Chronological Reading Plan for Mar 1, Num 16-17

Today's readings are Num 16-17. Tomorrow's are Num 18-20.

Korah, a Levite but not a priest, challenges Aaron's position as High Priest and mediator. God has placed Aaron and the Levites between the Tabernacle and the people for a reason. The people can only approach God through their appointed and ordained priest and mediator. Korah and his followers want to take a short cut and go directly before God themselves claiming to be just as holy as the priests. God takes the lives of Korah and those who follow him showing that rejection of God's High Priest comes with a tragic price. The people still grumble about the leaders God has placed over them. Moses intervenes again. Time and again we see the importance of a mediator and advocate between man and God. Still, as we have seen before, there is a price to pay for open rebellion. God sends a plague among the people. Aaron stands between the dead and the living and the plague ceases. Only God’s appointed priest can save His people!

God miraculously shows that Aaron is His chosen Priest by bringing life out of a dead piece of wood. We see that God not only chooses, but resurrects. God can bring life out of a dead piece of wood. If He can do that, He can bring life to His children as well.

As Aaron is vindicated, the priestly line is established once and for all. 

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 29, Num 14-15 and Psalm 90

Today's readings are Num 14-15 and Psalm 90. Tomorrow's are Num 16-17.

Num 14 is an incredible chapter. Immediately after the incident with Miriam, the people complain about the lack of meat in their diet of manna.  God rains down on the camp a mind-blowing number of quails, so many that there’s too much to eat. Then, Israel hears the fearful report of the spies and, instead of invading the promised land like they were told, they want to flee back to Egypt, rebelling against Moses. Only Joshua and Caleb remain faithful. God moves to destroy the rest but Moses acts as mediator, once again. God relents but there is a real-world price to pay for their rebellion and ungratefulness. They will wander in the desert until the entire generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, dies. Some try to take the land anyway. They are defeated. Without God and His blessing, they are powerless. A good lesson for all of us.

Num 15 is even more amazing, particularly in light of the events in ch 14. God gives instructions on what sacrifices to make when He ushers His people into the Promised Land! Their punishment is real but God's promises are not negated! He is faithful, even when His children are not.

Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses, recognizing God's holiness, grace and mercy. Pay close attention to who the authors of the Psalms are and how they fit in with the books in the daily readings. 

Chronological reading Plan for Feb 28, Num 11-13

Today's readings are Num 11-13. Tomorrow's are Num 14-15 and Psalm 90.

In Num 11, God's people are, once again, complaining. Moses laments over this, asking God to just kill him. God, instead, gives Moses Elders to help him with the work of the ministry. God does not remove His people from ministry becasue it is too difficult. He will enable them to do what He calls them to do. 

As for the people, they learn a lesson in being careful about complaining (Num 11:31-35). It seems that the people struggle with being happy with the blessings they've received and constantly wind up wanting more than what God is giving them.

Miriam and Aaron learn similar lessons about complaining about the leader God has given them in Num 12. As a result of her complaining and her disrespect of Moses, Miriam is stricken with leprosy. God graciously provides for her, healing once again demonstrating His love for His children in spite of their lack of faithfulness and gratitude. It should be noted that God's love does not preclude consequences for ungodly actions. While the price Miriam pays is not eternal, the whole incident is very painful and trying for her.

In Num 13, Moses sends spies into Canaan. They return with reports about the land being everything God promised it to be. But, the spies are intimidated by the people occupying the land. Ignoring  the promises of God and the fact that God had prepared them for battle, they insist that Israel will be unable to take the land.

​This will be interesting. What happens when God's people evaluate His promises in light of their circumstances rather than His faithfulness?

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 27, Num 8-10

Today's readings are Num 8-10. Tomorrow's are Num 11-13. 

In Num 8, the Levites, according to the commandments given in Num 3, are consecrated to the Lord for service. They are offered as a "wave" offering, a term we've seen before. A wave offering is the symbolic lifting up of an offering, placing it before the Lord and dedicating it to Him. The clans are to lay their hands on the Levites and the Levites are to lay their hands on the sacrifices, transferring the sins of the people to the sacrifices. The Levites serve the High Priest and stand in as a substitute for the first born of God's people. They, like Aaron and his sons, must be ritually cleansed prior to serving. All of these ceremonies and rituals emphasize the holiness of God. 

