Num 29:1

Num 29; 30: The second cycle of feasts took place in the seventh or sacred month — seven being the sacred number, and that of the covenant. It began with new moon’s day when, besides the daily, and the ordinary new moon’s offerings, special festive sacrifices were brought (Num 29:1-6). Then on the 10th of that month was the “Day of Atonement,” while on the 15th the feast of tabernacles began, lasting seven days. All these feasts had their appropriate sacrifices.

The laws as to sacrifices appropriately close with directions about “vows” (Num 30). In all the ordinances connected with the sacred seasons, there is evident the symbolic significance of the number seven — alike in the feasts themselves, in their number, their sacrifices, and in that of the days appointed for holy convocation. Indeed, the whole arrangement of time was ordered on the same principle, ascending from the Sabbath of days, to the Sabbath of weeks, of months, of years, and finally to the Sabbath of Sabbath years, which was the year of Jubilee. And thus all time pointed forward and upward to the greatest “Sabbath,” or sacred rest, that remains as the hope of God’s people (Heb 4:9).

Num 29:40

MOSES TOLD THE ISRAELITES ALL THAT THE LORD COMMANDED HIM: Even though Moses knows that he will not enter the land, he continues to prepare Israel for the time when they will be in the land. Such is the selflessness of the man Moses — a pattern for us. What we do for God should not be based on self-interest. It should be based on pleasing God.

Nothing on Num 30.

Num 27:1

Num 27:1-11: // Num 36:1-12. The proposed division of the land — suggested by the census in Num 26 — brought up a special question of considerable importance to Israel. Zelophehad, of the tribe of Manasseh, and of the family of Gilead, had died — not in any special judgment, but along with the whole generation that perished in the wilderness. He had left no sons, and his daughters were anxious to obtain a “possession,” lest their father’s name should be lost among his family. By Divine direction, which Moses had sought, their request was granted, and it became a judicial statute in Israel ever after: that daughters or — in their absence — the nearest kinsman should enter upon the inheritance of those who died without leaving sons, and should if possible raise up that would carry on the name of the one who had died.

In all such cases, of course, the children of those who obtained the possession would have to be incorporated, not with the tribe to which they originally belonged, but with that in which their “inheritance” lay. Thus the “name” of a man would not “be done away from among his family.” Nor was this statute recorded merely on account of its national bearing, but for higher reasons. The desire to preserve the name of a family in Israel sprang not merely from feelings natural in such circumstances, but was connected with the hope of the coming Messiah. Until he appeared, each family would desire to preserve its identity, and its legitimate claim to its own special portion of the Land of Promise.

Num 27:12

Vv 12-23: God once more warned Moses of his impending death, before actual entrance into the Land of Promise (Num 27:12-14). In so doing, He made mention again of the sin which had caused this judgment, to show His holiness and justice, even in the case of His most approved servants.

But on the other hand, this second reminder also manifested the faithfulness of Yahweh, Who would allow his servant, as it were, to set his house in order, so that he might meet death with full consciousness of what was before him.

It is touching to see how meekly Moses received the sentence. Faithful to the end in his stewardship over God’s house, his chief concern was, that God would appoint a suitable successor, so “that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd” (vv 15-17). For this position, God now set apart Joshua, by the laying on of Moses’ hands, in the presence of Eleazar the priest and of the congregation.

Yet only part of Moses’ “honor” — only what was necessary to insure the obedience of Israel — was conferred upon Joshua, while his public movements were to be directed by “the judgment of the Urim” and Thummim. Thus God not only vindicated the honor of His servant Moses, but also showed that the office which Moses had filled was in its nature unique, being typical of that committed in all its fullness to Jesus Christ, the Head of the Ecclesia.

Num 27:14

LXX is quoted in Act 7:51: resisting the Holy Spirit!

Num 27:17

GO OUT AND COME IN: Heb idiom for shepherd leader. Cp v 21: this authority passes to Joshua.

SHEPHERD: Christ the shepherd: Joh 10:11; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 5:4.

Num 27:21

Typ Christ, to whom all judgment has been committed: Joh 5:22.

