Numbers - Bamidbar Numbers - Nasso
Numbers 1:1 - 6:27
We have made it to the book of Numbers (Bamidbar) in Hebrew. I decided to combine the first (2) readings of the book together.
In the first few chapters of Numbers, we see God telling Moses to conduct a census of all the Israelite men over the age of 20. Then take up a second census to count all of the Levite men. God gives specific instructions to the Levites about their roles in The Tabernacle. It is interesting that the Levites were not allowed to number themselves among everyone else. The Levites were the ones God wanted to be in charge of The Tabernacle and moving it. They were also requested to camp around it. The other tribes were to camp according to their division away from The Tabernacle. Unlike the other tribes census, the Levite males were to be counted from (1) month and upwards.
Moses, Aaron and his sons were to camp in front and east of The Tabernacle. If anyone else was to come near, they could have been liable for death. The men were to cover all that was in the ark and the sacred objects with special cloths, so that no one could come in contact with the sacred items. Remember, these items were considered Holy and nothing unclean could touch them. This was extra protection so the items would remain Holy. They used a blue cloth which would stand out, and anyone that saw the blue cloth would automatically know, whatever was underneath was Holy. This also would have set apart the Ark and the people would understand that God was present with them and just anyone could not go near.
We rejoice today, as believers in Jesus, that when the veil was torn, we now have direct access to God and there is now no separation needed because of the work of Jesus! Hallelujah!
The duties of the Priests continue and we see a sense of order coming together for those that are fit for service.
We read several names including, Kohath, Merari and Gershon. These are the sons of Levi.
The ages that were allowed to work in the moving of the tabernacle was men from 30-50 years old. This age gap was thought to be the “prime” of a man’s life. There was lots of physical work, as well as wisdom required in pulling this off. God always wants the best and this was the best time for what these men were required to do.
The chapter continues on with what animal skins to use to cover the items, that would keep out the elements and then the blue cloth which would set apart the item. The type of animal is not clearly known; however, it would have been an animal that had a thick skin layer to protect against the elements. Such animals that could have been used are, badger skins, sea cows hides, a porpoise, or even a unique and miraculous animal. The moving of the tabernacle was a lot of work, but remember, this was a portable house of God. The Israelites were on a journey through the wilderness on their way to the promised land and they needed a special place of God that could go with them. Each family was responsible for a different part of packing and moving the tabernacle. As always, God is detailed and He made sure to communicate exactly what and how this should take place. I can only imagine, this was like a well oiled and managed machine. No small detail was any less insignificant than another. Similar to our church today, there are lots of moving parts in our church and God has given us each talents so that we can all play a part where and when to serve. We have to be careful, that we don’t allow the enemy to bring about a spirit of jealousy or envy. We each have a calling and no position should be exalted over another.
God commands Moses to make sure that anyone that was leprous or unclean in any way could not stay in the camp and was asked to go out side of the camp. I read recently this could have been like the first “hospital” for the sick. We understand that the people that were put out of the camp were not necessarily a sinner; however some of the diseases, unclean discharge or coming in contact with a dead body, were reminders of the effects of sin and Israel had to separate themselves from that as they moved forward to the Promised Land.
If a husband that thought his wife was unfaithful to him. The husband would bring his wife to the priest. The priest would take holy water and dust from the floor and give this to the woman to drink. If the woman had not had an affair outside her marriage the water would not taste bitter and she would not have a curse brought on to her. In time, the judgement of God would be evident…if she came down with a disease especially affecting her womb, it would be seen as evidence of her guilt. If she was free from disease and continued to bear children, it was seen as ‘not guilty’. Now, I think we can all agree, that water with some floor dust would not necessarily cause much harm in our bodies….however, this was a public display when the husband brought the woman forward, so I can only imagine that the woman would feel the guilt, especially knowing that the entire community was aware of the possible adultery and the seriousness of trying to hide your sin.
The “Nazirite Vow” was a way to express one’s desire to draw close to God by separating themself from the comforts and pleasures of the world. This was a vow that a man or woman could make. The word ‘nazir’ in Hebrew means “set apart”. There are a couple people we read about in the scriptures that took this vow; Samson, John the Baptist and Paul. By taking this vow, you agreed, you would drink no wine or vinegar and also, they could not eat grapes, or raisins. He/she could not cut their hair and they could not go near a dead body, even if it was their own loved one. They also could not mourn the loss of a loved one.
The Aaronic Benediction comes from chapter 6. God loves to bless His people and He wants His leaders to long for the people to be blessed. All blessings come from God and without His blessing, nothing will work out for us. We say this at the end of our services. It is truly beautiful (especially in Hebrew).
Wishing you all a blessed week! May God continue to bless you and keep you, may his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you Shalom!
If you are local and looking for a place to connect & grow in His word, I would love to connect with you! You can email me directly at Deena.f@twobranchministry.org.
Blessings & Shalom ~ Deena
