Leviticus 19-Numbers 10: Establishing traditions and making preparations

It is noteworthy that Yahweh did not rush the sons of Israel from Mount Sinai to the promised land in Canaan after the miraculous deliverance from Egypt. There were certain preparatory phases required - the rituals, sacrifices, festivals, upkeep of the tabernacle, the appointment of priestly roles, and various regulations. In other words, establishing right traditions is a needful development in Israel's identity as a nation, as a people belonging to Yahweh. The phrase "I am the Lord your God" is proclaimed 21 times in Leviticus, highlighting the deeply relational intent of these traditions. The meticulous nature of these events spell out Yahweh's desire to create a distinct people set apart for Himself (Lev 20:24-25). At the heart of it, these traditions indicate a mark of divine ownership. 

As you move from Leviticus to Numbers, it is useful to bear in mind the physical location of the Israelites and their psychological state of mind. Often, we make the mistake of reading into the text our contemporary culture and worldview. Do take note of the following three contextual factors:

1. The Israelites have spent a year camping at Mount Sinai - in fact, they celebrated their very first Passover before setting out (Numbers 9).
2. Moses had to lead a huge number of people - 603,550 men who are 20 years old and above (excluding the Levites, women and children). Estimates are close to two million people in total! Consider the logistics involved in maintaining law and order. No wonder a year of boot camp at Sinai was required!
3. Not every instructions come from the same context. There are commandments (general moral laws), statutes (law related to festivals or rituals), and ordinances (judicial verdicts). So, be aware to make distinctions between what are universal moral laws and historical ceremonial laws.

Connecting the dots
Recall that the covenant made with Abraham involve the multiplication of his descendants (seed) and the possession of the land (Gen 15:5,18). Certainly Abraham would be elated to witness how through the one seed of Isaac, the two million descendants are now two weeks journey away from entering into the promised land. There is certainly a strong sense of anticipation for covenantal fulfillment in the camp!

However, the journey to the promised land does not look promising - in fact, the Hebrew title of the book of Numbers is בְּמִדְבַּ֥ר (bemidbar) - "in the wilderness". It is this wilderness setting of Numbers which provides the context for a few pivotal drama that will change the course of Israel's history even before they set foot in the promised land. 

In Numbers 1-10, the focus is on the consecration of this first-generation army. It is not surprising then, that names and numbers are recorded in great detail as part of the responsibility to steward God-given resources which creates a mindset of accountability. One would expect that the factor of military training would be a critical part of the preparation but in this case, the focus is that in order for God's people to be victorious in battle, they must go forth in purity. A holy war can only be fought by holy soldiers, cleansed and consecrated to to the purpose of the holy God of Israel. The dedication of the Levitical duties is a clear indication of the importance not only of purity but also of worship.

Click here to view the Bible Project overview of the book of Numbers.

Activity idea
Last week, I mentioned Lev 11:20 - did Moses make an error by stating "all winged insects that walk on all fours are detestable"? (Lev 11:20). Aren't insects supposed to have six legs instead of four? Is this a significant biblical error?

Well, Lev 11:21 indicates that the hind jumping legs are not included in the four “walking” or “creeping” feet. The feet are the four front limbs used for walking and look the same. The back two limbs are primarily for long hops. Although today, people lump them all together and say there are six legs, there is a distinction made here between the four front legs and an additional two back legs for jumping.

Here's an activity idea - note that each tribe of Israel is described as having their own "standard" (Num 1:52, 2:2) which are banners that act as unique identifiers. In contemporary culture, each organization has their own logo which defines the standards that they subscribe to. What about you as an individual, or as a family, or even as a team? I remember that my high school in Malaysia has a badge which spells out Nisi Dominus Frustra - "without God, all is vanity". What's yours? It will be fun to design one. Knowing what you stand for will remind you not to fall for anything.

Christ in Scripture
There is another "in the wilderness" description in the New Testament - "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." (Matt 4:1). This took place after the baptism of Jesus (Matt 3:16) which mirrors the passing of the Israelites through the Red Sea (see 1 Cor 10:2). The God who called Israel into the wilderness is now the God who walks in the wilderness in flesh and blood. "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).

In the later chapters of Numbers, you will read of the wilderness failures of the Israelites but Jesus now, as the True Israel (Hosea 11:1, click here for a related article), succeeds where the first generation of Israelites failed. Jesus Christ, in the harsh conditions of the wilderness, actively obeyed the written laws of God on our behalf so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb 4:15-16). Your wilderness is an opportunity to turn to the Lord who has been through that same wilderness.

May your heart continue to burn within you as Jesus Christ explains the Scriptures to you on your Emmaus journey!

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