That Burns Me Up

Numbers 11:1-3

So the Israelites start whining (as Israelites tended to do) and it got back to God and He was none too pleased. In fact, He was riled up enough that fire "burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp." But apparently they had a change of heart when they felt their nose hair singeing and ran to Moses (as Israelites tended to do). Moses prayed, the fire died down and they named the place "Burning".

It's easy for me to identify with God on this one- it's hard to handle ingratitude. When you've given and given and it doesn't seem to be thought of as enough you can feel the fire build up inside. You start to wonder why you've even bothered and you might start letting the verbal molten lava flow (as actually burning things might seem a bit extreme or get you into legal trouble).

But while it's easy to think I'm lining up with God here, it's more likely that I'm the whiny Israelite wanting better perks, more money, more time for myself, less stress, and fewer demands. Instead of being grateful for what I've been given, I too often look at what I lack (even though that list is quite short when compared to most of the world). And it might be that Moses here is hinting at what Jesus is doing for me all these years later.

Father, I know he's acting like a spoiled brat...but don't get angry. Remember Your love for him, your promises. Be patient.

And while the thought of God being angry enough to spew actual fire is pretty unnerving- the idea of his calming down because of (presumably) a prayer from Moses is comforting. And even more comforting still knowing that Jesus is right there on our behalf.

Just Deserts

Numbers 10:11-36

On February 20th of year two the cloud rose and the caravan began. The Israelites said goodbye to the beautiful and luxurious Desert of Sinai and traveled to the surely equally scenic Desert of Paran. The Lord commanded them to leave through Moses.

The next fifteen verses or so detail the order in which they traveled and named the leader of each camp or unit. It's hard to see what use this detail is for us- but maybe closer to the writing of this description people would have taken pride in seeing their family names in the list. You know son, that Shelumiel was your great uncle's great, great father-in-law. ...And that, my boy, is why Zuar is still a family name.

Toward the end of the chapter, Moses has an interesting exchange with his brother-in-law, Hobab. Hobab was a Midianite and when Moses explained they were setting out for the promised land, and that if he tagged along he would be treated well, Hobab wasn't too keen on the idea.

Nope, he said, thanks anyhow Moe, I'm headed back to my own people who don't follow clouds and blow silver trumpets every few days.

Moses knew what Hobab could add to the expedition and begged him to stay. You know all the cool places to camp. Stay and you can be our eyes and we'll share whatever good things God gives us. We'll even call you Good-Eye Hobab.

So apparently he stayed and after three days of following the ark, they settled in.

When the ark set out, Moses would say,

“Rise up, LORD!

May your enemies be scattered;
may your foes flee before you.”

And whenever they rested it he would reply,

“Return, LORD,
to the countless thousands of Israel.”

It's interesting to me to consider the apparent responsibility Moses seems to feel for his traveling companions. He appeals to God on behalf of them all and seems to be reverent and concerned. We're a long way from the staff, rock, and water at this point.

Heavy Trumpetting
Numbers 10: 1-10
So Moses is told to create two trumpets out of hammered silver and that these trumpets would replace the Israelite batsign, or ambulance siren, or whatever notification system they happened to have in place at the time. God sets out a code for the Israelites for their Gillespie-ian mode of communication.

Both horns being blown indicates a meeting of the whole community at, approopriately enough, the Tent of Meeting. If only one horn is blown, the community leaders will come to where the people are for said meeting.

Now if the horns are blown with a certain signal, they indicate the need to set out from home. One blast means people in the east are to head out- the second blast means that the southern folks do the same. I'm guessing the trumpet blasts would usually be disruptive to the routine of the Israelite life. You've worked a long day and you're looking forward to a bowl of cheetos and an hour of The Is-real World and suddenly a change of plans, pack up the tent and head out. But maybe this is part of the point- a reminder that your days are not your own. You're not calling the shots- and your role is to be at the ready.

Then comes the part I think is the coolest. Aaron's sons are to be the trumpeters- and this ordinance is to be handed down. Now, when the Israelites are in battle and things aren't going so well- a blow from the trumpet indicates that you need a little help in the whole smiting department... God will remember you and rescue you- whether any smiting happens is unclear- but the trumpet blast brings relief.

I think it's pretty cool to think about Louis Armstrong (or just music in general) being a conduit to get help from God- but even more significantly, it's very interesting to think about this "magic horn" that will alert God to trouble and bring on His salvation. It does lead to some questions though. Would this be an easy thing to abuse? If you don't leave us alone, I'll blow this trumpet and then you'll be sorry. I guess limiting who can blow the horn would help with that issue.

Would it be easy to shift faith in God to faith in the trumpet? As long as we have the horn and breath to blow it, we'll be ok is a very different sentiment than as long as we have God we can overcome anything.

Why does God need a trumpet blast to remember me? Isn't He looking down already? Doesn't He know my needs before I ask them? Is the trumpet then just a symbol to remind them that God is there ready to help? It's a musical placebo. The only value there is that it gives the warriors confidence reminding them that God remembers them.

Finally, the trumpets serve as celebratory tools. they are to be used for rejoicing and festivals and feasts. They are to be sounded over burnt offerings and fellowship offerings and memorials. Aah, the power of music (even two trumpets) to raise spirits, create mood, bring people together, and invoke response from God.

Anyone for some Miles Davis?