Category Archives: Theology

The End is the Beginning: Getting Ready to Depart (Deuteronomy 31; Deuteronomy 32)

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Scripture reading – Deuteronomy 31-32

Deuteronomy 31

As we near the end of our study of the Book of Deuteronomy, I am reminded of a verse from the song Moses: “So teach us to number our days, That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Keep in mind, as you read Deuteronomy 31-32, the balance of Moses’ life can be numbered in days, if not hours. This great leader, arguably one of the greatest of all time, was coming to the end of his earthly sojourn (31:2).

Moses’ Exhortation to Israel and Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:1-8)

Mindful of his mortality, Moses reminded the nation he was “an hundred and twenty years old,” and the LORD had said, “Thou shalt not go over this Jordan (31:1-2). With the urgency of a man who knows he will soon be passing, Moses exhorted the people: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (31:6). Then, “in the sight of all Israel,” Moses affirmed Joshua as the leader whom the LORD had chosen to lead the nation into the Promised Land (31:7-8).

Moses’ Challenge to Israel’s Spiritual Leaders (Deuteronomy 31:9-11)

Turning from Joshua, Moses challenged the spiritual leaders of the nation to be the custodians and teachers of the Law and keep the Law and Commandments before the people (31:9). Every seventh year, the priests were to gather the people together, and “read [the] law before all Israel in their hearing” (31:10-11).

God’s Confirmation of Joshua’s Succession (Deuteronomy 31:12-15)

The LORD then commanded Moses, saying, “Thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge” (31:14). The LORD then descended “in a pillar of a cloud…[and] stood over the door of the tabernacle” (31:15).

God’s Revelation of Israel’s Disobedience (Deuteronomy 31:16-18)

With Moses and Joshua standing at the door of the Tabernacle, the LORD revealed that after Israel conquered the Canaanites and took possession of the land, the people would “go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land” (31:16). They would break their covenant with Him (31:16b). and depart from the Law and Commandments. God then warned that He would hide His face and abandon them to the consequences of their idolatry (31:17-18).

A Song of Remembrance and Instruction (Deuteronomy 31:19-21; Deuteronomy 32)

To memorialize His prophecy against Israel, the LORD commanded Moses to write a song, “and teach it, the children of Israel…that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel (31:19). The song was to serve as a testimony of God’s faithfulness, and how He had fulfilled the promises He had made to their forefathers (31:20-21). And so, Moses wrote the song “and taught it [to] the children of Israel” (31:22).

A Public Charge to Joshua and Israel’s Leaders (Deuteronomy 31:22-30)

Deuteronomy 31 concluded with Moses giving a final charge to Joshua in preparing him to assume the leadership of the nation (31:23). Moses then commanded the Levites to take the record of the Law he had written with his hand (31:24) and “put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD” (31:26). He then stated, what the LORD had revealed to him concerning the hearts of the people, saying, “I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the Lord; and how much more after my death?” (31:27).

Deuteronomy 32 – The Song of Moses and His Imminent Death

Given the length of Deuteronomy 32, a brief oversight of Moses’ song of praise, worship, and forewarning will need to suffice. First, you will notice the preface of Moses’ song in the first two verses and a declaration of its purpose (32:1-2). Moses then wrote, “I will publish the name of the Lord: Ascribe ye greatness unto our God” (32:3). He then declared that Israel’s God was “the Rock [strong and stable], His work is perfect [complete; lacking nothing]: For all His ways are judgment [He is Just]: A God of truth [trustworthy] and without iniquity [sinless], Just [Righteous; Innocent] and right [straight; upright] is He” (32:4).

After confessing the sinful character of the people, Moses memorialized the LORD’s compassionate care as a testimony of His grace, love, and mercies (32:7-18). He also recorded the tragic prophecy of the nation’s wickedness and God’s punishment that would follow (32:19-33). Yet, though the LORD would use other nations to judge His people, He promised He would not altogether forsake Israel (32:34-43).

After rehearsing the song he had written “in the ears of the people” (32:44), Moses challenged them: “Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law” (32:46).

Closing thoughts:

When Moses finished speaking, the LORD commanded him, “⁴⁹Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo…and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession: ⁵⁰And die in the mount whither thou goest up” (32:49-50a). Moses evidenced no protest at the LORD’s command and was reminded he would not enter the land (32:51).

From Mount Nebo, Moses looked out on the vastness of the land the LORD had promised Israel (32:52). His sin prevented him from leading the people into the land; however, the LORD had chosen Joshua, and the mantle of leadership now rested on him.

Questions to consider:

1) What assurance did the LORD give Israel that they should be “strong and of a good courage?” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

2) What tribe was responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant into the new land? (Deuteronomy 31:9)

3) What solemn event was Israel to observe every seventh year? (Deuteronomy 31:10-11)

4) What did Moses command the Levites to do with the book of the law he had written? (Deuteronomy 31:24-26)

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Blessings or Curses: It’s Your Choice (Deuteronomy 11; Deuteronomy 12)

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Scripture reading – Deuteronomy 11-12

Moses’ second challenge to Israel began in Deuteronomy 5 and continued in today’s Scripture reading. Moses repeated the LORD’s covenant demand for Israel to “love the Lord thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway” (11:1). The detailed explanation of God’s covenant with Israel will continue to Deuteronomy 26:19.

