Day 59-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

D. From Kadesh-Barnea to crossing of Jordan ~ cont.

1. Prior to years of wandering ~ cont.

j. Levite responsibilities - Numbers 18:1-32

k. Red heifer ordinance, instructions about the dead - Numbers 19:1-22

2. Years of wandering (apx 38 years) (Deut 2:14)
3. Birth of Salmon (36th gen) (husband of Rahab)
4. From Kadesh to plains of Moab
a. Death of Miriam (apx 125 years) - Numbers 20:1
b. Complaining people - Numbers 20:2-6
c. Water from Meribah rock after murmuring - Numbers 20:7-11, 12-13
d. Birth of Moses' grandchildren - 1 Chronicles 23:16-17
e. Permission to pass through Edom denied - Numbers 20:14-21
f. To Mt. Hor - Numbers 20:22, 33:37

{pages 261-265}

Complaining people again?  Seriously?  Murmuring?  Again?

Murmuring - murmur used 6 times in scripture:

Exo 16:7  And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?

So when we are murmuring against someone in authority, we are really murmuring against the Lord?  Wow, that one just smacked me in the face, really hard.  That means I need to be really careful about how I speak against someone that HE has placed in authority.  To be prayerfully discerning regarding my thoughts, words and actions.  Does that mean those who are in tyrannical situations must submit?

Exo 16:8  And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.

Noted that the two verses above both indicate WHO is hearing the murmurings.  He knows all, sees all, is all, and most definitely hears all.  Ouch.

Num 14:27  How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

Num 14:36  And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,

Num 16:11  For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?

Num 17:5  And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.

All of the verses above used the same Hebrew word for murmur.

H3885 - A primitive root; to stop (usually over night); by implication to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain).

I thought it interesting that 1 Corinthians 10:10 the exhortation/admonition reflects back to this season in Israels' history.  We are to learn from her mistakes.

1Co 10:10  Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

Chode?  To get us back on track - Num 20:3  And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!

The word chode is used only twice in Scripture.  In the Hebrew it is:

H7378 - A primitive root; properly to toss, that is, grapple; mostly figuratively to wrangle, that is, hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend.

H7378 is used 66 times in 58 verses.  :-)  The first usage in Genesis 26:20 - And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek, because they strove with him there.

The last usage in Micah 7:9 - I will bear indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.

Who was the rock?

Rock - 119 times in 106 verses.  I am specifically looking at Numbers 20:10-11, which is:

H5553 - From an unused root meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress).

Used 61 times in 55 verses.  Used several times in the NT, but the verse that was in my mind:

1Co 10:4  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Hmmm...I have been on a search to understand why it was necessary for Moses to speak to the rock versus striking it.  I know there is a significance to the speaking and can almost feel the 'glimmer' of grasping something very important about the Lord, the representation of Christ in this situation.

Here is what I have gleaned thus far - when Moses struck the rock the first time, it was a type or representation of Christ being smitten for our transgressions.  Moses speaking to the rock represents what about Christ?

I have had an interesting journey.  I have been searching, reading, researching, learning, praying, and I have come up with quite a bit.  Types.

"The Bible student should be careful to distinguish between the possible, the probable and the certain" (Oswald Allis). This wise maxim should be applied to the study of typology.  A number of terms are related to the study of typology. A few examples are:

1. typos "type" (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 10:6,11);
2. skia "shadow" (Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 8:5; 10:1);
3. hypodeigma "copy" (Hebrews 8:5; 9:23); and
4. sémeion "sign" (Matthew 12:39).

To read the entire article, click Types of Christ.

In this article, Speak to the Rock, it gives me a little more understanding of the difference in the the 1st and 2nd incidence.  I particularly liked the exhortation to pray.  I have browsed several articles, some state Moses was in unbelief, others that in his humanity his anger caused him to sin.  This one listed out the 5 steps Moses was to fulfill.

I can see how Moses would be frustrated with the people, I've gotten frustrated with people (and haven't had to deal with them for 40 years and all their unbelief and murmuring!).  After 40 years and seeing Father's marvelous provision, one would think that they would get it.  How oft do I fall into the category of being frustrated at someone for their lack of understanding or comprehension, and then I sin?

Jesus died once to redeem me (and those He has chosen), there is no need to sacrifice further, there is however, an ongoing desire to pray and seek the Water of the Word daily, continually.  Always going to the fount from whence springeth forth that which will satiate my spirit and soul.

Sanctification!  "Progressive conformity of the whole man to the Divine nature."  Octavius Winslow

Just dawned on me that Moses got to see his grandchildren prior to his homeward departure (item d above).

Day 58-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

D. From Kadesh-Barnea to crossing of Jordan ~ cont.
1. Prior to years of wandering ~ cont.

h. Korah's rebellion and resulting plague - Numbers 16:1-50
i. Budding of Aaron's rod - Numbers 17:1-13

{pages 257-261}

Th-th-th-that's all folks!

If you have something to share, please feel free to use the comment section and/or you can contact me via the email listed in my profile.

