Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
Numbers 24: 23-25


Balaam concludes his terse curse verses.

Unfortunately, no one can survive God's wrath when He heads down a path like this.
Ships will come from Cyprus
They'll conquer Asher and Eber
But don't celebrate much- they too will come to ruin.

At this point Balaam skipped town- and Balaak made no attempt to pursue him.

It took him a long time, but Balaak seemed to finally get that this whole scheme wasn't going to work out.  And while it's easy to view him as a stubborn, devious plotter it's also easy to cling to your own devices of manipulation, deception and self-delusion.  But at least in this instance, the attempt to hang on- the attempt to try to use God against His own people only resulted in more and more heartache.

Not Even Barbie Will be Spared
Numbers 24: 21-22


At this point, Balaam is rolling.  He looks over and sees the Kenites and curses them too.

He says,

Yeah, you've got a secure dwelling.
It's like a nest made of stone.
But that's not gonna stop Ashur.
You'll be taken captive and destroyed.

It seems like Balaak has taken a big stick and beat a horne'ts nest trying to get honey.  The result is a whole lot of stinging.  Perhaps the message here is simply God's power.  So much capacity for love and grace- but so much power to destroy when people try to manipulate Him.

This is a scary image to picture as God- until you frame it in its context.  God is saying- don't mess with Me, and don't mess with My children.  As one of God's children, it is comforting to realize just how much God has my back.

Curses, Foiled Again
Numbers 24:20


So since, he was rolling, Balaam spots Amalek (I'm guessing the nation of, not some guy named Amalek) and keeps the curses flowing.  Amalek seems to be the arch-nemesis of Israel- Esau's grandson was named Amalek, so I guess these are his people but they often get a little feisty around the chosen folks.

Balaam predicts that though they were the first nation, they will end in total destruction.

This seems to be a little more of the same from the last section.  God says, you can't buy My love.  I will not be manipulated.  And here's a little curse for your trouble.

Balak's Bad Investment


Numbers 24: 15-19


Balaam gives his warning- but the word "warning" implies the opportunity to escape- so perhaps it's more accurate to call Balaam's oration a curse.  He says:

Here's my prophecy.
I see clearly.
I hear God's word.
I have knowledge from God,
He speaks to me in visions.
In those visions, I submit and God opens my eyes.

So, I see this guy, but He's not here right now.
I sense Him, but it's not like he's nearby.
He'll be like this star rising out of Jacob
or a sceptor out of Israel.
And when He comes- look out!
He'll crush Moab's head and Sheth's skulls.
Edom?  Seir?
Conquered.  Conquered.
In contrast- watch Israel grow.
This ruler will come through Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.

Balak might be up for the schmuck of the year award.  He goes out and hires Balaam thinking he's got an inside source to combat God's people from the inside.  Not only does his plan not work- he ends up making things even worse for his people.

Not only will I not curse Israel, since you asked, I'll bless them and curse you.  Oops.

It seems to me the message here is that God is a not a puppet to be manipulated by His people.  His spokespeople can't manipulate reality and say whatever benefits their particular cause or pet project.  Balaam couldn't find a loophole to squeeze through and frame God's will differently for his own purposes.

And neither can we.  Explaining God's will away through political propaganda, American ideology, or even with rhetoric designed to excuse and comfort ourselves doesn't change God's will.  And clearly, He doesn't like the attempt to proclaim his will inaccurately for selfish gain.

As for the prophecy itself, it seems to point to Jesus, although it seems a little violent for Jesus' style. It's easy to see why the people of Jesus' day were expecting a different kind of Messiah- one who was a little more Dirty Harry than Prince of Peace.

3rd Time's a Charm
Numbers 23:27- 24:14


By now it should be clear to Balak that Balaam is not the guy to deliver a curse on God's people. However, undaunted, he hypothesizes that it's the location that is the issue, not the fact that his medium is flat out saying that he won't speak against God.  Is Balak hoping that God will love His people less if He sees them from a different angle?  Oh yes, when I see them in profile, it's clear these people aren't worth protecting...

Perhaps this was a spot that Balak considered holy- and thought that God would think so too.  No dice.   Peor has the same effect as the other locations, even though there are still seven altars built for seven bulls and seven rams.

Balaam didn't need to divine a message from God this time. Since he saw that God was happy to bless Israel, he just looked out to the wilderness, saw the Israelites in their camps and spoke another God-poem.