Deuteronomy 11 – A Covenant that Promised Blessings and Cursing

The Great Works of the LORD (Deuteronomy 11:2-6)

Why should Israel love and obey the LORD? Because He had demonstrated “His greatness, His mighty hand, and His stretched out arm” (11:2) when He brought the plagues upon Egypt and Pharaoh (11:3). When He parted the Red Sea, He allowed Israel to pass through on dry ground. Then He sent the waters upon the Egyptians, drowning them, their horses, and chariots (11:4).

When “Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab,” rebelled (Numbers 16), the LORD judged them and their followers. “The earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the midst of all Israel” (11:6).

The Conditions of God’s Blessing and Curses (Deuteronomy 11:7-15)

Moses reasoned that they were compelled to keep His commandments because the people had seen “all the great acts of the Lord which he did” (11:7). They were reminded that their strength, prosperity, and longevity as a nation was directly related to their obedience (11:8). Obey the LORD, keep His commandments, and Israel would inherit “a land that floweth with milk and honey” (11:9).

Nevertheless, the promise of God’s blessing was conditional (11:10-17). Should the people turn from the LORD and worship idols (11:16), His wrath would be kindled against them. He would then “shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit” (11:17).

A Solemn Charge (Deuteronomy 11:18-32)

The people were again reminded that their covenant responsibility was to obey the commandments and teach them to their children (11:18-19). The LORD’s covenant with Israel was a conditional promise of both “a blessing and a curse” (11:26). Obey the LORD’S commandments, and He promised to bless them (11:27). Disobey the LORD, and He would curse them (11:28).

Deuteronomy 12

It might be argued that Deuteronomy 5-11 was the preface to the “statutes and judgments” recorded in Deuteronomy 12. Having presented to the people the choices and consequences for obeying or disobeying the LORD, Moses revealed the prohibitions and required the Tabernacle would be the central place of worship.

Destroy all Idols and Places of Idol Worship (Deuteronomy 12:1-3)

Israel was commanded to destroy all idols and every place of idol worship and sacrifice (12:1-3). There were no exceptions! Whereas the heathen sacrificed and served “their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree” (12:2), Israel was warned not to follow their ways.

The Tabernacle: Israel’s Central Place of Worship (Deuteronomy 12:5-14)

The people were commanded that only in “the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation [the Tabernacle] shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come” (12:5). The Tabernacle was the place God chose.

There was one place of sacrifice, and that was the altar in the Tabernacle court (12:6). There was one place the tithes and offerings (above that which was the portion of the Levites) might be eaten, and that was before the Tabernacle (12:7-14).

The Slaughter of Beasts for Meat (Deuteronomy 12:15-25)

Offerings and sacrifices were to be given only at the Tabernacle. Yet, because of the geographical distance of the tribes from the Tabernacle (12:21), animals slaughtered for their meat would no longer be brought to the Tabernacle (12:10-15; Leviticus 17:3-6). Nevertheless, all sacrifices were to be offered at the Tabernacle, which was “the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen” (12:21).

There was also the prohibition on the matter of blood. Unlike the heathen and their sacrifices, Israel was commanded, “Ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water” (12:17, 23-25; Leviticus 17:10).

Closing thoughts:

Moses warned the people not to adopt the heathen’s ways of worship nor enquire, “How did these nations serve their gods?” (Deuteronomy 12:30b) The forms of worship followed by the wicked were an abomination to God, for in their depravity, they sacrificed “their sons and their daughters…to their gods” (Deuteronomy 12:31). Moses warned that the LORD would accept nothing less than obedience. The people were “not [to] add thereto, nor diminish from” His commandments (Deuteronomy 12:32).

Some today would suggest that the law and commandments of the LORD are unimportant. Yet, the God of the Old Testament is the God of the New, and He continues to command that His people should be holy.

1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; ¹⁶Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Questions to consider:

1) What did the LORD promise Israel if the people would love and obey Him? (Deuteronomy 11:13-15)

2) When and where were parents to teach their children the words of the LORD? (Deuteronomy 11:19)

3) What was Israel commanded to do to the idols and worship places of the heathen? (Deuteronomy 12:2-3)

4) What was the only place Israel could offer sacrifices to the LORD? (Deuteronomy 12:5-7, 11)

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The God of Creation and Heaven has Revealed Himself (Deuteronomy 10)

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Scripture reading – Deuteronomy 10

Deuteronomy 10

Moses’ second oration to Israel continued in Deuteronomy 10 when he described how the LORD showed the people mercy following their idolatry at Sinai. Again, Moses reminded the people what they already knew; nevertheless, it was essential for them to recollect all that had befallen their forefathers and remember the LORD’s Covenant with them as a nation.

Israel’s Covenant: A Testimony of God’s Favor (Deuteronomy 10:1-5)

Moses recalled how, in anger because of their idolatry, he had broken the first tables of stone upon which were written the Ten Commandments. The LORD then commanded him to hew out two additional tables of stone (10:1), upon which the LORD engraved “the words [the Commandments] that were in the first tables” (10:2). The Commandments were then placed in the Ark, and served as a lasting memorial of God’s covenant with Israel (10:2b-5; Exodus 40:20).