Num 28:1

Num 28: Now that the people were about to take possession of the land, the sacrificial ordinances were repeated and once more commanded to the Israelites, with fuller details added. The daily morning and evening sacrifice had already been instituted in connection with the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:38-42). To this daily consecration of Israel were now added the special sacrifices of the Sabbath — symbolic of a deeper and more special dedication on God’s own day. The Sabbath and the other festive sacrifices were always brought in addition to the daily offering.

Again, the beginning of every month was marked by a special sacrifice, with the addition of a sin-offering, while the blast of the priests’ trumpets was intended to bring Israel’s prayers and services in remembrance before the Lord. If the beginning of each month was thus significantly consecrated, the feast of unleavened bread (from the 15th to the 21st of Abib), which made that month the beginning of the year, was marked by the repetition on each of its seven days of the sacrifices which were prescribed for every new moon. The Passover feast (on the 14th of Abib) had no general congregational sacrifice, but only that of the lamb for the Passover supper in each household.

Lastly, the sacrifices for the feast of weeks were the same as those for the feast of unleavened bread, with the addition of the two “wave loaves” and their accompanying sacrifices prescribed in Lev 23:7-21. This concluded the first festive cycle in the year.

Num 24:2

The Spirit of God: in Daniel (Dan 5:11); in Joseph (Gen 41:38); clothed Gideon (Jdg 6:34); clothed Amasai (1Ch 12:18); clothed Zechariah (2Ch 24:20); came upon Balaam (Num 24:2); came upon Saul (1Sa 10:10).

Num 24:7

GREATER THAN AGAG: Or “Gog” (LXX),”king of Amalek” (1Sa 15:8). Amalek, a constant enemy of Israel (cp Exo 17:8-16), a descendant of Esau (Gen 36:1,16; cp Isa 63n). Haman was from Agag (Est 3:1,10), and a political enemy of Israel.

Num 24:11

NOW LEAVE AT ONCE AND GO HOME! I SAID I WOULD REWARD YOU HANDSOMELY, BUT THE LORD HAS KEPT YOU FROM BEING REWARDED: Balak’s arrogance is typical of ‘important’ men in the world. As if it would be possible for him to promote Balaam above what God could do for him! A lesson that we need to learn. Whatever we think about status in this world, it is as nothing in comparison to what God will give to the faithful.

Num 24:17

A STAR: Balaam’s prediction concerns the rise of David and the Davidic kingdom. The “star” refers to David — who struck down the Moabites (Num 24:17; 2Sa 8:2) and the Edomites (Num 24:18; 2Sa 8:13,14; 1Ki 11:15,16; 1Ch 18:12,13). Thus, under David, Israel prospered and the nations round about were subjugated and often had to bring tribute (eg, 2Sa 8:2,6).

But, the prophecy cannot be exhausted at this point, for David did not completely destroy Moab and Edom, with the result that later writers would be free to use this imagery to speak of the one who would come and deal ultimately with the enemies of God.

The use of the term “star” does more than point to a ruler; it also connects that ruler with heaven. The birth of Jesus was connected with heavenly signs (Mat 2:2), and one of his titles is “the bright Morning Star” (Luk 1:78-79; Rev 22:16) — used in connection with his descent from the line of David. When he returns from heaven to conquer the enemies of God, and to set up God’s kingdom, his advent will be accompanied by other signs in the heavens (Mat 24:29,30; Mark 13:24,25).

COME: Heb “darak”, poss in the sense of “marching” (sw Deu 33:29; Isa 63:3).

CRUSH THE FOREHEADS: The second part of Gen 3:15 (cp Num 22:25).

SONS OF SHETH: “Noisy boasters” (NIV mg). Cp Jer 48:45; Psa 83:2. The ones who resisted Israel’s passage through land, and who seduced Israel to idolatry.

Num 24:20

FIRST AMONG THE NATIONS: “First of the nations that warred against Israel” (AV mg). But not first in sense of being most ancient (cp Gen 36:12,16; Jdg 6:3).

Num 24:25

THEN BALAAM GOT UP AND RETURNED HOME: It should not be assumed that he left Balak, since Balaam is slain along with the kings of Midian (Num 31:8).

Num 25:1

The sins of Balaamites: sex, money, power! This was the “counsel of Balaam” (Num 31:16). The friendship of the world is the most dangerous aspect of the battle.

Num 25:2

Cp 1Co 10:27: If any unbeliever invite you…

THE SACRIFICES OF THEIR GODS: Called “sacrifices of the dead” (Psa 106:28), implying “immortality of the soul”.

