Page 35 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook

Again the Israelites travel from Sinai to Paran but unfortunately a Plague (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 (13-19). From Paran, Moses
sends spies into Canaan. After forty days, the spies return, joyous over land but fearful over enemies.
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- glory, character to save nation. So, God decrees ironic judgment: wander in the wilderness
for40 yrs. They whole generation 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 (15). Another dispute happens, only this it’s not Miriam
and Aaron. Korah and Levites oppose Moses and Aaron, seeking priesthood. When YHWH appeared,
Levites offering incense were consumed, earth swallowed Korah/leaders. Again, the people complained
against Moses and Aaron, God sends plague, incense atones. God resolves the disputes about Aaron’s
priesthood choosing by the bud son his rode. (16-17). People fear God’s holiness, priests and Levites
protect them (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; when they strike rock
instead, God brings water but prohibits their entry to Canaan for disbelief. So, Aaron dies on Mt. Horab
(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, people
again spoke against Moses/God. He sent fiery snakes to kill; at repentance, He gave life- bronze snake.
Despite their rebellion God gave them victory over Sihon and Og (21).

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 (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 (26-27), succession of leader- Joshua (27), offerings
and laws (28-30), [vengeance on Midian, 31], special portion for 2½ tribes (32), [journey from Egypt, 33],
drive out locals (33), boundary and city designation (34-35), heirs (36).

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