Day 57-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

D. From Kadesh-Barnea to crossing of Jordan ~ cont.
1. Prior to years of wandering ~ cont.

d. Generation cursed to die in wilderness - Numbers 14:25-40; Deuteronomy 1:34-40
e. Defeat at Hormah - Numbers 14:39-45; Deuteronomy 11:41-44
(1) Repentance too late - Deuteronomy 1:45-46
(2) Earliest psalm - Psalm 90:1-17
{possible location of Psalm 91}
f. Instructions
(1) Offerings - Numbers 15:1-31
(2) Separation - Numbers 15:37-41
g. Man stoned for work on Sabbath - Numbers 15:32-36

{pages 253-257}

And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness.  (Numbers 14:33)

The children suffered wandering in the wilderness because of their fathers' unbelief.  This made me stop and think if my children have suffered because of my disobedience to the Lord.  I tend to very self focused and absorbed, not fully analyzing how my actions (or lack thereof at times) impacts others.  Very selfish.  I am no different than those Israelites who went out to spy the land, or the ones who believed the bad report.  My consolation is that the Holy Spirit dwells in me, giving me victory over my fleshly desires.  Constantly spurring me onward and upward into a more Christ-like mind set and behavior.  Repenting and confessing to Him and seeking His healing and guiding hand.

Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the Lord.  (Numbers 14:37)

A lack of reverence for the Lord and His provision.  Guilty again.  I have seen in my new life with the Lord, His continual and unwavering devotion, guidance, provision and protection, yet I still doubt and question.  He has a perfect plan for my life, but because I am not privy to all HIS details and can not see the BIG picture, I tend to chafe at situation and circumstances which 'look' like they are NOT contributing to what I **think** the BIGGER picture is or should be.

I need to keep my eyes on Him, rather than the giants in the land, or the huge walls.  This is a verse I need to keep at the forefront of my mind:

Luk 9:23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

I can not follow that which I can not see, I can not see that which I have not studied, I can not study, unless I give time and attention to do so.  Lord, continue to purge the dross out of my life, help me to see myself as You do Father.  Give me a thirst and a hunger for Your word, to be continually washed in Your word.  Cleanse me and draw me ever closer and more intimate with You Lord.

Day 56-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

C. From Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea ~ cont.

7. From Kibroth to Hazeroth - Numbers 11:35; 33:17
8. Miriam's leprosy - Numbers 12:1-15
9. From Hazeroth to Kadesh-Barnea - Numbers 33:18-36; 12:16; Deuteronomy 1:19-20
D. From Kadesh-Barnea to crossing of Jordan
1. Prior to years of wandering
a. Spies sent out - Numbers 13:1-24; Deuteronomy 1:21-24
b. Spies return - Numbers 13:25-33; Deuteronomy 1:25-33
c. Unbelief of Israel - Numbers 14:1-24

{pages 248-253}

Those who went to spy out the land:  tribe, name, meaning:

Reuben ~ Shammua ~ H8051 - From H8074; renowned; Shammua, the name of four Israelites.

• H8074 - A primitive root; to stun (or intransitively grow numb), that is, devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

Simeon ~ Shaphat ~ H8202 - From H8199; judge; Shaphat, the name of four Israelites.

• H8199 - A primitive root; to judge, that is, pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication to vindicate or punish; by extension to govern; passively to litigate (literally or figuratively.

Judah ~ Caleb ~ H3612 - Perhaps a form of H3611, or else from the same root in the sense of forcible; Caleb, the name of three Israelites.

• H3611 - From an unused root meaning to yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute.

Issachar ~ Igal ~ H3008 - From H1350; avenger; Jigal, the name of three Israelite.

• H1350 - A primitive root, to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), that is, to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative’s property, marry his widow, etc.).

Ephraim ~ Oshea ~ H1954 - From H3467; deliverer; Hoshea, the name of five Israelites.

• H3467 - A primitive root; properly to be open, wide or free, that is, (by implication) to be safe; causatively to free or succor.

Benjamin ~ Palti ~ H6406 - From H6403; delivered; Palti, the name of two Israelites.

• H6403 - A primitive root; to slip out, that is, escape; causatively to deliver.

Zebulun ~ Gaddiel ~ H1427 - From H1409 and H410; fortune of God; Gaddiel, an Israelite.

• H1409 - From H1464 (in the sense of distributing); fortune.
• H1410 - From H1464; Gad, a son of Jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet.
• H1464 - A primitive root (akin to H1413); to crowd upon, that is, attack.

Manasseh ~ Gaddi ~ H1426 - Intensive for H1424; Gaddi, an Israelite.

• H1424 - From H1409; fortunate; Gadi, an Israelite.

Dan ~ Amiel ~ H5988 - From H5971 and H410; people of God; Ammiel, the name of three or four Israelites.

• H5971 - From H6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively a flock.
• H410 - Shortened from H352; strength; as adjective mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity).

Asher ~ Sethur ~ H5639 - From H5641; hidden; Sethur, an Israelite.

• H5641 - A primitive root; to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively.

Naphtali ~ Nahbi ~ H5147 - From H2247; occult; Nachbi, an Israelite.

• H2247 - A primitive root (compare H2245); to secrete.

Gad ~ Geuel ~ H1345 - From H1342 and H410; majesty of God; Geuel, an Israelite.

• H1342 - A primitive root; to mount up; hence in general to rise, (figuratively) be majestic.
• H410 - Shortened from H352; strength; as adjective mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity).

