Read Numbers 10 -- 11
In Today's Reading:
The cloud lifted signifying go forward -- but Moses' father-in-law decided to go home. Why were the 70 chosen? At last, meat to go with the manna -- but it was not a blessing.
Verses for Today:
On the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, (after the Exodus from Egypt), the cloud was taken up from off the Tabernacle of the Testimony. And the children of Israel took their journey out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran. The people (soon) complained. . . . the mixed multitude that was among them . . . and the children of Israel also . . . said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely . . . But now . . . there is nothing at all, beside this manna (Numbers 10:11-12; 11:1,4-6).
Highlights:
Two silver trumpets; the Israelites leave Sinai; complaint of the people; fire from the Lord; complaint of Moses; the 70 elders chosen; the Lord sends an abundance of quail; the Lord sends a plague.
After 11 months near Mount Sinai, according to the commandment of the Lord (Numbers 10:13) the people journeyed three days to the wil derness of Paran which covered much of the southern peninsula now known as the Negev Desert. The mixed multitude began to complain. They were probably Egyptians who had married Israelites. They complained that manna was nothing at all compared to the variety of food they had enjoyed in Egypt (11:4-6). Their criticism soon spread throughout all the people. So God gave them their demands, and the Lord . . . brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp. . . . And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails. . . . and the Lord smote the people. . . . there they buried the people that lusted (11:31-34).
The Israelites failed to see that every problem, every disappointment, and every difficulty was an opportunity for them to trust God, Who alone knows what is best for His creation. Human nature has never changed and the unsaved still find fault, complain and blame God for unfavorable circumstances. But, we who know that the Lord is in control of the affairs of our lives need to remind ourselves that the things that happened on their wilderness journey were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted (1 Corinthians 10:6). True faith in the love and wisdom of God leads us to be content with such things as we have (see Hebrews 13:5). The Apostle Paul wrote: having food and clothing let us be content (1 Timothy 6:8).
God often allows His people to face trials and disappointments to bring us into a closer relationship with Himself and to mature our faith as well as to test our love of Him as the All-Sufficient One.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
A Thought from Proverbs: The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish (10:28).
Christ Revealed:
By the two trumpets made of silver (Numbers 10:2). Silver in the Bible is the symbol for truth. Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
Word Studies:
10:10 solemn days = appointed feasts, festivals; 10:14 standard = banner; 10:21 against they came = to be already erected before their arrival; 10:25 which was the rearward = acting as the rear guard; 11:1 kindled = aroused; 11:5 freely = without cost; 11:6 our soul is dried away = dissatisfied and discouraged; 11:10 kindled greatly = stirred up intensely; 11:15 out of hand = at once; 11:20 loathsome = nauseating; disgusting; 11:23 Is the Lord's hand waxed short? = is the Lord's power limited?; 11:30 gat him = returned.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Randy Forbes (VA) and Sen. Craig Thomas (WY) · Pray for the missionary ministries · Country: Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) (19 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern tip of India · Major languages: Sinhala and Tamil · Christianity suppressed · 67% Buddhist; 15% Hindu; 8% Roman Catholic; 7% Muslim; .75% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Ask God for daily direction (Psalms 48:14).
Optional Reading: Luke 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:10