Christ in all the scriptures The sayings of Balaam

 Christ in all the scriptures

The parables of Balaam    Numbers 23-24

Parable 1  God is a God of infallible Sovereignty (23v5-10)

"And the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak.  And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he and all the princes of Moab"-Numbers 23v5.

Parable (Heb. mawsawl- 23v7v18; 24v3v15v20v21v23) occurs seven times; refers to a pithy short maxim, an utterance by a wise man which has relevance beyond the time it was spoken.  Each one proclaimed a separate message.  Balaam said these were the very words of God which could not be altered.

By the slow burning sacrifice on the altar, ascending to the living God, Balaam uttered these sacred words: "Balak, the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come curse me Jacob, and come defy Israel".  At great expense, and with persistent intent, Balak sought to compromise Israel.  He could not defeat them with his own resources, but the unseen world could.  Balaam's answer was irreversible..."How shall I curse , whom God has not cursed, or how shall I defy whom God has not defied?"  The decrees of God are eternal.

Israel are a special people whom God protects and inspires.  Balaam says, I know the God of Israel, "From the top of the rocks I see Him, and from the hills I behold Him".  This is no imagination on my part, we are dealing with the Living God!  These people are His people, and are apart from all people "Lo the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations".  

They will grow to innumerable numbers. "Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel?"  No one and nothing will hinder the growth of this people.

Their end will be glorious and enviable for they are justified by God  "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like theirs".  Balaam, like many people, wanted to die the death of the righteous, but was not prepared to live the life of the righteous.  He knew the right way, but was not disposed to walk in it.

Balak got the message, he said, I asked you to curse them and you have blessed them altogether.  Balaam replies that he can only say what God has given him.  

Parable 2  God is a God of immutable Integrity  (23v15-24)

In desperation, Balak moves Balaam to another mountain to gain a different perspective, but the result is the same.  This ploy will be repeated, and the message is always the same: it doesn't matter from which angle you look at it, God's blessing on Israel is unable to be changed even over time.  In this parable we learn the character of God.

"And he took up this parable, and said, rise up Balak, and hear; hearken unto me thou son of Zippor; God is not a man that He should lie; nor the son of man that He should repent (change His mind): hath He said and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?  Behold I have received commandment to bless; and He hath blessed and I cannot reverse it".

God is not like man, He does not lie, nor change His mind in relation to blessing.  The New Testament expands on the faithfulness of God.  "In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie promised before the world began"-Titus 1v2: "The gifts and callings of God are without repentance" (irrevocable)-Romans 11v29: "Wherefore God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil, whither the fore runner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek"-Hebrews 6v17-20.  When God justifies a person they are righteous before Him for ever.  The truth of Divine justification is amazing, and deserves to be proclaimed more and more.  The hymnwriter (as always) captures the thought, "The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose; He cannot, He will not desert to its foes; that soul though all hell should endeavour to shake, He'll never, no never, no never forsake"-hymn attributed to R. Keen, former music leader of Carter Lane Baptist church London).  The latter half of Romans 8 (a chapter worth reading and pondering every day) places the believer safe beyond the events of time, whether of demons or men.  God's blessing is complete and irrevocable.  Balak, king of Moab, was to learn that.  An infinite, eternal, and all-wise God, never rescinds His promises.  

Balaam continues, by way of explanation, and, in the process, expresses the wonder of Divine justification as good as any in the entire bible; "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel; the Lord His God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them".  This people He brought out of Egypt, having redeemed them by the blood of the Paschal lamb are untouchable.  Standing by the altar of sacrifice, where the sins of the people were (symbolically) removed by God, and, borrowing the language of Romans 8, no one can condemn them whom God has justified; no one can lay anything to their charge for whom Christ died and rose again, and who lives forever to intercede for them.  No one in heaven, no one on earth, or any other sphere imaginable.  They are blessed, and nothing can harm them.  King David put it like this, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit is no guile"-Psalm 32v1-2.  All who are saved and reading this REJOICE!  All not sure and reading this, get right with God and DO IT NOW!  In sincerity of soul ask God for forgiveness in Christ and it will be done, nothing to pay, no delay, and the greatest transaction you will ever do will be done and that forever!

There's more.....Balaam continues, "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, "What God hath wrought!"  Behold the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion.  He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain" (all the language of supreme victory and ultimate authority).   Majesty and virility, and authority, are the blessings conferred on the justified.

We could not finish this study without reference to Psalm 31v19-20 in tribute to the God who justifies..."Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men.  Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man; thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues".  

  

Christ in all the scriptures Divine Sovereignty

 

Christ in all the scriptures

God Sovereign in every situation  Numbers 22v20-41

There are situations in life that arise which test the ability of ruling men to the limit.  In such circumstances they seek outside help whether it be from religious leaders, or diviners (modern equivalent clairvoyants) or the like.  Such a situation arose in Moab which caused consternation in the corridors of power.  The entity of Israel, consisting of about 3 million people with children and livestock were on their doorstep demanding clear passage into Canaan.  This was not simply a migrant problem on a scale that is unmatched even today; this was a formidable fighting force which had just overrun their overlords Sihon and Og, and now appeared to threaten their very existence.  In addition they were reputed to have the God of all heaven and earth on their side!  In desperation, King Balak, in consultation with his courtiers sent a deputation bearing fabulous gifts to the renowned Balaam, son of Bosor in Mesopotamia, whose reputation for prophetic insight was second to none.  These were days when the pronouncements of diviners were a powerful influence in the kingdoms of men.  If truth be told it is no different today, although this aspect is kept low key.  What marked Balaam out from others was that he was cautious and was, in fact, in touch with the living God.  As such he had never failed in his predictions and pronouncements.  In the course of human history God has had dealings with many an ungodly man in the cause of good government of world situations.  He spoke directly to Cain, to Cyrus, to Nebuchadnezzar, and it is written "The most high ruleth among the kingdoms of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will"-Daniel 4v17.   There is a phrase, "Man proposes, God disposes!", and never a truer word has been spoken.  He is the living God, He rules over the affairs of men at all times, particularly when it involves His people.

Balaam was not one to be rushed, even when lavish gifts were being offered to him.  He had built his reputation on caution, and he preferred to consult a higher power on this matter.  He knew how to approach God for he had done so many a time.  According to the latter part of the chapter he did so by means of sacrifice, a ritual he had come to know would give him access to the Almighty.  Because of the moral distance, man can only approach God in a way acceptable to God.  This principle stands forever and Balaam understood that God could only be approached by the sacrifice of another.  The answer came emphatically, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed"-22v12.  It is well a modern world also understands this!  Balak sends another group of higher dignity than the first band and promises Balaam even greater honour if he comes to curse Israel.  Balaam further consulted the Lord, and this time He allowed him to go, on condition he spoke only the words God gave him.

"And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him".   

