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!