Here comes another prophecy from Balaam
He sees things like they are
This guy hears God's words
Sees God's visions
Humbles himself and has his eyes opened

Jacob, you have some fine tents
Israel, I like where you live

Your land spreads out like a valley
Like a garden before a river
Like God's own aloes
Like cedars by the water
That water will flow from their buckets
And there will be more than plenty for their seed

Agag has nothing on their king
Israel's kingdom will be exalted

God brought them out of Egypt
They have the strength of a wild ox
Hostile nations are devoured by them
They will break their bones into little pieces
They pierce them with their arrows
Look at them crouching like a lion
Or even a lioness- who would be foolish enough to stir them up?
(I imagine Balaam gives Balak a good hard stare on this line)

May those who bless Israel be blessed
May those who curse them be cursed

So not only has Balaam not cursed Israel- he seems to be cursing Balak instead.  No plot twist, Balak isn't happy.

He claps his hands (NOT in applause) and says... DUDE! I said curse them- and three times you've blessed them.  Go home.  I said I would pay you a lot- but God has stopped you from being rewarded.

This is kind of funny.  Balak obviously believes in God's power or he wouldn't want this curse so badly- and his phrasing (God has stopped you) seems to hint that this curse might not be just for show.  But he seems shocked that Balaam wouldn't value money over integrity.

Balaam replies- look, I only did what I said I would.  No amount of money could stop me from saying what God wanted me to.  So, yeah, I'm going back home... but before I do, let me tell you about what the Israelites are going to do to your people.

The lesson here is more of the same.  God can't be manipulated.  Your craftiness isn't smart enough to fool Him.  As a result, stay on His side instead of trying to play both sides from the middle.

And if you do the same thing three times, you're likely to get the same result all three times.

Fool Me Once...
Numbers 23: 13-26


Undaunted, Balak continues.  Look- I'll take you somewhere new where you can see the Israelites- and we'll try this thing again.  Remember... we're looking for a curse here.  Balak builds seven new altars and sacrifices a bull and a ram on each of them.

Balaam tells him, stay with your sacrifices while I go talk with God. God gives another message for Balak once again in poetic form.

Listen up Balak,
Zippor's kid.
God's not a man- He doesn't lie.
God's not human, He's not gonna change His mind.
It's not like He acts without thinking.
It's not like He promises and backs out.
God has commanded me to bless.
I can't change God's command.

Jacob is looking prosperous.
Things are rosy with Israel.
God's with them.
He's cheering them on.
He brought them out of Egypt
and they are as strong as oxen.
There's no witchcraft working against Jacob,
no evil spells haunting Israel.
People will look at Jacob
and at Israel and say- look what God has done!
These people are like lions,
they won't rest until they devour their prey
and drink the blood of their victims.

This was not the message Balak was looking for.  He says- look if you're not gonna curse them, at least don't bless them.

Balaam says, don't shoot the messenger.  I told you I have to do what God says.

OK, all sympathy for Balak is pretty much gone.  Wouldn't he have figured out the first time that this whole curse Israel thing isn't going to work?  Maybe he's just invested so much in this plan that there's no other option.  It's like the Cubs and Alfonso Soriano.

I think what's significant here is how loyal God is to His people.  They've whined, and He's punished.  They are unfaithful and ungrateful but still when another offer comes along, God says, these are my children, and I'm sticking with them.

A comforting idea to consider as God's children of this generation.

The Old Bait and Switch
Numbers 23: 1-12


So Balaam begins his work as Balak's lackey.  It seems the motivation here for Balak is to manipulate God and lure Him away from the Israelites.  Balam stands by his, "I can only tell you what God allows me to" spiel.

But Balaam has Balak help him build seven altars and on each altar they sacrifice both a bull and a ram.  Then Balaam exits to a high place to talk with God.  He tells God of the sacrifices and God tells him His message to deliver.

Balak is salivating- this is it- we've done it.  He's like Wile E Coyote thinking that the ACME company has finally come through.  He can almost taste the road runner... and then the boulder falls from the sky.

Balaam delivers the message (written in Numbers as poetry).  So- Balak the king brought me here- and said c'mon man- curse Jacob- denounce Israel- all the cool kids are doing it. 
But how can I possibly curse or denounce people that God hasn't?
I go to the hilltop and I can see them.
They keep themselves away from the other nations.
And you can't even count them.
You couldn't even count a fourth of them.
I hope my death will be righteous like their's will be.

Balak realizes he has been crossed.  What are you doing?  I said CURSE them, not bless them. 

Balaam says- dude, I told you- I'm only saying what God tells me to.

