Day 72: The Plains of Moab

 Today's readings: Numbers 24-25, Deuteronomy 26, and Psalm 107.

I. Numbers 24 mostly concludes the story of Balaam as a main character, though not entirely.  He had been hired by Balak of Moab to curse Israel, but instead again delivers blessings under God’s direction. Interestingly, Balaam stopped seeking omens, and instead, the Spirit of God came upon him directly.

In the next chapter, Israel falls into apostasy as bad as that of the golden calf at Mt. Sinai. The children of the Exodus generation fell into grave sin as their parents had done. As the BIY Companion, Vol 1, notes:

The Bible says that the people of Israel "play the harlot" with the daughters of Moab. They invite the Israelites to the sacrifice of their gods. While the Lord prevents Balaam from cursing his people, they are unfaithful to him. This speaks of the goodness of God and the weakness of the human heart. Phinehas is praised for rising up against the idolatry and infidelity of the Israelites. (p. 154)

 II. Deuteronomy 26 focuses on thanksgiving, covenant faithfulness, and remembering God’s saving acts after Israel enters the Promised Land. The Israelites are to bring the firstfruits of their harvest to the sanctuary, while recounting their humble origins and God's favor in saving them miraculously. In this, real gratitude is key to true worship of the Lord.

III. Psalm 107 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

A thanksgiving psalm that praises God for rescuing his people from distress. Four examples are proposed as lessons for the "wise" (107:43), all of them perilous situations faced in the ancient world: wandering in a desert (107:4-9), languishing in prison (107:10-16), battling a serious illness (107:17-22), and braving the dangers of the sea (107:23-32). In each scenario, those who "cried to the Lord" (107:6, ...) were delivered from their plight and encouraged to "thank the Lord" in return (107:8, ...). Psalm 107 may have been part of a thanksgiving liturgy in the Temple. (p. 924)

That's all for today!