This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
The Book of Numbers: The book of Numbers records Israel’s failure to enter the promised land and, consequently, the nation’s forty years of wilderness wandering. The book also details the census of Israel, describes the second Passover feast, and reaffirms God’s just judgment in response to continued disobedience.
How Numbers Fits Into the Story: By showing us how God responded to the Israelites’ unbelief, the book of Numbers emphasizes the importance of obedience in the Christian life. Numbers demonstrates that there are consequences to our disobedience, while also reminding us that God’s grace remains the same and His redemptive plan will not be stopped.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Numbers 14:1–25 demonstrate God’s merciful and just nature? How do these two characteristics work together?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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58 thoughts on "Numbers"
Some of you mentioned how the Israelites requested to go back in into the wilderness. I didn’t really realize that, but they did and the Lord allowed them to do that. It makes me think that we should be careful what we ask for.
Blessed Thursday Sisters! Praying for your requests. ❤️
In reading these passages I am reminded just how much the Israelites I am. Its so easy to forget the countless ways God has been faithful, His provision, His leading and go off on my own way. My wobbly, wayward heart is so easily sidetracked and yet our gracious, merciful, forgiving Heavenly Father has always had a plan and is always making a way for us to come back to Him. Thank you Lord for the forgiveness you have for us. For the overwhelming grace, mercy and love that always awaits. Lord your ways are good and your truth is right. Lead my heart with obedience and wisdom to you, not my own selfish desires or forgetting your abundant goodness in all things and help me to pursue holiness. Amen
Please continue to pray that I get a call for an appointment today. On Friday they told me I was triaged as urgent and I still have not had a call so feeling and discouraged and frustrated. I have followed up and confirmed that I am pending so I do know its in the works. In the meantime, I am physically struggling and feeling so unwell. I appreciate your prayers. Thank you
He loves us even in our sin!! Repent and obey!!
From the NLT Study Bible regarding Numbers 14:17-20
1- God is patient.
2- We can always count on God’s love.
3- God forgives again and again.
4- God is merciful, listening to and answering our requests.
“The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.” Where would we be without this?
And this reminds me of the other passages we read this week on being holy as He is holy.
→am I slow to anger?
→am I abounding in love?
→do I forgive others?
…this leaves much to ponder.
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My first thought after reading the first half of Exodus 14 was – “dumb, foolish Israelites!” But then, I immediately thought – “you are just like them at times!”
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Praise God He is so loving, merciful, Kind and just – to forgive us our sins and to remember them no more, just as if we had never sinned!
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As I read the Hebrews passages I thought of my two prodigal sons. I beg God not to harden their hearts, but to take their hearts of stone and make them hearts of flesh…Oh that all of our prodigals would turn from their own ways and to Jesus, lest they too face His chastisement.
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@Kira H – praying for Harper and the requests you mentioned.
@Taylor – praying for wisdom on your decision about your apartment.
@Adrienne – praying for the situation with your mom.
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Have a blessed and thankful Thursday sweet She sisters. ❤️
“Where would we be…..you are just like them. Indeed….sigh. Pondering too❤️
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Reflection Questions:
1) God showed mercy on the Israelites in that He didn’t wipe them out. Rather, He allowed them to have their way: no take-over of the land and led them in a less desirable direction. (His justice/punishment wasn’t what He said they deserved, but Moses begging God to spare them brought forth God’s mercy.) They would live with the consequences of their disobedience for the rest of their lives.
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2) My understanding of the story of redemption- God in His goodness has prepared a place for us to enter His rest – for eternity. We have a choice to walk on His path aiming for that rest or walking with the world and entering into eternal torment. We are tasked with inviting others and encouraging them to walk this path to Heaven.
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SONG SHARE:
Consumed By Fire – Walk With Jesus (Official Lyric Video)
Partial lyrics:
I’m gonna live the way he says to live
Do what He says to do
You can choose whatever road you choose
But I’m gonna love the way He says to love
Trust the way He says to trust
This world alone will never be enough
So I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk
I’m gonna walk
I’m gonna walk with Jesus
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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❤️ one of my fav songs
In mercy, God didn’t annihilate these people who were fearful (valid), ungrateful, accusatory butts.
