Aaron and Miriam’s Sin Numbers 12
v. 1 They spoke despairingly of Moses’ wife (black).
v. 2 They questioned his right of being God’s chosen messenger and leader.
v. 3 Note the meekness of Moses.
v. 6-8 God explains the unique relationship between Himself and Moses.
God spoke to the prophets in visions and in dreams.
But with Moses He spoke mouth to mouth even plainly, not in dark speeches.
v. 9 God was angry with Aaron and Miriam.
v. 10 God punished Miriam. She became a leper.
v. 13 Moses intercedes for her.
v. 15 The progress of the nation was hindered for a week.
The seriousness of sin in a believer’s life. Confess our sin, 1 John 1:9.
Chapter 13 The Mission of the Spies
This mission was not the will of God, but the will of man.
Compare Deuteronomy 1:9, see v. 8, also 21-22.
And you came near unto me, every one of you, and said, “We will send men before us, and they shall search out the land, and bring word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.”
The sending in of the spies seems to have been an act of unbelief, and complete disregard for the Word of God.
When God made Himself known to Moses and through him to the people, He said, “I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them out of that land, unto a good land and large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.” Exodus 3:8.
God had fulfilled the first two parts.
1. He had delivered them.
2. He had brought them out.
3. They doubted His ability to bring them in.
v. 17-20. Go and “see the land” Describe from v. 17 to 25
Whether they are “strong or weak,”
Whether it is “good or bad”
Whether it is “fat or lean.”
There were twelve spies sent in. Ten brought an “evil report.” Read the report of the spies, v. 26-33.
Two, Joshua and Caleb, brought a “good report.” Joshua 14:6
Jehoshea = Jehovah will help, Joshua, Jehovah the deliverer, Jesus, Jehovah salvation.
The spies found no fault with the land, v. 27.
But the sight of the walled cities, giants made them feel like “grasshoppers,” v. 33.
They hinder our progress and try to drive us back.
Some are drivers back, just like the Israelites, and spend their life in an unhappy backslider’s condition (miserable creatures).
Others are partially successful, maybe a little happier, but not enjoying the spiritual blessings to the full.
Praise God for the few who, forsaking all, take God at His word, and go forward facing the foe, in the strength of the Lord and possess their inheritance.
Numbers 14:39-45.
The arm of the flesh Read Deuteronomy 1:41-46
Compare also John 21, A fruitless night.
Chapter 15
The 38 years of wandering.
Please note: The experiences from Egypt to Kadesh-Barnea were a necessary part of preparing the people for the land.
The Red Sea, Marah, Elim, Sinai, were experiences which developed their trust in God.
These have their counterpart in the Christian’s life.
The Red Sea speaks of our separation from the world.
Marah is where God turns adversity into blessing.
Elim shows God’s power to give refreshment along the pilgrim way.
Sinai displays God’s holiness and the inherent evil of the human nature.
The forty years of wandering is for our warning, not for imitation.
God is also looking ahead. In this chapter and in subsequent ones He is giving instructions as to how they should act when they reach the land.
See now v. 32-36.
The strength of the law. The violation of God’s law.
Exodus 35:3, Exodus 12:16.
v. 37-41
The mark of separation, the borders of blue.
It reminded them that they were the Lord’s.
It reminded them of the commandments of the Lord.
It reminded them that they were not to see their own pleasure.
It reminded them to be holy unto the Lord.
It is also a message for us today.
Chapter 16 The rebellion of Korah
Notice first of all the character of those who rebelled, v. 2.
Korah was a Levite to whom the services of the tabernacle were committed and entrusted.
v. 3 They gathered themselves against Moses and Aaron.
Consider Numbers 12, Rebellion of Miriam and Aaron.
v. 10 This was a serious situation.
It was an intrusion into God’s order and the priests’ affairs.
Describe the incident at this point.
The instructions of Moses, v. 16-18.
v. 19 The extent of the rebellion.
v. 20-22 God wanted to annihilate the nation.
Moses and Aaron pleaded for them.
v. 23-33 The fate of the rebels.
v. 34 The reaction of the nation.
v. 35 The destruction of the leaders.
v. 36-40 The censers of the rebels became a permanent reminder of their sin.
See v. 40 Strange fire, Leviticus 10.
v. 41-43 The rebellion of the nation.
v. 44-50 God’s answer and judgment on the nation.
Note at this point the sins that have been brought to light thus far.
1. Discouragement. Moses. Chapter 11:10-15.
This sin led to the sin of impatience. Struck the rock.
2. Jealousy. Miriam. Chapter 12
The woman of Cush. See v. 1.
3. Rebellion. Korah. Chapter 15
Interference with God’s order is a serious offense.