From Bible4Today.com
Numbers - Part 2
By Frank Cooke
Apr 12, 2004
Information Input
It is impossible to cover every Chapter in this book in just one session, so for private guidance, or for more extended discussions, we list the second great section of the book.
Priorities in the Desert
In this, five basic issues are addressed:
1. Chapter 11-Tests of Provision (Will we starve?)
2. Chapters 12, 16, 17 & 18-Tests of Leadership and Loyalty
3. Chapters 13 and 14-Tests of Faith and Fear
4. Chapter 20-Crisis of Purpose
5. Chapters 15 and 19-Health and Ceremonial Uncleanness
The next section deals with the priorities needed in a new country.
Priorities in the Future
The basic issues on preparing to enter Canaan, Chapter 20 verse 14 to Chapter 36 verse 13.
In it, four kinds of enemies are disclosed:
Political Chapter 20 verse 14 to Chapter 21 verses 1 to 3 and verses 10 to 35
Natural-Chapter 21 verses 4 to 9
Psychical-Chapters 22 to 24
Seductive -Chapter 25
The last section covers the Preparation for entry into Canaan Chapters 26 to 36.
Output Focus - Three Problem Passages
One - the Saga of the Rock, Chapter 20 verses 2 to 13
We glanced at this event in Exodus Chapter 17 verses 2 to 7 and its impact on Israel's subsequent memory as seen in Psalms 95, I Corinthians Chapter 10 verse 4, Hebrews Chapter 3 verses 7 to 11 and Chapter 4 verses 4 to 11. Remember the real issue here was the rebellious attitude of the people (Merribah means "conflict", "rebellion".). Even Moses failed the Test (Compare Chapter 20 verse 8 with verses 10 to 11, where showing them who was boss came first).
Question - What was their real enemy?
Two - Venom and Vision, Chapter 21 verses 4 to 9
To us, the problem is verse 8. Could demonstrating the 'defeated' enemy for all to see have worked such a change? If so, how? By the way, see the mind-blowing use of this incident Jesus made of it in John Chapter 3 verse 14.
Question - What do you see in this?
Three - The Saga of Balaam, Chapters 22 to 25
This is a study in seductive corruption exercised by the monarch (Balak), the magician (Balaam) and the effect of the pagan girls on Israelite men. Do you think that the plague was sexually transmitted? They were brutal days.
In your prayer time, let your prayers be real.
Optional preparation for the next session read Deuteronomy, Chapter 8.
© Copyright 2004 by Frank Cooke