While elements of this story are amusing- the enemy of God who thinks he's clever gets double-crossed and Israel is blessed, there's also an element of false pretense.  Balaam has to know that things aren't going to work out the way that Balak intends, yet he lets him go through the motions of travel and altar building/sacrifice in vain.   Balaam was up front about his message though, if you bring me, I'll only speak God's words. Since Balak insisted, perhaps the fault lies there.  Carnivorous Vulgaris, indeed.

It is interesting that Balaam promises nothing other than to speak God's words and lets Balak hoist himself by his own petard.  Maybe that's the lesson here, to deal with those who are potential enemies with God's messages and let any damage that comes be self-inflicted.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Numbers 22: 21-41


This passage is an interesting mix of bizarre and enthralling.

So Balaam gets up in the morning and heads out with the Moabite officials as God has told him to do just verses ago, however- this makes God angry.  I'm not sure why.  Balaam's donkey possessing some extra sensory perception is able to see an angel wielding a sword in the path and diverts into a field.  Balaam isn't a fan of this route and struggles to get the donkey back on the road by beating him.  The ASPCA is not happy.

So a little further down the road this happens again.  Only this time, there was nowhere for the donkey to turn, so when he tried to turn he crushed Balaam's foot against a wall.  So Balaam beats the donkey again.

The angel appears a third time down the road a piece, and having no place to turn, the donkey just drops to the ground.  This gets Balaam a bit perturbed.  So he takes out his staff and beats the donkey a third time.

But this time, God opens the donkey's mouth and allows him to have a conversation with him.  Donkey (sounding nothing like Eddie Murphy) says, Why are you hitting me?  I'm a pretty decent donkey and all- there's no need continue to pummel me.

Balaam, not apparently phased by his animal's verbosity replies You made a fool out of me.  You're lucky I don't have my sword because if I did, I'd do more than beat you.

Which would have been a shame, because I'm thinking this donkey could make a bundle at carnivals and such.  I wonder how good a singer he was.

The donkey makes a strong argument.  On a roll and happy to not be Hee-Haw-ing he continues,   "Dude, I've been your donkey for a while.  Do I do this kind of thing ordinarily?"

Balaam pauses and says, "I don't suppose so."

At this point, God opens Balaam's eyes and he too sees the angel with his sword drawn and Balaam instantly loses all of his bravado.

The angel repeats the donkey's question- Why did you beat your donkey?  He saved your life.  I came to stop you from heading down this reckless path.  If he hadn't turned away I would have killed you- but I would have spared the donkey.

Balaam is beyond repentant.  I have sinned!  I didn't know you were there!  I'll go back if that's what you want.

But the angel says, "No, go with them, but speak only what I tell you" - which is what the plan was in the first place.  There's no word here about Balak's official's reaction to all of this scene.  Did Balaam just seem like an LSD addict?  Did they hear the donkey speak too?

When they get there, Balak comes to meet them, apparently a little annoyed.  Balaam, didn't I send an urgent message?  What's the delay?  Where have you been?  You do want this reward, right?

I'm here now, Balaam replies, but I'm not able to speak my mind.  Only what God tells me to say.

Balak makes some sacrifices and gives some of them to Balaam and the officials and then he takes him to where he can see the outskirts of the Israelite camp.

One thing that makes this story weird is not just that there's a talking donkey, but that no one seems at all phased by it.  An argument ensues between a donkey and a man.  The donkey makes more sense and the man doesn't seem to find the exchange odd.

Second, God sends an angel to stop someone from doing what He tells him to do.  And then tells him to do it after all.  The most sense I can make of this is that perhaps some chronology is off in Moses' storytelling.  Maybe Balaam leaves for the trip and this is the conversation alluded to verses earlier.  However, even in that reading some of the details don't make a whole lot of sense.

I also think that this story is foreshadowing Christ.  A wise creature in lowly form comes to stop wayward man from a path that leads to destruction.  In the process he is beaten, but without his connection to God, man would be killed.

And while the intention may not be a lesson about kindness to animals, there is clearly subtext about being overconfident in your own wisdom.  We can't make it alone.

That Ole' White Magic

Numbers 22: 1-20

Some interesting storytelling technique on Moses' part.  We leave the Israelite perspective and travel to Moab.  I'm not sure how Moses had access to the backstory here, but it opens the door for some questions that may be a little new to me.

So Balak is a little worried, having heard about all the carnage left in the wake of Israel- and at the size of the group out wandering and conquering.  In fact, his dread is even verbalized (in a quite odd way)- "“This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Mmm, grass licking.