This exchange between God and Balaam was very real.  The majesty of heaven deigns to deal with lowly man in a gracious, but righteous way.  Why was God's anger so kindled against Balaam when He had given him permission to go with the princes of Moab?  The narrative reveals it was because He discerned the inward temptation of Balaam.  The God who is "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4v12), knew that Balaam harboured some way of cashing in by cursing Israel, and He confronted him along the way.  This is always God's way of operation, when the will of man clashes with the unalterable will of God, the will of man is frustrated.  There are countless examples of this in scripture.  God will allow Balaam to proclaim His word, He will not allow him to alter it in any way.

This leads to the unique story of the talking donkey!  "The Angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him"-22v22.  It is thought the journey from Pethor in Syria to Moab was about 70 miles, and, along the way they were confronted from above.  This introduces us to the largely unknown spirit world.  It is thought the "Angel of the Lord" may be a theophany of Christ Himself.  The reality of the unseen spirit world controlling events on earth is sprinkled throughout scripture.  Conflicts on earth often reflect conflicts in the heavens.  Certainly Balaam was left in no doubt of opposition to his inward intentions, and the seven oracles which follow reveal the true character of God.  Such is the folly of man, in conflict with the Divine will, that the donkey which conveyed him to Moab had more discernment than the seer!  This episode declares what God thinks of man in his folly, that a dumb animal knows more than him of the realities of the universe!  Indeed, the beast proved to be not so dumb as God spoke through it!  The wisest of men, who oppose the will of God is dumber than the beast of burden!  The saying, "...vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise they became fools"-Romans 1v21-22 is relevant to this situation.  God well understands the frailty of man, but He will not tolerate rebellion.  What a blow to human pride!  The same chapter in Romans goes on to say that departure from God, the true God, leads man to worship lesser creatures, thus demeaning humanity, the highest creation of God.  Under threat to his very existence, Balaam learned the following, which many are slow to learn even today:

1)  That the unseen spirit world controls the material world in which we live.

2)  That man in his folly becomes lesser than the animal creation.

3)  That God blesses whom He will, and that He has blessed Israel.

4)  That Israel holds the key to future blessing or cursing.

5)  In His sovereign government of the universe, God speaks through ungodly men, even an idol worshipper like Balaam.

All of this is clear from the seven oracles of Balaam to Balak, the king of Moab.  We are thus prepared for instruction of the character and ways of God.  He controls the present and He controls the future.  Seven altars proclaim seven oracles of the immutable words of the living God.  The oracles of Balaam, spoken to a king, reveal God in the following scriptures:

Numbers 23v7-10; 23v18-24; 24v3-9; 24v15-19; 24v20; 24v21-22; 24v23-25.  

Each oracle is preceded by the assertion that these are the very words of God.  Nothing and no one can alter the Divine words.  Psalm 119v89 declares, "Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven".  In a world full of doubt and uncertainty, this proclaims the unchanging and eternal nature of God's word.  In every detail it will be fulfilled regardless of the vain attempts of man to alter it.  

Christ in all the scriptures Moab

 

Christ in all the scriptures

"Moab is my washpot"-Psalm 60v8; Numbers 22v1-21

This was a term of profound disdain from above to the people of Moab.  Their spiritual standing before God was symbolised in their geographical location, namely, at the base of the Dead Sea.  Moab was born into privilege, being out of Lot (nephew of Abraham), albeit their existence came out of an incestuous relationship in a time of Divine overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah.  It seemed they had never overcome that stigma, for here they are, seeking to curse Israel whom God has blessed.   Their king, Balak, appalled at Israel hugging their borders, and, fearful of the evident Divine presence among them, sent for a known diviner in Balaam to curse them, so they would be rid of any threat.  He said, reflecting the character of his people, "Curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me; peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot (know) that whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed"-Numbers 22v6.  This, toward their natural relations, but, evidently their spiritual enemies.  What about "Love thy neighbour as thyself"?!!  Conflict with man stems from opposition to God.  And so continued the opposition to Israel.  The Divine word emphatically reveals that conflict with Israel is conflict with God (Genesis 12v1-3; 27v29; Exodus 23v22; Numbers 24v9).  Modern nations should take heed.  God will deal with the waywardness of Israel in His own way, but those nations who oppose them are under the curse of God, and there is only one outcome of that.

It is important we grasp the flow of thought in scripture.  Israel are on the border of the promised land.  The arch enemy of God and His people attempted to debar them by opposition from strong and powerful enemies in the form of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the giant Og, king of Bashan.  This failed, and now he attempts to bring them down another way.  Confrontation did not work, and now he tries deception, which, as we shall see, did work in part.  The New Testament makes it clear, that the devil has two ways of opposition to God's people: Ephesians 6v10-16, "...the fiery darts of the wicked one", and... "the wiles of the devil".  When one way fails, he will try another, and this is always the way.  He is the Adversary of God and His people, and to the end will use all means possible to oppose them.  In the story of Balaam (Numbers 22v1-25v9) we have the attempt of the devil to corrupt God's people by deception.  It was by deception that Satan achieved the fall of man in the beginning.  He has failed to halt their progress through force, now he will corrupt them by wiles, but not before God, through Balaam, declares the inevitable outcome.

The elders of Moab and Midian conspired together to persuade Balaam, the diviner, with financial reward-Numbers 22v7.  The New Testament is clear that Balaam was drawn with what it called "the wages of unrighteousness"-2nd Peter 2v15.  Balaam was motivated by money.  In the course of his time in Moab, he will proclaim the integrity and sanctity of God, but his god was money.  He had no love for Israel, the people of God, he "loved the wages of unrighteousness".  He would say and do whatever it took to maximise personal reward.  Divinely gifted, yet he used it for personal gain.  As the late C. S. Lewis once quipped, "Of all bad men, religious bad men are the worst".  The sheer hypocrisy of proclaiming in public the truth of God, while in private promoting evil, is alarming, yet God has exposed it in His word.  Numbers 23 and 24 are his public face, while Numbers 25v1-9 is his real face.   

Moab were rich in pastureland and possessed great wealth; largely a depraved people who worshipped the god Chemosh, and remained the enemy of Israel throughout their history.  Judges 3v12-31 describes an 18 year oppression of Israel under king Eglon.  2nd Kings 3 indicates a rebellion by Moab against Israel when they had been previously trading together. This resulted in a major war which soured the relationship for years to come.  Isaiah chapters 15-16 reveal that Moab remained in contention to Israel.  They were a very proud people, but due to their constant conflict with Israel the Lord brought them down to almost oblivion (Isaiah 16v14).  The depraved character, and the down fall of the people of Moab is declared in Jeremiah 48.  A proud, prosperous, sexually promiscuous and idolatrous people, were cut down under the hand of God ("Moab is destroyed"-48v4; "Moab is spoiled"-48v15; "Moab is confounded"-48v20; "The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken saith the Lord"-48v25.  The chapter ends with the promise of God to restore them to prosperity in the latter days (48v47).  This is a testimony to the sovereignty and the mercy of God who, despite man's folly, continues to offer His goodness when the time is right.  Ultimately Moab will rebel and will be smitten at the coming of Messiah, according to the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24v17.  Jesus, when He returns, will put down all rebellion to usher in worldwide peace

Topically, in this connection we remember that in the midst of all this is the wonderful story of Ruth the Moabitess, who committed herself to the people of God, who became the grandmother of King David (no less), and an important link in the genealogy which led to Christ.  The lesson is clear, that while there is a national characteristic of depravity, there are individuals within any nation who can break the mould and stand for God.  This is true in every generation, and the God of heaven patiently waits for such to emerge.  It is true in our generation, where individuals, reared in a godless environment have risen to give their devotion, and lives to Jesus Christ.  Will I be a Ruth, or will I succumb to the trend of the masses?  God is exceedingly gracious.