Memorial to Aaron’s Death (Deuteronomy 10:6-7)

Continuing his remembrance of the events that had brought the nation to the edge of the Promised Land, Moses rehearsed how his brother Aaron, the first high priest, had died short of Canaan, and “Eleazar his son ministered in the priest’s office in his stead” (10:6).

The Tribe of Levi (Deuteronomy 10:8-9)

Lest any forget, the people were reminded that the LORD had chosen and “separated the tribe of Levi” to serve Him and “to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD” (10:8). Unlike the other tribes, the Levites would have no inheritance of land assigned to them. Instead, their inheritance was a portion of that which was due the LORD, in the people’s tithes, offerings, and sacrifices (10:8-9).

Five Imperatives (Deuteronomy 10:10-13)

With the urgency of a father who loves his sons and daughters, Moses challenged the people to obey the LORDwith five imperatives (10:12-13).

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear [revere]the LORD thy God, to walk [behave] in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, ¹³To keep [keep watch; guard] the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?”

Who Is God? (Deuteronomy 10:14-22)

Who is this God who revealed Himself as Creator, chose Israel, and covenanted with them by giving them His Law, Commandments, and Statutes?

He is the Creator and Sovereign of “the heaven of heavens…and the earth also, with all that therein is” (10:14). He is the “God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible [i.e., to be feared].” He is justand not a respecter of persons (10:17). He is merciful and the protector “of the fatherless and widow [the defenseless]” (10:18a). He is tender, and “loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment” (10:18b).

Closing thoughts: What effect should the revelation of God’s nature have had on Israel and you?

The answer to that question is found in the closing verses of Deuteronomy 10 (10:19-22). The children of Israel were to love strangers, for they could identify with the hardships of being a stranger in Egypt (10:19). They were to fear, serve, and cleave to the LORD (10:20). They were to be a people whose word, was their bond (“swear by His name,” 10:20). The hearts, thoughts, and affections of Israel were to be solely directed to the LORD (10:21). God had fulfilled His promises. Israel had increased from seventy souls (the number of Jacob’s family in Egypt, Genesis 46:27), and “the LORD [had] made [them] as the stars of heaven for multitude” (10:22).

Believer, my God is great and mighty. He is the LORD of the Scriptures, the Sovereign of Creation, and the King of heaven and earth!

Is He your God?

Questions to consider:

1) What did the LORD write on the stone tablets? (Deuteronomy 10:4)

2) Where did Moses place the stone tablets? (Deuteronomy 10:5)

3) What was the Levitical tribe’s ministry? (Deuteronomy 10:8)

4) What did the LORD require of Israel as the nation settled in the new land? (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

5) How many souls were in Jacob’s family when they settled in Egypt? (Deuteronomy 10:22)

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Fear, and Obey the LORD, and He Will Prosper You (Deuteronomy 6; Deuteronomy 7)

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Scripture reading – Deuteronomy 6-7

Our chronological Scripture reading brings us to Deuteronomy 6-7, where we find Moses continuing his second oration before the congregation of Israel (which he began in Deuteronomy 5). After stating the Ten Commandments to the people (5:7-21), Moses charged them to keep the covenant by “[walking] in all the ways which the Lord [their] God [had] commanded [them]” (5:33).

Deuteronomy 6

A Sacred Duty: The Perpetual Responsibility to Instruct Sons and Daughters

The Reward for Obedience (Deuteronomy 6:1-3)

Israel was not only to obey “the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments” which the LORD had given Moses to teach the people (6:1), but they were to “fear the LORD” and teach their “son, and [their] son’s son, all the days of [their] life; and that [their] days may be prolonged” (6:2).

Take a moment and ponder not only the command but also the promise. There was a direct correlation between the quality and length of one’s life and whether or not they have faithfully obeyed the LORD’S commands, feared Him, and instructed their children and grandchildren in His statutes and commandments. One wonders about the number of potentially premature deaths of those who have lived apart from the Lord’s commandments.

Moses continued his appeal to the people and said, “Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey” (6:3). Once again, prosperity was the reward for fearing and revering the LORD.

Principles for Obedience (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

Known as The Shema among Hebrew people, Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is prayed twice daily by many Jewish people for it summarizes the essence of Israel’s God and that nation’s unique relationship with Him.

Deuteronomy 6:4–5 – ⁴Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: ⁵And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

In the New Testament, when a lawyer asked Jesus, “³⁶Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” (Matthew 22:36). Jesus quoted “The Shema” and said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).

The Means of Obedience (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

Without exception, each generation was to obey the commandments out of a heart of love and to communicate the commands, statutes, and laws of the LORD “diligently” to their children (6:7-9). The Word of God was to be persistently considered in every household. Its commands, statutes, and laws were the spiritual guide for every area of life and were to be taught when sitting down, walking, lying down at night, or rising at dawn. Even the entrance to one’s home was to be graced with the Law of God (6:9).

An Admonition (Deuteronomy 6:10-18)

Moses then warned the people not to forget the LORD amid their prosperity (6:10-11). They were reminded that “the LORD thy God is a jealous God” (6:15). Also, they were not to “tempt” or test the LORD by failing to obey Him (6:16). The LORD promised if the people would keep His commandments, He would prosper them (6:17). If they would do “right and good in the sight of the LORD,” it would be well with them (6:18).