Doubting the Moabites ability to take them on directly, he calls for his favorite magician.  Penn and Teller weren't available, so he settled for Balaam.  Balak tells him (through the elders)- look- there's this mass of people coming from Egypt and they've settled in right next door.  They're too much for me to handle... unless you can do one of your infamous curse thingies.  I know that when you bless someone, they actually are blessed, and when you curse someone- they better look out, because bad stuff is coming.

It seems like Moses is setting up a variation on the let's see whose God is stronger theme.  My staff/snake will eat your staff/snake.  But Balaam takes the narrative in a different direction.  He says- give me the night- let me check with the LORD and see what He thinks about it. 

Huh?  So the Moabite sorceror (Probably played by Alan Rickman or Samuel L. Jackson in the film version) who just screams "bad dude" is checking in with Jehovah for direction.  Does this mean that God was with non-Israelites back in the day as well?  Were there other Jehovah inspired parts to the big picture plan that never made it into our canon?  How did a Moabite magic man have a direct link to the creator and why did God allow Himself to be used for someone's hocus-pocus schtick? 

God tells him directly- You don't want to mess with Israel .  I've blessed them.

So Balaam returns to the Moabite elders and says- you may as well go home.  God tells me to not go with you.

The elders return saying that Balaam had turned them down.  Not one to be deterred, Balak ups the ante.  He sends more and more important officials to persuade him- saying- look Balaam, if this is about money... don't worry about it, we're gonna take care of you.  C'mon- you know you wanna curse these guys.  All the cool kids are doing it.

Balaam says, look- you could give me all the silver and gold in the world and it still wouldn't be a good idea for me to cross God.  But I tell you what, spend the night, I'll talk to him again and we'll see if He has more to His message.

So God responds, since they're here and so eager for you... go ahead and go.  But only do what I tell you to.

Intriguing.  God still seems to be working for His chosen people, but He seems to have other followers in other places who He uses to accomplish to His goals.  It's not totally out in left field to assume that He still does.

All That Jahaz

Numbers 21: 21-35

And the traveling continues.

Israel seeks permission from the Amorite king to pass through promising to keep on the King's Highway- staying out of vineyards and wells along the way.  King Sihon makes a bad decision and instead of allowing passage, decides to confront the Israelites.  So a battle ensues at Jahaz and the Israelites do well (having God on their side and all).  They overtook all the cities of the Amorites and moved themselves in, including Heshbon where Sihon lived.

Perhaps mockingly Moses quotes a poem recounting Sihon's previous victory in taking Hashbon for the Amorites from the king of Moab.  The poem describes the great victory and restoration of the city to come under Sihon.  But here, Israel is the new inhabitant.  The poem may even be included to stress that Israel didn't just conquer some psuedo-army.  This is a force mighty enough that their battles resulted in poetry.  This is an army of legendary status... and they fell when confronted by God's chosen.

Spies went out into Jazer and the Israelites overthrow there too, driving out the newly relocated Amorites likely still reeling from the loss and destruction recently handed to them. 

Not detered by the Israelite victory, King Og of Bashan marched out with his army to meet the Israelites as they appraoched his city.  God tells the Israelites to buck up- I'm going to deliver him and his land just like I did the Amorites.  So the Isralites enter into battle and it's not pretty.  The Israelites don't leave a single survivor and take the land.

It seems that this passage illustrates the beginning of God's promise coming true.  He's delivering on this whole land thing and God's people may be starting to see the fruits of the generations of wandering in uncertainty.

It's hard for me, though, to not consider the perspective of the slaughtered here.  This context is so foreign to where we are and how we live that it's perhaps impossible to understand the concept of slaughter in God's name.  Maybe these were bad people, but the reading here suggests that they were folks defending what was their's- and the Israelites don't just displace them- they follow them to their new home and drive them out of it, too. 

I like this story much more as a metaphor of God's promises than as a reality of pain, death, and woe.  But regardless, it can serve as a reminder of God following through on what He promises and the folly of getting in His way.

Well, Well, Well
Numbers 21:10-20


This passage might be interesting if you're a scholar of bible geography.  I am not.

Most of the section seems to deal with the route of the Israelites- they hit Oboth, Iye Abarim, the Zered Valley, and near the Arnon which is the border between Moab and the Amorites.  This mini travelogue ends with an odd reference to "The Book of the Wars of the LORD."  I have no idea what this book is- but I'm surprised there isn't a really bloody movie based on it.

Then they travel on to Beer where God gives them water- which seems like a practical joke.  And when they reached the city called Prime Rib, God gave them some baloney.

But does this reference mean they traveled all of this way without water?  It might make it easier to empathize with their complaining spirits if they're going days without something to drink- especially days spent on the road.  They may not have dared to complain with the snakes around- and their throats may have been too dry to whine too much.

