15 February

Bible In 365 Days

Numbers 8-10

Numbers 8

Having recorded the acts of the princes in offering their substance, the record proceeded to deal with the setting apart of the Levites as the special order of men whose persons and time were to be given wholly to the service of the sanctuary.

At this point, however, we find introduced a repetition of instructions concerning the lighting of the lamps and a declaration that the instructions were carried out.

In all these final arrangements for purifying worship before the people moved forward to the land, the one symbol which is thus referred to is the symbol of light, which was intended to be a type of the witness bearing of the nation.

Then follow the arrangements for the consecration of the Levites, which were not the same as those for the priests. No anointing oil or blood was used nor was any specific dress provided. The sign of their cleansing was the simple one of water.

Finally, the Levites themselves were offered as wave offerings, passing through the hands of the priests as they entered on their sacred service.

Numbers 9

As the time approached for entry to the land, the Passover feast was to be observed In the arrangements now made, the sweet reasonableness of the government under which the people lived was manifested. Certain men were unable to participate in the feast because of having become defiled and others because of distance from camp. For all such a special provision was made in a second observance of the Passover a month after the regular one.

When everything was ready, the hosts awaited only the divine Will which was to be made known through the cloud. There was to be no movement of the people save in response to the movement of the cloud. It was at once a beneficent and drastic provision. No responsibility rested on the people save that of obedience. They were not called on to consider the time or direction of their march, but it is equally true they were not permitted to object or delay. All of which served to keep the fact of the sovereign authority of Jehovah perpetually before them.

Numbers 10

The use of trumpets in the history of the people is full of interest and here we find instructions concerning it. They were intended to call the people to attention, that led to obedience. The blast of the trumpets was ever in the ear of the people authoritative as the voice of God. Each note had suggested its own meaning. Certain calls were to assembly in one place, while others summoned to preparation for the march or for conflict, as the case might be.

As the movement forward commenced, we have the story of how Moses persuaded Hobab and his people to accompany them. He first suggested that it would be advantageous to Hobab, as he said, "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good." This was not successful in winning Hobab. Then Moses said, "Thou shalt be to us instead of eyes," thus appealing to him for his help. This appeal was successful.

The story here closes with the suggestive words which Moses used at the opening and closing of each successive movement of the hosts. They indicated Moses' and the people's profound recognition that everything centered in the presence and government of God, both in regard to the victory of Israel over her enemies and her own eternal safety and well-being.