A Directive for Parental Instructions (Deuteronomy 6:20-24)

Deuteronomy 6:20-23 returned to the privilege and responsibility the people had for instructing their children. Fathers and mothers were to remind their sons and daughters of all the LORD had done for them and to “do all these statutes, to fear the LORD” (6:24). Obey the LORD, and He promised to preserve them as a nation (6:24).

Deuteronomy 7 – Why did the LORD Choose Israel?

After challenging Israel to remember the providences and promises of the LORD, to obey His commandments, and teach them to their sons and daughters: Moses challenged Israel to utterly destroy the nations in the land He had promised them for an inheritance (Deuteronomy 7).

A Call for Separation (Deuteronomy 7:2-11)

The nation was to make no covenant of peace with the heathen, nor allow their sons and daughters to intermarry with them (7:2-4). Every idol and every place of idolatry was to be cut down (7:5).

Then Moses reminded the people that the LORD had chosen Israel to be a “holy people” (7:6). Israel was not chosen because the nation was significant in number nor a powerful people (7:7). God chose Israel because He “loved [them], and because He would keep the oath [covenant] which He had sworn unto [their] fathers [i.e., Abraham, Issac, and Jacob]” (7:8).

A Promise of Blessings for Obedience (Deuteronomy 7:12-26)

Deuteronomy 7 revealed much concerning the nature of God and His relationship with Israel. I look forward to considering those verses in a future devotion. But, for now, read the balance of chapter 7 and meditate on God’s grace, longsuffering, and holiness. After all, the LORD is “immutable,” and He has not changed!

Questions to consider:

1) What was Moses commanded to teach Israel? (Deuteronomy 6:1)

2) What did God promise if Israel kept His commandments and taught their children? (Deuteronomy 6:2-3)

3) How were parents to teach their children? (Deuteronomy 6:7)

4) Why were the sons and daughters of Israel forbidden to marry heathen spouses? (Deuteronomy 7:3-4)

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The Hand of the LORD Was Against Israel (Deuteronomy 2)

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Scripture reading – Deuteronomy 2

Deuteronomy 2 continued Moses’ speech to Israel and his recollection of that nation’s wilderness wanderings. Thirty-eight years have passed since Israel disobeyed the LORD and refused to enter the Promised Land. Then, the LORD spoke to Moses and said, “³Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward” (2:3).

Nations Israel was Not to Disturb (Deuteronomy 2:4-23)

Israel’s journey took the nation through lands possessed by countries that were distant kin to the Twelve Tribes, who descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Therefore, in grace, the LORD warned Israel that there were not to distress those who had a kinship with them.

The Edomites (2:4-7), though they had refused Israel’s passage (Numbers 20:21), were nevertheless descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother (later named Israel, Genesis 32:28). Therefore, the LORD commanded Israel, “Meddle not with them [Edom]; for I will not give you of their land…I have given Mount Seir unto Esau for a possession” (2:5). Because the LORD had blessed Israel and the people “lacked nothing” (2:7), they were not to spoil Edom, but “buy meat…[and] buy water of them for money” (2:6). Also, the Moabites were not to be troubled by Israel, for they were of Lot’s lineage, who was the nephew of Abraham (2:8b-12; Genesis 12:5). The LORD declared He had “given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession” (2:9).

Deuteronomy 2:14 reminded Israel that 38 years were now passed, and “all the generation of the men of war [who had refused to enter the land] were wasted out from among the host, as the Lord sware unto them” (2:14). Surely, they had seen the sorrow and toil when “the hand of the Lord was against them, to destroy them from among the host, until they were consumed. ¹⁶So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people” (2:15-16). Only then did the LORD command Israel to rise and take possession of their inheritance.

Like the Moabites, the Ammonites were kin to Israel, for they were descendants of Lot. So likewise, they were not to be bothered by Israel, for they were of Lot’s lineage, and the LORD had given them their land (2:19-23).

Nations Israel was to Conquer (Deuteronomy 2:24-36)

Unlike the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites, the LORD had determined that the Amorites, whose king was Sihon, should be destroyed. So, in the providence of God, when Moses sent messengers and offered peace to the Amorites, they were denied (2:24-36). The LORD, therefore, used King Sihon’s refusal and “hardened [his] spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver” the land of the Amorites to Israel (2:30-31).

Moses recalled how when King Sihon came against Israel (2:32), “the Lord our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people” (2:33). Not one of the Amorite cities were spared, and all the people were slain (2:34).

Closing thought:

I close today’s devotion and am reminded that a nation’s history is essential and should be taught and passed on to its children and their children. History, after all, is more than just the legacy of man, it is the record of the sovereignty and providences of God. Let us be faithful to read God’s preserved history record and be mindful that His gracious hand will lead and guide us when we are willing to follow His path (2:14).

It is a dreadful thing when “the hand of the Lord [is] against” a nation, a people, and a man (2:15).

Questions to consider:

1) How many years had passed since Israel’s exodus from Egypt? (2:7)

2) Why was Israel commanded not to trouble “the children of Esau” who lived in Seir? (2:4-5)

3) What did the LORD do to prepare the way for Israel to possess the Amorite’s land? (2:30-31)

4) How did King Sihon respond to Moses’ request for safe passage through his land? (2:32-33)

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Sacrificial Offerings and Feast Days to the LORD (Numbers 28)

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Scripture Reading – Numbers 28

Today’s Scripture reading is the first of two chapters that reviewed the Law of Offerings. Given the context, a review of sacrifices seemed out of place; after all, the tribal census had numbered the men of war age (and would also serve as the basis for assigning tribal lands). One would think it was time to go to war! Instead, lest the people forget to honor the LORD with offerings, a review of the sacrifices began, and the people were reminded that the LORD is the Commander and Chief of Israel!