To recap:

They were afraid of who?

Amalakites - H6003 - Patronymic from H6002; an Amalekite (or collectively the Amalekites) or descendant of Amalek.

• H6002 - Probably of foreign origin; Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country.

Hittites - H2850 - Patronymic from H2845; a Chittite, or descendant of Cheth.

• H2845 - From H2865; terror; Cheth, an aboriginal Canaanite.
• H2865 - A primitive root; properly to prostrate; hence to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear.

Jebusites - H2983 - Patrial from H2982; a Jebusite or inhabitant of Jebus.

• H2982 - From H947; trodden, that is, threshing place; Jebus, the aboriginal name of Jerusalem.
• H947 - A primitive root; to trample (literally or figuratively).

Amorites - H567 - Probably a patronymic from an unused name derived from H559 in the sense of publicity, that is, prominence; thus a mountaineer; an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes.

Canaanites - H3669 - Patrial from H3667; a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication a pedlar (the Cananites standing for their neighbors the Ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile caravans).

• H3667 - From H3665; humiliated; Kenaan, a son of Ham; also the country inhabited by him.
• H3665 - A primitive root; properly to bend the knee; hence to humiliate, vanquish.

Patronymic?  Dictionary.com (I really need to buy stock) - (of family names) derived from the name of a father or ancestor, especially by the addition of a suffix or prefix indicating descent.

I made a note:  How oft do I have the same fear?  Looking at circumstances versus the POWER of God to sustain me where HE sends.

I vaguely remember someone stating that an Amalekite is a type, represented by our sin nature.  So a-searching went I.  My first stop - The Nations of the Bible - Amalekites.  This had some awesome perspectives that I had never considered, especially regarding Mordecai and his refusal to bow to Haman.

I found this site, and am sharing it because it has a reference to the Amalekites, but also the rock which Moses was to strike only once.  I found note #8 interesting as it echoes the exhortation recently received in our 1st Peter Bible Study.  Quit focusing on self, focus on Christ Jesus.

Moving on to the other nations mentioned:  Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites and Canaanites.  This site listed the nations God said he would drive out in Joshua 3:10 and how they can be perceived as representative in our walk this side of glory.

He equates the nations as compared these traits:

Hittites - fear, worry or fretfulness.

Jebusites - threshed (beaten and bruised).

Amorites - vicious talkers (the worlds movies, books, television is full of lustful and suggestive material).

Canaanites - lovers of money, merchants, commercialism, consumerism (my interpretation on the last one).

Father's continual and unwavering devotion, care and concern for HIS children still amazes me.  He is always reminding me of HIS provision and protection of me, even when the valleys are deep and the mountains steep.

Beloved, know that if you are HIS child, you are never, ever, ever out of HIS protective grace.  EVEN when the trials and tribulations of this world 'appear' as if they would crush the very life out of you.  I like the words of Corrie Ten Boom:

"There is no pit so deep that the presence of God is not there with us."

Day 55-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

B. Time spent at Sinai (sometimes called Horeb) ~ cont.

35.  Preparation for leaving Sinai ~ cont.

c. Journey to resume - Exodus 33:1-6
d. Passover held again - (Numbers 9:11)
e. Moses recommissioned - Deuteronomy 1:6-18
C. From Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea
1. Trip starts - Numbers 10:11, 12
2. Order of the divisions - Numbers 10:14-28
3. Moses seeks relatives support - Numbers 10:12, 29-32
4. Cloud leads them - Exodus 40:36-38, Numbers 9:15-23
5. Fire at Taberah - Numbers 10:33-36, 11:1-3
6. Arrival at Kibroth - Numbers 33:16
a. Murmuring about manna - Numbers 11:4-9
b. Moses complains - Numbers 11:10-15
c. Seventy elders chosen - Numbers 11:16-25
d. Prophecy in the camp - Numbers 11:26-30
e. Plague of quails - Numbers 11:31-34

{pages 243-248}

Ye shall not respect person in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of a man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.  (Deuteronomy 1:17)

Societal differences.  Equal under the law.  This makes me think of our document which states, all men are created equal.  Not equal in ability, but should be judged equally regardless of color, gender, ability, finances, etc.

And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?  (Numbers 11:4)

Murmuring - again!  Every time I read where they were murmuring, I think, how often do I do that?  Father has blessed me so much, yet I want more.  Never content.  What a challenge to be more thankful for what I do have, rather than lamenting for what I do not.  Trying to remind myself, continually, that I have and/or am exactly where HE wants me to be.

mixt multitude - H628 - By reduplication from H624; gathered up together, that is, a promiscuous assemblage (of people).

• H624 - Passive participle of H622; collected (only in the plural), that is, a collection (of offerings).
• H622 - A primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence to receive, take away, that is, remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.).

