Highlights:
Numbering (census) of the Israelites before entering the promised land; law of inheritance; Joshua to succeed Moses.
Verses for Today:
The Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thine hand upon (transfer authority to) him. . . . And Moses did as the Lord commanded him (Num. 27:18,22)Almost 40 years had passed since the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. All the 603,550 adult men included in that earlier census (1:46), except Joshua, Caleb, and Moses had died. The new generation who were near the promised land were children when they left Egypt and were now 40 years older. The Lord spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, Take the sum (a census) of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward (26:1-2). This took place in the Plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho (26:3).
Another major event was to take place before the Israelites could enter the promised land. The Lord said unto Moses, Get thee up into this Mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people (will die). . . . For ye rebelled against My Commandment in the Desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify Me (be obedient to My Command) at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah. . . . And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying, let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation. . . . And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua (27:12-17).
Despite not being allowed to enter the promised land, Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation . . . and gave him a charge (27:22-23). Moses blessed Joshua and laid his hands upon him (transferring his leadership). . . . And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face (Deut. 34:9-10). Moses was the meekest man on earth (12:3). Meekness is a Christlike character: I am meek (Matt. 11:29). Put on therefore, as the elect of God . . . kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another (Col. 3:12-13).
In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (Phil. 2:3).
Thought for Today:
For the Word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth (Ps. 33:4).
Christ Portrayed:
By the man (Joshua) who would lead the people like a shepherd (Num. 27:17). Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd. . . . My sheep . . . follow Me (John 10:11,27).
Word Studies:
26:2 sum =census; 26:61 strange =unauthorized; profane; unlawful; 27:4 done away from among his family =withdrawn; lost to his family; 27:19 give him a charge =commission him as your successor.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Ken Sharp • Government Official: Sen. Joe Lieberman (CT) • Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and local dialects • Religious freedom • 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray persistently; you will receive an answer (Luke 11:9-10).
Optional Reading: Luke 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:13-16
