Bible Study Notes in Numbers- Chapter 3

Numbers 3

 

-The numbering continues in chapter three, now concerning the Levites, as the LORD continues to give word to Moses in the wilderness. Aaron and his sons are designated for various duties and places to camp surrounding the tabernacle, all of which they obeyed unto the LORD. “But Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered strange fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai (see Leviticus 10:1-2 for more information, Numbers 3:4).” The Levites were God’s; therefore, He redeemed all of them from a month old and upward and the rest paid ransom for the rest of the firstborn from among the sons of Israel (Numbers 3:40-50). The money was given to Aaron and his sons, “at the command of the LORD (Numbers 3:51).” See the following quote for elaboration on this unique situation in Israel:

“The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as substitutes for the first-born. The Levites, amounting to twenty-two thousand, were given in exchange for an equal number of the first-born from the other tribes, leaving an excess of two hundred seventy-three; and as there were no substitutes for these, they were redeemed at the rate of five shekels for each (Numbers 18:15-16). Every Israelite would naturally wish that his son might be redeemed by a Levite without the payment of this tax, and yet some would have to incur the expense, for there were not Levites enough to make an equal exchange. Jewish writers say the matter was determined by lot, in this manner: Moses put into an urn twenty-two thousand pieces of parchment, on each of which he wrote "a son of Levi," and two hundred seventy-three more, containing the words, "five shekels." These being shaken, he ordered each of the first-born to put in his hand and take out a slip. If it contained the first inscription, the boy was redeemed by a Levite; if the latter, the parent had to pay. The ransom money, which, reckoning the shekel at half a dollar, would amount to $2.50 each, was appropriated to the use of the sanctuary. The excess of the general over the Levitical first-born is so small, that the only way of accounting for it is, by supposing those first-born only were counted as were males remaining in their parents' household, or that those first-born only were numbered which had been born since the departure from Egypt, when God claimed all the first-born as his special property (see http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/jamieson-fausset-brown/numbers/numbers-3.html).”

-*Application* God entrusts certain people and calls them to full-time ministry to work in His House, otherwise now known as the church in Christianity. These are the principles we can glean from this study of the national order for the Hebrew people. Those called into obedient career service deserve our utmost loyalty and respect as long as they are following the Word of God. Otherwise, they are offering that “strange fire,” or in other words inauthentic ministry, which the LORD detests, and He will eventually punish them for that, often severely as we see in the Scriptures here. The ministry is hard, and pastors need our support, believe me, I am one. They are judged on a stricter standard and carry the weight of serving people’s souls (James 3:1). That is not a light responsibility and only accomplished with the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Verse to Memorize: Numbers 3:4

Bible Study Notes in Numbers- Chapter 2

Numbers 2

 

-The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron to tell them how they should position themselves in the camp towards the tabernacle in this instructive chapter. The tribes were commanded to camp each by his own standard with the banners of their father’s households around the tent of meeting at a distance (Numbers 2:1-2). The format would essentially look like this:

 

                                                                        Dan (Leader- Ahiezer, Men- 62,700)

                                                                       Asher (Leader- Pagiel, Men- 41,500) 
                                                                       Naphtali (Leader- Ahira, Men- 53,400)

                                                                             Total: 157,600

 

Benjamin                                                                                                  Issachar

(Leader- Abidan, Men- 35,400)                                                                                           (Leader- Nethanel, Men- 54,400)

 Ephraim                                                                                   Moses                                Judah

 

(Leader- Elishama, Men- 40,500)                                      Tabernacle      Aaron of sons        (Leader- Nahson, Men- 74,600)

                                                                                                  of Levi

            Manasseh                                                                                                 Zebulun

(Leader- Gamaliel, Men- 32,200)                                                                                         (Leader- Eliab, Men- 57,400)

Total: 108,100                                                                                                             Total: 186,400

 

                                    Gad (Leader- Eliasaph, Men- 45,650)                 Simeon (Leader- Shelumiel, Men- 59,300)

                                                                        Reuben (Leader- Elizur, Men- 46,500)

 

                                                                        Total: 151,450

                                                                  Grand Total: 603,550

We can certainly start to see why this book is named Numbers now can’t we? The Levites, again, were not numbered men of the sons of Israel, because the LORD had commanded it to be that way. So we see that Israel did all that the LORD commanded them to do in the structure of their camp in naming leaders and obediently following the requirement to number their armies by household.

-*Application* What we can definitely see in this exercise is that the family units were important to God. He arranged them by direct command through His servants Moses and Aaron. He also gives us directives to make our own homes the best that they can possibly be (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Colossians 3:18-21, Ephesians 5:15-6:4). Listen to the words of the Father and obey them. You will see biblical success, prosperity, and well-being in your own home if you do.

 

Verse to Memorize: Numbers 2:34

Bible Study Notes in Numbers- Chapter 1

Numbers 1

 

-Introduction: Numbers continues as the fourth book of the Torah under the inspiration of the LORD given to Moses, His servant and prophet, who lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness. Therefore, we can conclude that this compilation was put together somewhere between 1450-1410 B.C. and in the wilderness of the Sinai region south and east of the Promised Land. The Law section is now over, which was primarily given in Exodus and Leviticus. Now reiteration to that good and perfect Law must be made, but there is a distinct preparation phase that God’s people are now entering as they venture from slavery into promise. Their faith is tested, and usually, as we see in this text, they fail miserably. A census is taken, thus the name Numbers, but that is just one of the themes of this work. Rebellion is another key theme that becomes evident as the Hebrews are found grumbling, defiant, unsatisfied, and unbelieving at many junctures. Unfortunately, we see discipline and even death coming from the just and mighty God when these events occur in the camp of Israel. Wondering then becomes another key theme as the children of God are restricted from entrance into Canaan. They must wonder in the wilderness for forty years because they did not trust in their LORD to give them victory over the inhabitants of the land. In fact, that generation died, even Moses, before they could inherit the blessings. So, a final theme revolves around the Promised Land, which we know today as Israel. The historical story revolves around this precious piece of property that is the apple of God’s eye, which He would use for His glory as the ages progressed. Take heart and glean many precepts and understandings for how God works in the Christian’s life through this study of Numbers. It will build our faith, and help us live in the reverence of the LORD more and more.

-Chapter 1: The LORD speaks to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, which had been ordained in the giving of the Law (Exodus 25:22; 29:42). God speaks to His servant on the first day of the second month in the second year after they had come out of Egypt. This is significant because now the Law had been given, and it was time to begin the preparation stages to enter into the Promised Land. The LORD was ready to move His people along, and He calls Moses to complete a census giving authority to the heads of the sons of Israel by their families. They were to number them “head by head” each male that was 20 years old and upward and able to go to war. Just as the LORD commanded Moses, so he did in numbering the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai (Numbers 1:19). From Reuben (46,500) to Simeon (59,300) to Gad (45,650) to Judah (74,600) to Issachar (54,400) to Zebulun (57,400) to Joseph’s sons Ephraim (40,500) and Manasseh (32,200) to Benjamin (35,400) to Dan (62,700) to Asher (41,500) to Naphtali (53,400) they came to a total of 603,550 supposedly rounding to the nearest 100 with Gad rounding to the nearest 50 as it appears.

-The Levites, however, were not numbered among these counts. They were appointed, by the LORD’s command, over the tabernacle of the testimony, over its furnishings, and over all its belongings. They were assigned to carry the tabernacle and camp beside it so that there would “be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel (Numbers 1:53).” They were to keep charge of the tabernacle of the testimony taking it down when they moved and setting it up where they camped. “Thus the sons of Israel did; according to all which the LORD had commanded Moses, so they did (Numbers 1:54).”

-*Application* Up to this point we see in Numbers an obedience to faithfully do all that the LORD wanted in regards to fulfilling His commands. It may have seemed pointless to some, or maybe there may have been a temptation for jealously between tribes based on size or responsibility, but we see no evidence of questioning anything like that in the text during this first chapter narrative. God always has a plan, and it is a perfect plan. If we will follow it willingly, things will go according to His Divine will. Success will be achieved for His Kingdom. How well are we following God’s directives for our lives today? Are we obedient or disputing with Him? I can tell you this, it will always go better if we seek Godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6). God’s desire is to bless. Are we willing to go His way on things pertaining to our lives?

 

Verse to Memorize: Numbers 1:19

Bible Study Notes in Zechariah- Chapter 14

Zechariah 14

 

-The final chapter of this great book emphasizes the end of times and gives specifics as to the daily lives and what will happen in Jerusalem’s eschaton. The time sequences do not seem to be chronological in the prophecy. The spoil taken from them will be divided among them. All the nations will gather against the Holy City to battle. The city will be captured for a while with houses plundered, women ravished, and half of the population of Jerusalem exiled. However, the rest of the city will not be cut off, and the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations that come against His people. “In that day His (Messiah) feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south (Zechariah 14:1-4).” The inhabitants of Jerusalem will flee by the valley to Azel in the beginning wilderness area just east of Jerusalem. The people had fled in this direction during the time of King Uzziah as well. Then the LORD will come, and His holy ones with Him (Zechariah 14:5)! These are events that seem to be during the tribulation period. There will be no light in this day, which I believe refers now to the New Jerusalem following the millennial reign (Zechariah 14:6-7, Revelation 21:1-2, 23-22:7). In that day “living waters will flow out of Jerusalem” towards both the east and the west in both summer and winter (Zechariah 14:8).

-“In that day” the LORD will be the only King over all the earth, which I believe goes back in chronology to the millennial period. His Name will be ultimately supreme and the land will be changed into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; however, Jerusalem will remain on its site and rise from the Benjamin Gate as far as the place of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s wine presses (Zechariah 14:9-10). People will inhabit it with no longer having to deal with God’s curse. Jerusalem will live in complete security. Now going back in time further to the era of tribulation, plagues will devastate those who have gone to war against His Holy City in an attempt to bring about its downfall. “Their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth (Zechariah 14:11-12).” There is no way Zechariah could have foreseen a time when this was actually possible, but we know the effects of atomic and nuclear power and how these things can really occur. A great panic, as you can imagine, comes upon these enemies of God as He sends His fury. Violence will occur with each other as they fruitlessly attempt to combat the Holy One. Judah will be embroiled in the battle at Jerusalem, and the wealth of the nations will come as a gathering place to duke it out. When it is all said and done, and I believe this involves the millennial Kingdom of Christ (Revelation 20:2-7), the ones who are left from the nations will go up from year to year to worship King Jesus, the LORD of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths (Leviticus 23:34-36, Zechariah 14:13-16). No rain will fall on those who disobey this command to come to Jerusalem and worship the LORD yearly. Egypt is mentioned in particular here since they were the ones who enslaved the Hebrew people necessitating the reason for the Feast of Booths during Israel’s wilderness wanderings (Zechariah 14:17-19). “In that day” the bells of the horses will render the phrase “HOLY TO THE LORD.” And the cooking pots in the LORD’s House will be like the bowls before the altar. In fact every cooking pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD, and all who come to sacrifice to the LORD will come and take of them and boil in them. In other words, His holiness is open to all the nations to come and partake of His goodness. There is longer no a distinction between the holy and the common since all is now declared holy before the LORD as the curse is removed. Also, “There will no longer be a Canaanite in the House of the LORD of hosts in that day (Zechariah 14:20-21).” The Canaanite represented idolatry and false religion. God had commanded the Hebrews to annihilate them when they originally came back into the Promised Land under Joshua (Exodus 23:23-25, Joshua 24). Sadly, they had been left as a remnant and infiltrated the Jewish culture leading to Israel and Judah’s own depravity, idolatry, and exile. Now that the Messiah is in charge, no corruption to His power and authority remains.

-*Application* In summation, Zechariah gives us a sweeping panorama of world history and what is to come for the glorious Kingdom of God. His hope should be our hope as we see the hastening of the Day of the LORD. His enemies will be dismantled, His justice, mercy, and love will rule. Better days are ahead after the tumult. Keep trusting Him and praying for souls to come under His grace. Messiah Jesus is coming back, and He will correct all that has gone wrong with this sinful world!

 

Verse to Memorize: Zechariah 14:4

Bible Study Notes in Zechariah- Chapter 13

Zechariah 13

 

-The “in that day” language continues into the thirteenth chapter as a fountain is opened up for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The fountain is for cleansing from sin and impurity. This is the work of the Messiah (Psalm 36:9, Jeremiah 17:13, 1 John 1:7-9). He also will cut off the names of the idols that had persisted in the land. These false gods will no longer be remembered in the light of His holiness, grace, and power. Prophets will not dare speak out in a deceiving or false manner as total awe and reverence are given to the Lord (Zechariah 13:1-5). This is reference to the return of Christ Jesus and His millennial Kingdom on earth.

-Yet, the Messiah is wounded in the house of His friends as the prophet writes in an interrupted time sequence. The sword of violence will penetrate this Savior, the Shepherd that was not recognized by His own people (John 1:11). The Associate and Shepherd of the Sovereign LORD is allowed to be struck, and His sheep scattered as a result of this first incarnation. Prophetically, two parts were cut off and perished, but the LORD rescues, for His own sake and the fulfillment of His covenant promises, a remaining third. These are brought through the fire of persecution refined as silver and tested as gold. These will faithfully call upon the Name of the LORD, and He will answer them in love and salvation. God will again tell them that “they are His people,” and they will reply, “The LORD is our God (Zechariah 13:6-9).

-*Application* Jesus is the fountain of life for all who will call upon Him for salvation. He invites you today to become a part of His everlasting family and Kingdom. He wants you to washed from your depravity so that you can reign with Him in glory (2 Timothy 2:12, 1 Peter 2:9).

 

Verse to Memorize: Zechariah 13:9

Bible Study Notes in Zechariah- Chapter 12

Zechariah 12

 

-Another burden is revealed by Zechariah the prophet here in this remarkable chapter. Jerusalem will be vigorously and ruthlessly attacked “in that day,” which is no doubt the time of the return of Jesus Christ to earth. The LORD who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him declares it (Zechariah 12:1). Jerusalem will be made “a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around (Zechariah 12:2).” Siege will encompass the city as well as Judah in general, but all who come against the Holy City will find that it is a “heavy stone” and they will be “severely injured (Zechariah 12:3).” The attackers will be befuddled with bewilderment and blindness as the LORD strongly supports His chosen people in this time of calamity. Judah will be like a firepot among pieces of wood. In other words, the wood will burn up, but the pot will remain. Judah will be the “flaming torch” to the sheaves. Judah will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples, “while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again dwell on their own sites (Zechariah 12:4-6).” The LORD will save, the tents of Judah first as well as the rest so as to give glory to the entire area rather than simply the City of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. “In that day” the defenders will be strong. Even the feeble will be like the mighty King David, and “the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them (the attackers).” “And in that day I (God) will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:7-9).”

-Further, and absolutely essential, the Spirit of grace and supplication will be poured out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem at that time. They will indeed look upon Him (the Messiah, Jesus Christ) whom they have pierced (John 19:34-37, Revelation 1:7), and mourn for their returned Savior whom they had denied for so long. They will weep bitterly over Him for all the wasted years and those who perished from this world without faith in the Messiah and Savior of it. Mourning all over the place and regret as the end of the age is swallowed up in the coming Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ (Zechariah 12:12-14).

-*Application* Our Jewish brethren will one day recognize their Messiah for who He is. The mission to reach them with the gospel now at this present time has had sporadic and minimal results, but when they do receive their King and become completed, they have a zest and zeal for the things of God that are unmatched. We need to continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem as we see the storm clouds gathering of apocalyptic proportions. Remain vigilant in defending Israel and blessing them any way that you can as a believer in Christ Jesus. There will be blessing for you if you do (Genesis 12:3). God’s plan in the end will prevail, and He will deliver all who receive Him in faith.

 

Verse to Memorize: Zechariah 12:10

Bible Study Notes in Zechariah- Chapter 11

Zechariah 11

 

-The prophet receives the Word from the LORD to speak out against the beautiful land from Lebanon in the north to Assyria (the common location for ancient Bashan) to the Jordan River area. Fire and destruction await these places as their selfish glory and pride is ruined (Zechariah 11:1-3).

-Then the LORD has Zechariah act out His Word in sending him to “pasture the flock that is doomed to slaughter (Zechariah 11:4).” He is symbolizing poor leadership of the flock of God who buy their slaves, without seeming consequence, and calling themselves blessed because of their wealth and opulence. These shepherds have no pity on their prey and use them to their own advantage. Therefore, God says that He will no longer have pity on the inhabitants of the land. He will cause men to fall in civil disputes and carnage within the kingdom and from outside the kingdom. They will strike the land, and God will not deliver them from their power. This is exactly what happened during the Intertestamental Period when factions sprang up in Israel and Judah separating the people of God (Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Herodians, and Zealots to name the prominent), and then foreign powers ravaged their land including Greece and Rome. Zechariah took two staffs “Favor” and “Union” as he pastured the flock in the Name of God. Then, three unknown shepherds were annihilated in one month, a short amount of time. Impatience was the reason given for this annihilation and their soul being weary of the shepherd God had set up. After that, Zechariah makes proclamation, “I will not pasture you. What is to die, let it die, and what is to be annihilated, let it be annihilated; and let those who are left eat one another’s flesh.” Then he took his staff called “Favor” and cut it in pieces, “to break covenant which I (God) had made with all the peoples (Zechariah 11:5-10).” The people did recognize the prophetic Word from the LORD as the afflicted flock (Zechariah 11:11). Then, in a profoundly Messianic prophecy, he asked for his wages and they weighed out to him 30 shekels of silver. Then the LORD said to His prophet, “Throw it to the potter, that magnificent (complete sarcasm here) price at which I was valued by them.” Zechariah obeyed and threw the 30 shekels to the potter in the House of the LORD, just like Judas Iscariot would do in the time of Jesus’ betrayal (Zechariah 11:12-13, Matthew 27:3-10). Then, the second staff called “Union” was cut into pieces to symbolize the division between Judah and Israel. The LORD told His prophet to again take for himself the equipment of a foolish shepherd. “For behold,” says God, “I am going to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for the perishing, seek the scattered, heal the broken, or sustain the one standing, but will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hoofs. Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! A sword will be on his arm and on his right eye! His arm will be totally withered and his right eye will be blind (Zechariah 11:14-17).”

-*Application* It is a great tragedy when God’s leaders fail to care for their ordained congregation adequately. God holds those in authority to a higher level of accountability and judgment as we can see in the Scriptures (James 3:1). If God puts you in charge of something, remember your important responsibility and do things in the light and power of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Don’t let pride and your own glory become an issue. Hear and obey the Voice of the LORD. This is what true success is all about in the Kingdom of God.

 

Verse to Memorize: Zechariah 11:13