In judgment, God didn’t give them everything they deserved and in fact, he let them choose their punishment. The wanted to die in the wilderness, and God said, “bet”.
I believe God is the only one who is able to balance judgment and mercy because he sees every angle, knows the hearts of all involved, and sees every outcome. When God allows mercy in situations or hands out judgment we can trust Him. Or at least speak that truth over our confused minds/broken hearts. God is good. God is light and Him there is no darkness at all. ❤️
We having a loving and forgiving Father, yet, He will not let the unjust go unpunished, (their/our choice as we now have God’s saving grace through Jesus). I echo Kelly (NEO)’s prayer. May I always chose JESUS!
ONE more thing…. I always enjoy reading numbers 14:24. “But because of my servant, Caleb……” as must have you know that’s my son’s name. And of course, as his mom I think he’s great, but not only that, he loves Jesus, adores his little sister and loves his mom. He has such a good heart! Thank you for praying for employment for him. He turned in some paperwork yesterday for a job, however, it’s a process and it could take 4 to 6 weeks before he’s employed. For him, it’s not his dream job, but it’s a really good job with great benefits. As a parent, it’s just part of adulting.
I understand! ❤
When we leave God our of the equation we are in a hopeless situation. That was what happened with the spies ; they b were assessing the situation in their own strength. They panicked, complained , rebelled against God and brought down God’s wrath.
God was merciful and forgave them.
God was just and condemns the rebels to death in the wilderness.They won’t reach the promised land.
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I loved Psalm 86:5 in today’s reading. I also have 1 Corinthians 10:13 highlighted and underlined in my Bible. Thank you Sandi for mentioning Numbers 6:22-27.
@Cee Gee thank you for asking about my dad! In the last few months he did pelvic floor therapy and his most recent PSA blood test was “undetectable” which is exactly what they want. So he is considered cancer free praise God!
Please continue to pray for my housing situation. So far only 2 girls have reached out about my apartment. One girl we FaceTimed last night and she seems nice. I’m not sure what to do if I can’t find someone to join me on my current lease. I could live alone, but that is really not my heart (and it’s so expensive). I could move back into my parents for a few months, but I really like where I’m living now. Thank you for praying with me <3
Thank you for the update on your dad! How awesome and what a relief for all of you! I didn’t know pelvic floor therapy was beneficial for that. Good to know as my husband’s numbers are elevated at times. His test this week was good, though, PTL.
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Re: apartment- praying with you, but let me say- as the mom of a 35 year old son who lives with us- NO SHAME in moving back in until you have confirmation on what to do. As long as you are doing your part ie. laundry, cleaning, helping out with food. I love having our son with us!
Praying you know what to do- beyond a shadow of a doubt! ❤
You have a great & current personal perspective to give good advice to Taylor!
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praying, Taylor. You probably plan to do this anyway, but I strongly suggest new roommate to sign a written lease with you as landlord (if she doesn’t need to sign with your landlord).
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Praying for wisdom for you Taylor, and if it’s God’s will for you to keep your apartment He will bring the perfect roommate. I too echo Cee Gee’s advice. Our son (28) moved home after his fiance broke off their wedding and he couldn’t afford the rent on his own. He has a plan though – to have his school loans paid off in two years and then move out again. We absolutely did not mind his moving home, knowing it is helping him to get back on his feet financially.
I also understand your desire to have your own place – God’s will be done. ❤️…p.s. Praise God for your dad’s cancer free diagnosis!
Another mom here, chiming in to say how thrilled I am to have my 23yo daughter back home for a season, and her college age sister home for the summer. Living alone for the first time since 1990 this past year turned out to be overrated for this extrovert mom. Plus, we have 2 newborn kittens in the house. It’s not forever, but it can be a good season if it’s the right decision for you. Praying that you find what is best for you.
I saved a a pin on Pinterest. It says, “Well, if it isn’t the consequences of my own actions.”
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Right?
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Despite that, He still loves me and promises me everlasting life. But, Lord, help me be obedient. I feel like I fail regarding obedience a lot.