Christ in all the scriptures Balaam

 Christ in all the scriptures

The intriguing story of Balaam   Numbers 22v1-25v9

The Spirit of God devotes more than 3 whole chapters to the narrative of the soothsayer Balaam at a crucial time in Israel's history.  As such, it deserves our special attention.  We may well ask, what is the message that Balaam (gifted by God, who paid no more than lip service to the things of God, who deceived Israel into immoral and idolatrous ways), has for us today?  A cursory reading of Numbers 22-25 may lead us to view this man as loyal to God, since (as we shall see in the course of the study) he gave a most excellent sevenfold discourse on the character of God, which is most revealing; he spoke to God directly, and God to him; he spoke for God to king Balak of Moab; he pronounced a blessing upon Israel such as cannot be rescinded.  Surely such a man is a godly man who must be followed and revered!  Not so, reveals the New Testament, which gives the reality of this man, and issues a warning not to be deceived.   The New Testament refers three times to Balaam and his deception:

The WAY of Balaam  2nd Peter 2v15 "...which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness: but was rebuked for his iniquity...".

The ERROR of Balaam  Jude v11 "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core (Korah).

The DOCTRINE of Balaam  Revelation 2v14  "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication".

This emphatic threefold revelation of the true Balaam, focuses on his way (practice), his error (influence), his doctrine (teaching).  A wrong way becomes a lifestyle and then a doctrine, the doctrine of demons.  The reality is that the way and error and doctrine of Balaam is the way to eternal punishment.  Judas Iscariot was an apostle of Jesus Christ, who spent over three years in His company, accompanied the group on missionary enterprise, performed miracles in His name, exorcised unclean spirits, healed all manner of disease and sickness (Matthew 10v1-4); yet he was in reality "the son of perdition", and he, with Balaam, serves as a warning to us.  It may be argued that these are extreme examples that do not apply to the rank and file of professing believers, but a closer inspection may suggest otherwise.

The Sovereign Lord blesses humanity with many gifts and talents.  This should be obvious when we consider the many wonderful abilities given to mankind.  Humanity, the highest order of earthly creation, has been endowed with many and varied gifts from above.  Exodus 31v1-11, God endowed Bezaleel with the gift of craftmanship to construct the Tabernacle.  1st Kings 3v5-12, He endowed Solomon with extraordinary wisdom to rule over Israel.  The bible is replete with spiritual gifts given to His people to enable them to carry out their function for God (Romans 12v3-8; 1st Corinthians 12v1-12 and 27-31; Ephesians 4v11-16; 1st Peter 4v10-11.   James wrote (1v17) "Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness nor shadow cast by turning".  The context is that He is not the source of evil, but the blessed source of all that is good.  God has gifted all men from His bountiful and wonderful supply.  Balaam was in receipt of an outstanding gift, which had gained him a huge reputation.  God has endowed humanity with His bounty, artistically, academically, aesthetically, athletically.  He is a giving God, He "gives to all men liberally and upbraideth not"-James 1v5.  That is the gifts He gives come without "strings attached", for He well knows our frailty.

Balaam used his gift for evil intent.  It is not immediately obvious but the picture is of a man who used his God-given ability to swell his finances, to gain personal influence and to bring down God's people whom he knew were irreversibly blessed of God. The issue is not the source of the gift, but the use to which it is put.  Balaam abused the precious gift he was given, as he used it for himself, for his own glory, for his own benefit.  He corrupted the Divine gift bestowed upon him, such a gift that few men would ever receive.  He was greedy, motivated by the love of money ("the root of all evil").  He bestrode with impunity the royal courts of Moab, playing the king for all he could get.  Before we shake the head in disgust, we might ask, what are we doing with the gift God has given us?  We all have been endowed with gifts from above, particularly those who have been saved by grace.  Am I using it to gain a name for myself, or to enrich myself, or am I using it (as I should) for the glory of the Giver?  Many have followed in Balaam's footsteps, and it is the path to eternal oblivion.  The very people that he wanted to fail, brought his life to an end (Numbers 31v8 and Joshua 13v22), while he was fighting with Israel's enemies.

Evil that men do can last for centuries of time   Revelation 2v17  The doctrine of Balaam did not die with Balaam, as it was present in the churches at Pergamos and Thyatira (some 1500 years later), and is present in the professing churches of today.  in the same way, Babylon, which first raised its ugly head at the beginning of time (Genesis 11) is found at the end of time in Revelation 17/18-still professing godliness but practising evil.  There are many other such examples.  All will come to a similar end when Christ returns.

This unusual, but very pertinent bible story, serves as a warning to all professing believers today  

The gift that you have from a bountiful God is to be used for the glory of God.  "As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any minister (serve), let him do it as of the ability that God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion for ever and ever.  Amen." 1st Peter 4v10-11.  Any gift from above is to be used for the glory of God who gave it, without whom we would not have it!!  Balaam used it for self glory, and many are doing so now.  Balaam paid lip service to the Lord but his heart was far from God.  God said of Israel in Isaiah 29v13, "Wherefore the Lord said, forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men".  What a withering condemnation to a people professing to be the people of God!  Lip service, heart far removed!  How is it with me?  Do I attend the services to please men?  Do I sing for my own glory? Do I speak to gain a name for myself? Do I enrich myself in the things of God?  Am I helping to build God's kingdom or my own?

Modern ways in which the doctrine of Balaam is being perpetuated. 

The Lord linked the doctrine of Balaam to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans-Revelation 2v15. The name means "power over the people"-the possible beginnings of clergy over laity, such as exists in churches today.  Whether we think of mainstream churches with their Bishops or Archbishops; of Presbyterians with their presbyters; or Elders in breakaway evangelical churches, there is no doubt that churches have become a paradise for men's ego.  In biblical terms "lording it over God's heritage" or "loving to have the pre-eminence among them".   Associated with this is the practice of turning a blind eye to known evil among them, as exposure may have a detrimental effect on their image locally and in a wider area.  Pleasing men rather than God is at the heart of this.  Concern is for reputation before men rather than character before God.  Worse than this is the corruption of the grace of God, teaching that because God is so gracious as to forgive every sin without recall, they justified immoral behaviour, and indeed promoted it.  Jude the apostle said it was "turning the grace of God into lasciviousness"; Paul said with horror, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!-Romans 6v1-2.  Perish the thought, says Paul, this must never be!  How typical of mankind to take the sacred things of God and turn them to perversion.  This error is prevalent today, if not so much in our teaching, it is in our thinking and our practice.