They are so happy to get water they write a song about it- or at least sang one:
 Spring up, O well! 
  Sing about it,
 about the well that the princes dug,
   that the nobles of the people sank—    the nobles with scepters and staffs.

To my knowledge, this was only a local hit, not getting much airplay internationally.  It was slightly more successful than their anthem about animal sacrifice called "Talkin' Dead Ram Blues" off the album "Blood on the Altar".

The section ends with more travel information.  They made it to Mattanah, Nahaliel, Bamoth, and finally ended up in "the valley in  Moab where the top of  Pisgah overlooks the wasteland."

I hope this is setting up something big, it doesn't seem to have much meat on it's own.

Snakes Alive!
Numbers 21: 4-9


How quickly the tone changes.  Verses ago they vanquish the enemy with the Lord's help, here they're back to complaining.  The Israelites head toward the Red Sea in attempt to avoid Edom- which is interesting in itself.  We'll ask for help to demolish entire cities, but these Edomites are a little too much for us.

But they got impatient on the long path, perhaps a bit grumpy from the realization of their own cowardice, and start shouting out things like- Are we there yet?  Why did we leave Egypt?  Just to die in the wilderness?  Moab won't stop poking me! There's no bread or water!  Can we take a bathroom break?  This food is terrible!

God reaches His breaking point and does more than just pull the car over and take off His belt.  He sends venomous snakes among them resulting in many Israelite deaths.  It seems like most of them should be dead by now with all of this killing.

Not surprisingly, the Israelites change their tune.  Umm, Moses- we might have been a little hasty with that whole we love Egypt bit.  In fact, we've sinned.  Could you maybe do something about these snakes?  Put a good word in for us with that whole prayer thing?

So Moses prays, but instead of God removing the snakes, He tells Moses to make a snake and put it on a pole- and if you get bitten, look at the snake and you'll live.  So Moses makes a bronze snake that serves as healing for the poisoned travelers.

This is a weird story.  Why not just get rid of the snakes?  Or the Israelites?

Perhaps God wants to cut down on the whining.  Removing the snakes would allow them to quickly fall back into complain-mode but an occasional bite on the ankle and glance to the bronze reminder might just keep them in check.

And maybe our prayers work this way too.  We pray for deliverance- but God may not end our problems.  Instead, He may create a way for us to deal with them.  And when we look at the snake, or the cross, or whatever balm has come our way we find peace and hopefully remember who supplied it.

Totally Arad
Numbers 21: 1-3


Short section today that starts out a bit like Little Red Riding Hood.  The Israelites are skipping down the road to Atharim when the big bad wolfish king of Arad hears about it, attacks and captures some of them. So Israel makes a deal with God: “If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy their cities” (like, totally).


So God does...and they do.  And they named the place "destruction."


This is a weird little story.  First, we're miles behind the whole turn the other cheek thing that will come into play much later. But it's troubling that not only do the Israelites think it's a great idea to annihilate these people, God's right on board with it, too.  The destruction is the bargaining chip.   If you release our people for us, we'll kill these people for you (at least that's how I'm reading it).  Why would this be appealing to God?  Maybe it's to teach neighboring communities that you don't mess with Israel, maybe it's to prove the devotion of His followers- but it seems like there could have been much less brutal problem solving method to the situation.


Second, The Israelites aren't just following orders- they come up with this master plan- and they sell it.  They are able to bargain with God.  Millions have tried since, with varied results- but here it's clear that God was willing to work out a deal with them.  I'm not sure what the implications are for us, I still think it's dangerous ground, or maybe less than smart.  God offers what we need by asking, I'm not sure pledging grand, hard to live up to gestures makes these requests any more likely to come true.  


God, please forgive my sins is much better than- God, if You forgive my sins I'll never do it again.... words I may not be able to live up to.  God certainly wants our commitment, but we don't need to haggle with Him for His blessings.

The End of an Aaron


Numbers 20: 22-29


So the group makes it to Mount Hor- and God has a less than happy announcement.  He tells Moses and Aaron  to have Aaron and his son Eleazor go up the mountain- this is the end of the line for Moses' brother. There's no indication that Aaron is sickly, or close to dying- he simply is not going to be allowed to enter the promised land because of that whole water striking incident.  Aaron's clothes are to be removed and put on his son.  This seems to be a passing-of-the-baton ceremony.  I think these ceremonies are more dignified when they don't require old men to take their clothes off.

