
• The third vision of Balaam led to a blessing of Israel that included that of a warring lion destroying his enemies. That lion is Jesus, the future warrior/judge of everyone.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• If Balaam truly was counted among the righteous his last end (final death) is to be like Israel's, meaning there will be no second death which is eternal.
• The second blessing of Balaam speaks volume about future grace (undeserved merit; forgiven sins) because the rebellious Children of Israel and the deceitful Jacob/Israel are said to be seen by God as without iniquity or perverseness. Obviously Jacob the supplanter and his deceiving, rebellious descendants had no merit on their own, but their iniquity was put away by their redeemer and even in eternity it will be remembered no more.
• The third blessing spoke of the crouching lion that would conquer all of his enemies. Part of this prophecy is yet to be fulfilled when Christ rules and reigns after restraining his enemies, Satan and the rebellious demons and their human followers.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 24 Monday

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Numbers 22:1-40

Balaam is a confusing Biblical personality because he claimed to be a follower of the God of Israel (see Numbers 22:18) but he most likely was an enchanter that used divination to tell fortunes (see verse 7) to discern the will of God, a practice strictly forbidden for His followers. Perhaps Balaam was a prophet of Jehovah and the king of Moab misunderstood the source of his prophetic power. It is clear though that Balaam expected to talk to God and not spirits when he told the messengers to wait for his answer. As I said, confusing, and yet perhaps not so different from many today who claim to believe in God and yet try to hedge their bets by dabbling in other religious practices.


Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God commanded Balaam, the son of Beor, not to go with the messengers sent from the king of Moab and the Midianites who wanted to hire Balaam to curse the Children of Israel who were camped near the border of Moab.
• When Balaam asked permission the second time to go with the messengers sent from the king of Moab God told him to go with them but to only say the words that God gave him to say. Evidently God was not pleased that Balaam asked the second time, nor was God pleased that Balaam went so happily with the men, which surely speaks of Balaam's intent to disobey the command to ONLY speak the words God told him to speak. This becomes clear when Balaam was confronted by the angel of the LORD who then allowed him to continue his journey but with a stern warning to ONLY say the words that He would give him.

Does God make any promises in this passage?

• In speaking to Balaam concerning the king of Moab's plan to curse the Children of Israel God restated to him the promise given to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel to bless their descendants.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• The angel of the LORD stood in front of Balaam's donkey. In previous weeks it was mentioned that the Angel of the LORD was most likely a pre-incarnate Jesus otherwise known as a theophany or a christophany. The Angel of the LORD was sent to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt and into Canaan. Remember that the people were told not to provoke him (which they did numerous times anyway) because he would swiftly punish them (and he did). The fact that Balaam fell to his face and assumed a worshiping posture before the angel would suggest that the angel was Deity. Other angels in scripture rebuke men who fall down in worship but this one did not. Also, the angel of the LORD used the first person singular when warning Balaam what to say. (Verse 35: the angel said "but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak")

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• None that I identified.

TAKE TIME Reading Assignment: June 17-22, 2013

Introduction: The Promised Land is in sight! Some of the citizens of nearby countries like Moab were afraid of the hordes of people that comprised the Children of Israel so they made plans to defeat them either by war or by witchcraft. Moab attempted to hire a wizard to pronounce curses upon Israel. The wizard himself received word from a very unusual source: his donkey!

We will also read the second census in the book of Numbers. This one was taken after the previous generation, the rebellious one that refused to take possession of the land, passed away in the wilderness. We will also read of the instructions that were given to the new generation. Although we just finished reading many of these same instructions a few weeks ago remember that about 39 years had passed since the people left Mount Sinai and rebelled after ten of the twelve spies brought back their evil report.


Reading Assignment:

• Monday - Numbers 22:1-40
• Tuesday - Numbers 22:41-24:13
• Wednesday - Numbers 24:14-25:18
• Thursday - Numbers 26:1-51
• Friday - Numbers chapter 26:52-27:23
• Saturday - Numbers chapter 28

Memory Verse

God is not a man, that he should lie: neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?. Numbers 23:19


Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - This week take time each day to praise God for His victory over sin and death.
• Confession - The Israelites continued to complain about the circumstances in which God put them. We do this too, and it needs to be confessed.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God that He is our Leader to the land He has promised us. 
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action

The people who are preparing to enter the land promised to them by God were either children when their family left Egypt almost 40 years earlier or they were born in the wilderness wandering years to people who had been former slaves in Egypt. They needed to be taught their own history, their future, and the ways of the LORD. Summer is a good time to have backyard Bible clubs for children or to work in summer Vacation Bible School programs. Or maybe you babysit children who are out of school to earn summer money and have time to talk to your young charges. Whatever your situation, see if you can find time to tell the children you encounter what the Lord has done for you, what you expect He will do for you in the future, and what He can do for them, too. It is important for younger individuals to learn the lessons of faith from those who are older than they are. It is often how the good news is spread.

Sunday Psalm: Oh, That Men Might Praise the LORD!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Psalm 107

1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; 3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. 4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. 5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. 6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. 7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. 8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; 11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: 12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. 13 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. 15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. 18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. 19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. 20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. 21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; 24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. 25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. 27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. 28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. 29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. 30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. 31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground; 34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. 35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. 36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; 37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. 38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease. 39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow. 40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. 41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock. 42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. 43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Psalms 107:1-43 (KJV)

Imported through Bible Explorer software

(NOTE: Boldface type to point out similarities to the assigned reading of the past week in the book of Numbers were added by blog author. Blue type to denote a chorus and refrain were also added by blog author.)