Num 25:3

IN BROAD DAYLIGHT: Lit, “before the sun”. The worship of Baal-peor was a form of sun-idolatry!

Num 25:6

BROUGHT TO HIS FAMILY: Prob a form of royal marriage: cp vv 14,15.

WEEPING: Weeping, but not acting…

Num 25:8

TENT: Heb “qubba”, a rare term. An alcove, or a vaulted tent, with arch, a brothel.

Num 25:9

24,000 = poss 23,000 Jews (1Co 10:8), and 1,000 Moabitesses. Or 23,000 in ONE day (1Co 10:8), and 24,000 overall. Because Eli failed to discipline his sons for the same sins (1Sa 2:22; 3:13), his priesthood was taken away.

Num 25:13

MADE ATONEMENT: The slaying of the wicked may be an atonement to God. We must slay our “firstborn”, the man of sin within us!

Num 26:1

Num 26-36: “A second census is made and it is found that a new generation has replaced the old that left Egypt, and that the loss caused by death throughout the wilderness wanderings has been repaired. There is a repetition of certain important laws preparatory to entering the Land. The Law of Inheritance is clarified: a successor for Moses is appointed: and certain miscellaneous commandments and instructions are given in anticipation of the tribes entering upon their inheritance. Among other matters, Moses is instructed that he is to die, and is invited to ascend Nebo where he can view from afar the Land of Promise which he is not then to enter.

“The book concludes with a warning that the instructions given through Moses are anthenticated by Yahweh. Meanwhile the people on the plains of Moab by Jericho await the order to advance into the land of promise” (Expos).

Num 26: “At this stage, a further census of the people is ordered. In view of the severity of the plague following the folly at Baal-peor, this is necessary, and it reveals some interesting facts. The first census (Exo 30:12) was basically for the purpose of organising the religious life of the people. The second (Num 1;2) was principally for military purposes, to ascertain the number who were ‘able to go forth to war’ (Num 1:28). The third census, whilst in a measure military, is also political. Its purpose is to prepare the tribes for occupation of their respective inheritances in Canaan.

“This chapter records in detail the results of the census. It lists, tribe by tribe, the numbers which each contained ‘from twenty years and upward’. The sum total is slightly less than were obtained in the earlier census. In large measure the wastage is made up, so that a new generation has replaced the old” (Expos).

Num 26: Comparison of first census with second census:

Num 21:1

ARAD: A site 37 miles south of Jerusalem and 20 miles east of Beersheba. Semi-desert district; dry and remote. Details of excavations in Tes 46:296.

See Lesson, Large numbers in the OT.

Num 21:5

13 murmurings: Exo 5:21; 14:10; 15:24; 16:2; 17:2; 32:1; Num 11:1,4; 12:2; 14:2; 16:3; 20:2; 21:5. Cp Joh 6:41-43. Those who murmur without cause are soon given cause to murmur.

THIS MISERABLE FOOD: A transparent contradiction: “No bread” because they cared not for the bread God gave them. How many of our complaints are similar: we do not recognize the blessings we have for what they are. Instead, we desire those “blessings” that we do not have.

MISERABLE: But it was “angels’ food” (Psa 78:23-25).

Num 21:6

Sin brings punishment. Bitten by “serpents” (cp Gen 3), brings death. “Sin when finished brings death” (Jam 1:15). Eden, scene of first lie, beginning of sin!

MANY ISRAELITES DIED: The Negev viper’s poison is hemolytic: ie, it breaks down the blood vessels painlessly, until — 4 days after bite — the victim dies of hemorrhaging (Adv 98:195).

Num 21:7

Necessary action: recognition of sin, repentance.

THE PEOPLE CAME TO MOSES…: The people appeal to Moses, ignoring the existing priesthood! “Hitherto the tabernacle had been the center of all religion and piety, but if he (the man bitten by the snake) persisted in looking to it for redemption in this hour of need, he would die” (WGos 95).

Num 21:8

Snake lifted up = a condemnation of “sin” in the flesh (Rom 8:3), or the “devil” (Heb 2:14,15; Rev 20:2), in the “lifting up” of crucifixion (Joh 3:14-16; 12:32,33).