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Mom fell again yesterday. She didn’t hurt herself. Said she feels like she is falling asleep, standing up. We don’t see this happening. Hubby thinks she just gets tired and lies down where she is. Calling the doctor again today and checking with Mom on where to go from here. I talked with her yesterday about going temporarily to a rehab living place. She didn’t know what she wanted to do. It almost feels like she wants someone to make decisions for her. She isn’t even 80 (will be in September), yet acts like she is so much older. I am struggling a lot, as I know she is, as is our oldest son that keeps finding her on the floor. Where am I to be obedient in this situation? Keep those prayers coming, please. Thank you.
Hi Adrienne, I’m an occupational therapist and reading this made me curious of a few things.
Has her doctor done recent blood tests, checked her blood pressure (especially orthostatic BP/while standing), or checked medication side effects/interactions? Is she sleeping well at night or is she awake all night? Have you pursued any cognitive testing? Could she try some PT to work on balance? Is she eating & staying properly hydrated? Is she taking her medications as prescribed? Just a few thoughts I had. Praying for you and your family.
Taylor, I agree with you- no professional training for me, but my husband is 78 and deals with balance and cognitive issues. I mentioned PT the other day since it has helped my husband so much and I was going to mention cognitive testing after seeing her mother’s age. Bloodwork is good, too, to rule out low potassium, etc. I am so glad, ADRIENNE, that Taylor replied! I know her input will help. Continued prayers for resolving this! ❤ ❤ ❤
Chiming in to add to Taylor’s wisdom – does she have a cardiologist? I have a relative (80’s) that dealt with a similar feeling/falling last year – turned out to be heart related and hydration plus a med to sort things out were the key.
Another good piece of advice, SEARCHING! It’s so easy for things to go off the rail! I stay hydrated and eat well- proper diet, etc. and my potassium level is usually borderline or just under normal. Sodium level is critical, too! Sheesh!
Prayers for wisdom for your mom’s situation and for her healing. ❤️
Numbers 14:20–25 demonstrates God’s merciful and just nature working together. He forgives based on Moses’ righteous intercession yet passes judgment on those who persisted in rebellion.
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Our walking in redemption is not a one and done action. Until we are in eternity without sin, our daily choices are either toward a redeemed life in God or away from Him in rebellion.
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Lord, help me to choose You and Your ways, for they lead to real life.
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Praying for you and your requests
Oh you said it so good. Simple but profound. Choices matter. “Persist in rebellion” is always the phrase I am looking for. If we know and continue in disobedience there are consequences. That’s why it’s important to be in groups and have others sharpen you as well. God gives us every opportunity! And we are either moving towards him or floating (sometimes mindlessly, sometimes actively) away.
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Not one and done for sure. Thank you for that reminder. Its a long continued obedience.
To me, and I might be the only one, love that these passages were picked out. We seem to forget God is in control and yes, pours out his judgement. There are dier consequences. These were His people, yet they turned their hearts against God, Moses and Aaron, and the two young leaders. I always wonder why people say God will get you through the wilderness…and I’m like thinking…they all died but 2 (and those under that age I believe!) ALL the older ones perished! They in fact DIDN’T make it. They fell short. And Paul stresses this. The passages that we don’t find in daily devotionals. They are warnings that God is Holy and Just!! And he will not be mocked, or blatantly disobeyed.
We as “Christians” openly mock his ways that God tells us to live by. Wow to them. We are told not to fall into sin. No, we can’t not sin, we are not perfect, but to take it casually and and not think that we are not to flee (quickly)! Repent quickly. We don’t live in a known sin and be okay with it, that’s the difference. We do know what God expects out of us, and in this age of Grace we have lived half-heartedly going to church on Sundays but living how WE want the rest of the time. Our lives don’t show sanctification. Change. Living as a Christ-follower, truly laying down our life for him at all cost!
GOD is just and merciful though, but it is not for the faint of heart. He sent his son because we can’t do it on our own. It is not by works that we get saved, but it the realization that we need him and our life is his then. It seems unfair in our self-centered world, but he is good and will give us so much back! If nothing but eternal life with him, that is enough.
