Day 68: The Waters of Meribah

Today's readings: Numbers 19-20, Deuteronomy 21, and Psalm 100.

I. Numbers 19 gives instructions for purification from ritual uncleanness caused by contact with death. First, Moses and Aaron are to obtain a red heifer "without defect... no blemish, and upon which a yoke has never come," kill it outside the camp, sprinkle its blood seven times toward the Tabernacle, and then burn the entire thing. Its ashes are next gathered and kept for making the “water for impurity” used in purification rites (19:1-10). They are mixed with fresh water and sprinkled onto an unclean person who had come into contact with a dead body or grave to make them ritually clean (19:11-22).

The next chapter begins with the death of Miriam, sister of Moses and Aaron, and she was buried at Kadesh. We next find the Israelites complaining yet again, this time over the lack of water. Moses was angered and went against God's instructions with tragic results for him.  Finally, the king of Edom refuses passage to the Israelites through his kingdom, and Aaron himself died shortly after Meribah.   

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, notes:

Moses loses his temper and strikes the rock twice, and water comes forth. Due to his disobedience, the Lord tells Moses that he will not enter into the Promised Land. This might seem unfair due to Moses' previous and consistent fidelity to God. Because Moses is a leader, however, he is held to a higher standard. (p. 146)

II. Deuteronomy 21 repeatedly stresses that wrongdoing affects the whole covenant community. First, if a murdered victim with an unknown killer is found, the nearest city shall bear communal responsibility for an atonement ritual to remove innocent bloodguilt (21:1-9). If an Israelite soldier desires a captive woman, rules are given, which seem bad to us today, but compared to surrounding ancient cultures, the law restrains abuse and grants the woman protections and dignity unusual for the period (21:10-14). The rights of the firstborn must be respected (21:15-17), while a rebellious son may be executed by the community if judged guilty (21:18-21). Finally, a criminal put to death and displayed on a tree must not remain overnight, but be buried right away (21:22-23). This will become important later with the crucifixion of Jesus, which is understood as Him bearing the curse of sin on behalf of humanity (Gal 3:13). Or, as the BIY Companion, Vol 1, puts it: "Jesus lets himself be cursed so we can receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."

III. Psalm 100 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

A psalm of praise that invites peoples from all lands to worship the God of Israel (100:2). It offers a terse summary of Israel's faith in the Lord as the divine Creator and Shepherd (100:3) who is forever good, merciful, and faithful to his people (100:5). The central affirmation of the psalm is: Know that the Lord is God! (100:3), which is preceded by three invitations (Make... Serve... Come) and followed by three invitations (Enter... Give thanks... bless). Psalm 100 may have been an entrance liturgy recited when worshipers processed into the Temple (100:4). (p. 916)

That's all for today!