2.15 Numbers 17-20

Krista Moots

2.15.2020

Numbers 17-20

Summary: In these chapters, God determines who will lead the Israelites in their worship of them, and he selects Aaron and the Levites. He then goes over what their duties will be. In this section, He also discusses what the Levites will be given from the offerings given to God, and what they must not do with them. God gives the Levites the tithes instead of a specific inheritance, but they must also give offerings to God, to honor Him. They also discuss the water for cleansing, and what to do in specific scenarios. In chapter 20, the water comes from the rock as a sign from God, because the Israelites are doubting Him. After this, the Israelites try to go through Edom and are not allowed to by their king and citizens, so then they must go around. After this occurs, Aaron dies after it is said that he will not be allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Key Verse and Reason:

Numbers 18:8, “Then the Lord said to Aaron ‘I myself have put you in charge of the offerings presented to me; all the holy offerings the Israelites give me I give to you and your sons as your portion, your perpetual share.’”

I chose this scripture because it shows how God is always taking care of his people, even giving what is given to Him to ensure that everyone is taken care of. I just love His character.

How does what you read change your vision of God?: These chapters are just a constant reminder of how much God loves His people, and wants them to be taken care of. He wants the proper respect shown to Him, but more than anything, He takes care of His people. I can think of God as a disciplinarian, or as someone who is just always watching, but these chapters reminded me that He always takes care of us, be it physically, emotionally, and always spiritually. 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? I think that these chapters were a great reminder of how human we all are, and how God still loves us, and proves Himself to us. Even the Israelites who had seen amazing miracles sometimes doubted God, and were imperfect; even those God raised up, like Aaron. It helped me remember to show people mercy, even myself, which can be the hardest thing to do. 

Go with God action step: I will try to show God’s love to others, and do so because God loves us and is always taking care of us, be it teaching the Israelites how to use hyssop, with antibacterial properties to keep them all safe and healthy, or by having water come from a rock to show His power. I will try to be a good representative of God’s love, be it with friends and family, or the people I talk to at work. 

Jesus sighting: I saw Jesus in the waters of cleansing. It starts off talking about a sacrifice, like how Jesus was sacrificed for us, then has discussion of cleansing oneself after being in contact with a human corpse, and being unclean for seven days. They had to cleanse themself after 3 days, and Jesus rose in three days, which is how we are able to be cleansed of our sins.