Pinchas
Numbers 25:10 - 30:1
We left off with Pinchas (Aaron’s grandson) who had a jealousy for God & the people. God then makes a covenant with Pinchas of peace and appoints him a priest. The name of the slain man that he killed was Zimri, the son of Salu, which belonged to the Simeonites. The woman that was killed was from Zur and he was a tribal head of a father’s house in Midian.
God tells Moses, to strike down the Midianites. God then tells Moses to take a census after the plague. The tribe of Levi shall not be counted as they will serve in the temple.
God tells Moses that the land will be divided up by the number of the heads of households. The larger numbers will acquire a bigger piece of land, which makes sense, more people would need more land.
The people that were listed were not ones that were listed at Sinai. Because God had said, they would not enter the promised land. Caleb and Joshua were the only two left. We read about some of the daughters that went to Moses and pleaded that their father had not been one to come against the Lord in Korah. He had died for his own sin and the daughters didn’t think it was fair they have no inheritance. They had no brothers that would have gained land. Moses goes to God and presents their case. God agrees that they will receive inheritance. God then declares that any man that has no son’s, the inheritance will be transferred to the man’s brothers or nearest kinsman.
God then sends Moses to see the promised land before he passed away. Moses puts his hand on Joshua showing the Israelites that he will now be their leader.
God now gives instruction on offerings. He goes through daily offerings, monthly offerings, Sabbath offerings, Passover, First Fruits, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Feasts of Tabernacles. These offerings were on top of their sin, burnt offerings and any other offerings that God expected them to make to Him.
We end with Moses sharing what the Lord told him regarding vows made by man, and vows made by women and the consequences they hold if not upheld.
As we journey through, we see God showing Israel how to take shape as a nation. One thing I gather after reading through the census, names, land inheritance, is that God is specific and detailed. We are starting to see that these people need lots of direction, because without it, they fall into idolatry and many other things that are not acceptable to God. He wants them to follow His orders and His ways. We are a different people group today; however, God wants us to follow His ways. His ways are perfect. I am grateful that I serve a Lord and Savior the same today as yesterday!
Blessings & Shalom ~ Deena