This punishment is especially interesting because I'm not really sure what Aaron did.  All the action mentioned earlier in the chapter is Moses centered, but Aaron is punished- and punished before Moses.  Maybe this is because Moses is doing the telling.  Is he simply taking all of the blame as a "humble" narrator and we don't have a real sense of how Aaron was actually involved?

This must have been unsettling to Moses on two levels.  Not only is he about to lose his brother, but he has to guess that bad things are coming to him, too.  We're both to blame..he's about to die- now I just wait to find out my own fate.

Moses, his brother and nephew go up the mountain, but only Moses and Eleazar come down.  When the community hears of Aaron's death, they mourn for about a month.

This is a difficult passage to dig a moral out of.  Sin will get you in the end?  God doesn't forget?  Even God's leaders are prone to fall?  Not even Aaron can get to the promised land?

Maybe the bigger lesson is Jesus appreciation.  Without Him, we may find ourselves with the same fate as Aaron, dying on a mountain after struggling so long in the wilderness.

Authorized Personnel Only
Numbers 20: 14-21




So the Israelites reach the city of Kadesh which is occupied by the people of Edom.  This presents a dilemma- in order to progress, they have to cross land owned by other people.  So Moses sends a letter to the king, hoping, apparently to butter him up.

He writes the letter from Edom's "brother, Israel."  You remember us, king.  We're pals.

He then gives some exposition that we've heard before.  Our ancestors lived in Egypt, the people there weren't very good to us, but God heard us and sent an angel to lead us out.  Which brings us to you... see we've come to Kadesh and we know it's your land.  So... we're hoping you'd let us skedaddle on through.  We promise to keep out of fields and vineyards and we'll keep away from wells.  We aren't looking for any kind of handout, we just want a peaceful jaunt through the city.  We won't wander off the King's Highway until we pass through your territory.  Sincerely, Moe.

Edom's response was less kind.  Ummm... nope.  If you try, we'll march out with swords.  Lasting friendships will not be the result.

So the Israelites tried again.

Look, if our livestock drinks any water- we'll pay for it.  This could be great PR for you.  All we want is to march through on foot.  C'mon, be a pal.

But the response remained,  No means no!

So Edom came out with a large army and the Israelites turned away.

My initial reaction here (and perhaps the correct one) is that this is an Israelite mistake.  They didn't wait for God and tried to take manners into their own hands.  And when things got heated, they forgot the power of their God and backed down.  Oh ye of little faith.

And while this may play out in what comes later (I don't remember where this story leads), it may be that this is an opportunity for that rare sighting of Old Testament grace.  They could have marched through with trumpets blaring smiting Edomites all willy-nilly.  But instead, they attempted a peaceful approach.  This wasn't  the crusades, it was a way to reach out with the hopes of peace for all involved.  And when that wasn't accepted, a retreat to regroup and plan was the next step.

And maybe instead of "standing up for truth" with fire and brimstone on our lips and judgment on our hearts, tactful dialogue aimed at understanding, compromise, and enhanced relationships is a better goal for outreach.  All I am saying is give peace a chance.

Since these folks often have God's direct voice, it's easy to assume they always do.  Maybe God's silence left confusion as to the way to best approach the situation.  And this is Moses improvising.  At least, at this point, no one has died in the encounter.  I have a feeling God's people won't be denied forever.

Strike Two
Numbers 20:1-13


So the Israelites arrived at the Desert of Zin- a happening place, I'm sure- lots of hot spots.  For a month, they stayed at Kadesh, and during this time Miriam died and they buried her there.

As you might expect, a desert wasn't the most opportune place to access water for the community.  So the people started whining.  "Why didn't God strike us dead, too?  Couldn't we have just died where we were? If we were gonna die anyhow- at least we wouldn't have had to walk so far.  There's no grain or figs or grapes or pomegranates- oh and did we mention... NO WATER?"

So Moses and Aaron bowed down at the entrance to the tent of meeting.  God told Moses to take his staff, and he and Aaron together were to gather the assembly.  He was to speak to the rock "before their eyes" and water would pour out for both the community and their livestock,

Moses seems to be a little agitated by all of this. He took the staff and they brought the group together and he berates them a bit:  "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?"  Then he struck the rock twice and water poured out.


This was perhaps a little more drama-filled of a scene than God wanted- and he chastised Moses about it.  God said, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”


So you have to feel for Moses here.  First off, he's recently lost his sister.  Second, he's had to listen to a lot of complaining- and although ultimately the complaining may have been geared toward God- some of it was likely about Moses.  As God's spokesman, it would be easy to take the complaints personally even if they weren't directly pointed at you.  And it's a pretty heavy punishment- not in comparison to those who were earlier struck dead, but still- all this wandering and you'll never get to the promised land.

