Day 59: Obligations to God

 Today's readings: Numbers 8-9, Deuteronomy 8, and Psalm 93.

I. The eighth chapter of Numbers begins with God telling Moses to arrange the lamps so they shine forward (8:1-4). The Ignatius Bible notes that:

The lamp illuminates the twelve loaves of the showbread, which are displayed on a table that stands across from the lamp in the holy place. Perhaps this symbolizes the glory of God shining upon his people... (p. 241)

The remainder of this chapter is on the consecration and service of the Levites (8:5-26):

Whereas priests are sanctified (made holy) for the ministry of sacrifice by a sprinkling of oil and blood (Lev 8:30), the Levites are purified (made clean) for the ministry of service by a sprinkling of water (8:7). Being appointed but not anointed, the Levites are not authorized to perform priestly actions but serve as assistants to priests and laity in performing the services of the Tabernacle. One might call them the "deacons" of the OT. (p. 241)

In the ninth chapter, Israel continues preparation in the wilderness and highlights two key themes, keeping the Passover, and being led by God’s presence. First, the people obey and keep Passover exactly as God commanded (9:1-5). Some men who were ritually unclean were allowed to celebrate it the next month (9:6-14). Second, a cloud covers the Tabernacle by day and appears as fire by night, which is a visible sign showing God’s presence and guidance (9:15-23). By this, Israel moved only at God’s command and not on their own timing.

II. Deuteronomy 8 has Moses reminding Israel not to forget God once they enter the Promised Land. It emphasizes humility, dependence on God, and gratitude. They are to remember His past faithfulness and depend upon God, not themselves. Above all, Moses warns them that pride leads to forgetting God, which leads to ruin.

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, has some good commentary on this:

While we can forget God in times of darkness, we can also do so in sunny days, when everything is going well, because we do not feel we need him. This is the temptation highlighted in Deuteronomy 8. (p. 128)

III. Psalm 93 is one of praise for the majesty of God's rule. The Ignatius Bible notes:

It praises the the Lord as the world's eternal (93:2) and almighty King (93:4). Scholars often classify it as one of the psalms that celebrates God's rule over the cosmos... (p. 911)

That's it for today!