Numbers 21-29

21.

We always find the Israelites grumbling against God and Moses, especially during unsavoury stints in deserts, valleys, and wastelands. Although our lives may not feature such physical/geographical areas, we do have emotional/spiritual times of depression, troubles, unproductivity and separation from God.

In this chapter, the Israelites grumble and God sends fiery serpents which bites and kills many. When the people admitted their sins and asked for forgiveness, Moses intercedes for them. God commands him to make a fiery serpent (of brass) and hang it on a pole so that if anyone bitten by the snakes looks at it, they will live. The onus was on the people to look up at the brass serpent and claim healing. Jesus too was crucified for our sins (the fiery serpent of brass on the pole is symbolic of sin being nailed to the cross during Jesus’ crucifixion) - he died and resurrected. We should look at him, accept this sacrifice, and believe in him. We did not ask God for this, but He had mercy on us.

God gives them water to quench their thirst during their tough times in the desert- as for us, we should drink from the eternal waters which won’t make us thirsty ever again.

Despite God being with them, the Israelites had to go through problems. But God helped them to deal with it. Whoever came to fight against them were defeated.

This chapter refers to two (presumably lost?) books: book of the wars of the Lord (v. 14) and proverbs (v. 27).

22.

Balaam doesn’t seem to be a false prophet- for his divination was from God. However, he demanded fees for divination (v. 7) and is condemned in the NT for loving the wages of wickedness (2 Peter 2:15) and rushing for profit (Jude v.11). When the elders visited Balaam, he obeys God who tells him not to go. When the princes visit him with more rewards, God tells him to go with them if they come to call him. Nonetheless, Balaam gets up in the morning and leaves. Perhaps he misinterpreted God’s message, or maybe he thought that he was permitted to leave. In any case, God was angry with him since he left without being invited.

The faithful ass sees the angel standing against them and tries to deviate, and is treated badly by Balaam. This animal could see something which wise Balaam couldn’t.

The angel seems to be angry at the ill-treatment of the ass too! God does love animals!

Are we like Balaam when our determined plans meet obstacles? Are these posed by God because He doesn’t want us to take that route? Or is it an hindrance by the devil which we need to surmount? Pray!

23.

God’s words never change- neither does His blessings. No enchantment or divination will happen against us because God is with us.

24.

Balaam used to seek/practice enchantments/sorcery (which certainly doesn’t come from the Lord), but he decides not to do this against the Israelites since the Lord is with them. Thus Balaam conveys the Lord’s blessings, ‘Israel shall be like peaceful valleys, well-watered gardens, well-watered trees, and strong as unicorn’. He also prophesises about Jesus- the star coming out of Jacob, a scepter rising out of Israel, and a ruler coming out of Jacob.

25.

The Israelites again become unfaithful. They worshipped other Gods and were sexually depraved.

27.

Zelophehad’s daughters stood up for their rights. Thus, we too should courageously stand up and claim what’s ours. Instead of pooh-paahing their requests, Moses gave this true weightage.

Joshua is appointed as a shepherd of the flock, an authority given by God since he is willing, eager to serve Him, and an appropriate example to the flock.