Numbers 28

Four Types of Sacrificial Offerings

Daily Offerings, known as the Burnt Offering (Numbers 28:1-8)

The daily offerings consisted of two lambs to be “of the first year without spot” (28:3). The first lamb was to be offered and sacrificed in the morning. The second was offered in the evening (28:4). The lamb offered in the evening was accompanied by a drink offering of the best wine (described as “strong wine”) and flour or grain (defined as a meat or meal offering, 28:4-6). The morning and evening offerings were sacrifices offered by the priests on behalf of the nation and were a daily reminder of Israel’s dependence on God’s grace.

Weekly Sabbath Day Offerings (Numbers 28:9-10)

In addition to the daily offerings, weekly Sabbath day offerings were described (28:9-10). Israel was to offer them on the Sabbath, and they were a time to reflect on the Creator Who rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2).

Monthly New Moon Offerings (Numbers 28:11-15)

As the name implies, the “New Moon Offerings” were to be observed “in the beginnings of your months” (28:11) and was a “burnt offering unto the Lord; [and consisted of] two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot” (28:11). The New Moon Offering sanctified the month that was ahead and served as a reminder that the LORD is both the Creator and Sustainer of His creation.

Annual Passover and Pentecost Offering (Numbers 28:16-31)

Israel was to observe several festivals, referred to as the Feasts of the LORD (28:16-29:40). The Passover was celebrated on “the fourteenth day of the first month” (28:16). The week following the Passover meal was identified as the Feast of Unleavened Bread (28:17-25). Lasting for seven days, in addition to the daily offerings, the days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread required an additional sabbath of rest (28:18) and the same sacrifices as the New Moon Offering on each of the seven days (28:19-22).

Pentecost, identified as the fiftieth day after the Passover, was known as the Feast of Weeks, or the Harvest Feast (28:26-31), and was the day the “firstfruits” were offered to the LORD (the first fruits were the first to ripen and be harvested). Burnt offerings also accompanied the “firstfruits” (28:27-31).

Closing thoughts:

The sacrifices required, and the number of sacrifices commanded by the LORD, may surprise believers unfamiliar with the Old Testament Scriptures. Nevertheless, all the sacrifices reminded Israel of that nation’s dependence on God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Is Jesus Christ Your Sacrifice and Savior?

If you have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, you are not required to offer sacrifices for sin because the ultimate and final sacrifice – Jesus Christ, was offered for the sins of the world. The author of Hebrews observed that the high priests offered daily sacrifices for their sins and the nation’s sins; however, Christ “did once, when he offered up himself” (Hebrews 7:27). He “once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18, 20).

Knowing the “wages of sin is death,” we who trust Christ as Savior have the promise that “the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our LORD” (Romans 6:23). Instead of sacrificial offerings, we are to offer sacrifices of prayer and praise to the LORD, and our “bodies [i.e., lives] a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1).

Will you accept Christ as your substitutionary sacrifice and Savior?

Questions to consider:

1) What daily sacrifice did the LORD require of Israel? (Numbers 28:3-4)

2) What was the Sabbath Day offering? (Numbers 28:9)

3) What was forbidden on the first day of the Passover feast? (Numbers 28:18)

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Numbering Your Days and Counting Your Blessings! (Psalm 90)

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Scripture reading – Psalm 90

We depart from the Book of Numbers to consider Psalm 90 for today’s Scripture reading. Psalm 90 is a prayer of intercession and a song of praise that was authored by Moses and is the oldest of the Psalms. Indeed, it would have been one of the psalms heard in the Temple and sung by the people when they assembled in the wilderness before the Tabernacle.

Scholars generally place Psalm 90 about the time Israel rebelled and turned back from the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14). The context is most likely when the people began murmuring against the LORD, and He threatened to “smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them” (Numbers 14:11-12). Moses implored the LORD to spare the congregation (Numbers 14:13-19), and I believe Psalm 90 memorialized that occasion.

Psalm 90 – Great is the LORD!

The LORD had proven to Israel that He was a “dwelling place,” a refuge, a safe place (90:1). He had revealed He was the Creator (90:2a) and had set the foundations of the mountains and “formed the earth and the world” (90:2). He is “from everlasting to everlasting,” the Sovereign God of eternity (90:2). Indeed, man is temporal, and destined for “destruction” (90:3). Nevertheless, the God of Israel is a righteous judge, and in His sight, “a thousand years…are but as yesterday” (91:4).

What is man? (Psalm 90:4-12)

When I was young, I did not fully grasp the meaning of Psalm 90:4. There, Moses wrote, “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night” (90:4). I have come to know too well the fleeting of time, and life. I have seen lives and even a generation pass, and it seemed “as a watch in the night” (90:4).

Imagine the emotions that swept over Moses. He gazed upon the sea of humanity that was Israel. Because of their rebellion, Moses realized all but two (Joshua and Caleb) that were 20 years and older would perish in the wilderness (90:5-8). They would never see the land God had promised the nation for an inheritance (90:9).

