Suggested Bible Reading: Numbers 33-34
Devotional Thought:
First of all this chapter contains the log of Israel’s journeys. (vs. 1-49) In these verses we have a careful and accurate record. This is seen in vs. 3 & 38 where Moses gives the exact dates of Israel’s going out of Egypt and the exact time when Aaron died. The chapter concludes with the law concerning the possession of the land. (vs. 50-56) The first section of the chapter looks back on Israel’s march from Egypt to the plains of Moab. The next section looks forward to their entering into the land itself. This chapter, like several others in Numbers is seldom, if ever, read in its entirety. It would be easy, even for the mature reader, to consider the chapter uninteresting and to find, in the long list of stopping places, names which are not only difficult to pronounce, but also hard to fit in with the Exodus record and the earlier chapters of Numbers. Several of the names listed are not found anywhere in the Old Testament, and my attempts to identify some of the places mentioned in the chapter have not really been very successful. However, no matter how hard the chapter may be, the great fact remains that it is part of the inspired Word of God and since “all scripture … is profitable” the record of Numbers 33 must contain spiritual instruction and help for the Christian. This chapter begins with the reference to God’s judgment upon the idols of Egypt (vs. 4), and ends with God’s command to Israel to destroy the idols of Canaan. (vs. 52) It begins with remembrance of the nation’s wonderful deliverance, and ends with the divine warning of punishment for disobedience. The chapter is interesting from another point of view in that it is the only one in the book of Numbers that claims that Moses is the author. In vs. 2 we read, “And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the Lord…” One great lesson to be enjoyed from the chapter is that, as Moses looked back and reviewed the stages of the journeys, there is clearly seen a wonderful testimony to the intimate knowledge and faithful care of God for His people. It was God who marked out the path for His people. The list is certainly long, covering the first 49 verses of the chapter. However, it shows that God was with them every step of the way. Israel failed God over and over, but God never failed them. The same is true for us and it is wise for us to learn to be honest with God about that.
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to be thankful every day for your constant and faithful direction in my life.
• Lord, please help me to notice the detail in which you deal with me. Thank you for being a God of details. Please help me to accurately reflect your character in the way I deal with detail.
• Lord, thank you for examples like Moses who, though he was not perfect, demonstrated a heart to help people follow you. Help me to be such a leader.