In Numbers, chapter fifteen, verse thirty-one, God distinguished between unintentional and intentional sins, with those committed willfully in defiance of Him and His Word. Unintentional sin required atonement though it did not separate one from His chosen people. Deliberate and defiant sin, however, separated a person from the people of God and the redemption provided […]
Despise the word of the Lord? Read More »
In Numbers, chapter fourteen, verse twenty-three, despite their shallow repentance and momentary expression of trust in the promises of God, the Israelites ignored God’s warning. They made the fatal mistake of believing they could possess the promised land without faith, trust, obedience, and fellowship with God. The Israelite’s momentary but misguided hope they lost. Therefore,
The Lord will not be with you Read More »
In Numbers, chapter fourteen, verse twenty-nine, the New Testament explicitly declares that God intended His judgment on Israel for their disobedience and unbelief to serve as a warning to all believers. The Israelites had the good news preached to them and were redeemed by the blood stated in Exodus six, verse six, and chapter twelve,
Your carcases shall fall Read More »
In Numbers, chapter fourteen, verse twenty, the Lord said to Moses I have pardoned according to thy word. The granting of pardon and forgiveness does not mean the end of punishment. The holiness and justice of the Lord required that punishment should overtake the transgressors, as known beforehand in Exodus thirty-two thirty-four. Nevertheless, the prayer
In Numbers, chapter fourteen, verse thirteen, Moses is the classic example of a person so dedicated to the Lord that he is more concerned about God’s reputation than his success and honor. When believers gratefully comprehend all God has done for them through Christ, they will desire to exalt the Lord and His glory, to
The Egyptians shall hear it Read More »
In Numbers, chapter fourteen, verse eleven, God asks Moses a question. He says roughly to His servant, “How long will these people provoke me?” How long will it be after all the signs shown to the people of Israel up to this point, they respond in rebellion? At the heart of the Israelites, the reaction
How long will it be? Read More »
In Numbers, chapter fourteen, verse six, Joshua and Caleb stood against the majority opinion of the spies. Basing their report on a firm commitment to God and complete confidence in His promises to Israel, they refused to accept the overwhelming decision of God’s people: even at the risk of their lives. This important event in
In Numbers, chapter thirteen, verse thirty-two, the unbelief of the ten spies had two dimensions: first, God’s past faithfulness to His people did not bring these ten men into a loyal relationship with Him. Second, they did not trust God and His promises concerning their future. Their lack of faith stood in marked contrast to
In Numbers, chapter twelve, verse ten, the sin of Mariam and Aaron in questioning the authority of Moses was that they did not fear God or respect God’s Word through His prophet Moses. Moses was the mediator of the old covenant, just as Jesus is the mediator of the new, as stated in Hebrews three,
Miriam became leprous Read More »
In Numbers, chapter twelve, verse three, speaks about Moses being the meekest man upon the face of the earth. This reference is not clear as to who is making the statement. However, some believe it is probably a parenthetical comment added by Joshua after Moses’ death. Moses’ submission lay in his humble trust in God
