READING FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2024: NUMBERS 1, ACTS 5, PSALM 96 NUMBERS 1 The events of this chapter and book begin in the thirteenth month since Israel left Egypt, fairly early in their 40-year journey. The census is done with attention paid to individual, families, and tribes—suggesting that every person, family, and extended family has a significant role to play in the larger community of God’s people. How do we interact within these categories today? The census involved a representative from each tribe to help guarantee an accurate count, a big issue in our recent elections.
Those counted were those deemed fit to be a soldier. Thus, while this may have served other purposes, the one identified is preparedness for the eventual battles that God knew they would face. God knows we as believers will face battles of a different nature and will also need to be prepared. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph.6:11-12).As we study the Bible, we’re taking up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Note the count included 12 tribes, of which two were descendants of the sons of Joseph. Levi was not counted. According to the text this was because of their service with the tabernacle. We know that they will never possess a region as will the other tribes. The chapter implies that they won’t participate in war. As you may remember from Moses’s call for judgment following the golden calf incident, they weren’t exactly wimps either: “Let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor. So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day” (Ex. 32:27-28).
The final count of fighting men came to 603,550. This large number causes some scholars to suggest it might not be literally accurate but represents some theological truth. Here is a different view from William T. Pelletier, PhD in mathematics (He assumes a total pop. of 5 million):
The initial Israelite population in Egypt numbered about 100:
1 (Jacob) + 3 (Jacob’s wives) + 66 (Jacob’s descendants from Canaan)
+ 3 (Joseph and his 2 sons in Egypt) + 12 (wives of Jacob’s 12 sons)
+ 15 (estimate for clan concubines and wives of Jacob’s 51 grandsons) Population growth while in Egypt: “But the sons of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly, and multiplied, and became exceedingly mighty, so that the land was filled with them” (Ex. 1:7). Rate of population growth need to reach census result: Starting with population P, the new population is
= P x 2d after d doublings.
= P x (1+r)n after n years at an annual growth rate r.
Thus, for a population increase from 100 to 5 million people in 431 years, the doubling time would be 27.6 years, and the annual growth rate would be 2.54%. (This is high but in line with population growth in Africa.)
READING FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 CONTINUED: ACTS 5, PSALM 96 ACTS 5 For those us of reading along with the 3-year reading plan, we remember the Leviticus 27 study yesterday about making a special vow to God. One option was giving all or a portion of a piece of property to the Lord. Something similar but even more generous was happening in the first days after Pentecost: “All who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need” (Acts 4:34-35). Ananias made such a vow to give God all the proceeds from the sale of a piece of property. Pete perceived that Satan had influenced Ananias to hold back a portion while pretending to give it all. Ananias then lied about it when confronted. His wife, Sapphira, was aware of this deception and also lied. Both died immediately. Was this too harsh a penalty? After all, Peter also lied when three times he denied knowing Jesus after he vowed, “Even if I die have to You, I will not deny You” (Matt. 26:35). Perhaps an interpretive key is verse 3 that states Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit. Peter denial was before Pentecost and before the baptism of the Spirit. Remember Jesus’s words: “Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matt. 12:32).
2 Corinthians 12:12 says, “The distinguishing marks of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs, wonders, and miracles.” Peter’s ministry was so powerful that even his shadow healed the sick. There is debate among Christians about whether such miracles are possible today after the time of Peter and his associates. Most people don’t refuse prayer when they are sick, however. Peter’s successful healing ministry made the Jewish leadership jealous, so he ended back in jail. This time, an angel sprang Peter and told him to preach the Gospel at the temple. Once again, Peter and the apostles were brought before the Council where he shared the Gospel with them and stated he won’t stop. Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and Paul’s teacher, finally convinced the Council to let the apostles alone. We learn from this entire chapter that the Holy Spirit is Holy, Powerful, All Knowing, and Merciful.
PSALM 96 Verses 7-13 is quoted pretty much intact in 1 Chronicles 23-34 celebrating the ark being brought to a tent David pitched for it after it had been in the hands of the Philistines. That’s big. Verses 1-6 seek to rev up Israel: Sing to the Lord a new song—not stale worship; share the good news of salvation to world every day—don't hold it in; tell the world our God is the greatest—not just our cultural tradition among many; He is both strong and beautiful—not only loving, not only holy, but the perfect balance of attributes. Verses 7-10 reach out to the nations: He is glorious, so come to Him; nobody is excluded who humbles themselves and is dressed properly (Rom 13:14). Finally, verses 11-13 ask nature to roar with joy and trees to sing because Jesus (to whom the ark points) is coming to judge rightly and fairly.