H628 was used only 1 time.  I thoroughly enjoyed Matthew Henry's commentary on the passage (verses 4-15), quoting just a portion:

"These verses represent things sadly unhinged and out of order in Israel, both the people and the prince uneasy.
I. Here is the people fretting, and speaking against God himself (as it is interpreted, Psa_78:19), notwithstanding his glorious appearances both to them and for them. Observe,
1. Who were the criminals. (1.) The mixed multitude began, they fell a lusting, Num_11:4. The rabble that came with them out of Egypt, expecting only the land of promise, but not a state of probation in the way to it. They were hangers on, who took hold of the skirts of the Jews, and would go with them only because they knew not how to live at home, and were disposed to seek their fortunes (as we say) abroad. These were the scabbed sheep that infected the flock, the leaven that leavened the whole lump. Note, A few factious, discontented, ill-natured people, may do a great deal of mischief in the best societies, if great care be not taken to discountenance them. Such as these are an untoward generation, from which it is our wisdom to save ourselves, Act_2:40. (2.) Even the children of Israel took the infection, as we are informed, Num_11:4. The holy seed joined themselves to the people of these abominations. The mixed multitude here spoken of were not numbered with the children of Israel, but were set aside as a people God made no account of; and yet the children of Israel, forgetting their own character and distinction, herded themselves with them and learned their way, as if the scum and outcasts of the camp were to be the privy-counsellors of it. The children of Israel, a people near to God and highly privileged, yet drawn into rebellion against him! O how little honour has God in the world, when even the people which he formed for himself, to show forth his praise, were so much a dishonour to him! Therefore let none think that their external professions and privileges will be their security either against Satan's temptations to sin or God's judgments for sin. See 1Co_10:1, 1Co_10:2, 1Co_10:12."

state of probation - which puts me in mind of 1 Peter - Timeless Truths for Tough Times - we are not guaranteed a peaceful existence this side of glory, we are told time and again, we will have trials and tribulations.  However, we are to press into Christ Jesus, knowing that HE can, will and does bring us to completion and victory.

A few factious, discontented, ill-natured people, may do a great deal of mischief in the best societies, if great care be not taken to discountenance them - puts me in mind of how a small minority of homosexual people can take and turn a country upside down, inside out and backwards in an attempt to have their own lustful ways.  They that mock the Lord and HIS divine decree of respecting the genders and the holiness of marriage, will be shown to have planted bad seed and will reap the consequences thereof.

To read the commentary in its entirety, click here, you will need to scroll down to the portion on 5-14.  Really very good.  Convicting as well.  Keil and Delitzsch's commentary can be found here, again, you have to scroll down to the passages under review (starts with verse 3, verse 4 is at the end of a paragraph).

And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague.  (Numbers 11:33)

Just the mixt multitude?  Or in addition those Israelites who got carried away with murmuring?

Henry's commentary:

"3. How dearly they paid for their feasts, when it came into the reckoning: The Lord smote them with a very great plague (Num_11:33), some bodily disease, which probably was the effect of their surfeit, and was the death of many of them, and those, it is likely, the ringleaders in the mutiny. Note, God often grants the desires of his own people in love. He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul, Psa_106:15. By all that was said to them they were not estranged from their lusts, and therefore, while the meat was in their mouths, the wrath of God came upon them, Psa_78:30, Psa_78:31. What we inordinately desire, if we obtain it (we have reason to fear), will be some way or other a grief and cross to us. God satiated them first, and then plagued them, (1.) To save the reputation of his own power, that it might not be said, “He would not have cut them off had he been able to supply them.” And, (2.) To show us the meaning of the prosperity of sinners; it is their preparation for ruin, they are fed as an ox for the slaughter. Lastly, The remembrance of this is preserved in the name given to the place, Num_11:34."

Lord, help each of us to be content, prayerfully seeking Your guidance and instruction if there needs to be a change.

1Ti 6:8  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Day 54-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

B. Time spent at Sinai (sometimes called Horeb) ~ cont.

33.  God reminds children of Israel to keep Passover - Numbers 9:1-4
34.  First Passover held - Numbers 9:5-14
35.  Preparation for leaving Sinai
a. Numbering of the people (603,550) - Numbers 1:1-54
b. Arrangement of the camp
(1) General order - Numbers 2:1-2, 17, 32-34
(2) Eastern division - Numbers 2:3-9
(3) Southern division - Numbers 2:10-16
(4) Western division - Numbers 2:18-24
(5) Northern division - Numbers 2:25-31

{pages 238-243}

Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.  (Numbers 2:2)

standard - H1714 - From H1713; a flag.

• H1713 - A primitive root; to flaunt, that is, raise a flag; figuratively to be conspicuous.

ensign - H226 - Probably from H225 (in the sense of appearing); a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.

• H225 - A primitive root; properly to come, that is, (impliedly) to assent.

One site I reviewed stated that an actual flag may not have been used due to the primitiveness of the culture.

Really?  Primitive?

That captured my attention.  Here we have master craftsmen who have followed a heavenly design, and carved, molded and weaved an elaborate Tabernacle.  I think if they did have flags, they were very well designed and not, as one poster on the site described, vexilloids.

Just to satisfy curiosity, the definition of a vexilloid:  "An object which functions as a flag but differs from it in some respect, usually appearance. Vexilloids are characteristic of traditional societies and often consist of a staff with an emblem, such as a carved animal, at the top."

I went searching for what may have been on the flags and found this site and this one.  These look 'primative' in their design, but still are worth the review.  I even found a youtube video, but did not think the quality and view-ability of the flags worth inclusion.  This page had stamps.  I retrieved most of my information from Flags of the Tribes of Israel page.