We shall see in the course of the study, what the doctrine of Balaam entailed, but first we shall revel in the wonderful proclamations of God and His salvation.  Balaam is gone, God's salvation remains forever, and so we can enjoy such a portion as this for our edification.  

I implore readers to read Numbers 22v1-25v9 as we enter upon a fascinating, if solemn study. 

Christ in all the scriptures More than conquerors Numbers 21

 Christ in all the scriptures

"The book of the wars of the Lord"    Numbers 21

On the verge of entering the promised land, in the second half of the 40th year from the exodus, the chapter records the many conflicts that afflicted Israel.  "Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the Lord, what He did in the Red Sea, and in the brooks of Arnon"- Numbers 21v14.  This is the deliverance from Egypt at the beginning of their journey (at the Red Sea), and now from the Amorites at the end (at Arnon).  We note He was with them from beginning to end; that He was personally involved in their struggles, ensuring their victory.  We also note that every struggle was written down in the book of the wars of the Lord.  Scripture refers to many books of the Lord, and all the suffering of His people will be recorded and remembered.  An interesting study for all of us is to mark the different books of the Lord in scripture and so understand the reality that He is with us at every phase of the journey.  This sets the tone of this chapter, that, on the way to the promised land, God's people will suffer many trials and will be involved in many conflicts before our final rest.  Of particular note is the reference to the Amorites in v21-35.  The history of this goes back to Genesis 15v16, when God said to Abraham, "In the fourth generation they (Israel) shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full".  From this unique prophecy we understand the workings (and the wonder) of Divine government in this world.  God knew that the iniquity of the Amorites would only increase; that He would allow generations to pass (over 400 years) before He would judge this nation; that He would give them final opportunity to repent of their evil ways, by accommodating His people Israel.  They never did and so He exterminated them as only God can do.  Refusal of the mercy of God will lead to ultimate ruin, and, through Israel, He brought their existence to an end, as is recounted in the chapter.  This is God's way, and no nation can expect any difference.  He is a patient, longsuffering God, allowing time and opportunity to repent.  Ultimately He will judge all nations on the basis of righteous judgment-the Psalmist records, "The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God"-Psalm 9v17.  The world must know, individually, and nationally, we are all accountable to the living God who will judge the world, the whole world, in righteousness.

Israel are on the march.  They have been wandering for 40 years, but now they are moving forward in the will of God toward their rest.  For us, Jesus is the captain of our salvation, leading many sons to glory (Hebrews 2v10), and that involves suffering.  While they were wandering no one troubled them, but when they started to move with God the opposition began!  Our adversary, the devil, is quite content to leave us alone, but when we march for God, then he mobilises the enemy.   We could well ask ourselves, are we wandering or are we marching?  It is notable that to the dead church at Sardis there was no mention of Satan, as there was at Smyrna, and Pergamos, and Thyatira, and Philadelphia.  They were, in the main, spiritually inactive.

Now, it is evident that this chapter is dealing with the conflict that will be the portion of all believers.  The threefold enemy of Christian life is depicted here, the WORLD, as typified in the Canaanites; the FLESH as illustrated in Israel's disillusionment and complaint against the Lord; the DEVIL, as personified in Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, formidable adversaries who sought to block their way.  The main thrust of the chapter is of victory out of failure in the power of the Lord..

Hostility from the king of Arad, the Canaanite   Numbers 21v1-3   Canaan, "the land flowing with milk and honey", held real attractions for them, as the world of today has real attractions for us.  However it was occupied and ruled by a people under the curse of God (Genesis 9v25); who were totally committed to commerce (Canaan means "merchant"), and who lived in rank idolatry and sacrilege (according to legend).  This initial victory would lead to seven years conflict as per the book of Joshua.  In spiritual terms, the world system in which we live is a persistent enemy of the people of God.  Israel overcame it by making a vow before the Lord, a commitment to overcome it.  The New Testament equivalent is 1st John 5v4, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith".  Whether we think of it as the world of false religion, or of commerce, or of politics, or of entertainment, we are emphatically told that "friendship with the world is enmity with God"-James 4v4.  We live in the world but we are not of it, and we should not love that which is contrary to God.

Weakness of the flesh due to the rigours of the way   Numbers 21v4-20   The refusal of Edom to allow them safe passage meant they had to endure a circuitous trip to reach their destination.  This caused them deep frustration and brought out the worst in them.  They vented their anger against the Lord and against Moses, reverting to false accusations and disdain of God's provision.  "And the people spake against God and against Moses, wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread"-21v5.  Previously they had complained against Moses no less than 8 times-Ex. 15v24; 16v2; 17v3; Numbers 12v1; 14v2; 16v3; 16v41; 20v2.  On this ninth occasion they became bolder, speaking against God and Moses.  The Lord had enough and acted severely without warning.  This blasphemy, in the face of all His provision was unacceptable and He brought their murmuring to an end.  The flesh, our self interest to the exclusion of anything else, is a real problem to those of faith when unexpected difficulties arise.  This brings out the whole "works of the flesh" to which the Spirit of God is opposed-Galatians 5v16-26.  "The Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and much people of Israel died"-21v6.  This gives rise to the wonderful gospel story of the brazen serpent lifted up.  The narrative was used by Jesus to illustrate His death at the cross for the whole world-John 3v14/15.

The whole camp of Israel                           The whole world                                                      Bitten by fiery serpents                               Bitten by Satan                                                        Ready to die                                                Ready to perish forever                                          God provided the remedy                           God sent His Son                                                    A brazen serpent upon a pole                     The Son of God lifted up                                          Whoever looked lived                                Whoever believes is saved

They offended God, He judged them, as He has a right to do; He provided the remedy; this remedy symbolised the crucifixion of His Son; they were invited to look and live, and He healed them.  Such is the provision of a forgiving God.  They were duly humbled, they confessed their sin (which they had never done before-standing on their pride that they were ill done to), now they acknowledge their evil, and the majesty of the One they had offended. What followed was a blessedness that is the portion of all the contrite before the Lord.

They marched forward with courage and purpose 21v10-20.  They pitched toward the sunrising (their eyes were toward the sunrising, symbolic of the coming of the Lord)-21v11. They found the springing up well, and they would never thirst again (symbolic of the Spirit who would never leave them)-21v16/17.  They sang with gusto the song of victory, this was the victory of the lawgiver-21v18.  They journeyed from sin to salvation to sunrising to satisfaction to singing!  This is the good news from above to everyone who believes.

