2.11 Numbers 1-4

Debbie Monroe

2.11.2020

Numbers 1-4

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In Numbers 1-4, God is speaking to Moses and Aaron in the tent of meeting in the desert of Sinai. God gave instructions to Moses on how to go about collecting a census of the Israelites. Moses was given names of men who were to help him accomplish this task who in time provided the names of their clans and families. Later on the reading, instructions are also given about how the tribes are to be arranged/where they are to live in relationship to the location of the tabernacle.

What is one key verse?

A key verse that stood out to me was Numbers 1:3 which says “You and Aaron are to count according to their divisions all the men in Israel who are twenty years old or more and able to serve in the army.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

When I read this I recognized that the census was a vital part of the plan in the preparation of the Israelites in getting to the Promised Land. The Israelites had already received the promise of Canaan but now needed to start thinking about how that was going to happen and that included counting the number of persons who would be able to fight for it. God was helping his people get an inventory, to see who they had and who was capable of going to war.  God puts first things first. He is a God who has priorities and a plan which He is attempting to teach his children.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

It shows me how I need to put time into preparing for things in my life. I truly need to start counting the cost to see if I have what it takes to do the things I set out to accomplish. I can approach life with such a laid back attitude and often quit my undertakings prematurely due to lack of foresight and  poor prep work.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I will let my yes be yes and no be no with others, but in this circumstance be more accountable to myself. I will not impulsively set out goals for myself or tell people I’m going to do this or that without first sitting down and considering the magnitude of the responsibility and considering if I have the resources to accomplish my task.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

I thought about the verses in Luke 14 where Jesus is teaching about the importance of counting the cost before we begin a task or project (and namely following him!) The Numbers reading really highlights Jesus’ teaching that there is order to accomplishing things, considerations that must be made, and a correct way of doing things!