I found this article, which also referenced that there may have been a flag per division.  Which I would say nay to...simply because the Word clearly states "with the ensign of their father's house."  So per tribe flags.

I found this article while researching and was impressed with the observation portion.  Sharing:

3. Everything was positioned in relation to the presence of God, the tabernacle. God could have described where the tribe of Judah was in relation to the tribe of Dan, but He did not. The reference point was always God Himself.

a. It is hard to underestimate the trouble people get into in their walk with God because they position and measure themselves in reference to other people. God is to be our focus, not other people.

I had recently listened to a message online, directed toward youth at a conference, however the message is applicable to all saints.  We are not to measure ourselves in comparison to others.  Our plumb line is the Lord.

Father tells us to be holy and set apart.  Just as HE brought Israel up out of bondage, so too, HE brings us into new life and we are not to mimic the behavior, conduct, conversation of our previous land.  We are to give a proper estimate of our Heavenly home to which we are but brief ambassadors on this side of glory.

Day 53-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

B. Time spent at Sinai (sometimes called Horeb) ~ cont.
29. Instructions about priests and their duties ~ cont.
c.Sacrifices for altars must be perfect - Leviticus 22:17-32
30. Death penalties
a. Blasphemy - Leviticus 24:10-23
b. Murder - Leviticus 24:17-22
c. Sacrifices for altars must be perfect - Leviticus 22:17-33
30. Death penalties
a. Blasphemy - Leviticus 24:10-16, 23
b. Murder - Leviticus 24:17-22
31. Camp laws explained - Numbers 5:1-31
32. Vow of Nazarites - Numbers 6:1-27

{pages 234-238}

And the priest shall set the woman before the Lord, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:  (Numbers 5:18)

Head covering removed or shaven?

uncover - H6544 - A primitive root; to loosen; by implication to expose, dismiss; figuratively absolve, begin.

Used 16 times in 15 verses.  First used in Exodus 5:4

And the King of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works?  get you unto your burdens.

Exodus 32:25 - And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)

Proverbs 1:25 - But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

Proverbs 4:15 - Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

Proverbs 8:33 - Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

head - H7218 - From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as most easily shaken), whether literally or figuratively (in many applications, of place, time, rank, etc.).

Hmmm...I don't think I am any closer to an answer as to whether it was a veil removed, or whether the woman's head was shaved.

I browsed through all my E-Sword commentaries and Matthew Poole, caught a few online as well.  In addition, tried to find something online regarding the verse in question.

I thought Matthew Henry's commentary on the passage interesting, which can be found here, you have to scroll down to the portion or passage under review.

In my browsing I came across a few sites - this one has a woman posting regarding the 1 Corinthians passage, but other posters reference the Numbers 5:18 verse.

I did not read this article in its entirety - skipped around, read the last paragraph, including it in case someone wants to delve a tad deeper.

This one I found interesting, though I am still fence sitting to a certain degree regarding head coverings, there appears to be Scriptural warrant for being covered while in worship.  Whether that is specifically for all women, or married women only, I am not sure.

I can not remember where I read it, but the premise is, the wife would have been covered in some fashion to then be uncovered by the priest.  He either removed the head covering or disheveled her hair.  It does not seem to indicate that he shaved her head.  For Numbers 5:18, I would have to lean towards some type of physical article upon her head.  I found it intriguing that in some cultures a woman having a covering upon her head rendered her a sense of protection.  While some authors postured that women ought to wear a covering to reflect shame at Eve's sin.

Which makes me wonder, is there a difference between being deceived and sinning?

Day 52-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

B. Time spent at Sinai (sometimes called Horeb) ~ cont.

28. Conduct of God's people - Leviticus 19:1-37; 20:7-26
29. Instructions about priests and their duties
a. Spiritual and physical qualifications - Leviticus 21:1-24
b. Separation - Leviticus 22:1-16

{pages 229-234}

Several notes today ~ :-)

Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the Lord.  (Leviticus 19:14)

Refreshing reminder that Father cares for those who are handicapped, and gives instruction on how NOT to treat them.  People are people, regardless of age, century, ethnic, gender.  We tend to be less lovely to those who are not like us, ostracizing them from the general assemblies.  I liked Wesley's concise commentary:

Lev 19:11-16
Ye shall not steal — A variety of social duties are inculcated in this passage, chiefly in reference to common and little-thought-of vices to which mankind are exceedingly prone; such as committing petty frauds, or not scrupling to violate truth in transactions of business, ridiculing bodily infirmities, or circulating stories to the prejudice of others. In opposition to these bad habits, a spirit of humanity and brotherly kindness is strongly enforced.