I've always heard this story was about Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it as God instructed, but I'm not so sure.  God tells Moses to take the staff.  If striking is a no-no, it seems like God is setting him up by putting the staff in his hand.  What is it for, then?  There's also precedence.  God has had him strike rocks for water before.  You probably remember our lively discussion four years ago found here: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2007/06/moses-rocks-exodus-17-1-7-so-they-leave.html

So God tells him to take the staff and has previously instructed him to strike the rock.  It seems like God would point out..."but don't strike it like last time,"  if that was so important.  I think the key might instead be in what Moses says to the people (and more importantly what that statement says about how Moses views himself).  He asks them "must we bring you water out of that rock?" (italics mine).  God and I?

Maybe the point is that Moses isn't saying, "praise God from whom all blessings(and water) flow"- but instead "you're lucky you have the two of us, God and I, to take care of your problems."  Maybe the message from God is- hold on there, Moe- you aren't quite all that you think you are.

And maybe the lesson for us as we go about striving to do go works is to remember that the good we can do shouldn't elevate ourselves (even though in a very real sense we may be sacrificing, working, loving, devoting).  The focus should still be God.  Our gifts shouldn't feel like crumbs off of the king's table for the peons lucky enough to be nearby- but instead should be given through humility, through compassion, and for God's glory (even if His name is never mentioned).

I think it's important to note that even when Moses' attitude was lacking, the rock still poured water.  The people weren't penalized for Moses' disposition.  God still uses us even when we aren't on our "A" game.

The section ends pointing out that these waters were the waters of quarreling.  Moses points out that although the Israelites fought with God here- He was proven holy.  Even Moses couldn't prevent that from happening.

Splish Splash
Numbers 19


And so we return to the latest edition of things that make you unclean.  I think we've covered this before- but this passage deals with the consequences of touching a dead body (for the living person, the dead guy doesn't seem to mind much).

First off, it seems that just in case you might come into contact with a dead body (and who knows, there do seem to be quite a few of them around) you or someone in the community need(s) to take a red cow to Eleazar the priest.  Eleazar will watch as the cow is escorted outside of camp and slaughtered.  Eleazar will then get some blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the tent of meeting.  Then Eleazar is to stick around and witness the cow being torched: it's hide, flesh, blood, and intestines.  Then he's supposed to take some cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool and put them on the burning cow.  I have no idea why.

After the priest and the man doing the burning wash their clothes, they can come back into camp, but they are both still ceremonially unclean until evening.

Then somebody clean comes and gathers the ashes and takes them somewhere clean (ceremonially clean- not just tidy)in the camp to be stored until needed.  I get the impression that these are community ashes, not just a jar carefully labeled with your(or your cow's) name. The ash-gatherer also needs to wash his clothes and is unclean until evening.

These ashes are to be used for the water of cleansing- which is for purification for sins.  So, if you touch a corpse (as you may be wont to do) you purify yourself with this water on the third and seventh days following your contact; because what gets you cleaner than water mixed with cow ash?  This seems to be a sprinkling- for ceremony not literal cleaning.  People who aren't purified after shaking hands with a  corpse (or any other contact) are to be cut off from Israel- they remain unclean. They have defiled the sanctuary of the LORD.   Those getting purified are clean after seven days.

Then come all the scenarios for all you what-iffers out there.  If someone dies in a tent?  Everyone in the tent and anyone who enters is unclean- so are all open jars.

You are unclean if you...touch someone killed with a sword, touch someone who died of natural causes, touch a human bone, or touch a human grave.  In all of these cases, if you use the water you are only unclean for seven days.

Finally we find out how the process works- because we were all on the edge of our seats.  If you're unclean you put some of those ashes into a jar and pour some fresh water over them.  Then you find someone who is clean (but don't touch them or they will become unclean) and get them to dip some hyssop into the mixture and sprinkle everything that was involved with the dead body- the tent, furnishings, all the people who were there, and anyone who touched those things listed above. This is to happen on the third and seventh days.  On the seventh day he is to purify them.. I don't know what this would involve for the clean person except maybe just declaring them pure.  The unclean person is to bathe with water and wash his clothes on the seventh day.

The human sprinkler is to wash his own clothes- and anyone else who touches this water is also unclean until evening as is anything an unclean person touches and everyone who touches something an unclean person touched.

If you're in the vicinity, you're probably unclean.

I'm not sure I'm too enriched after reading this passage except for appreciating Jesus making all of this unnecessary.  And really appreciating my job- I wouldn't have enjoyed being the community ash-gatherer.

