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Hey Reading Community,
Hopefully the central portion of Numbers and the Israelite's repeated rebellion don't have you disheartened. The Israelites clearly don't know what is good for them, and while God justly disqualified the exodus generation from entering the Promised Land (including Moses, see Num. 20), we also see his mercy shine through (a pagan sorcerer of all people) in Numbers 23-24. Yahweh is determined to be faithful and bring his covenant people to the Promised Land.
Ultimately, these stories serve as a sobering reminder that while God will be faithful to his covenant promises, he will also let humans exercise choice, allowing them to walk away in rebellion and face the consequences. This week we will close the book of Numbers, say goodbye to Moses, and open Deuteronomy, the last book of the Torah.
Onwards!
Jon, Tim, & The Bible Project Crew
P.S. Want to dive deeper? Check out our blog on biblical theology. This week we explore The "Shema". |
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Chapter 5
The Wilderness |
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Week 8
Summary |
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In this week's reading, we see the torch of Israel being passed from one generation to the next before they enter the Promised Land (remember the verdict God handed down to the rebellious generation in Num. 14). This is done, most symbolically, in the leadership of the Israelites being handed from Moses to Joshua. This new generation, with Joshua at the helm, tastes their first victories in battles with regional city-states on the east side of the Jordan River, an area called Moab.
However, Moses' role is not yet done. You will also open the book of Deuteronomy this week, which is a collection of teachings by Moses that adapts the laws given at Mt. Sinai. He reshapes the covenant laws to address this new generation about to go into the Promised Land. His wise words provide inspiring promises to the Israelites if they keep the covenant laws, and he offers sobering warnings of what will happen if they do not. |
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