Overcoming the mighty strength of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the supernatural power of Og, king of Bashan   Numbers 21v21-35   

Sihon had overcome Moab, which was no mean feat, and Og was the last of the Rephaim, of the group of giants, half man/half demon who had corrupted the earth from the days of Noah (Genesis 6v1-4. See also Deuteronomy 3).  The picture here is of a fearsome power debarring their way.  The Lord said "Fear him not; for I have delivered him into thine hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon, king of the Amorites which dwelt in Heshbon"-21v34.  Note the language of complete victory in the power of the Lord: "And Israel smote him (Sihon) with the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon to Jabbok; even unto the children of Ammon"-21v24.   Again, "So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land"-21v35.  The faithful also face a fearsome enemy, who is actively opposed to believers, who heads a hierarchy of innumerable demons, whose one purpose is to tempt them and discourage them, and destroy their lives even if he has lost their souls-refer Ephesians 6v10-17; 1st Peter 5v8.  He uses deception, distortion, discouragement, disappointment, defilement, defiance, disobedience, and more, to bring us down.  The Lord will give us the victory, He wants us to be victorious, we can be victorious in His superior strength-Romans 16v20; 8v37-39; 2nd Corinthians 2v11; 10v4.  Our ultimate victory is through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, who rose again, who ascended to heaven, who lives to intercede for us.  God raised a brazen serpent on a pole to give Israel the victory.  Although it was Jesus who died on the cross, yet it was the serpent who was defeated, and in that victory we all stand (Colossians 2v15).  This chapter is summed up in the words of 1st Corinthians 15v57, "Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ".

Christian, be confident, be courageous, be enterprising, be joyful, be positive, be thankful!!!  You are on the winning side. 

                                                         

   

      

Christ in all the scriptures Numbers 20

 Christ in all the scriptures

The rigours of wilderness life      Numbers 20

The chronology, stated in Numbers 33v38-39, places this chapter at the fortieth year after leaving Egypt.  Very little is revealed of the years after leaving Sinai, mercifully, for it was a story of failure and contention.  In Numbers 33 we learn that, from Sinai, they moved to different locations many times, but the Spirit of God is silent on that forgettable part of their history.  There is a tinge of sadness throughout the chapter, which begins and ends with the death of prominent people, and traces the ongoing dissatisfaction of the people, and the uncharacteristic disobedience of Moses.  Before they reached the promised land, they experienced suffering on many levels.  This is the lot of God's people on the way to glory, the suffering before glory.  We should take in the lessons that are here.  The failures of men (and that includes those of our generation) only enhance the perfections of Christ.

The death of Miriam   20v1.

By any standards Miriam was a "mother in Israel".  Her part in the preservation of the baby Moses, and subsequent upbringing at a perilous time (Exodus 2v1-10), marks her out as a devoted sister, and courageous woman.  She was a prophetess, known by all, and led the worship of the women after the crossing at the Red Sea (Exodus 15v20-21).  Sadly, she challenged the authority of Moses at a time of rebellion (Numbers 12).  She reverted to type for her name means "rebellion", and she questioned the judgment of the Lord in appointing Moses as leader.  She was sanctioned and healed, but remained anonymous until the time of her death.

The dissent of Israel   20v2-6

How long will the dissatisfaction go on?  How many times have we been here?  Murmuring against Moses and Aaron, and the Lord who has fed and watered them for 40 years!  It has been well said that the book of Numbers reveals the patience of God with His people. The five books of the Pentateuch reveal the character of God: Genesis His Sovereignty; Exodus His Power; Leviticus His Holiness; Numbers His Patience; Deuteronomy His love.  Acts 13v18 sums it up perfectly, "The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people, when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm brought He them out of it.  And about the time of forty years suffered He their manners in the wilderness".   Scripture waxes eloquent concerning the longsuffering and forbearance of God.  He is patient and loving and understanding of the frailty of mankind.  Time and again they murmured against Him, yet He gave them their requests even in the face of rebellion.  Paul says that "the goodness of God leads to repentance" (Romans 3v40), but Israel, at large never seemed to get there.  As Moses and Aaron fell on their faces to plead for God's mercy, the glory of the Lord appeared to them (Numbers 20v6).  His glory is His goodness in the face of insults...refer Exodus 33v18-19. 

The disobedience of Moses and Aaron   20v7-13    

The Lord instructed them to produce water from the rock to satisfy the people.  We should note that not only did He tell them what to do but how to do it!  God's work must be done God's way, for His way is perfect.  The modern world, take note, God expects us to do His bidding in His way!  The consequences for failure were severe.  The oft-repeated call, "We have our own way of doing things here", to justify a contrary approach to problems other than indicated in the word, is unacceptable and will lead to loss of reward, as it did with Aaron and Moses.  Aaron and Moses were denied entrance to the promised land.  Aaron, the confirmed High Priest of Israel in the face of rebellion, and Moses, the man closest to God among all men, they both lost reward.  It was a simple disobedience, instead of speaking to the rock, Moses struck the rock with the rod.  This act displayed a serious flaw of character, as he vented frustration at the people, calling them rebels.  It also deviated from the type of Christ as the Rock, as the rod of God did not strike twice, in the words of the hymn, "God will not payment twice demand; Once at His bleeding sureties' hand and the other one at mine".  Also God did not strike the Rock in anger, "...it pleased the Lord to bruise Him" (because of the blessings that would flow).  God takes a dim view of anyone or anything that spoils the types of the death of Christ.  The sacrifice of Christ was emphatically only once-Hebrews 9v28; 10v10v12v18v26.  Moses, the most loyal servant, failed in the aspect of his greatest strength (his superior meekness to all men), as he struck the rock in anger and frustration.  He paid a heavy price, we should take note.  The meekest man in all the earth failed in His meekness; Peter, a most courageous man among all God's servants, withered before a maid at the judgment hall.  The weaknesses and failures of all are recorded in scripture.  Yet they point to the One who never failed, who displayed God's character in perfection, the One who is our Rock from which we drink the living water, and the safe Haven to whom we all flee in trouble.  "He hath done all things well"-Mark 7v37; "Never man spake like this man"-John 7v46; "I do always those things that please Him"-John8v29.  

The hostility of Edom   20v14-21

Despite his personal loss, Moses proceeded with the journey to Canaan, asking the Edomites to grant them safe passage through their territory, even offering to pay for anything they used of theirs.  Reminding them of their history, and recounting their present troubles they requested their close relatives to help them (Edom were descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob).  This help was denied, and they threatened them by amassing on their border.  Israel turned away to seek another way.  There are two lessons here: first to expect hostility from the unbelieving world.  Jesus told His disciples, "In the world ye shall have tribulation; be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"-John 16v33.  He also said to expect opposition from relatives.  Edom acted in a callous way to their kinsfolk because they were of a different mindset, and lifestyle.  No doubt they would cite family tensions from the past to justify their decision.  The second lesson is that Israel were not in a fit moral state for God to change this.  Proverbs 16v7 records, "When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."  Israel's ways did not please the Lord, and they were denied ease of progress.  Nationally, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people"-Proverbs 14v34.  Whether individually, or nationally these principles are irreversible in the government of the universe.  Only Christ, when He comes, will subdue all opposition and bring conditions of universal peace.

