Numbers Chapter 33
You may have wondered how all these details got in the Bible. We know and believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. God inspired (spoke into their ear) what to write down in the scriptures. We also learn something fascinating in the second verse of this chapter, and that is that Moses kept a journal. He journaled from the time that the Egyptians were burying their first-born children as the tenth plague raced across their land. Moses also journaled about each place the Israelites moved to as they left Egypt and started on their journey toward the promised land. His meticulous work in writing all these events down also gives us an important timeline. We know the length of time their journey took from Egypt to the promised land entry.
There is both a history review recorded in this chapter, as well as a look forward to the entry into the promised land.
Let's Reflect
1. One very distinct detail that Moses recorded was the death of Aaron his brother and priest. What does verse 38 say about how long it was after leaving Egypt that Aaron died?
2. How old was Aaron when he died?
3. Verse 3 tells us that the Israelites went out of Egypt triumphantly. It was the end of 400 years of slavery. According to verse 4 who was responsible for the triumph and freedom of Israel?
4. Who would be responsible for the triumph and victory in the promised land?
5. As you read the encampments recorded in verses 5-49, did you think about the amount of detail given in these verses as proof that the Word of God is truth? We have all heard people say that the Bible is just a bunch of made-up stories. If only they would read the Bible and realize that no one makes up a story and includes hundreds of towns that were visited by the characters of the story.
6. What instructions did God give to Moses to pass on to the people regarding going into the new land of Canaan? These instructions were obviously recorded by Moses too because we are reading them.
7. According to verses 55 and 56 what warning did God give if they did not follow His instructions?
