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!