The demise of Aaron and transference of the Priesthood   20v22-29

They journeyed to mount Hor, where in the fifth month of the 40th year, Aaron died.  Whether or not this death was premature for his part at Meribah, we cannot be sure.  He was stripped of his Priestly garments and was buried on mount Hor.  His eldest son, Eleazar, was made High Priest in his stead, and so the Aaronic Priesthood was continued.  In contrast, the Priesthood of Christ is untransferable-Hebrews 7v24, "But this man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood".  He is of the order of Melchisedek, of whom it is said, "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually"- Hebrews 7v3.  In Christ the priestly order is established forever, and greater than anything that has gone before. 

Christ in all the scriptures The Red heifer part 2

 Christ in all the scriptures

The offering of the Red heifer part 2 Numbers 19

"OUTSIDE THE CAMP"

We can now consider the distinctives of this seventh aspect of the offering of Christ, of which there are many.  The ashes of an heifer in running water were "a water of separation, a purification for sin for the congregation"-Numbers 19v9.  Thus it typifies the death of Christ to deal with post conversion defilement.  The letter to Hebrews expands on this...1v3 ("He made purification for sins"); 9v13-14 ("...the ashes of an heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God"); 9v23 ("It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these"); 10v2 ("the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins"); 13v12 ("Wherefore Jesus also that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate").  All these are reference to the red heifer offering.  The death of Christ deals with all aspects of sin, including sin defiling us by unavoidable association.

The offering was red, perhaps alluding to ahdam (for red earth) applying this to all men.

It was female: in the offerings both male and female animals are used, the female emphasising the care of man's need.

It was sacrificed outside the camp, not at the altar in the tabernacle as other offerings.  This is emphasising Christ becoming sin for us.  We have already cited from Hebrews Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem.

The whole animal was burnt in contrast to others.  There was no laying out of the parts for our worship.  This was a conflagration for God cannot look upon sin.  What it meant to God to "make Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us", is not for perusal or worship it was done out of sight, it was done in the darkness, where no human eye could see.

The priest took of the blood to sprinkle 7 times before the tabernacle of the congregation.  Sin contracted from the dead defiled the whole camp.  The blood from the heifer cleansed the congregation!

A layman, (a clean man, not a priest) reduced the heifer to ashes, mixed it with running water (symbol of the Holy Spirit), and put it in a clean place for the purification of those members who became defiled.  What this means to us is awesome, every aspect of our defilement has been met by Divine beings.

As the man burned the sacrifice he also placed on the fire, cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet. These were the elements used in the cleansing of the lepers(Leviticus 14v4-6) the particular symbol of sin representing defilement.  Thus all defilement from sin from whatever source is removed in the death of the heifer!

None of us will ever know what sin means to God, nor the cost to Him to put it away so comprehensively.  Sin will be expunged from the universe, and from all believers, in all its forms.  For our part we need to be exercised, to keep ourselves clean by the gracious provision of God in Christ.  This will involve our approach to God as Hebrews 10v22 suggests, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water".  Let us cease to mention our sins in public, God doesn't want to be reminded of sin.  Deal with it in the secret place, in the darkness, where it will remain for all eternity.  Burn the red heifer outside the camp, where Jesus died alone to take away all uncleanness.  Let us, in full assurance of faith, come with joy and worship, and approach Him, clean every whit, our consciousness of sin forever gone, for God remembers none of it.  Brethren, let us free ourselves from dead works to worship the God who has fitted us for glory yet to come.

Through Thy precious body broken
Inside the veil;
O what words to sinners spoken
Inside the veil!
Precious as the blood that bought us,
Perfect as the love that sought us,
Holy as the Lamb that brought us
Inside the veil.

When we see Thy love unshaken
Outside the camp;
Scorned by man, by God forsaken
Outside the camp;
Thy loved Cross alone can charm us,
Shame need now no more alarm us,
Glad we follow, nought can harm us
Outside the camp.

Lamb of God, through Thee we enter
Inside the veil;
Cleansed by Thee, we boldly venture
Inside the veil:
Not a stain; a new creation;
Ours is such a full salvation;
Low we bow in adoration
Inside the veil.

Unto Thee, the homeless stranger
Outside the camp,
Forth we hasten, fear no danger
Outside the camp.
Thy reproach far richer treasure
Than all Egypt's boasted pleasure:
Drawn by love that knows no measure,
Outside the camp.

Soon Thy saints shall all be gathered
Inside the veil:
All at home, no more be scattered,
Inside the veil.
Nought from Thee our hearts shall sever;
We shall see Thee, grieve Thee never;
Praise the Lamb! shall sound for ever
Inside the veil.

Hymn by Elizabeth Dark   Believers Hymnbook

The Red Heifer offering Numbers 19 part 1

 Christ in all the scriptures

The offering of the Red Heifer  Numbers 19 part 1

We have already established that all the offerings depict different aspects of the one offering of Jesus Christ.  There are seven in all, and, together, they present the panoramic view of the death of Christ.  We tend to be content with saying that "Jesus died for me", but the Holy Spirit would have us understand the various aspects of it, portraying the fulness of the work accomplished, resulting in such a full salvation.  They are:

1) The burnt (ascending) offering- Leviticus 1; the death of Christ in devotion to God, all on the altar for God.  This aspect is expanded in the gospel of John

2) The meat (grain) offering-Leviticus 2; the perfection of His life, typified in fine flour, fragrant frankincense, fresh oil, and flavouring salt.  All the frankincense was for God.  This pervades all four gospels.

3) The peace offering-Leviticus 3; Man and God in perfect harmony, in fellowship, enjoying the same meal.  In this all the fat (the best) was for God.  The subject matter of Luke's gospel and the second half of Ephesians 2.  Full reconciliation to God and man will be the outcome for those of faith.  

4)  The sin offering-Leviticus 4; sins of ignorance fully removed.  Sins of omission as well as sins of commission.  Not only what we do that is evil, but what we fail to do as dependent creatures.  We all come short of the glory of God, Christ in His death dealt with the whole aspect of our sinful nature.  In the sin and trespass offerings all the blood was for God.  Subject matter of the gospel of Mark and Peter's first epistle.

5)  The trespass offering-Leviticus 5.  Wilful, deliberate, disobedience and rebellion, or failure to observe the commandments of the Lord.  Faith in the sacrifice of Christ removes the offence and results in God's forgiveness (4 times in chapter 5, "it shall be forgiven him"-v10, v13, v16, v18).  Aspects of this in the gospel of Matthew, written to Jews who had the law and who should have known better.

