The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Numbers by Warren W. Wiersbe

Author:Warren W. Wiersbe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Numbers, Warren W. Wiersbe, Bible study
Publisher: David C Cook
Published: 2013-12-03T00:00:00+00:00

Lesson 5

Victory and Defeat

(NUMBERS 18—21)

Before you begin …

• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.

• Read Numbers 18—21. This lesson references chapters 7 and 8 in Be Counted. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.

Getting Started

From the Commentary

It’s probable that the instructions in chapters 18 and 19 were given by the Lord while Israel was still at Kadesh-Barnea. However, when you get to chapter 20, the nation has completed its thirty-eight years of wandering and is back at Kadesh (Num. 20:1, 16).

Very little is written in Numbers about Israel’s years of wandering, although a list of their camping places is found in Numbers 33. Miriam died in the first month of the fortieth year (20:1), when the nation had returned to Kadesh, and Aaron died in the fifth month of that same year (33:38). When Moses died at the end of the fortieth year (Deut. 1:3), the entire older generation had perished, except for Joshua and Caleb, who were permitted to enter Canaan.

—Be Counted, page 99

1. What was God’s response to the people’s stubbornness about trusting Him? How did God still show care and love for His people, despite their disobedience? Why did He do this? (See Ps. 106:8.) What does this say about Him?

2. Choose one verse or phrase from Numbers 18—21 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here.

Going Deeper

From the Commentary

Because of the Lord’s judgments against the rebels at the tabernacle (Num. 16:31–35) and His miraculous defense of Aaron’s high priestly ministry (17:10–13), the people of Israel were terrified even to have the tabernacle in their camp. “Are we all going to die?” they cried (v. 13 NIV). Actually, God’s presence in their camp was the distinctive mark of the people of Israel (Ex. 33:1–16), for Israel was the only nation to have the glory of the living God present with them and going before them.

God spoke expressly to Aaron (Num. 18:1, 8, 20) and thereby elevated his high priestly ministry even more. The Lord made it clear that it was the responsibility of the priests to minister in the tabernacle and protect it from defilement, and it was the responsibility of the Levites to assist the priests in their tabernacle ministry. As long as the priests and Levites obeyed this rule, there would be no judgment sent to the people (v. 5).

The priestly ministry was a serious matter, for if the priests didn’t follow God’s instructions, they might die. If they permitted an unauthorized person to come near the tabernacle or to minister there, God could slay them. It was dangerous to disobey even in the matter of how they dressed (Ex. 28:35, 42–43) or if they washed regularly (30:17–21). God held Aaron and his sons responsible for offenses committed against the sanctuary and the priesthood.

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