You might recall that the longevity of human life at the beginning of Creation and recorded in Genesis was often 800 to 900 years (Genesis 5). Yet, as Moses wrote Psalm 90, we read that he reflected on the brevity of life cut short by sin. He pondered how some lived “threescore years and ten” (70) and reflected how others, “by reason of strength,” live “fourscore years” (90:10). Yet, their lives are a testimony of toil and disappointment and are “soon cut off” (90:10).

Understanding the brevity of life and having provoked and witnessed the wrath of the LORD (90:11), Moses urged the people: “So teach us to number our days [make them count], that we may apply [give] our hearts [understanding; i.e., thoughts] unto wisdom” (90:12).

Psalm 90 concluded with Moses appealing to the LORD to “return” to His people and favor them with His mercy (90:13-14). He longed for the afflictions and sorrows to be lifted, and Israel once again “rejoice and be glad” (90:14-15).

Closing thoughts:

How different would life be if you knew the day, hour, and year God has appointed for your death? (Hebrews 9:27) Every day is a gift of God’s loving grace and should be numbered and treasured. If we did so, would we not find the things that consume our thoughts and time to be trivial? On the other hand, we might regard the moments to which we are prone to give little thought as sacred and to be savored.

Thus, in light of the temporal nature of life, let us set aside pettiness and be grateful for the day the LORD has given. Let the passion of our heart reflect Moses’ prayer:

“Let the beauty [grace, and favor] of the Lord our God be upon us: And establish thou [LORD] the work of our hands upon us; Yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” (90:17)

Questions to consider:

1) What attributes of God did Moses list in Psalm 90:1-2?

2) What metaphors (images) did Moses use to describe human life? (Psalm 90:5-6)

3) Understanding the brevity of life, what are two things you can do to establish the right priorities? (90:12)

4) What did Moses pray the people would see concerning the LORD? (Psalm 90:16-17)

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Did You Make a Vow? You’d Better Keep It! (Leviticus 26; Leviticus 27)

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Scripture reading – Leviticus 26-27

Today’s devotion marks the end of our journey through the Book of Leviticus. Remember, the sacrifices the priests offered on behalf of Israel were a prefigure of the ultimate sacrifice—Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who is our “once, and for all” sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:10).

Leviticus 26

The LORD’s Covenant

The LORD invited Israel to obey His laws and keep His commands (26:3).

The Promise of Blessings for Obedience to the Law (26:3-13)

Memorializing His covenant with Israel, the LORD repeated His conditional promise to make the land fruitful ifthe people would “walk in [His] statutes, and keep [His] commandments, and do them” (26:3). He promised peace (26:6), military successes (26:6-7), and an increase in population (26:9). The LORD assured the nation they would never go wanting (26:10). He promised He would dwell in their midst, saying:

“I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. ¹³I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright” (26:11-13).

The Promise of Judgment (26:14-39)

There was also the conditional promise of God’s judgment should the nation disobey His Law and Commandments (26:14-39). If the people showed contempt for the Law, God promised Israel would be punished with sickness (26:16-17), increased suffering (26:18), famines (26:19), and barrenness in the land (26:20), all as a natural consequence for straying from righteousness. If the people continued their rebellion, the LORD warned they would suffer plagues, childlessness, a dying population, and the land would become desolate (26:21-22).

Leviticus 26:23-26 states three punishments that come upon a disobedient people: Wars (26:23-25), Plagues (26:25), and Famine (26:26). Should the people continue to disobey the LORD, four devastating punishmentswould follow and mark the severest stage of God’s judgment: Famine would drive the people to cannibalize their children (26:29; 2 Kings 6:28-29; Lamentations 2:20; 4:10); towns and holy places would be destroyed (26:31), the land would be left desolate (26:32), and the people would be dispersed among the heathen (26:33).

The Promise of Mercy (26:40-46)

God promised mercy to those who confessed their sin (26:40). In confessing sin; the nation opened the pathway for God to remember His covenant with Israel (26:44-46).

Leviticus 27

Laws Concerning What Is Vowed and Sanctified to the LORD

Vows were deemed holy, and that which a man sanctified and dedicated to the LORD was to be fulfilled (27:1-8). For instance, should a vow be made to serve in the Tabernacle, but he not be needed, the priest was instructed to place a value upon that which was committed to the LORD and assess its value in shekels of silver (27:3-8).

A distinction was made in the value of clean and unclean beasts vowed to the LORD (27:9-13). Remembering the LORD accepted only that which was perfect and clean, an unclean beast that failed God’s standard was assessed a value by the priests, redeemed for its value, and an additional “fifth part” required (27:11-13).

An important matter was raised concerning an owner who desired to redeem or purchase what he had dedicated to the LORD but desired to retain. For example, to buy what one dedicated to the LORD (i.e., beasts, a house, crops of a field) required a priest to establish its monetary value (27:14-25). For an owner to claim what he dedicated to the LORD not only required him to pay its value, but also recompense one-fifth part more to redeem (27:13, 15, 19).

Closing thoughts:

The lesson for Israel was that whatever one dedicates to the LORD is sacred and His alone. Refuse to give the LORD His part; you will not obtain His blessing. To change your heart and keep what was dedicated to the LORD required not only its value but a payment of one-fifth more to redeem.

