Page 37 - Advanced Biblical Backgrounds Revised

Let’s get Personal…

Take the map of Sinai in this section and try to trace the wilderness wandering as you read though
Numbers 33. Keep in mind that we don’t know the exact location of all of the places mentioned. Then
answer this question: Since we know God does everything with a purpose, even in disciplining
disobedience, what was God teaching Israel during the 40 years? Try to think of as many likely
possibilities as you can. An example could be this: Is it possible God used the 40 years to prepare the
land of Canaan to be conquered? Would God have used this time to allow the recently destroyed
Egyptian armies control on the travel routes to weaken over that time? Also ask spiritual questions
about it. What did God teach Israel about faith during the wilderness wandering? Why did God use a
raised serpent as the symbol of salvation from death if the Israelites were bitten by a snake?

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