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!