6)  The drink offerings-Exodus 29v38-42; Numbers 15v3-16 (also Lev. 23 and Num. 28-29)  They were libations consisting of measures of wine poured out on the offerings on the altar.  Their purpose was to enhance the flame and produce a sweet aroma.  The pouring out meant that none of them could be recovered and symbolise total surrender and consecration. This is cited by Paul in Philippians 2v17 in the context of his service for that church.  Also at the end of his life he described his death as a libation offering to the Lord (2nd Tim. 4v6).  This offering was fulfilled in Christ, who so poured Himself out in the service of God-refer Isaiah 53v12 "He poured out His soul to death..."; John 10v17, "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life..."; John 15v13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you"; Philippians 5v2, "Christ also hath loved us and given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour"; Philippians 2v7, "He emptied Himself (R. V.- poured Himself out), and took upon Himself the form of a slave...".   His libation offering enhanced all His other offerings, bringing sweet pleasure to God.  From the most brutal, most treacherous murder of the Son of God, there arose that beautiful fragrance to God, which enabled Him to bless sinful mankind.  The potion was measured wine for each offering, and the biblical symbol of wine is that which makes glad the heart of man (Psalm 104v15).  There was from the extreme suffering of Calvary, that which brought pleasure to God (Isaiah 53v10).

7)  The offering of the Red heifer-Numbers 19.  This is referred to in Hebrews 9v13-14, "For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"  This is the seventh and final aspect of the one offering of Jesus Christ once for all.  It has to do with cleansing from defilement on the wilderness journey.  The chapter is emphatic..."it is a purification for sin"-v9; "He shall purify himself with it on the third day and on the seventh day"-v12; "...the ashes of a burnt heifer of purification for sin..."-v17.  Not only did this defilement affect the individual but the whole household, and indeed the whole congregation.  What is this defilement?  It is not personal sin for that was dealt with in the sin and trespass offerings.  This is defilement by proxy! defilement contracted from contact with a dead body.   It may be in the home or at work in the field, or returning from war, contact with death meant defilement.  In a congregation of several million it was likely to be a daily occurrence, and everyone was affected.   Such is the holiness of God that even personal contact with the dead demanded cleansing.  We begin to understand the need for constant cleansing.  How are we to understand this today?

The world in which we live, through which we are passing to glory is a world dominated by evil thoughts and deeds and attitudes-Galatians 1v4; 1st John 2v16; John 1v10; 1st Corinthians 1v21.  Indeed in Ephesians 2v1-3 the world is seen as "dead men walking", physically alive but spiritually dead.  Their lives are controlled by the demon prince who has created a world order contrary to God, and their lifestyle is dominated by carnal lusts of body and mind, and whose destiny is judgment.  We are not of it but we must live in it and witness to it of the mercy of God.   We touch the "living dead" by contact with our neighbours, our workmates, our colleagues, even family.  We don't always know it but defilement comes readily in a world dominated by evil.  Christ died to deal not only with the root of sin but the fruit of sin which can so easily charm us and break fellowship with the Lord.  Relationship will never be broken but fellowship can and will be.  The death of Christ has dealt with both aspects of our need, the initial cleansing and the daily need for it.  Both are cited in the New Testament, and He has made provision.  Consider the following scriptures:

John 13v10, "He that is washed (bathed all over) needeth not save to wash (daily) his feet but is clean every whit".  Titus 3v5, "...the washing of regeneration (initial overall cleansing) and renewal of the Holy Ghost (ongoing cleansing)."  1st John 1v9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins AND to cleanse us from all unrighteousness".  So comprehensive is the death of Christ for us, He has dealt with our eternal and our temporal needs in the sight of God.  For our part, we are in awe at the holiness of God that such high standards are required for our reconciliation.  We are equally in awe at the comprehensive efficacy of the death of Christ to bring us to God.  Hebrews 10v14 says it all, "For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified".  That one offering included restoring the glory of God; demonstrating the dignity of humanity; removing every impediment to peace and harmony; banishing the memory of sins and iniquities forever; forgiving all trespasses; pouring Himself out for the pleasure of God and the joy of man; inexhaustible cleansing till the journey's end.  

 

Christ in all the scriptures Maintaining the sanctity and integrity of the house

 Christ in all the scriptures

Maintaining the sanctity and integrity of the house  Numbers 18

There is no higher calling in life!  To serve the living God is the highest honour accorded to man.  Aaron and his sons were were given that honour, and their wider family the Levites joined with them in the great work (there is a play on words as Levi means "joined").   This honour applies to all believers today, who, by reason of new birth, serve as priests of the living God, as we have established many times in these studies.  However, with high honour comes responsibility and protocol; with authority comes accountability.  The central verse in this chapter is 18v5 "And ye shall keep the charge of the the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel".  Due to their sin and rebellion in questioning the authority of Moses and Aaron, the Lord made it clear they were challenging the authority of God Himself.  They were to learn that sin brought the wrath of God, even upon His own people.  Association with God called for sanctity of living and service.  Chapter 18 and 19 declare the nature of God's holiness; in 18, the priesthood can be defiled by carelessness and human error; in 19, contact with a dead body brings defilement.  God is very sensitive to sin in all its forms.  Even the most sacred work of temple service can be defiled, and unwitting and unintentional contact with a dead body defiled them.  To grasp the importance of this we must realise what we are in Christ: 

Our bodies are the temple of God-1st Corinthians 6v19-20, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple (the inner shrine) of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

Our local church is the temple of God-1st Corinthians 3v16-17, "Know ye not that ye are the temple (inner shrine) of God, and that the the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy, for the temple of God is holy, which ye are."

The church, the body of Christ, is the temple of God-Ephesians 2v21-22, "In whom all building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple (inner shrine) in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

Believer, grasp it, since your new birth in Christ, there is never a time in your life when you are not endowed with holy privilege.  The challenge is to live up to the high calling.  Paul appeals to the Ephesian believers..."And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you"-Ephesians 5v30-32.  It grieves Him when we we sin, He is very sensitive to it. Don't continue it such that He must act in discipline.  Sin can raise its ugly head even in the most sacred duties.  We are called to highest service, as Aaron and the Levites were, to perform holy service free from sin.  

The chapter is full of principles of service that are timeless, and we should observe them.

Every servant will bear the iniquity of the sanctuary and of the priesthood.   "Thou and thy sons and thy father's house shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood"-18v1.  This emphasises the importance of the Priests and Levites to maintain the sanctity of the Holy Place, and to bear the iniquity associated with it.  This involves not only the integrity of the physical structure but the moral integrity of those operating within and around it.  This is a reminder of the holiness required in all of us in worship and in personal conduct.   For example, the men who pray in public are to "lift up holy hands without wrath or doubting"-1st Timothy 2v8.  Again those who preach in public are to "speak as the oracles of God"-1st Peter 4v11.  There are many Divine sanctions on those who fail in this of minor and major proportions.  The sanctuary must be preserved from defilement of any nature.