God commands the Passover, the remembrance of their deliverance from Egypt. All of His people are to observe it, without exception. God's glory fills the Tabernacle. When God moves, His people will move. When God stays, His people will stay with Him. He is their God and leader, the Great Shepherd and they are His flock. 

Once all the ceremonies and instructions are in place, God leads His people from Sinai. Judah is in front with Dan bringing up the rear. God gives them a set of signals calling for various meetings, functions and governing battle. The signals are sounded through silver trumpets. The trumpets represent the audible presence of God among His people. There is a physical representation of Him as well, the column of fire and smoke that leads them. God will be seen and heard among His people.

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 26, Num 7

Today's reading is Num 7. Tomorrow's readings are Num 8-10. 

In Num 7, amid a lot of detail, we see more of God's attributes exhibited in the instructions He provides. We also learn a bit about how a healthy relationship between the people and God is supposed to function. 

We see God's people supplying all that is needed for the Tabernacle to function properly. Utensils, wagons, tools, bowls and precious metals are brought for service. God's people are expected to donate their time, talents and treasure to Him.

Then there are the offerings and sacrifices. A huge volume of blood is shed during the sacrifices. It takes a lot of shed blood to sanctify. The Tabernacle and all its furnishings and tools are consecrated, made holy.

Israel, at this point, demonstrates total commitment. They have invested themselves and all they have in the Tabernacle. The tent has been dedicated by blood. At the end of Num 7, God blesses. He is in the Tabernacle. His people have provided a home for Him, according to His design and direction. He will dwell among them. 

One day, He will dwell in them.

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 25, Num 5-6

Today's readings are Num 5-6. Tomorrow's are Num 7-8.

The parameters of the camp are defined. The priests are situated closest to the Holy of Holies. The rest of the tribes radiate out from there. 

Num 5 describes how the unclean and unholy are placed outside the camp. They are sent outside so as not to contaminate those inside the camp. God does not tolerate sinful behavior, His people shouldn't either. 

There are cautions against diseases of the skin, a metaphor for uncleanness and sin. There are cautions against unfair dealings and fraud, a violation of the truth that resides among them. There are cautions against adultery, a lack of faithfulness in a people that are called to be faithful.

Then there is the curious case of what happens to a woman who is accused by a man of adultery without any tangible evidence to prove the accusation. This is labeled as jealousy and is handled with seemingly arcane procedures. At the root of the ritual is the idea that the woman is left in the hands of God ("...he shall set the woman before the Lord") who will manifest clear signs of pain if she is guilty. Since it is unlikely the woman will suffer pain from drinking the mixture prescribed, the belief is that God will bring the pain if the woman's secret behavior warrants it. Absent those signs, she is set free and restored in all ways. This is symbolic of the idea that God will not accept an unjust accusation against His people. 

In Num 6, the Nazarites, while they hold true to their vows, are called to be unique in their devotion and commitment to the Father. Their appearance, behavior and purity set them apart from societal norms and cultural pressures.  They must avoid contact with death and the contamination of the world. They do not shave their beards and heads. They touch no alcohol. They are a constant presence and a reminder of the holiness of God. 

Num 6 ends with the familiar and awesome priestly blessing.

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 24, Num 3-4

Today's readings are Num 3-4. Tomorrow's are Num 5-6. 

The census begins with the priests, the most holy ones of Israel. Num 3 & 4 show that there is a structure and hierarchy in the priesthood with an order of priests serving under the High Priest.  The Levites have been chosen to be part of that priesthood, serving God, working in the Tabernacle and serving the people, along with Aaron’s offspring. 

Let's review how they ended up in this position. During the first Passover in Egypt, Israel's firstborn sons were spared and dedicated to serving God (Ex 11-13). Then, after the scene at Sinai with the golden calf, the Levites took the place of the firstborn sons. They became a substitute. This is a pattern that is beginning to emerge in the ceremonies and the function of the Tabernacle - God appoints substitutes to offer sacrifices and to serve.  

The organization and structure described here becomes the model for the Levites who are assigned very specific duties in transporting the Tabernacle, setting it up and serving in it. The priests are the ones who are responsible for moving the House of God forward, for maintaining it and keeping it holy. Each has their duties and responsibilities. This division of labor will become a model for how God's people will do those things they are called to do, each one contributing a gift or talent to the overall effort.  