Journal Through the Bible: Week 23 Saturday

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Numbers chapter 21

The most notable event of this chapter is the serpents that bit the people and the brazen serpent placed upon the pole as the antidote, but also recorded in this chapter is the first victories over one of the Canaanites. The first couple of battles were not ones that Israel were looking to fight but once they were challenged they did not run. They conquered through the power of the LORD.

Because of the refusal of Edom to allow the Children of Israel to pass through their borders on the King's Highway the people had to make a detour to circumvent that country. They were very discouraged and fell into their default mode of grumbling against Moses and God. Not only did they not like the extra travel but they were unhappy with the food supplies. Hence the serpents.


Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• God told Moses to make a brass serpent and place it on a pole for all who had been bitten by the live fiery serpents to look upon and live.
• God told Moses to gather the people together at the wells near the border of Moab and he would give them water.

Does God make any promises in this chapter?

• God promised that all who had been bitten by a fiery serpent would live if they looked upon the brass serpent raised above them on a pole.
• God promised water at the springs near Moab.
• God promised victory over Og, king of Bashan.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The brass serpent was a picture of Jesus. It was made in the likeness of the serpents that were killing the sinners just as Jesus took on the form of sinful man. In His meeting with Nicodemus Jesus told him that just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so would the Son of Man (Jesus) be lifted up so that all who believe upon Him would not perish but have eternal life. Jesus knew what type of death He would die. (John 3:14-15)

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Not specifically, but we are told in scripture that God is a warrior when His people are being abused by their enemies (Exodus 15:3) and that in the future all of God's enemies will be put under the subjection of Jesus. (Psalm 110) Jesus Himself will lead God's army. (Revelation 17:14; 19:11-21)

Read Through the Bible in 2013: June 17-22

Take Ten

6/17/2013	Song of Solomon 1-3	I Peter 2, 3
6/18/2013	Song of Solomon 4, 5	I Peter 4
6/19/2013	Song of Solomon 6-8	I Peter 5
6/20/2013	Ecclesiastes 1-3	II Peter 1
6/21/2013	Ecclesiastes 4, 5	II Peter 2
6/22/2013	Ecclesiastes 6-8	II Peter 3

For discussion of the Old Testament books of Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes see this post (scroll down).

For discussion of the New Testament book of II Peter see this post (scroll down).

Journal Through the Bible: Week 23 Friday

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Numbers chapter 20

In this chapter the Children of Israel say good-bye to Miriam and Aaron, the two siblings of Moses, and Moses himself signs his own death warrant. They also encounter more troubles from within and without the congregation. As always, the peoples' biggest obstacles are those that come as a result of their grumbling.

Aside from the rebellion at the waters of Meribah, there was trouble with Edom. The descendants of Esau continued their long feud with the descendants of Jacob by refusing to allow the people to pass through their land while traveling along the well-traveled trade route between Syria and Egypt, the King's Highway.

Does God issue any commands?

• When the people grumbled because they had no water in the wilderness, they included the age-old sentiment that they should never have left Egypt and also added that it would have been better if they had died in one of the previous rebellions. As a result, Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the tabernacle and the glory of God came down to meet them there. God instructed Moses and Aaron to speak to the rock and that it would gush with enough water to meet the needs of the congregation and the flocks. 
• God commanded Aaron, the high priest, to be stripped of his garments before dying on Mount Hor. This was because Aaron had been part of the striking of the rock at Meribah. Aaron's son, Eleazar, was to be the new high priest.

Does God make any promises in this chapter?

• This promise was in the form of a curse. Because Moses and Aaron did not believe that God would give water to the people at Meribah as He said He would if they spoke to the rock but instead disobeyed and hit the rock twice, God promised that they would not lead the people into the Promised Land. (Remember that Moses had hit the rock on Mount Horeb when commanded to do so - see Exodus 17:6.)

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Scripture tells us that Jesus is the Rock, the foundation stone that the builder rejected and He is the Living Water that quenches the thirst of our souls. He was punished for sin ONLY ONCE, meaning He was given in sacrifice on Golgotha and there is no crucifixion over and over again for sins. We cannot re-crucify Christ and it is wrong to do so. Moses marred the picture of the gift of living water from the rock when he disobeyed God. He had been told to strike the rock on Mount Horeb so that the people could have water, but at Meribah he was told to speak to the rock. This is a picture of salvation and sanctification. Once an individual receives the Living Water from the Rock, who is Jesus, and is saved, he needs only to ask for refreshing from his thirst as he is continually growing and sanctified by his faith. This thirst is quenched by reading the Bible, the written word that tells of the Living Word, Jesus. This is how a Christian grows in faith.
• The rock as a type of Christ also pictures forgiveness and fellowship. First the Rock (Jesus) is wounded for our transgressions. The person who repents of his sins and trusts this Rock is cleansed. After that, whenever the Christian sins he can confess it (in other words, speak to the Rock) and fellowship is restored. Jesus taught this also when He washed the disciples' feet and told them that they did not need a complete bath but only to have their dusty feet rinsed.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• None that I identified.