To discover:
As you read consider how these final instructions prepare
the people to enter the land.
To ponder:
God is exact in determining the “boundaries” of Israel’s
new land, stressing it is exactly the area he promised (Gen 15v18-21). Now the
two and a half tribes are settling east of the Jordon, it is to be parcelled
out by lot to the nine and a half tribes left. The men put in charge of the lot
are trustworthy and faithful leaders (34v16, 19), protecting against disputes.
These qualifications are required of those governing churches too (Acts 6v3,
Tit 1v6-9). Due to subsequent sin the land was never fully possessed. That will
come when Christ and his people inherit the whole world.
Although
the Levites (of which the priests are a part) are not assigned a specific area,
they are to be given forty eight towns by the tribes, each giving a number reflecting
their size. A square of land measuring 3000 feet on each side is to be provided
around each town for the livestock the Levites are given as tithes. So they
were to live amongst the tribes throughout the land, enabling everyone to be
taught God’s law and reminded of his presence. Likewise, every church needs
preachers. So Paul commanded Titus to appoint elders in “every town” (Tit 1v5).
Six of the Levites’
towns are to be cities of refuge, with three on the east of the Jordon for
those living there. These were to protect those who commit manslaughter from
“the avenger of blood” – a relative who was expected to avenge the death,
potentially causing family feuds. The accused can flee to one of these towns
for safety until their trial. And if found innocent, they must live there until
the high priest dies. Only then can they return to their property. If they
venture out before then, the avenger is allowed to kill them. This is because
all taking of life warrants a life in return (35v33, Gen 6v9). So no ransoms
are allowed (35v31-32). If it is murder, the murderer must die. If it is
manslaughter, the killer is not free until the high priest dies. This looks to
Christ giving his life for us. The “polluting” and requirement of atonement for
“the land” because of bloodshed, speaks of the need of the land to be clean if
God is to remain present there as promised. This is one reason why no sin can
be allowed in the new creation, which will be filled with God’s glory.
Once again the
penalty depends on whether the sin is intentional or unintentional: Striking,
pushing or throwing something that kills means murder if done in “malice,” ie.
with hostility. The avenger is then actually required to put the murderer to
death “when he meets” them. However, reflecting God’s concern for justice,
guilt must be established by “the assembly” (probably of elders), and by more
than one witness. If it is judged there was no malice, the assembly “must
protect” the accused by sending him back to the city of refuge. God is
concerned not just with outer behaviour. The final judgement will also “expose
the motives of men’s hearts” (1 Cor 4v5).
Zelophehad’s
daughters bracket chapters 27-36 as dealing with the inheritance. They
inherited their father’s property because they had no brothers. To ensure in
such circumstances that it is not transferred to another tribe if they marry,
they may marry “anyone,” provided they are within the clan their father was
part of. God ensures our inheritance will not be taken away either (1 Pet
1v3-4). He also sets limits on relationships. Despite the assumptions of our
culture, we are not at liberty to just marry anyone (1 Cor 7v39).
Praying it home:
Thank God for his concern with fairness and justice. Pray that
you and those you know would conduct your relationships according to his word
and not just as you please.
Thinking further:
To see the boundaries of the land as promised to Israel,
click
here. Another book is now finished, and Israel
borders her long awaited land. Numbers is about her wanderings (33v1-49), and
the lessons she should have learnt. God’s people are prone to grumbling and
faithlessness; but God, to grace and faithfulness. Despite his necessary anger
and justice when Israel
sinned, again and again he patiently remained present, providing her with food,
water and protection, fulfilling all he promised. It is a book about
pilgrimage, with many lessons about our call to obedience and God’s provision
as we journey through the trials and tests of this life towards our everlasting
rest.
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