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:

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 22, Lev 26-27

Today's readings are Lev 26-27. Tomorrow's are Num 1-2. 

Lev 26 goes into great detail to demonstrate that obedience to God brings blessing while disobedience has consequences, even for God's people. This is a Scriptural principal that runs as a thread throughout the entire Bible. God's people are always His chosen, beloved people. Their status never changes; they are never un-chosen by their actions. That being said, there are always real-world consequences for their rebellion against His commandments. They either enjoy the fullness of His blessing by their obedience or suffer His chastisement for their disobedience. God will use either way,  blessing or trial, to sanctify His people and make them holy.

Lev 27 is rather oblique and, at times, difficult to interpret. The overall rules of oath, vows and consecrations dominate the chapter. In them, we see that God has an economy that is designed to make His kingdom function in the real world. That economy is based on the sacrifices and offerings of His people, each of them providing tangible benefits, in the work and function of the Temple and the priesthood, and spiritual benefits in their relationship with God. 

Oaths are binding commitments, frequently made in the name of God. Vows are conditional obligations, contingent on certain criteria being met. Consecrations are dedications made to the service of God and the Temple.  

Land, food and animals can be committed to the Temple, either by oath, in which case they are given as a sacrifice, or by vow, in which case they can be used by the Temple as resources or as sources of revenue. Those animals and foods that are meant to be sacrificed must be perfect. The animals and food given by oath is to be consecrated, dedicated and cleansed in service to the Lord. They become holy and set apart.  

Animals, people, food and land, though, can and should be given (vowed) to the Temple and may be used either in service to the Temple or can be redeemed for a fixed value. This way, the Temple is able to function either by using the funds paid for redemption or by using the resources donated in service to the Temple and priests.

God has an economy. A tithe is expected from all people. Sacrifices for all are to be made. Still, redemption for all is provided for, by God's fixed and immutable decree. God sets the standards. God fixes the procedures. The people are to observe and obey them. These are the lessons of Leviticus. 

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 21, Lev 24-25

Today's readings are Lev 24-25. Tomorrow's are Lev 26-27.

Lev 24 tells us the lamps in the Tabernacle are to remain lit continuously, a symbol that the light of the world will never go out. Likewise, the bread is a "perpetual due" showing the "bread of life" is limitless and never ending. Punishment for blaspheming the name of the Lord is severe. God will not be mocked or taken casually. We also see that the laws of God apply to the Jew and those who are not Jewish. This includes everybody! In this we see that not being part of the people of God does not exempt one from judgment. When judgment comes, the punishment must fit the crime (an eye for an eye). Not only is God's perfect justice established but we see the just and fit punishment of death for sin (blasphemy and disobedience to God), applies to everyone. The only way to escape doom, since all have sinned, is to obtain mercy and grace from the Judge.

Lev 25 repeats the divine cycle of six and one we saw in Genesis 1 & 2, six periods of work/productivity, one period of rest. Just as God worked, then rested, so must His people. This applies to their daily lives, their yearly cycles and even their crops. It is all meant to emulate an eternal promise, His children work now, then obtain rest later.

Everything belongs to God, even the land. So, every seven years, the land reverts back to whom He originally gave it. Provision is made for the poor, just as those who are poor in spirit will be made rich in spirit. The nation of Israel was enslaved then set free. So, slaves are to be set free after six years of bondage. This is a remembrance of the deliverance from bondage of the Hebrews. But it's also an homage to the truth that God's people are meant to be free in Him. The sacrifices and rituals symbolize that freedom.

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 20, Lev 22-23

Today's readings are Lev 22-23. Tomorrow's readings are Lev 24- 25. 

Lev 22 shows us that the priest and his family must be cleansed before partaking of the holy food offerings. It is not enough for just the priest to be righteous, those that are united to him must be righteous as well if they are to become one (consume) with holiness. This shows the Jews that the priest is not the only one that needs to be cleansed and righteous before God. If they are to be holy, they need to be cleansed too. Only through the work of the priest is this made possible. The sacrifices the priest offers up in order to atone for the sins of the people must be perfect and without blemish, no flaw is to be found. Only a perfect sacrifice will do the work God designs it to do.