Ye shall keep my statutes.  Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee.  (Leviticus 19:19)

Why?  I get the reason not to mingle cattle with other types, and even the mixing of different types of seeds in one field.  But the woolen and linen?  Gill's commentary on the cattle and seed was informative, and I thought his view on the linen/woollen interesting enough to place here:

neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee; for, as Josephus (l) says, none but the priests were allowed to wear such a garment, and with which the Misnah (m) agrees; in which it is asserted, that the priests have no other clothing to minister in, in the sanctuary, but of woollen and linen; which seems to be a better reason of this prohibition than what Maimonides (n) gives, that it was on the account of idolatrous priests, who used to go clothed with such a garment, and a metal ring on their fingers: the Jewish tradition is, nothing is forbidden on account of divers kinds (i.e. in garments) but wool and flax; camels' wool, and sheep's wool, mixed together, if the greater part is camels', it is free, but if the greater part is sheep's wool, it is forbidden, if half and half, it is forbidden; and so flax and hemp mixed together; also that nothing is forbidden on such account but what is spun and wove (o): the design of this, as of the other, seems to be in general to caution against unnatural lusts and impure mixtures, and all communion of good and bad men, and particularly against joining the righteousness of Christ with the works of men, in the business of justification: Christ's righteousness is often compared to a garment, and sometimes to line linen, clean and white; and men's righteousness to filthy rags, Rev_19:8; which are by no means to be put together in the said affair; such who believe in Christ are justified by the obedience of one and not of more, and by faith in that obedience and righteousness, without the works of the law, Rom_5:19 Rom_3:28; to join them together is needless, disagreeable, and dangerous. 

And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.  (Leviticus 19:20)

Why not stoned?  Gill, Henry and Wesley offered about the same commentary, but Wesley's was more succinct:

She shall be scourged - Heb. There shall be a scourging, which probably may belong to both of them, for Both were guilty. It follows, they shall not be punished with death, which may seem to imply that they were to be punished by some other common and considerable punishment, which scourging indeed was, but the paying of a ram was a small penalty and very unsuitable to the greatness of the offence. And the offering of the ram as a trespass offering for the sin against God, is not inconsistent with making satisfaction other ways for the injury done to men, but only added here as farther punishment to the man, either because he only could do this, and not the woman, who being a bondwoman had nothing of her own to offer. Or because his sex and his freedom aggravated his sin. Not put to death - Which they should have been, had she been free, Deu_22:23-24. The reason of this difference is not from any respect which God gives to persons, for bond and free are alike to him, but because bond - women were scarce wives, and their marriages were scarce true - marriages, being neither made by their choice, but their masters authority, nor continued beyond the year of release, but at her master's or husband's pleasure.

Ye shall not make any cutting in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you; I am the Lord.  (Leviticus 19:28)

HA! Tattoos...has to be...

cutting - H8296 - From H8295; an incision.

• H8295 - A primitive root; to gash.

Only used in Leviticus 19:28 and 21:5.

printing - H5414 - A primitive root; to give, used with great latitude of application (put, make, etc.).

Oh my...used 2011 times in 1816 verses.  Wow!  First usage in Genesis 1:17:

And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth.  (Talking about the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night - better known as the Sun and Moon.)

Last usage in Malachi 2:9 - Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

marks - H3793 - From H3789; a letter or other mark branded on the skin.

• H3789 - A primitive root; to grave; by implication to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe).

Used only 1 time.

marks - H7085 - From the same as H6970; an incision or gash.

• H6970 - Probably from H6972 in the original sense of cutting off; curtailment; Koa, a region of Babylon.

Browsed all my commentaries - sharing JFB:

Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead — The practice of making deep gashes on the face and arms and legs, in time of bereavement, was universal among the heathen, and it was deemed a becoming mark of respect for the dead, as well as a sort of propitiatory offering to the deities who presided over death and the grave. The Jews learned this custom in Egypt, and though weaned from it, relapsed in a later and degenerate age into this old superstition (Isa_15:2; Jer_16:6; Jer_41:5).

nor print any marks upon you — by tattooing, imprinting figures of flowers, leaves, stars, and other fanciful devices on various parts of their person. The impression was made sometimes by means of a hot iron, sometimes by ink or paint, as is done by the Arab females of the present day and the different castes of the Hindus. It is probable that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honor of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden, for they were signs of apostasy; and, when once made, they were insuperable obstacles to a return. (See allusions to the practice, Isa_44:5; Rev_13:17; Rev_14:1).

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.  (Leviticus 20:13)

Homosexuality.  Plain and simple.  Not acceptable to the Lord, at all, in any way, shape or form.

And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.  (Leviticus 20:20)

Childlessness a sign of sin?  This made me wonder about Elisabeth's comment:

Luk 1:25  Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

If childlessness was a sign of God's judgment, she must have endured quite a heavy burden.

Day 51-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

B. Time spent at Sinai (sometimes called Horeb) ~ cont.
26. Moral instructions
a. Nakedness and immorality- Leviticus 18:1-30
b. Familiar spirits - Leviticus 20:1-6, 27
27. National feast day instructions - Leviticus 23:1-3
a. Passover - Leviticus 23:4-5
b. Unleavened bread - Leviticus 23:6-8
c. First-fruits - Leviticus 23:9-14
d. Wave-loaves (Pentecost) - Leviticus 23:15-22
e. Trumpets - Leviticus 23:23-25
f.  Day of Atonement - Leviticus 23:26-32
g. Tabernacles - Leviticus 23:33-44

{pages 225-229}

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul and will cut him off from among his people.  (Leviticus 20:6)

familiar spirits - H178 - From the same as H1 (apparently through the idea of prattling a father’s name); properly a mumble, that is, a water skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar).

Used 17x in 16 verses - first used in Leviticus 19:31, most often translated as familiar spirits, but in Job 32:19:

Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

wizards - H3049 - From H3045; properly a knowing one; specifically a conjurer; (by implication) a ghost.

