Day 67: God's Justice and Refuge

Today's readings: Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 19-20, and Psalm 99.

I. In Numbers 18, the focus is on the duties, privileges, and support of the priests and Levites in ancient Israel. The first two were clearly needed after the events in chapter 16, while the priests rely for support upon God through the offerings and the Levites are to receive tithes from the Israelites as their income. Finally, the Levites are to give a tithe of the tithe to the priests. In this, roles are clearly delineated and a system of support for those serving in religious roles is created.

II. Deuteronomy 19 matters of justice and mercy are the focus. God commands that cities of refuge be established in the Promised Land they enter for those guilt of manslaughter, that is the unintentional killing of others. More are to be added if Israel expands its territory. Those who are guilty of intentional murder though are to handed over for punishment (19:1-13). Next, Israelites were forbidden from moving boundary markers that marked property lines of their neighbors, which was essentially land theft (19:14). Finally, no one can be convicted on the testimony of only one witness and anyone who bears false witness against an accused shall have the punishment he sought against the falsely accused inflicted upon him (19:15-21).

In the next chapter, Israel is given laws concerning warfare. The chapter combines military instruction with spiritual, moral, and humanitarian principles. It is the verses concerning the extermination of certain nations within Canaan that are among the most difficult in the Old Testament and have been heavily discussed by theologians and historians. As the BIY Companion, Vol 1, comments:

According to Deuteronomy 20, people must always be permitted to surrender in war - except for the people of Canaan. The Canaanites live violent, wicked lives, including sacrificing their children to the god Molech. They have brought God's judgment upon themselves, which he will exact through Israel. God never commands us to do anything unjust; he cares for every individual. We can always trust that his judgments are right and just. (p. 144)

With modern sensibilities of rules in warfare, the complete destruction and extermination of an enemy is difficult to stomach. Things like child sacrifice make it somewhat understandable, for that is a demonic blight that has to be utterly eradicated whenever it arises, but in the end I leave it up to the wisdom God, who I don't presume to judge.

III. Psalm 99 is one of, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

A psalm of praise extolling the Lord as a "Mighty King" (99:4) enthroned on Zion (99:2). Each of it stanzas concludes with a reference to his holiness (99:3, 5, 9). Biblical traditions about Moses, Aaron, and Samuel illustrate the power of intercessory prayer and reinforce the idea that God was a King, Lawgiver, and Guardian of justice in early biblical history, i.e., before Israel's monarchy was founded (99:6-7). (p. 915)

That's it for today!

Day 66: Forbidden Forms of Worship

Today's readings: Numbers 17, Deuteronomy 17-18, and Psalm 98.

I. On the heels of a major rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron, with the Israelites questioning who truly had God’s authority, Numbers 17 gives the Lord's response. As the BIY Companion, Vol 1 notes:

After the Israelites' repeated rebellion, they are put to the test by the Lord. The Lord tells Moses to take twelve rods and mark them with the names of the fathers of each tribe. When Moses brings the twelve rods before the Lord, Aaron's rod is the only one that blossoms. Therefore, the Lord says that only men from the tribe of Levi are to be his priests. (p. 142)

II. Deuteronomy 17 focuses on justice, proper worship, kingship, and obedience to God’s law as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land. God forbids offering Him blemished or defective sacrifices. Further, if someone worships other gods it must be investigated and only on the testimony of two or three witnesses will the accused be condemned and executed (17:1-7). When difficult legal cases arise, they must be brought before the Levitical priests and the judge at the sanctuary, with the ruling obeyed while those refusing this lawful judgment being condemned (17:8-13). Interestingly, God foresees future kings of Israel and places limitations upon their royal authority and always remain humble before Him (17:14-20). This last part must have been confusing to the Israelites at that time, having given no indication of wanting a king as of yet.

In the next chapter, God declares that the priests and tribe of Levi will have no inheritance like the other tribes, but shall rely upon the Lord and the generous support of the Israelites  (18:1-8). Israel is commanded not to imitate the religious practices of the surrounding nations, for these pagan practices (child sacrifice, divination, magic) are detestable to God (18:9-14). Stubborn and rebellious as Israel has been, they are commanded to listen to the Lord's chosen prophet, Moses. Prophets are to be tested with false ones condemned (18:15-22). 

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, interestingly expands on this last part:

God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses from among the people, which is a messianic prophecy of the coming of Jesus. There are many prophets who are like Moses, but Jesus is the only one who perfectly fulfills the role of prophet. (p. 142)

III. Psalm 98 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

A psalm of praise that celebrates the Lord's salvation (98:2) and kingship (98:6). Israel's Exodus from Egypt and possibly the "new exodus" of captives coming home from the Babylonian Exile are viewed as demonstrations of God's power and love for his elect people. Having shown himself a Warrior in the past (98:1), the Lord announces his future coming as a Judge (98:9). Even the onlooking world is awed by the righteousness of Israel's God (98:2-3) and invited to praise him (98:4-8). Psalm 98 is featured in the Church's liturgy as the responsorial psalm for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. (p. 914)

That's all for today!

Day 65: Revolt Against Moses

 Today's readings: Numbers 16, Deuteronomy 15-16, and Psalm 97.

I. Numbers 16 recounts the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. The rebellion in Chapter 14 wasn't enough, no, this one brings one of the most dramatic scenes of divine judgment in the Old Testament. They and all their followers are struck dead in punishment for their rebellion.

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, sums up the attitude of the Israelites, which still persists after seeing God's judgment!

Even after the people of Israel witness God exact his judgment on Korah, Abiram, and Dathan, they still rebel against Moses and Aaron. Moses again offers incense to God as atonement for the people's sins. Like the Israelites, we too can believe we were happier in the past, in our brokenness and bondage to sin, as God is leading us through the "desert" to true freedom. (p. 140)

Also, lest we find ourselves "superior" to the Ancient Israelites in this, how many times have we committed the same sin over and over again, only to crawl towards Confession for absolution? Yes, we want to be delivered from that, and in some areas we are, yet perhaps the cycle, no matter the length of time, can give us some understanding of how difficult it was for them to adjust to the new reality. Remember, they were new to all this - and Jesus hadn't even come to earth in the Incarnation yet!

II. In Deuteronomy 15, the focus is on mercy, debt release (15:1-11), generosity to the poor, the treatment of servants (15:12-18), and the firstborn of livestock dedicated to God (15:19-23). Through these commands, it could be said that Israel’s covenant life was meant to reflect God’s compassion and justice.

The next chapter centers on Israel’s major religious festivals and the administration of justice. First, is Passover and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread (16:1-8). Next, is the Feast of Weeks, later known as Pentecost (16:9-12). Then, the Feast of Booths, later known as Tabernacles (16:13-17). After this, the narrative shifts to civil order concerning judges and justice (16:18-20). Finally, a strict prohibition against pagan practices, specifically, Asherah poles and pagan pillars (16:21-22).

III. Psalm 97 is one of celebration of God's kingship over the whole world. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

His power, manifest in the thunderstorm (97:1-5), brings shame on those who worship idols (97:6-9) and joy to those who hate evil (97:10-12). Psalm 97 is featured in the Church's liturgy as the responsorial psalm for the Feast of the Transfiguration. (p. 914)

That's it for today!

Day 64: Consequences of Sin

Today's readings: Numbers 15, Deuteronomy 13-14, and Psalm 96.

I. In the fifteenth chapter of Numbers, God gives instructions through Moses for offerings that the Israelites are to give once they enter the Promised Land. These include grain offerings and drink offerings that accompany burnt offerings or sacrifices (15:1-31). In a tough episode for modern sensibilities at least, a man is found breaking the Sabbath by gathering wood and is stone to death outside the camp in penalty (15:32-36). Finally, God commands the Israelites to wear tassels on the corners of their garments as a visible, daily symbol of their covenant with God (15:37-41).

