Chronological reading Plan for Feb 23, Num 1-2

Today's readings are Num 1-2. Tomorrow's are Num 3-4. 

Context is critical to understanding Numbers. At the end of Leviticus, the Hebrews have the Tabernacle and the Law. Numbers is marked by two significant events, a census at the beginning and another when they arrive at the border of the Promised Land. If you take a look at the last verse of the book Num 36:13), you see that the commands God gives are when Israel is in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. In the beginning of the book, they are at Sinai (Num 1:1). 

Exodus shows us that God had delivered them from Egypt, then equipped them for their journey. Leviticus reveals that they were given the guidelines for being His people. It also established His dwelling place among them. By the end of Leviticus, they are fully prepared to depart Sinai and head for Canaan. 

In Numbers we will see that the first time they arrive at the Southern border of the Promised Land, they disobey God and refuse to enter the land out of fear for the inhabitants. For their disobedience, they are condemned to wander in the wilderness until that generation passes. Numbers recounts those wanderings and the struggles Israel endures while they wander. 

The English title for the book tells us to be mindful of those two censuses. There is something to be learned from them. The Hebrew title, "In the Wilderness", is actually more descriptive of the events detailed in the book. Notice throughout the book that God incessantly asserts His holiness and His refusal to accept rebellion or unbelief. At the same time, we will consistently see His faithfulness and grace.

Num 1, is where they start to get their marching orders. Here's a partial timeline:

Here's where there they are in Num 1:1 (the beginning of the purple line near the bottom of the map). They are headed to where the purple line ends near the top:

God commands a census of all the men "who are able to go to war!" Yes! They are going to the Promised Land. But first they will have to prepare for battle! God's blessings do not come easy! Some of those blessings, perhaps the best, will require Israel to strive to earn them. As we will see, this is not what they expected and will become a major obstacle in their receiving those blessings.

The census God commands reveals that Israel has an army of 603,550 men, not including the Levites. Keep this number in mind! God has fulfilled His promise to Abraham. His offspring have grown into a great multitude. This army is large enough and powerful enough to take the Promised Land. But, they have a long way to go to get there. As we have seen so frequently in the past, God has a particular way He wants them to do it. 

God organizes the entire nation for travel and encampment. When encamped, the Tabernacle is at the center. The priests camp in between the tribes and the Tabernacle. No one enters the Tabernacle without going through the priests. The priests are the bridge between the people and their God. Note: The priests stand between the people and the presence of God so that there will be not wrath on the congregation (Num 1:53). There must be an intermediary between God and His people.  

As they depart from Sinai, Judah leads the way, Ephraim brings up the rear. As we will see, even the organization of the camp and the order of the march is prophetic: