Page 57 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

committed to His promises! The Israelites are at Sinai and are preparing to depart (1-10). After being
freed from the bonds of Egypt yet bonded to God, Israel is ready to head for Canaan. Yet, God’s holy
presence in their midst demands purity! After an initial census (1), God prescribes the position of tribes
in camp and travel, with Levites encircling the tent, carrying its objects for the nation’s protection (2-4).
Also, people must beware of defiling their purity both ritual- uncleanness and moral- breaking faith with
God and man, Nazarite vow vine, razor, or dead (5-6). After the tabernacle is purified, with offerings
given for its dedication (7), Levites are also purified, for service as priests (8). YHWH even makes a
provision for those who are impure to celebrate Passover late (9). Finally, the symbol of God’s presence
lifts, with trumpet blast, signals departure, Israel leaves in order (9-10)

Again, the Israelites travel from Sinai to Paran but unfortunately, a Plague (Chapters 11-12) hits them.
With ark in front, Israel sets out for Canaan. Within days, Israel is complaining; it is evil to YHWH, so He
burns outskirts. They complain again, preferring food of slavery over God’s free food. Despite Moses’
doubt, God brings quail to eat… and a great plague. Moses also laments leadership burden, so God
raises up Spirit-filled leaders (11). Soon Miriam and Aaron jealously question Moses’ calling- only
because of his wife Ethiopian/Midianite. YHWH defends Moses’ unique position of direct communion
and strikes Miriam with a skin plague. Moses as a forgiving servant of God prays and Miriam is healed
but shamed.

Arriving in Paran the Israelites are yet to be punished for their disbelief (Chapters 13-19). From Paran,
Moses sends spies into Canaan. After forty days, the spies return, joyous over the land but fearful over
the occupants of the land. Caleb and Joshua urge people to believe in YHWH, but other spies stir fear,
focus on cthe ircumstance, and call for a return to Egypt. Due to disbelief, God threatens annihilation,
but Moses (again and again) intercedes to save the nation. So, God decrees ironic judgment: wander in
the wilderness for 40 yrs. The whole generation who came from Egypt would die in the desert, but their
kids would inherit the Promised Land (13-14). Assuring the people, God restates ritual laws for life in
Canaan. He said, “when you come into the Land I will give you”; yet, laws for unintentional sins and the
story of Sabbath-breaker stress the need for belief and obedience (Chapter 15). In another dispute,
Korah and Levites oppose Moses and Aaron, seeking priesthood. When YHWH appeared, Levites
offering incense were consumed; the earth swallowed Korah/leaders. Again, the people complained
against Moses and Aaron, God sends plagues. God resolves the disputes about Aaron’s priesthood
choosing by the bud on his rod. (16-17). People fear God’s holiness, priests and Levites protect them
(Chapters 18-19).

Chapters 20-21 are paradoxical. Israel complains about lack of water- wishing to have died. In their
rebellion, God instructs Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock to bring water; but they strike rock instead.
God brings water but prohibits their entry to Canaan for disbelief. So, Aaron dies on Mt. Horeb (Chapter
20). Refused passage thru Edom, Israel tries to enter Canaan in the south, but the king of Arad opposes
them. Despite their rebellion, God gave them the victory! As Israel heads south, around Edom, the
people again spoke against Moses/God. He sent fiery snakes to kill them. Moses was commanded to
fashion a bronze snake and put it on a pole. He told the people to look at the snake on the pole, and
they could be saved. This event foreshadowed the coming of the Savior who would be lifted up on a
pole to bring spiritual salvation on all who would look to Him. Jesus referenced this story when speaking
with Nicodemus in John chapter 3:14 (ASV).

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man
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be lifted up; that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life.

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