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, comments:

The heart of these laws is that God claims the Israelites as his own people and sets his love upon them. The consequences of breaking these laws - of sin - are severe, even shocking. How do we reconcile this with a God who is mercy and love? For those Israelites who intentionally rebel against him, the Lord will treat them as they have chosen to be treated - as if they are not part of his people. God tells the people of Israel that, since he will bless the world through them, they must be different from the world. (p. 138)

II. Deuteronomy 13 is a warning against idolatry and false worship. Moses tells Israel that faithfulness to God must come before everything. The Ignatius Bible comments on this:

Laws to counteract the spread of idolatry in Israel. Instigators of the crime, whether false prophets, family members, or friends, must be handed over to public execution promptly and without pity (13:5, 9). Towns that forsake the Lord for other gods are likewise doomed to destruction (13:15). Idolatry is a capital offense because it constitutes high treason against the Lord of the covenant. (p. 300) 

This seems rather harsh, but Israel was still relatively new to worshipping God properly and such measures actually protected the nation in a sea of surrounding paganism.

Deuteronomy 14 focuses on holiness, forbidding certain pagan practices, clean and unclean foods, and tithing. The chapter repeatedly reminds Israel that they are a people specially set apart for God. The dietary restrictions seem arbitrary, but do much for separating Israel as a people apart from their pagan neighbors.

III. Psalm 96 is one of praise for God as King of all. The Ignatius Bible notes:

It invites the whole world, even the whole creation, to worship the God of Israel (96:7-9) and to proclaim his kingship to all (96-10). The Lord, after all, is the greatest of all gods (96:4) and the judge of all peoples (96:13). Psalm 96 appears in similar form as part of a thanksgiving hymn in 1 Chron 16:23-33. (p. 913)

That's all for today!

Day 63: Israel's Rebellion

 Today's readings: Numbers 14, Deuteronomy 12, and Psalm 95.

I. And in the fourteenth chapter of Numbers, the people rebel. Rather surprising given their stellar performance in the previous chapter! Yes, sarcasm. In fairness, I seriously doubt we'd do any better today in their situation, but they did have benefit of seeing great divine miracles personally which most of us now do not. At any rate, the Israelites panic and complain yet again, saying that they wished they had died in Egypt. In an outright act of rebellion, they talked about choosing a new leader and returning there. Not even Joshua and Caleb could soothe their hysteria, as they threatened to stone them. So trust, faith, and obedience were completely tossed aside by Israel for sheer terror of what awaited them in Canaan. Needless to say, God was not pleased at all. He proposed striking them down, but Moses interceded. God forgave Israel, but there were consequences:

• The entire adult generation who doubted will not enter the Promised Land.
• They will instead wander for 40 more years, one year for each day the land was explored.
• Only Joshua and Caleb will enter.
• The 10 unfaithful spies die immediately.
• Israel ignores Moses' warnings and in regret for their hysteria, attempt to enter Canaan, but are defeated by the Amalekites and Canaanites.

On this major act of rebellion by Israel, the Ignatius Bible notes:

The second major apostasy of Israel since leaving Egypt. The first was the golden calf rebellion at Sinai (Ex 32:1-35), and now the tribes rebel again at Kadesh (13:31-33). On both occasions, the Lord released a plague among the people (14:37; Ex 32:35) and Moses stepped in to plead for God's mercy (14:17-19; Ex 34:9). The NT recalls the tragedy at Kadesh to warn that apostasy and unbelief can deny Christians a heavenly inheritance, much as it barred faithless Israel from entering the Promised Lan (1 Cor 10:5, 10; Heb 3:12-4:13). (p. 248)

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, also comments on this:

The people of Israel still have the hearts and minds of slaves - they would rather return to slavery in Egypt than enter the land God has promised because it will be dangerous and difficult to conquer... God gives them the land, but they need to cooperate with him... This is a lesson for us. If we are unwilling to fight against the things that enslave us (e.g. fears, bad habits, addictions) and move forward in freedom, our children will have to fight those battles. (p. 136)

II. In Deuteronomy 12, Moses instructs Israel on how they are to worship once they enter the Promised Land.

• First, Israel must completely remove Canaanite religious practices, including all idols and pagan "holy" places.
• Israel must worship in the place that God chooses.
• Israel may slaughter animals for ordinary food locally, but sacrificial offerings belong at the chosen sanctuary. A repeated command is to not eat the blood of animals, as it symbolizes life and belongs to God alone.
• Israel must not imitate pagan worship practices, even if they seem appealing, most especially with pagan practice of sacrificing children to their false gods.
• Israel is forbidden from adding to or taking away from God’s commands.