What about you? Have you kept your vows to the LORD? Have you forgotten the vows you made to Him, whether publicly or privately? Do you remember the decision you made to surrender your life to Him? Could your struggles in life be related to a failure to keep your vows to the LORD?

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 – ⁴ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. ⁵ Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Remember, what you vow to the LORD, He will not forget!

Questions to consider:

1) What did God promise if Israel kept His statutes and commandments? (Leviticus 26:3-7)

2) What did God warn would become of Israel if the people broke His Laws and Commandments? (Leviticus 26:14-20)

3) What were the consequences for Israel if the people refused to heed God’s judgments and repent? (Leviticus 26:21-25)

4) What did God promise He would remember and not forget? (Leviticus 26:44-45)

5) What portion of a man’s flock or herd was to be dedicated to the LORD? (Leviticus 27:32)

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Feast Days and Justice for All (Leviticus 23; Leviticus 24)

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Scripture reading – Leviticus 23-24

Leviticus 23 – The Feast Days of Israel

The Sabbath (23:3)

Although not a festival, the LORD commanded Moses to remind the people of the fourth command: “³Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation [assembly for worship]; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings” (23:3; Exodus 20:8-11).

Seven Annual Feasts Days Were to be Observed (Leviticus 23:6-41)

The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (23:5-8)

The Passover (23:5) commemorated the LORD sparing the firstborn of Israel and delivering the nation from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12-13). It was observed with the sacrifice of a one-year-old lamb. The following day after the Passover, the people were to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread and remember Israel’s hasty departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:14-20). Its observance lasted seven days. Also, the first and last days of Unleavened Bread were counted as High Sabbaths, though those days may not necessarily have fallen on the weekly Sabbath (23:6-8).

The Offering of the First Fruits (23:9-14)

There was also the Offering of the First Fruits, known as the wave offering (23:9-14). A sheaf of wheat was brought to the priest, who waved the grain before the altar as a sign of praise and thanksgiving. Accompanying the wave offering was the Burnt Offering (23:12, the sacrifice of one male lamb, not more than one year old), the Meat(meal) Offering (23:13), and a Drink Offering (23:13). All were reminders of God’s bountiful provision.

Pentecost (23:15-22)

Pentecost (meaning fifty), also known as the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of Harvest (23:15-22; Exodus 23:16; Deuteronomy 16:9), was observed fifty days after the Passover (remember, the LORD commanded His disciples to remain in Jerusalem after His ascension, and the Holy Spirit descended upon them on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2).

For Pentecost, two loaves of wheat bread with leaven (23:17a) were offered as “firstfruits unto the LORD” (23:17). Also, there was a burnt offering that consisted of seven lambs, one young bull, and two rams “all “without blemish of the first year” (23:18). There was also a meat offering (an offering of grain), drink offering, and a sin offering of “one kid of the goats…and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offering” (23:19).

Reminding the people, “I am the LORD your God,” the people were commanded not to harvest the corners of their fields and “leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger” (non-Hebrews) to gather (23:22).

The Feast of the Trumpets (23:23-25) and the Day of Atonement (23:26-32)

The Feast of the Trumpets was observed in the seventh month, on the first day of the month in the Hebrew calendar (23:23-25). Also known as the gathering, trumpets were sounded across the land. They summoned the congregation to gather for the Torah’s public reading and be reminded of God’s covenant with Israel (Isaiah 27:12-13). Of course, the significance of the sound of the trumpet is also recorded in the New Testament. According to Matthew 24:29-31, the trumpet will sound to gather the saints following the tribulation. In addition, the apostle Paul wrote that the sound of the trumpet would announce the coming of the LORD (1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

The Day of Atonement was observed on the tenth day of the same month (23:26-32; Leviticus 16-17). (A prior devotion considered the Day of Atonement in detail, and I encourage you to refer to it for deeper study.)

The Feast of the Tabernacles (23:33-43)

The final feast on the Hebrew calendar was the Feast of Tabernacles (23:33-41). It was observed on “the fifteenth day of this seventh month” (23:34) and was the last day of harvest. Each family gathered “on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook” (23:40). The people then lived in booths they fashioned from the limbs for seven days (23:40). In doing so, the people commemorated Israel’s forty years of wandering in the wilderness when they lived in tents (23:43).

Leviticus 24

God’s Laws were Commandments, Not Suggestions. (24:1-23)

The people were instructed to prepare pure olive oil for the Menorah (the golden lampstand), located within the Tabernacle and outside the vail of the holy place (24:1-3; Exodus 25:31-39; 27:20-21). Aaron, the high priest, was to officiate the lighting of the lampstand, and it was to burn “from the evening unto the morning” (24:3). Then, having rehearsed the laws and guidelines for the lamps and the lighting of the Tabernacle (24:1-9), the Scriptures revealed a judicial crisis that arose in Israel and demanded the offender’s death (24:10-16).

The son of an Israelite woman, whose father was Egyptian, was witnessed cursing and blaspheming the name of the LORD. His sin was a violation of the third command and demanded the death of the offender (24:10-11; Exodus 20:17). Understanding the severity of the offense, Moses did not rush to judgment, but “put [the offender]in ward [under guard], that the mind of the Lord might be shewed them” (24:12).

