Today's text from the ESV Study Bible: Number 7.
When I started reading today's narrative, I found myself instantly confused as it seemed we had somehow gone back in time. Shouldn't this chapter have been earlier, I wondered.
Here is the ESV Study Bible's explanation:
"If the opening chapters of Numbers had not been placed first, it would have been more difficult to grasp the significance of what is described in this chapter. Numbers 3–4 describes the duties of the priests and Levites; ch. 7 shows how the other tribes supported them. First, they supplied wagons and oxen to help the Levites carry the tabernacle. The Gershonites, carriers of the tabernacle curtains and hangings, were given two wagons and four oxen (4:25–26; 7:7). The Merarites—carriers of the poles, frames, and bases—were given four wagons and eight oxen (4:31–32; 7:8). The Kohathites, who carried the tabernacle furniture on shoulder poles, received none (v. 9)."
Ah...got it!
Here are my favorite verses from today's reading:
"And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and it spoke to him." (Numbers 7:89)
I still can't get over the fact that God actually dwelt with Israel in a physical kind of way. I often wonder if my life would somehow be different if God were here in that way now. And then, when I do have this thought, I am reminded that there is still much for me to understand about the Holy Spirit, Christ's body the church, and how to more fully be in relationship with him now indwelt in his church.
I am hoping to better understand once we get to the New Testament, and are solely focused on one chapter at a time.
As you meditate on the remarkable things that have occurred thus far, are you marveled at it all?
