Page 58 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

In chapter 21, despite their rebellion God gave them victory over Sihon and Og.

In Moab, as the Suzerain, God’s promise is definite (22-36). Despite Israel’s repeated rebellion, God
protects them, advancing His promises. Moab hears of God’s deeds, fears Israel, so king send for
prophet Balaam to curse them. Balaam prays, but YHWH opposes- prohibiting him, later angel nearly
kills him. Balak urges Balaam to curse Israel. From three different locations in the mountains above,
Balaam inquires of YHWH, blesses Israel citing covenant with Abram, Balaam foretells a king who will
defeat all Israel’s enemies (Chapters 22-24). God is blessing His people above, but they are rebelling
below. As they worship Baal, God sends a plague, decrees death- Phineas. Stressing surety of His
promises, God gives instructions for life in Canaan: land allotment (Chapters 26-27), succession of
leader- Joshua (Chapter 27), offerings and laws (Chapters 28-30), [vengeance on Midian, Chapter 31],
special portion for 2½ tribes (Chapter 32), [journey from Egypt, 33], drive out locals (33), boundary and
city designation (Chapters 34-35), heirs (Chapter 36).

Practical Application: A major theological theme developed in the New Testament from Numbers is
that sin and unbelief, especially rebellion, reap the judgment of God. First Corinthians specifically says—
and Hebrews 3:7-4:13 strongly implies—that these events were written as examples for believers to
observe and avoid. We are not to “set our hearts on evil things” (v. 6), or be sexually immoral (v. 8), or
put God to the test (v. 9), or gripe and complain (v. 10).

Just as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness 40 years because of their rebellion, so too does God
sometimes allow us to wander away from Him and suffer loneliness and lack of blessings when we rebel
against Him. But God is faithful and just, and just as He restored the Israelites to their rightful place in
His heart, He will always restore Christians to the place of blessing and intimate fellowship with Him if
we repent and return to Him (1 John 1:9).
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The book of Numbers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zebxH-5o-SQ

Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is also known as the second giving of the Law.

Author and Date: Moses is most likely the author. The date of
Deuteronomy is unknown but any time after the exodus from Egypt.

The theme(s) include: Same Covenant, new Generation, new Setting.

The main message of Deuteronomy focused on restating the terms of
God’s covenant, Moses reminds the people of God’s past faithfulness, charges them to remember His
law, and presents the choice and consequence of obedience or disobedience.

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