• H3049 - A primitive root; to know (properly to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively instruction, designation, punishment, etc.).

Used 11x in 11 verses - also used first in Leviticus 19:31, always translated as wizard.

turneth - H6437 - A primitive root; to turn; by implication to face, that is, appear, look, etc.

Father is pretty adamant about turning away His face and cutting off the offender.  I got stuck here, trying to figure out how to say what I wanted without coming across with a holier than thou attitude, nor one that seems as if I am a Negative Nan.  :-D

The gist of my impression, after reading this day's passage and the next couple of days, and how Father expects obedience and to not give Him the full measure results in discipline, has to do with reverential fear, respect, honor.

He has a standard and I, as well as the church, fall woefully short.  Offering a minuscule amount of time to 'worship' or reading through some 5 minute devotion does not properly prepare our hearts and minds to reverence and honor the Master.  We, as the church, do not take our relationship with Him as seriously as we ought.  There is far too many 'programs' and 'ministries' and a lack of true study of the Word.  I say this not just to the Bride, but to myself as well.

Lord, forgive us for the times we 'play' church, or give the appearance of worship, when our hearts and minds are far from You.  Forgive us, Your people, Lord for not being diligent to study to show ourselves approved.  Lord, cleanse Your Bride, reveal those who are ear ticklers, and false prophets and teachers.  Quicken the mind and the discernment of Your people for such charlatans.  Help us, Your people, Lord NOT to have ears that are desirous of being tickled, but truly and honestly desire a deeper and more intimate relationship with You.

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.  Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein; it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings.  (Leviticus 23:1-3)

Our pastor/teacher just covered this passage recently and brought to our attention that the Lord starts out detailing the feasts of Israel by emphasizing the 7th day.  I find that to be an interesting thought.  He further went on to add that Father had a significance to this day of rest, which would have been alien to the Israelites who had just come out of Egypt.  I can not even image working and working and working with no time off at all.  Everybody needs a down day.

I have been wrestling with this topic of a Sabbath for quite some time and whether it is applicable to the church.  There are numerous people posturing pro and con.  I found this article, The Sabbath Day, Moral Law or Ceremonial Law to be thought provoking and informative.

Passover:  I have, for quite some time, not been a participant in Easter, believing it to have no Scriptural warrant.

I was browsing for information regarding Passover vs Easter vs Resurrection, and came across two articles which also piqued my curiosity.  I had to re-read the paragraph below at least 3 times to make sure I had understood what was being stated.  From the article, Holidays or Holy Days, Does It Matter What Days We Observe?

"Although Christ's resurrection is an important basis of our hope that we, too, can be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:17; Romans 5:10), and it was critical for God's plan of salvation to continue, neither God the Father, Christ nor Scripture has ever explicitly directed us to celebrate this event."

Many churches do not participate in Passover, and some have (thankfully) left off the practice of "Easter celebrations" and donned the practice of "Resurrection Sunday."

The question now, in my mind, is there any Biblical substantiation for having a day to remember the resurrection? To which did the early church give credence to the remembrance of? The resurrection or the death of our Savior? The resurrection, just as Jesus' birth, did not propitiate the wrath of God, only the sacrifice of a sinless Lamb could suffice. The birth and resurrection substantiated the divine nature of Christ and the acceptance of the sacrifice.

This article, The Resurrection-Appearances and the Origin of Sunday Observance had information on both the Resurrection and the Sabbath that I found thought provoking.  I am still fence sitting on the issue of the Sabbath, but will continue to seek the Lord in understanding what HE wants.  May each of you be blessed abundantly as you press into HIM, seeking and desiring to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Day 50-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

B. Time spent at Sinai (sometimes called Horeb) ~ cont.

25. Laws for the people ~ cont.
d. Cleansing of leprosy - Leviticus 14:1-57
e. General cleansing - Leviticus 15:1-33

{pages 221-225}

And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of find flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.  (Leviticus 14:10)

A log of oil?  That caught my attention.  A few commentaries:

Gill:  and one log of oil; to be used as after directed: this measure was about half a pint, and is an emblem of the grace and Spirit of God, received by the saints in measure, and is the same with the oil of gladness, poured on Christ without measure, Psa_45:7.

I liked Wesley's view:

Oil is added as a fit sign of God's grace and mercy, and of the leper's healing. A log is a measure containing six egg - shells full.

I was trying to picture eggshells full of oil - wondering is that 1/2 an egg shell or an egg shell with just the top portion gone?  Curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought him back.  LOL!  An egg shell will hold almost a 1/4 cup of water.  6 shells, that is 1.5 cups of water....a pint is 2 cups, so half a pint is 1 cup.  The egg shell I used was a large egg.  I could not find anything online about a log of oil.  Intriguing.

I found it interesting that the priest placed blood on the right ear, hand and foot and then covered them with oil.  Made me think of how Christ Jesus shed his blood to cover our sin and then we were sealed with the Holy Spirit.  Gill had an interesting commentary on the blood and oil on the ear, hand and foot.

