Highlights In Today's Reading:
Note three godly principles in today's reading. Integrity — If a man vow a vow (30:2). Vengeance — The Lord is the only One qualified to take vengeance (Hebrews 10:30). Then, who shares the "spoils?" Note how the spoils were divided, and who received a share.
When pharaoh sought to slay Moses, he fled Egypt and went to Midian, a shepherd country, on the eastern gulf of the Red Sea. Jethro was its priest (Genesis 25:2; Exodus 18:1; Numbers 10:29; Judges 1:16). The Midianites were descendants of Keturah, whom Abraham married after Sarah died (Genesis 25:1-4). Moses married Zipporah one of Jethro's daughters. Later, after nearly forty years in the wilderness, the Midianite women and girls, through the influence of Balaam, were able to seduce the men of Israel. The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites. . . . And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the Lord of Midian. . . . And they slew the kings of Midian . . . Balaam also, the son of Beor, they slew with the sword (Numbers 31:1-3,8).
Yes, it is the same Balaam, the son of Beor, and he had settled in Midian. It is doubtful that he intended to stay there long. Listen to his earlier testimony: Let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his! (Jacob's) (23:10). What a pathetic example of a double-minded man who knew the will of God.
There are spiritual laws that are just as absolute as natural laws. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7). Sin results in consequences affecting generations to come that often include sorrow and suffering and a wasted life. God has graciously provided His Word to open our eyes to the true values of life. To help us set our priorities straight, the Apostle Paul wrote: Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. Mortify (put to death) therefore . . . evil concupiscence (desires, lusts) and covetousness . . . For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience (3:4-6). Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5).
Thought for Today:
Our past failures teach us the need to quickly turn away from sin: Flee also youthful lusts (II Timothy 2:22).
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses who judged Israel's actions and passed sentence (Numbers 31:1-17). In righteousness He doth judge (Rev. 19:11; II Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 1:14-15).
Word Studies:
30:2 bind his soul =to abstain from something; 30:3 bond =promises; 30:4 hold his peace at =say nothing to; 30:5 disallow =forbid; 30:7 hold his peace at =said nothing; 30:9 their souls =themselves; 30:13 void =invalid; 30:16 statutes =regulations; 31:2 be gathered unto your people =die; 31:11 spoil =plunder; 31:21 ordinance of the Law =biblical Law; 31:23 purified =ceremonially purified; 31:26 prey =booty; 31:28 tribute =tax; 31:28 beeves =cattle; 31:29 for an heave offering =to be presented as a sacrifice to the Lord, by the gesture of waving before the altar; 31:32 booty =spoils; 31:39 tribute =assessment, portion; 31:47 charge =duties; 31:49 sum =count, accounted for; 31:50 oblation = offering; tablets =necklaces, beads; 31:51 wrought =artfully designed; 31:53 had taken spoil =took away the valuables.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Ione Boblitz • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Official: Gov. Tim Kaine (VA) • Country: Dominica (65,000) in the British West Indies • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 75% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice over and pray for those who share the Good News (Nahum 1:15).
Optional Reading: Luke 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:6