READINGS FOR OCTOBER 18, 2024: NUMBERS 26, HEBREWS 2, PSALM 108
Numbers 26
This is the second census since the people of Israel left Egypt. God tells Moses to take a count by tribe and by clan of those men who were 20 years old or over. By the time of the census, there are only three people alive that were among those who left Egypt. They were Moses, Caleb (son of Jephhunnah), and Joshua (son of Nun).
| Tribe | First Census | Second Census |
| Reuben | 46,500 | 43,730 |
| Simeon | 59,300 | 22,200 |
| Gad | 45,650 | 40,500 |
| Judah | 74,600 | 76,500 |
| Issachar | 54,400 | 64,300 |
| Zebulun | 57,400 | 60,500 |
| Ephraim | 40,500 | 32,500 |
| Manasseh | 32,200 | 52,700 |
| Benjamin | 35,400 | 45,600 |
| Dan | 62,700 | 64,400 |
| Asher | 41,500 | 53,400 |
| Naphtali | 53,400 | 45,400 |
| Total | 603,550 | 601,730 |
The total number of Israelite adult males did not change much after forty years. It is possible that the tribe of Simeon had been a large part of those who were killed in the plague in the previous chapter. Their numbers are drastically less than the first census. Moses will use this census when the Promised Land is distributed between the tribes.
Hebrews 2
The author makes the first of five warnings in the book of Hebrews. The warning here is that a return to Jewish sacrificial practices is a denial of Christ’ atoning work on the cross. To deny the price that Jesus paid for our sins would have dire consequences.
The author explains why Jesus came to earth. He uses a similar train of thought as found in Philippians 2:6-11. Jesus came down from Heaven and became human for us. It was necessary for a human being to pay the price for the sin of humanity. And, yet if Jesus was only human, it would not have been enough.
The author uses the Old Testament to emphasize his point as he quotes from Psalm 8:4-6, Psalm 22:22, and Isaiah 8:17-18. Because of Jesus humanity, he can call us his sisters and brothers. Through his humanness, Jesus can understand what we are going through.
Verse 18 states “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (NIV) It is because Jesus experienced the highs and lows of
READINGS FOR OCTOBER 18, 2024 CONTINUED: NUMBERS 26, HEBREWS 2, PSALM 108
being human that he is able to help us in times of trouble. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1-11). He understands what the human condition is. Jesus has felt the pull to cave into the sins of the devil. Jesus can and does walk with us in our times of trial and temptation (if we will allow him to journey with us).
The author uses the image of Jesus as the high priest. In the Jewish faith, the high priest was the head of the priestly order of the Levites. He was the only one who could enter the presence of God in the Most Holy Place in the temple. The high priest was the one who made the sacrifice of atonement for the people (see Leviticus 16 for an in depth look at the steps the high priest had to take to enter the Most Holy Place – or the Holy of Holies).
As the high priest, it is Jesus who makes the sacrifice on our behalf. But instead of a bull being sacrificed on the altar, Jesus was nailed to a cross. The Son of God became the atoning sacrifice for our sins. The price has been paid.
Psalm 108
Psalm 108 is both a hymn of praise and a prayer for God’s help against the enemy. This psalm is a combination of Psalm 57:7-11 (Verses 1-5) and 60:5-12 (Verses 6-13). If you look at the psalms side by side you will see that they are almost exactly word for word. It was common to use portions of different hymns to create a new one for a worship setting. Think of Chris Tomlin’s version of “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)”. And I can think of two or three songs from Christian artists that are attributed to Psalm 57.
The first five verses are a hymn of praise. David is praising God for his love. He wants to use his voice, his instruments, his whole being to praise God for the overwhelming love he has received.
The last eight verses are a prayer for God’s help against an enemy. Moab, Edom, and Philistia (the Philistines) were perpetual enemies of Israel. David asks that Israel persevere.
Moab – washbasin – reduced to something used to wash your face, hands, and feet – a disgrace.
Edom – toss my sandal – may refer to the symbolic act where a person claimed ownership of land.
Philistia – shout in triumph – asking God for victory.
Another interesting fact is the symbolism of Manasseh and Judah.
Ephraim – helmet – a leading tribe of Israel (one of Rachel’s children). Ephraim was from the Northern tribes (head – North).
Judah – scepter – A leading tribe of Israel (one of Leah’s children). King David was from the tribe of Judah. The scepter represents that leadership.