Blood - and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot; as was done at the consecration of the high priest; see Gill on Exo_29:20, Lev_8:24, now as the leper stood at the door of the tabernacle without the court, he was obliged to put in his head, his right hand, and his right foot, in order to have the blood put on them by the priest, who was in the court; and these were put in either separately one after another, or together: the tradition runs thus (t), he (the leper) thrust in his head, and (the priest) put (the blood) upon the tip of his ear; his hand, and he put it upon the thumb of his hand; his foot, and he put it upon the great toe of his foot: and the application of the blood to these parts showed that the leper had now a right to hear the word of God, to partake of all privileges, to touch anything without defiling it, and to go into any house or company where he thought fit, he was now at full liberty; more evangelically these things may signify the sanctification and cleansing of those parts, and of the whole man by the blood of Christ; and particularly may signify, that as the ear is unclean, uncircumcised, and unsanctified in a leprous sinner and even there are hearing sins in the best of men, the ear is sanctified, and hearing sins removed by the blood of Christ; and as the right hand, being the instrument of action, may denote the evil works of men, and even since the most righteous performances of the best of men are attended with sin, the blood of Christ, which cleanses from all sin, had need to be put upon them; and whereas the conversation of then, which the foot may be an emblem of, is sinful and vain, it is by the blood of Christ that they are redeemed from it; and the influence of that blood sprinkled on the conscience will oblige and constrain men to live and walk soberly, righteously, and godly. 

Oil - shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot; signifying that these parts in the leprous sinner need to be sanctified by the grace of the Spirit of God, comparable to oil, with which all the Lord's people are anointed, and is that unction they receive from the Holy One, their great High Priest; by this the ear is sanctified so as to hear the word, so as to understand it and mix it with faith; and the thumb of the right hand having oil put on that, may signify that the actions of good men are influenced by the Spirit of God, who works in them both to will and to do, and without whose grace they can do nothing in a spiritual manner; and the great toe of the right foot, the instrument of walking, being anointed with the same, may denote that it is through the grace of God saints have their conversation in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, and as becomes the Gospel of Christ: the oil was to be put: 

upon the blood of the trespass offering; that is, upon the place of the blood of it, as in Lev_14:28; which is, as the Targum of Jonathan paraphrases it, the place in which he put at first the blood of the trespass offering: for the Jewish writers observe (z), that the log of oil depended on the trespass offering; for if the flood of the trespass offering was not first sprinkled, the sprinkling of the oil was of no avail: this shows that the blood of Christ, is the foundation of men's receiving the grace of the Spirit, and that it is owing to that it is bestowed upon them; the application of his grace follows redemption by the blood of Christ, who gave himself to redeem them from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works; and for whomsoever expiation is made by the blood of Christ, they are sanctified by the Spirit of Christ.

Now that we have been purchased and sealed, ears for hearing, hands for God glorifying work, feet for spreading the gospel, how well do we 'measure' up?

Rom 10:15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Day 49-11

V From the Exodus to the Crossing into Canaan - 1462-1422 B.C. ~ cont.

(1462 - 982 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1)

B. Time spent at Sinai (sometimes called Horeb) ~ cont.

25. Laws for the people ~ cont.
b. Motherhood (law of cleansing) - Leviticus 12:1-8
c. Leprosy - Leviticus 13:1-59
{pages 217-221}

I'm glad we do not have to follow all the rules for life post-childbirth.  Whew!

Every time I read about leprosy, the verse where one is completely leprous and considered clean amazes me.

leprosy - H6883 - From H6879; leprosy.

• H6879 - A primitive root; to scourge, that is, (intransitively and figuratively) to be stricken with leprosy.

The word leprosy is used 39x in 37 verses - 4 of which are in the NT.

G3014 - From the same as G3013; scaliness, that is, “leprosy”.

• G3013 - From λέπω lepō (to peel); a flake.

Browsing for information on leprosy and came across several.  I do not agree with all of them, but they have some interesting information.  This one, The Will to Make Lepers Whole, was good, though the author took license to share what he perceived may have transpired.  I do not agree with the articles that state unequivocally that leprosy is Hansen's disease, but thought this article and this one, both presented engaging material.

Lev 13:12  And if a leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his foot, wheresoever the priest looketh;

Lev 13:13  Then the priest shall consider: and, behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: it is all turned white: he is clean.

K&D Commentary:  If, on the other hand, the leprosy broke out blooming on the skin, and covered the whole of the skin from head to foot “with regard to the whole sight of the eyes of the priest,” i.e., as far as his eyes could see, the priest was to pronounce the person clean. “He has turned quite white,” i.e., his dark body has all become white. The breaking out of the leprous matter in this complete and rapid way upon the surface of the whole body was the crisis of the disease; the diseased matter turned into a scurf, which died away and then fell off.

Most all the commentaries were similar to this one by Wesley:

All his flesh - When it appeared in some one part it discovered the ill humour which lurked within, and withal the inability of nature to expel it; but when it overspread all, it manifested the strength of nature conquering the distemper, and purging out the ill humours into the outward parts.

I find it interesting that the outward state is representative of the inward state and the purging thereof.

Mar 7:20-23  And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:  All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Lord, help Your people to be cognizant of those 'things' which defile us, to be more and more aware of what and how our heart is being conformed, create a desire within us to be set apart and holy, ready for use by the Master.