He is enough. Humble and grateful, surrendered and willing. we are servants for Him, with him. We were made to glorify Him! Our life should always point to Who he is and what he has done…and in that way we our his disciples and ministers. Wanting to be with him and then telling others. The race is not easy, but we run it well. Sustain. Fall, but get back up quickly. Endurance and perseverance. Keep pace with Jesus as our rabbit on the side. Eyes on him, not on things of this world. Money, power, pride, self-happiness, self-governing- many things will grab our attention, but by daily examining ourselves, we come back to what is the goal. It really isn’t hard, because we are strengthened daily by God, when we meet with him and fellowship with him. He is our Father and our friend, our daily companion. “For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, abounding in faithful love to all who call on you.”
I listen to the song based on Isaiah 6 by Richy Clark at night. It makes me cry. For I am unclean, he cleansed my lips. Now I see His Glory and worship and praise him. Not perfectly but with all I have by his strength and will.
We have the Holy Spirit to help us too!
First time hearing of this song – listening to it now. ❤️
Wow, numbers 14 how we see Moses‘s heart transformed into the heart of Jesus, putting God‘s children first, interceding for the Israelites. And oh my, to have the heart of Caleb, who remained loyal to God, and took a stand of faith, even when the people wanted to stone him. How sad to have to go back into the wilderness and not enter the promised land, the promise of God‘s rest. The rest that is peace with God, freedom from bondage, free to love and to worship and serve God the rest that God himself enjoys. Rest from unbelief, rest from a hardened heart.. Thank you, Jesus that you are there always interceding for us.
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We see both God’s love and mercy as well as His anger and justice. They were deserving of death – they didn’t believe God could keep His promises and bring them into the land He promised to. Yet His mercy triumphed over judgement. Many still died but He didn’t destroy the whole entire nation. He let some enter in, and we can see these stories as an example to us – don’t complain, just trust God! He is always faithful!!!
It is early in New York and the work day has started, but I am looking forward to finishing the reading this afternoon and meditating on the passage from Psalms “ The Lord is good and forgiving” ❤️
All of God’s word is true, the love, the forgiveness, the consequences, the mercy, the grace, the sacrifice, the redemption.
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Believe God’s words, stay strong in our faith in the Lord, in the good, bad, awesome or awful times. Encourage each other “lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
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Praying for our prodigals, for the 180° turning that they desperately need.
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Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
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Some excerpts from I Believe You, Megan Woods (writers Colby Wedgeworth, Ethan Hulse, Megan Woods)
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And it’s true that some days
It’d be easier to doubt
But Your word has never let me down
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You promised me that I will make it through
And I believe You
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I’ll trust You’re working even when my eyes can’t see
I won’t fear the future cause I know Your plans are good for me
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KIRA H praying for Harper! For her health before, during and after the surgery, for the wisdom and skill of her medical team, for the Lord’s comfort and peace for all who love her
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B so good to see you! Praying for an uplifted day ❤️ And the links! I always copy/paste to BG so that I’m reading my preferred translation
MERCY ❤️
MARGARET W ❤️
It’s been a rough week. I so appreciate your prayers!! ❤️
How quickly the Israelites forgot the miracles of God they experienced and allowed their circumstances to overtake their thoughts and hearts. How often do I forget or lose sight of His faithfulness and grumble and complain. Thank you God for being just in giving consequences, but even more God thank you for the mercy you provided in the pure life, death, and resurrection of your Son!
Great thoughts, Danielle, “how often do I lose sight of His faithfulness and grumble and complain”.
Lord, help us to be faithful to You and to learn from our consequences to follow You wholeheartedly.
“How often do I forget or lose sight of His faithfulness and grumble and complain.” – I plead guilty! Some of the same thoughts I had today.
Makes me think of the song – Just As I Am
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Amen
Numbers reminds me that God is both just and loving. He does not forget sin, but He is faithful to forgive sin and cleanse us! He still desires relationship with us—proved to us and fulfilled finally through the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus! It is out of a changed, grateful heart that our obedience should flow!
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i like numbers 6 the Aaronic blessing.
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Thanks, Sandi, for reminding me of Numbers 6. I’m praying these verses over all of us Shes this morning.
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me to
Thank you for praying over us! ❤️
I covet that peace today. And His blessing and keeping and grace, etc.
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