Numbers

Numbers is the 4th book in the Old Testament, following Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus. In the book of Numbers, according to the introduction, God had offered a promised land to the people of Israel--a beautiful land “flowing with milk and honey,” a land they could call their very own after 400 years in bondage. Instead of being slaves, the people would be free. Instead of working to build Pharaoh’s land, they would work to build a land for themselves and their children. The people of Israel, however, were not excited about what God was giving them. Instead, they were afraid. Instead of being grateful, they felt put out. Instead of thanking God, they complained to Him. Instead of accepting the gift, they ran away from it. They refused to believe that God would take them into the land and give it to them. What gift is God holding out to you right now that you have been refusing to receive?

Numbers, chapter 1 - Israel’s First Census: God spoke to Moses and instructed him to take a census of the whole community of Israel by their clans and families, listing the names of all the men 20 years old or older who are able to go to war. The clans God was referencing, were the 12 tribes of Israel (Jacob’s sons/grandsons). These 12 tribes are: Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, Gad, and Naphtali. The total number of men 20 years or older was 603,550. This total, however, did not include the Levites because the Lord had told Moses not to include them in the census because they would be in charge of the Tabernacle of the Covenant, along with its furnishings and equipment….”They must carry the Tabernacle and its equipment as you travel…”whenever the Tabernacle is moved, the Levites will take it down and set it up again.” (Numbers 1:50-51)

Lord, thank you for your Word today, and bless those who are committing to spiritual health.

“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)