Numbers 12

The Sin of Aaron and Miriam

“Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married.” (Numbers 12:1a)

Here we see Aaron, who later in this book will be confirmed by God as the leader of the priests, speaking slander against God’s chosen leader Moses. Not a good idea.

Because of Aaron’s slander, his wife was stricken and became leprous, as white as snow. As a result of the judgment brought on Miriam, Aaron confesses his sin and Miriam’s health was restored after 7 days of banishment outside the camp.

Slander, gossip are designed to tear someone else down while at the same time, elevating the person or persons doing the damage. While this kind of behavior is never pleasing to God and will incur a response from Him, we can still be restored, brought back into His fellowship and even be used by Him.

The key is repentance and a genuine repentance for sure. The Bible says that, “Man looks on the outside but God see’s the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) In other words, you can’t fool God. He sees right through you and me.

Oh friends, pour out your heart to Him today, ask for forgiveness if you have wronged someone and let the healing begin in your heart today as it did in Aaron’s many years ago.

The Truth

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)

Numbers 11

Complaining In The Wilderness 

“We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.”(v. 5-6)

The children of Israel had been given Manna miraculously from heaven to sustain them across the wilderness. Instead of being grateful, now they were complaining and demanding meat. Can you imagine 600,000 people complaining day and night? One ungrateful person is enough to drive anyone batty with their constant complaining yet Moses had 600,000 in his ear.

The Lord eventually sends the children of Israel exactly what they desired in the form of Quail – but it killed those who were greedy and over did it. This is an extremely important lesson for us to understand. While we might think we know what is best for us or what we want, God sees what is truly best for you and me.

Truly, I will take more of His will in my life and less of my own.

The Truth

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24)

Numbers 10

The Two Trumpets

In this first part of chapter we see the use of trumpets as a form of communication to the children of Israel in the wilderness. These trumpets were to be made of silver and used for four specific reasons: 1) the purpose of convocation, 2) the purpose of mobilization, 3) the purpose of confrontation and 4) the purpose of celebration.(v. 1-10)

These people were trained to keep their ears tuned toward the trumpets. Listening for direction of God, communicated to Moses, through the sounding of the trumpets.

We need to do the same thing in the wilderness of our lives. We need to be trained to listen to His voice, through His Word, to guide us in the direction He would have us to go.

The Truth

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

Numbers 9

The Cloud and the Fire 

“At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed; they kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by the hand of Moses.” (Numbers 9:23)

This cloud/fire was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. As long as the cloud or fire rested on the tabernacle, they continued in the same place. When the cloud was taken up, they moved, however comfortably they were encamped. The leading of Israel by this cloud is spoken of as signifying the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Through this we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day - Leading us in His timing and by His will. And, that there is no time lost, while we are waiting on God's time. At the command of His Spirit, our hearts should always move and rest, saying father, thy will be done.

Therefore, meet with Him in His Word both day and night and allow His Spirit to guide your life.

The Truth

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

Numbers 8

“The Call To Minister”

“And you shall bring the Levites before the LORD: and the children of Israel shall put their hands on the Levites: And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the LORD for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the LORD.” (Numbers 8:11)

Here God is telling Moses to bring the tribe of Levite before Him that He may demonstrate whom He has chosen for His service. All Israel must know that they (Levites) did not take this honor to themselves, but were called of God to it.

This also shows us that, all who are employed for God must be dedicated to Him, according to the employment. It is not uncommon today to have a pastor and the elders lay hands on and pray before the congregation for someone stepping out in faith to serve in any capacity.

The key here is, the calling to serve should be from God and not from

from man. Every true born again believer has heard and responded to, the call of God on his/her life. The call to minister should be a similar Spirit type prompting confirmed by God in your heart.

Therefore, be still and listen, pray for conformation, then step out in faith and see what happens.

The Truth

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.” (2 Peter 1:10)

Numbers 7

Giving To God

Chapter 7 is all about giving to support the services of the Tabernacle. This chapter (the second longest in the Bible), records the gifts given to Him by all the tribes of Israel.

Giving is a topic that is preached on from many different angles from the pulpit today and is sometimes orchestrated to guilt the body into going beyond their own abilities. This type of manipulation is not scriptural. 

 As the Apostle Paul tells in 2 Corinthians, “The Lord loves a cheerful giver”, someone who gives from the joy of the heart and not grudgingly or out of necessity. He also instructs us to, “give as we purpose in our own hearts.” Meaning, don’t let someone else make that decision for you.

Therefore, any thing we give to Him, any act of kindness we show in His name, is noted by Him and accounted unto us as righteousness. Keep your heart open and He through His Spirit will direct you on what to give.

The Truth

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)