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Day 43 – Thru the Bible
Today we continue Numbers and Psalms.
Numbers 11 – Sharply contrasting the repeated reports of their obedience in preparing to set out (chapters 1–10), Numbers 11 opens with Israel complaining as soon as the march begins. This negative view of the “wilderness generation” comprises the central bulk of Numbers (chapters 11–25), and offers several gospel lessons.
First, we‘re reminded that God’s people are sinners saved by grace—the Israelites were neither delivered from Egypt nor brought into the Promised Land because of their own righteousness (Deut. 9:6).
Second, the fearful reality that some Israelites were destroyed in the wilderness for their rebellion serves as a sanctifying example for us to persevere by God’s grace, laying hold of Christ by faith (1 Cor. 10:1–11; Heb. 3:7–4:13).
Third, the people’s sinfulness stresses our dire need of a mediator to intercede on our behalf.
How does our assurance of eternal life rest in knowing that we have the perfect Mediator, Jesus Christ, who ever lives to make intercession for us? Hint: Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:24–25; 8:6.
Moses’ longing that all the Lord’s people would receive his Spirit is echoed as a divine promise by the prophet Joel (2:28–32).
Where do we see this come to fulfillment through Jesus? Hint: Acts 2.
Numbers 12 – This challenge by Miriam and Aaron as to Moses’ role as mediator between God and His people is met with an admonishing reaffirmation of the unique status of Moses as the prophet with whom God speaks “mouth to mouth”.
How does the New Testament uphold Moses’ distinctive place within the old covenant and attests to the superiority of Christ’s within the new covenant? Hint: Hebrews 3:2–6.
Number 13 – In 13:16, Hoshea (“he saves”) is renamed Joshua (“Yahweh saves”). The faith Joshua will display in chapter 14 shows the suitability of his new name.
What is the significance of this name change?
The spies’ report covers the same events described in vv. 17–24. But while the earlier account is straightforward and factual, the spies’ account is vivid and exaggerated, designed to dismay the hearers. Their reference to Nephilim is most likely an excuse for their disobedience rather than an accurate report of what they saw in Canaan.
How can we sometimes get caught looking at our circumstances instead of trusting God’s promises to us?
Psalm 43 – The Psalter provides all the vocabulary necessary to articulate our deepest emotions. This psalm encourages us to express without fear even our disappointments with God. Though God has not rejected him, the psalmist feels as though He has. But God uses even our mistaken beliefs about Him to draw us to Himself.
Are you able to approach God in this way? If not, why not?
What other thoughts or questions does today’s reading bring up?
Some of these notes are from the ESV Gospel Transformation Bible study notes. We highly recommend this study Bible.
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