Having heard the witnesses, Moses sought God’s will. He then demanded that the blasphemer be taken out of Israel’s encampment. Those who witnessed his sin laid hands on him as a testimony against him (24:14). The judgment was made that the blasphemer should be stoned to death (24:15-16), and “the children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses” (24:23).

The Law of Retribution (24:17-22)

The Scriptures revealed that though the LORD is merciful, He is just. Therefore, a murderer would be punished by death (24:17, 21b). A man who killed a beast that belonged to another was commanded to restore the same, “beast for beast” (24:18). Should a man injure or maim another, the law demanded he should be held responsible for recompensing the maimed or injured person for their loss: “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (24:19-20).

Closing thoughts:

In a world where justice is often two-tiered and not equally applied, the LORD assured there was justice for all in Israel. Even the “stranger” (a non-Hebrew) was guaranteed there would be “one manner of law” (24:22).

Tragically, our world has little sense of justice, and our judicial systems have become demoralizing failures. As a result, criminals are pampered, and their victims are scarred, wounded, and frustrated with no hope of reprieve. Do you wonder why there is no justice or fairness in society? Look no further than Proverbs 29:2, where we read:

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

Questions to consider:

1) What two things were to occur on the weekly Sabbath Day? (23:3)

2) Where were the people to live during the Feast of the Tabernacles? (23:40-42)

3) What was the penalty for cursing and blaspheming the name of the LORD? (24:23)

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Some Strive to be “Real,” but God’s Standard is Still “Holy!” (Leviticus 22)

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Scripture reading– Leviticus 22

It has been said that “familiarity breeds contempt,” which, unfortunately, is often true of religion, especially when practice is susceptible to becoming mindless rote and traditions. The same was true for the priests of Israel. Therefore, today’s Scripture reading addressed the conduct of God’s ministers (Leviticus 22:1-9) and reminds us that the LORD requires those who serve Him to be holy in person and practice (22:1-2).

Discerning Between the Clean, and the Unclean (22:1-9)

Unclean priests were not allowed to touch or eat anything dedicated to the LORD (22:3). Several concerns could render a priest unclean and, therefore, unfit for service. As such, he was prohibited from partaking in sacrifices reserved for their consumption (22:4-9). For instance, a priest with leprosy, or an open sore (“running issue”), was deemed unclean and could not “eat of the holy things, until he [became] clean” (22:4). Also, touching a dead animal, or an unclean animal, would render a priest unclean (22:5).

To be declared clean, a priest would bathe with water and then wait until “when the sun is down” (22:6-7). When pronounced clean, the priest could eat the portion “of the holy things; because it is his food” (22:7).

Once again, we are reminded that when an animal died of natural causes (whether sickness or disease) or was torn and maimed, it must not be eaten (22:8). Failure to keep God’s ordinances regarding meat to be consumed could result in sickness and even death from an acquired disease (22:9).

Eligibility to Eat the Priest’s Portion of the Sacrifices (22:10-16)

The “stranger,” one who was not of the priest’s family or household, was not to eat a portion of the sacrifice reserved for the priest and his family (22:10). Slaves and servants of priests were allowed to “eat of [the priest’s]meat” (22:11).

While the daughter of a priest could eat a portion of the sacrifice reserved for her father, a daughter married to a man who was not a priest was excluded from his table (22:12). Should the daughter of a priest return to his home, she would be allowed to partake at her father’s table (22:12-13).

In case one unknowingly ate a portion of the priest’s sacrifice, he was required to restore the portion he had taken and give an additional “fifth part” (20%) to the priest (22:14-16).

Acceptable Sacrifices (22:17-33)

Sacrifices offered to the LORD were to be of the highest standard (22:17-25). There was the temptation to offer animals for sacrifice that were deformed, ill, or injured. God’s standard for an acceptable sacrifice was “a male without blemish” (22:19-20). “Peace offerings,” whether cow, oxen, sheep, or goat, were to “be perfect to be accepted” and with “no blemish” (22:21). The LORD accepted only the best (22:22-25).

To remind us that God is compassionate, no firstborn bull, sheep, or goat was to be taken from its mother and sacrificed until it was at least eight days old (22:27). Furthermore, it was never acceptable to offer a cow or sheep on the same day her young would be sacrificed (22:28). No explanation is given for the law, but the very thought of killing two generations in one day seemed callous, and even barbaric (Exodus 23:19; Deuteronomy 22:6,7). Freewill offerings of thanksgiving were to be sacrificed and then eaten “on the same day” (22:30).

The chapter closed by reminding us that the LORD is holy and commands His people to keep His “commandments, and do them” (22:31). Because He had saved Israel from slavery, the LORD reminded them, “ I am the Lord which hallow you, ³³That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord” (22:32-33).

Closing thoughts: Believers no longer offer blood sacrifices because Christ is our sacrifice, Savior, and Redeemer (Hebrews 9:14, 28).

So, what does the LORD require of believers?

First, in light of His mercies and grace expressed through the shedding of Christ’s blood, He asks that we “present [our] bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is [our] reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). While the world demands we conform to its mold, the LORD commands that we should be “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1–2). Only the highest standard was acceptable to the LORD, and He will accept no less in those who serve Him.

Questions to consider:

1) What were the sons of Aaron forbidden if they were unclean? (22:3-8)

2) Who could not eat a portion of the priests’ meat? (22:10, 12)

3) What offerings did the LORD accept? (22:19)

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