A POLE: The “standard” (RV), prob of Judah. This connection with Judah is suggested by two facts: (a) the leader, or prince, of Judah at this time was Nahshon (Num 2:3; 7:12; 10:14; 1Ch 4:10; Mat 1:4); his name is closely related to the Hebrew “nachash” — the “snake” or “serpent” here in Num 21:6,7; and (2) Bezaleel, the craftsman in brass, belonged to this tribe as well (Num 35:30,32).

Num 21:9

A BRONZE SNAKE: The wisdom of serpent (cp Mat 10:16; Isa 52:13; Col 2:15). Brass = copper… red… flesh. The form of a serpent, but no venom (cp Rom 8:3). Lifeless, transfixed.

Do we think that the serpent that was made was a beautiful detailed model of the serpents that were biting the Israelites? Probably not. As people were dying from the bites, there would have been a great concern to get the serpent onto the pole. The image would have been rough and ready — though it was of God’s provision. Likewise, “he (Jesus) has no form nor comeliness” (Isa 53:2).

Footnote: The brazen serpent was later removed by Hezekiah (2Ki 18:4n). See Lesson, Nehushtan.

Num 21:11

“Through the desert… toward the sunrise”: Trials for a purpose.

Num 21:17

SING ABOUT IT: A common Bedouin custom. Each song peculiar to well or tribe. Vital importance of well in Negev (Dawn 63:5). “But the water I shall give him shall be a well of water springing up unto eternal life” (Joh 4:14). Even as elders today have obligation to provide living waters for others in ecclesia. Elders act as servants, ministers, to “draw water”!

Num 21:24

Israel’s first actual victory over nations.

See Lesson, Large numbers in the OT.

Num 22:1

“The way of Balaam (Num 22-24) is the prostitution of a spiritual gift for a base gain. The error of Balaam is the secret idea that the will of God may be circumvented under cover of an outward respect for His Word. The doctrine of Balaam is the counsel to ruin by seduction the people who cannot be cursed by permission” (JSB).

Num 22:5

BALAAM: “Waster of people”. May be seen as sym of beguiled, and beguiling, clergy (Rev 2:14; 2Pe 2:15), Balaam was covetous, perverse, presumptuous, unrighteous, and deceitful (Eur 1:290).

Num 22:19

‘But stay, don’t go away. I will see what I can get him to let me do.’ (Eur 1:289).

Num 22:22

TO OPPOSE HIM: To be a “satan”. Other “satans”: Hadad the Edomite (1Ki 11:14), Peter (Mat 16:23).

Num 22:25

CRUSHING… FOOT: Cp Gen 3:15.

Num 22:27

In speaking of infant-baptism and other such acts performed by the “Balaamite” clergy (Rev 2:14; 2Pe 2:15), JT says: “Surely if Balaam’s ass were here, and a clergyman should bestride him on such a mission, the intelligent creature would break silence again, and with the voice of a man rebuke the madness of the seer” (Eur 1:302).

Num 22:28

THEN THE LORD OPENED THE DONKEY’S MOUTH: “It was just as easy for God to impart the gift of utterance temporarily to a four-footed creature, as to endow some other creatures with it permanently who show no special aptitude for its wise use” (RR).

Num 22:34

I HAVE SINNED: There is a radical distinction between natural regret and God-given repentance. The flesh can feel remorse, acknowledge its evil deeds, and be ashamed of itself. However, this sort of disgust with past actions can be quickly shrugged off, and the individual can soon go back to his old wicked ways. None of the marks of true repentance described in 2Co 7:11 are found in his behavior. Out of a list of 11 men in the Bible who said, “I have sinned,” poss only five actually repented. They were David (2Sa 12:13; 24:10; 1Ch 21:8; Psa 41:4), Nehemiah (Neh 1:6), Job (Job 42:5,6), Micah (Mic 7:9), and the prodigal son (Luk 15:18). The other (poss less sincere) instances? Pharaoh in Exo 9:27; 10:16; Balaam in Num 22:34; Achan in Jos 7:20; Saul in 1Sa 15:24,30; 26:21; Shimei in 2Sa 19:20; Judas in Mat 27:4.

Num 22:38

No power of ourselves to: (1) think (2Co 3:5), (2) speak (Num 22:38), or (3) do (Joh 15:5).

Nothing on Num 23.