READINGS FOR OCTOBER 21, 2024: NUMBERS 27, HEBREWS 3, PSALM 109:1-15
Numbers 27
Chapter 27 contains two separate but interesting stories. These are stories that will impact the way the nation of Israel moves forward. One is a personal story and the other represents who will lead the people after Moses is gone.
The daughters of Zelophedad approached Moses with a dilemma. Their father did not have any sons and therefore his name would disappear from the roles of the clans and his descendants would not have a claim to any land. Moses approached God and God provided a plan of action for the inheritance of properties if there are no sons.
- The daughters would inherit.
- If no daughters, then the Man’s brother would inherit.
- If no brothers, then his uncles would inherit.
- If no uncles, then the nearest relative would inherit.
This episode shows how disputes between the Israelites may have been settled. The parties would come to Moses who would then take the case to God and a general law would be proclaimed. Then legitimate exceptions or special considerations would some to the elders. Chapter 36 has a further clarification on this law from God.
The second story concerns the decision of who would replace Moses. Moses approaches God and asks for the people of Israel to have a leader so that they would not be lost. Joshua was selected. Moses tells Moses to have Joshua go to the Chief Priest and use the Urim and Thummim to determine certain decisions.
The Urim and Thummim are two objects are a part of the breastplate of the High Priest of Israel. The Urim means "lights" and the Thummim means "perfection" or "truth". They were used to determine decisions that were needed to be made. It is believed that these decisions were posed as a series of “yes” or “no” questions. It is believed that these stones were “cast” (thrown) to determine the answer.
Hebrews 3
In the history of the Jewish people, there are ancestors that are held in the highest regard. Abraham was the one through which the people were called to be a great people. Through Moses, the people were led from Egypt to the Promised Land. King David was the greatest King and the one through which God would send the Messiah.
So, for the writer of Hebrews to state that Jesus was greater than Moses is a bold statement to make. As moses was sent to free the people from Egyptian bondage, Jesus was sent to free people from bondage to sin. Jesus will lead us to the place of Sabbath rest at the end of the age.
READINGS FOR OCTOBER 21, 2024 (CONTINUED): NUMBERS 27, HEBREWS 3, PSALM 109:1-15
Moses was to be honored because he was a faithful servant. Jesus is worthy of a greater honor because he is the Son of God. Just as in a household, a faithful servant has respect but a child of the owner of the house id due more respect.
The author of Hebrews uses Psalm 95:7-11 as a call for the people to believe. It underscores the events in the Exodus where the people of Israel were afraid to enter the Promised Land. The opening phrase, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts will be used two more times (once in chapter 3 and once in chapter 4 as a rhetorical device to reaffirm the call to belief).
Verse 13 tells us to, “encourage one another daily”. How can you encourage a brother or sister in Christ today? How can you lift-up a family member, a friend, a coworker, and even a total stranger? Maybe it is a kind word? A note of encouragement? A phone call? A visit? The ways we can uplift are numerous. Think about it?
Psalm 109:1-15
Psalm 109 is a hymn of lament asking God for deliverance from David’s enemies. The two main sections of the Psalm (6-15 and 16-25) are framed by two four-line stanzas of petitions.
Verses 1-5 are an appeal to God to deliver the Psalmist from false accusers. Davis lays his case before God. Those who oppose him have lied in their accusations. They have attacked his friendship with evil and hatred.
David asks that his accusers stand trial before God. He wishes that their lies will be exposed and that they will have to pay for them. That their crimes will not go unpunished.
When you read through the list of things that David wishes would happen to his accuser, they are harsh. He asks for his life be short; his position of authority be taken away; his life be a financial ruin; and the list goes on. But before we get judgmental, ask yourself: Have I ever asked God to destroy my enemies? Have I ever wished harm on someone who has harmed me? Maybe not to the extent that David asks for here. But, I guess that it has occurred to you at some time in your past.
The key here is that God wants to hear when you are hurting. God wants you to know that your cries for help are heard. Even if the words being spoken may not be loving and kind, God wants to walk with you in your darkest hour.
Verse 8 is quoted in the book of Acts (1:20). When the disciples gather after the ascension of Jesus, they are tasked with replacing Judas who had betrayed Jesus.