Lev 23 lists the feasts. Here's a chart that gives the details. Each feast points back to a blessing God provided, reminds those in the present of His grace and points forward to the promise of fulfillment. Note: some of the feasts shown on the chart (Hannukah, Purim) were instituted long after the time Leviticus was written. 

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 19, Lev 19-21

Today's readings are Lev 19- 21. Tomorrow's are Lev 22-23.

Israel's instructions on living holy lives continue in Lev 19. Holiness extends to all of their interpersonal relationships with numerous references to the Ten Commandments as a reminder that they are in a covenant relationship with God. God demands their holiness and will transform His people into a holy people. This holiness encompasses, but also exceeds, the rituals prescribed in previous chapters. It will flow through every facet of their lives. In other words, their faith and religion is a way of life, not just something they do when they assemble for worship. 

Lev 20 must be read in the context of pagan religious practices that dominated the day. God's people are set apart and are not to indulge in any activity that may be construed as honoring other gods or worshiping oneself more than God. 

The priests have to be exemplars of holiness. They are the ones that set the standard the people are to emulate. God gives them even stricter guidelines than the others. They must remain pure and conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity in everything they do. Strict obedience to all God tells them is a requirement of ministry. Still, the work of sanctification is accomplished in and through God, it is not achieved by their behavior (Lev 20:9).

In time, it will become clear that even the priests are human beings and subject to the same propensity to stumble as everyone else. As that human weakness continues to expose itself, God will continue to faithfully show them that while there may be real-world consequences for violating His commandments, His grace will flow in abundance. God is not trying to fashion perfect priests, He is trying to set before them His own character and nature.  

All of these commandments and guidelines are not meant to make God's people behave in a nicer manner than other people. They are being put into place to demonstrate God's standards for His covenant. His standards must be met in order for them to have a relationship with Him. As time goes on, it will become obvious that no one can meet those requirements. Israel will, time and again, fail.  God will, just as frequently, forgive and redeem them. God is not expecting them to be perfect. What He is looking for is a desire in them to please Him, a desire to enter deeper into their relationship with Him. If their hearts are turned toward Him, He will, in His grace, supply the perfection He demands. God provides the guidelines right here in Leviticus, not to change His children's behavior, but to show them they need a savior!

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 18, Lev 16-18

Today's readings are Leviticus 16-18. Tomorrow's are Leviticus 19-21. 

We see the Day of Atonement in Lev 16, a day when atonement is made for the sins of the entire nation. Two goats are used in the ritual, one to be sacrificed and the other to bear the sins of the people. It is not enough for the sins to be covered by the sacrifice. They have to be removed, distancing them from the people who committed them.  

More sacrifices are made. The blood and remains are removed from the camp, showing the camp is clean and presentable as a place for God to dwell.

Lev 17 begins a section that runs through Lev 25. These chapters take holiness as an attribute and expand it into a set of guidelines that detail holiness as a way of life.

No meat is to be slaughtered outside the Tabernacle without bringing the blood to the Tabernacle (Lev 17:3-4). The custom of many Mideastern cultures of the time was to shed blood in sacrifice to their gods (Lev 17:7).  For God's people there was to be neither confusion nor overlap with sacrifices made to other gods. Blood represented life and was sacred. God reveals that He uses the shedding of blood to redeem His people. They should revere the shedding of blood in any manner.

Intimacy is declared sacred in Lev 18. It is not to be shared with immediate family members. Those were pagan practices. Nor is it to be shared outside of God's people.  God's people are not to be united with people of other gods. God is faithful and expects His children to be faithful as well. 

All unnatural acts are concisely detailed and prohibited. Sex is to be shared between one man and one woman. God is not capricious about with whom He chooses to be in union. He is united with His chosen people, no others. God shares spiritual intimacy and union only with those who are His. He is faithful to them. They should be faithful to Him. God has given them sexual intimacy as a gift and blessing that will allow them to multiply and carry His message all over the world. That gift should not be perverted for sinful pleasure. What all this boils down to is whether or not intimacy will be engaged in to please themselves or to honor God, in being holy and obedient to His word.

