Page 52 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

impure to celebrate Passover late (9). Finally, a 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 the in front, Israel sets out for Canaan. Within days, Israel is complaining; it is evil to YHWH, so
He burns the outskirts of the camp. 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 his
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 circumstance and call for a return to Egypt. Due to disbelief, God threatens annihilation, but
Moses’ (again and again) intercedes to save nation. So, God decrees ironic judgment: wander in the
wilderness for 40 yrs. The whole generation 20 years or older which 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 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, the 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 which even grew almonds on it. (16-17). The people
fear God’s holiness, and the 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. Horab (Chapter
20). Refused passage thru Edom, Israel tries to enter Canaan in the south, but 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 to 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
be lifted up; that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life.
15

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 the king sends for
the 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 God’s 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

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