It sounds like Israel is in the steep learning curve, only having been liberated from slavery in Egypt less than 50 years ago, which is why some of this seems very strict. Also, given the state of pagan religion at the time, something they were most familiar with, it is understandable.

III. Psalm 95 is one of praise. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

It issues a summons to worship (95:1-7c) and a warning against unfaithfulness (95:7d-11). That implies that liturgy and life form a unit, so that serving God in the Temple must be joined with a commitment to obeying God when he speaks. Otherwise, hearers risk offending him and forfeiting the blessing of his "rest" (95:11). God appears in the psalm as a great King (95:3) and Shepherd (95:7). The Church's daily prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, regularly begins with Ps 95. (p. 912)

That's it for today! 

Day 62: Spies Sent to Canaan

 Today's readings: Numbers 12-13, Deuteronomy 11, and Psalm 94.

I. In the twelfth chapter of Numbers, the sister and older brother of Moses "speak out against Moses," which angered God who defended His prophet. The Lord also struck Miriam with leprosy and healed her after Moses interceded. What's surprising to me is this all sounds like sibling jealousy and Aaron, though the High Priest, wasn't also struck with leprosy to teach him a lesson like happened to Miriam. He was in a position to know even better than her I'd say.

The next chapter finds 12 spies being sent into the land of Canaan, to travel around and report back on what they find. When they return, they report that it is indeed a land "flowing with milk and honey." Ten of the spies then give a fearful report that though rich, Canaan has fortified cities, powerful peoples, and giants, all of which severely demoralized the people. One spy, Caleb, urged the people to trust God and take possession of the land immediately. Yet, the fearful report of the majority struck fear in them.

II. Deuteronomy 11 continues Moses' exhortation to the Israelites to love and obey God, remember His mighty acts, and that they will be blessed for their obedience while there will be consequences for their disobedience.

III. Psalm 94 is one of lament. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

It pleads with the Lord, the divine Judge, to avenge the righteous by repaying the wicked for their crimes (94:1-7); it offers instruction to the wicked and assures their victims that God's justice will triumph (94:8-15); the Psalmist gives personal witness to the Lord's help and consolations in his own life (94:16-22); and the final verse insists that God will punish evildoers for their iniquity (94:23). The dividing line between the righteous and the wicked in this psalm appears to run through Israel, with some of the covenant people violently oppressing others. (p. 912)

That's all for today!

Day 61: Complaining in the Desert

 Today's readings: Numbers 11, Deuteronomy 10, and Psalm 33.

I. And the Israelites begin today's reading in Numbers by loudly complaining. This displeases God and He sends fire that burns the outskirts of the camp. The people cry out to Moses, who prays and the fire stops (11:1-3). After this and everything else they had witnessed, you'd think they wouldn't be so brazen and selfish. Nope. We humans have a long history of shamelessness, even with our Creator. The Israelites grew tired of manna, the miraculous food God provided daily, and complained further about the lack of meat and others foods they were used to in Egypt (11:4-9). Poor Moses became overwhelmed by the people’s constant complaints. He expressed deep frustration to God, even asking to die rather than continue carrying the burden alone (11:10-15). God heard Moses and showed him mercy, first telling him to gather seventy elders of Israel to assist him with the burden command (11:16-30). Then next, God sent a massive flock of quail to satisfy the people’s craving for meat. However, while they were still eating, a severe plague struck as judgment for their greed and ingratitude (11:31-35).

II. Deuteronomy 10 recounts Israel’s rebellion with the golden calf while emphasizing God’s mercy, covenant, and what He requires of His people. So God renewed the covenant despite Israel’s sin, and the Law remained central to Israel’s relationship with Him. Best verse in this chapter: 

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. (10:16). 

That is, God desires inward obedience and transformation, not merely external ritual. To me, this foreshadows the fuller New Testament understanding of being transformed by grace into communion with God (2 Cor 3:18; 2 Pet 1:4).

III. Psalm 33 is one of praise for God. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

After an invitation to worship in song (33:1-3), it extols the Lord as the God of justice and love (33:4-5), the Creator of heaven and earth (33:6-9), the Lord of history and nations (33:10-17), and the Help of all who trust in him (33:18-22). (p. 857)

That's all for today!