These are timely chapters. The daily lives of the Jews are to reflect the holiness of God who lives among the Jews. That holiness sets them apart from the world. God gives very clear guidelines. They are timeless and are subject neither to changing cultural mores nor modern thinking. One of the lessons we see in Scripture time and again, is that God will not be challenged on His guidelines for holiness.  

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 17, Lev 14-15

Today's readings are Lev 14-15. Tomorrow's readings are Lev 16-18. 

The details of the sacrificial ceremonies continue. It is becoming clear that God intends to cleanse all impurity from His people through a complex series of ritual cleanings and sacrifices. There are two types of sacrifices involved in these rituals - a guilt offering and a sin offering. Both offerings, we are told, are “holy” meaning the process of redemption is a sacred and godly one. Using leprosy as an example of how ruthless the camp must be in eradicating any evidence of impurity, even the dwelling of the people must be cleansed of its presence (Lev 14:33-53).

Some may speculate on what the Jews thought of all this, whether or not they assumed the rituals themselves were effective in atoning for sin. There is even debate on what they believed the nature of atonement to be. Was it temporary? Eternal? Covered? Removed? But, that sort of conjecture misses the point. The Jews, imperfect as they could be at times, were faithful in carrying out God’s instructions for these rituals and ceremonies. They may not have fully understood how it all worked, but they trusted God that it did. They were perfectly fine with some of God’s ways being a mystery. They understood that God may not always call His children to a full understanding of His ways but He always calls them to obedience.

In Lev 15, we see the need to be cleansed of any personal impurity. At the end of the chapter, we see the reason for the cleansing is so as not to defile the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God. It is to be pure and holy. The tabernacle will eventually be torn down and transported with the Hebrews on their journey. Even so, it is the tangible evidence that God dwells among His people. It sets them apart. Unlike other religions of the time, God moves with His people and lives among them.

In these cleansing rituals, we should see the character and nature of God. He is holy. His rituals and ceremonies are holy. In order for His people to enter into His presence and dwell together in a holy manner, they must be made holy. He lovingly and graciously provides a way for them to become holy over and over again. The path is through obedience and sacrifice. He carefully instructs them on the rituals and ceremonies so that they can be restored to Him and be a reflection of Him to the world.

Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 16, Lev 11-13

Today's readings are Lev 11-13. Tomorrow's are Lev 14-15. 

In these three chapters we see the rules for what is clean and what is unclean. They cover the entire spectrum of the basic daily experiences of life:  birth, death, intimacy, health and food. 

Much has been speculated concerning the nature of what can and cannot be eaten. Clearly scavengers are cited as unclean. Still, trying to categorize the edible and the inedible misses the point. God's people are set apart for His purposes. They will not live like the rest of the world lives. They will strive to lead holy lives under the direction of God, abiding by His commandments, even down to their dietary options. Oddly enough, most modern analysis has proven that the foods prohibited are unhealthy while the foods permitted are healthy and wholesome. Many of the prohibited species are prone to having parasites and toxins in their systems.

Furthermore, we see that God is concerned with every facet of His people's lives, not just the sacrifices they offer to Him. He is concerned for their health and well-being. If those who are His people in some manner become unclean, He offers a remedy for their uncleanness through ritual cleansing. He is also concerned with their purity and holiness. If someone becomes unclean, He provides a way to cleanse them. Meanwhile, they are to remain apart from the camp lest their unclean nature affects others.

The males are to bear the mark of their God from birth, further showing they are set apart and dedicated to Him. This is neither an option offered to them nor a decision they make. It is by God's decree and according to His will. 

Much time is spent describing the procedures for leprosy. Leprosy is destructive, consuming and highly contagious affliction, similar in many ways to sin. A leper must be examined by the priest. Everything touched by the leprosy must be removed and burnt. The priest's responsibility is to ensure that all signs and evidence of the leprosy are removed before the individual can be restored to fellowship. These passages make a powerful statement when we see that leprosy symbolizes sin in the Scriptures.

Notice the attention to detail God pays throughout all of these seemingly arcane rules and regulations. The Jews understand that God wants to permeate every detail, every area of their lives. His plan is to make them holy, bring them into fellowship with Himself and bless them eternally, making examples and messengers of them. Their job is to be the evidence of God’s presence and power in the world.