There are diversities of tasks in the congregation of the Lord.  The Priests alone operated the sacrifices and the sacred vessels; the Levites tended to structure and coverings in maintenance and transportation of the tabernacle; the people brought their gifts and tithes for the upkeep of tabernacle worship.  All were endowed with Divine gifts for their contributions.  God provided the Priesthood as a gift for the people as mediators between Himself and them; He provided the Levites as a support group to the Priesthood; He endowed the people to maintain the worship service.  The Priests and their families were fed from the residue of the sacrifices nominated by the Lord.  The Levites were paid out of the tithe offerings of the people.  The principle is declared in the New Testament that "they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel".  We have all been given different gifts for the purpose God has for us.  Anything we offer to Him is out of what He has generously given us.  He is a God of great diversity as is evident from the material creation, and a God of great generosity.  All of us have been fitly endowed for the role He would have us play in His sanctuary.

The allotted work was given to each as a charge-refer 18v3, v4, v5, v8.  This word is strong (mishmereth) and describes a sacred charge given in trust.  It is similar to the Greek parangello, also translated charge (or commandment)-1st Thessalonians 4v2; 1st Timothy 1v3, 1v5, 1v18; 4v11; 5v7; 6v13, 6v17.  The service of God is a sacred deposit, given to us to keep and to share.  Note the emphasis in the chapter: "And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of the tabernacle"-v3; "And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary and the charge of the altar"-v5; "to you they are given as a gift for the Lord to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation"-v6; "Thou and thy sons shall keep your priest's office for everything of the altar, and within the veil; and ye shall serve"-v7.  This is an active repetitive service in the sanctuary of God, and it requires commitment and skill to maintain it.  There is a need today to see our service, whatever it be, as a solemn charge to the Lord.

The offerings were described as heave offerings and wave offerings (v8-11).  The heave shoulder and the wave breast, portions of the sacrifices to the Lord, represented the strength of the shoulder and the affection of the heart.  There was to be no mere ritual associated with the offerings, it must be with all strength and all heart affection....Deuteronomy 6v5. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy might".  Less of saying prayers and more of really praying!  Less of repetitive worship and more of real worship is what is pleasing to Him.

The first and best to be brought to the Lord (v12-19).  "All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the Lord, them have I given thee.  And whatsoever is first ripe in the land, which they shall bring unto the Lord, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it"-18v12-13.  All offerings to the Lord first, and then we partake, is the principle.  What we bring is of the best produce.  Applied to all Christian service now, what a difference it would make to our gatherings!  King David said, "I will not offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing"-2nd Samuel 24v24.  In contrast the people brought to the Lord "that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick...thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand?"-Malachi 1v13.  What we bring, and how we bring, reflects our reverence toward Him.  He deserves the first and the best from all of us.  He gave His best for us, may we render our best in return!  "Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the Lord, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed  part out of it"- Numbers 18v29.

   

Christ in all the scriptures Aaron's rod that budded

 Christ in all the scriptures 

Aaron's rod that budded      Numbers 17

Despite all that had happened the murmuring continued, and the Lord determined to bring it to an end.  He introduced the test of the rods.  The chapter is all about Aaron's rod, that budded in the holy place.  The rod is a rich symbol in scripture, encompassing authority, discipline, guidance, protection, and judgment.  It is interesting to trace the usage of bible words.  The rod was a kind of walking stick, useful also to ward off enemies troubling the flock, as well as guiding them to new pastures.  When called to Egypt, Moses' rod took on miraculous qualities, and was used by God to bring the supernatural plagues upon Egypt. (Exodus 4v2, v17, v20; 7v10, v20; 8v5, v16,; 9v23; 10v13).  He used the rod to part the Red Sea (14v16), and to smite the rock to bring water for the thirsty camp (17v6).  In the hand of Moses a humble stick of wood became "the rod of God"-refer Exodus 4v20 and 17v9.  The predominant thought of the "rod" in scripture is of Divine authority placed in the hands of men.  The Lord described the Assyrian as "the rod of His anger"-He would use the foreign king to bring discipline to wayward Israel (Isaiah 10v5).  He also used Israel as "the rod of His inheritance", when restored Israel fulfilled the will of God-Jeremiah 51v19-20.  It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word for rod is the same as for "tribe" in scripture.  Out of 251 occurrences, 182 are translated tribe.  We thus conclude, that, in God's terms, a tribe is a community of people under the authority, discipline, protection, and guidance of the Sovereign Lord.  This is an important reminder of the necessity of correction in the life of believers who are called to recognise God's authority, and to submit to His guidance on their spiritual journey.  This is a solemn reminder that each group that calls itself a church today is under the authority of God.  

He commanded Moses to take rods from each of the tribes, with Aaron representing the tribe of Levi.  They were to place them before the ark of the covenant in the holy place, with each rod named after their tribe.  The answer to their leadership problem was from God.  The rods were examined and the dead wood of Aaron's rod had budded miraculously, producing overnight fruit, life from death.  There could be no argument to this.  Aaron, whose leadership had been challenged, was divinely established as high priest.  God determines who rules in His house.  There is no argument today who rules in God's house.  Hebrews 3v6 says it, "But Christ as a Son over His own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end".  Hebrews 4v14, "Seeing then we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession".  Hebrews 6v20, "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek".  Hebrews 8v1-2, "We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the majesty in the heavens, a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man".  It was God who called Aaron to be the high priest (Hebrews 7v4).  It was God who appointed Christ to lead the worship of the people of God from the sanctuary above.  He is the Head of the body the church, He endows it with gifts.  It is a challenge to His authority if either we promote to leadership those ungifted for the task; or we refuse those who are gifted their true place among us.  Christ gives the gifts and He expects them to be used for the benefit of all.  Those so gifted require good character to be effective.  If we are persuaded that our local spiritual leaders are appointed by Him, then we must submit to them according to Hebrews 13v7, v17.  The risen, glorified Lord Jesus has called and gifted men to lead us, and we should follow them in the measure they are followers of Christ.

Aaron's rod was preserved in the ark of the covenant, along with the tablets of stone and the golden pot of manna.  Our studies are of how the bible depicts Christ.  In the tablets of stone we have the Divine law unbroken and preserved in Christ.  In the pot of manna Christ is the spiritual provision and food of His people.  In the rod that budded we have life springing out of death, a wonder that was fulfilled in the resurrection of Christ.  "On the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness, and behold the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds"-17v8.  No doubt this is resurrection life, from a dead piece of wood there comes buds and flowers and fruit.  The subject of resurrection is massive and reveals that the resurrection of Christ guarantees the resurrection of every believer both physically and spiritually-Romans 8v11 and 1st Corinthians 15v51-54.  It also establishes Christ as Lord of the living and dead with all authority in His hands-Romans 14v9 and  1st Corinthians 15v22-25.  No one in the camp of Israel could doubt the message of Aaron's rod.  No one alive today should doubt that all authority in heaven and upon earth is given to Christ, and all who oppose Him are lost.  The fear of death gripped the hearts of the sceptics in Moses day, as it should do in our day.