Today's readings: Numbers 1, Deuteronomy 1, and Psalm 84.
Numbers picks up where Leviticus left off, with Israel encamped at the base of Mt. Sinai (Lev 27:34). This is the setting for the initial chapters of the book until the march toward Canaan begins 19 days later (10:11-12)... Numbering the men of war is one of the final preparations made before Israel sets out from Sinai to seize hold of the Promised Land. The refusal of this army to march against Canaan in chaps. 13-14 will result in 38 additional years of wandering in the wilderness (Deut 2:14) until the next generation is counted by a second census (chap. 26)... (p. 229)
II. In the first chapter of Deuteronomy, we see that it takes place at the end of 40 years after the generation of the first census (Nu 1:1-2), just before entering the Promised Land. The book itself is essentially Moses’ final speeches, restating and applying the Law to a new generation. He recounts in this chapter the appointment of tribal leaders (1:9-18), Israel's refusal to enter the Promised Land after being paralyzed by fear and unbelief (1:19-33), and Israel's punishment by God for their rebellion (1:34-46). God chastised them by promising "not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers" (1:35). This also included Moses himself (1:37-38). Israel repented of their behavior and sought to fight (1:41), but despite being warned not to go, they were defeated by the Amorites (1:42-45). Here, the first chapter ends.
III. Psalm 84 is one of joy and celebration. As the Ignatius Bible notes:
It celebrates making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and worshipping the Lord in his sanctuary. The Psalmist yearns to stand in God's presence (84:1-4); he reflects on the journey (84:5-7); he makes intercession for Israel's king (84:8-9); and he praises the Lord as the source of blessing and the One worthy of trust (84:10-12). (p. 903)
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