Meta-tithes
Numbers 18: 8-32


God seems to be emphasizing to Aaron that the Levites are getting a pretty good deal out of this servants of the temple thing.  First off, they get grain, sin, and guilt offerings.  The people bring them as a sacrifice to God - and God gives the most holy part of the sacrifice kept from the fire to Aaron's family.  These are to be treated as holy- and every male needs to eat from them.

Plus- they get wave offerings, and the best olive oil and new wine and grain brought as the first-fruits of the harvest.  Anyone who is ceremonially clean can dig in.  Plus- all firstborn from every womb belong to them- however they must redeem all human firstborn and unclean animals.  At a month of age they are to accept five shekels of silver for them.

But cows, sheep, and goats?  Splash that blood on the altar.  Burn the fat as an offering and enjoy the steak for yourself.   He refers to this as an "everlasting covenant of salt" which is a bit confusing to me- but regardless this seems to be intended as a long term arrangement.

However, this is it- they don't get another inheritance.  The Levites get all the tithes in exchange for all the work they will do- but THEY must do the work.  Israelites must no longer go near the tent of meeting or they will die.

Now the Levites are to take the tithes, and give Aaron ten percent of them.  They are to offer grain from the threshing floor or juice from the winepress.  It should be the best and holiest of what they were given.  By offering the best, they will be free to enjoy the rest of the blessing without defiling what was offered.

I think it's interesting that the people serving God weren't exempt from paying tribute to Him.  Although their payment came from other's work, God still expected sacrifice from them, too.  Maybe the lesson here is to remember that now matter how noble our work may be- no matter what level of service we label our work with, what we're given in exchange (no matter how large or small) still comes from God.  And us such, He expects us to sacrifice (whether financially and/or otherwise).

Family Responsibilities
Numbers 18: 1-7


Perhaps in an effort to make the point more clear, God speaks to Aaron instead of Moses and says- "Your family is responsible for any mishaps regarding the sanctuary- and you and your sons will bear the guilt for any transgression involving the priesthood.  Bring the Levites to help you  They are accountable to you- and can help with all the tent duties, but they've got to keep away from the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar.  If they come near them, both they and you will die. They will help with all the tent work, but that's it- no one else can come near where you are."

"This set-up is to prevent another situation like we just had- I'm trying to spare the Israelites from My wrath.  I'm  giving you the Levites as a gift which I selected for you.  But remember, anything inside the curtain or near the altar is just for you and your sons.  This priesthood is a gift- anyone else who comes near is to be put to death."

So this massive responsibility is a gift?  Can I just get a gift card to Outback instead?  Would they have viewed this massive undertaking with the potential for death as a blessing?  Or would they too be longing for the slavery of Egypt?

What I find interesting here is the group punishment idea.  Both the lawbreakers and Aaron's family die if these commandments aren't  kept.  If it happens too often, wouldn't they run out of priests?

It seems like the shared responsibility would be an effective tool in keeping the law.  I think that people may be less likely to engage in individually risky behavior if they are reminded that this behavior will result in the death of innocent parties.

It seems like a similar mentality to what a kidnapper does to influence behavior- if you don't follow my rules, your loved ones will get it.  I'm not very comfortable with God being a kidnapper in this metaphor, but perhaps this if you won't do it for Me or yourself, at least do it for others mentality was just the next step in getting people to realize that sin has consequences beyond the sinner.

And in fact, perhaps it's simply a way for us to see that our sin does that too.  We aren't responsible for each other's sins- but if we are aware of the ripple effect- the pain my lies, my greed, my lust, my pride all cause other people, maybe I'll be more conscious of keeping those things in check.

Fat chance, but it's a lovely thought in theory.

Almond Joy
Numbers 17


So God tells Moses that He's going to put an end to all of these chest pumping, I'm God's vessel complexes the Israelites seem to be having.  He has Moses collect a staff from the leader of each tribe.  After the leader's name is written on each corresponding staff, they are placed in front of the ark of the covenant.  The man He chooses will have a staff that has sprouted.

So the next day when Moses goes to check on the staffs. Aaron's has not only sprouted, but has budded, blossomed, and produced almonds. Moses shows the staffs off and returns the  non-blossoming staffs but God tells him to return Aaron's where it had been near the ark.  This is to serve as a "sign to the rebellious."

He says it will "put an end to their grumbling against me, so that they will not die."

However, instead of bringing peace, it freaks the Israelites out.  We're doomed!  You can't go near the tabernacle and live!  Is this it for us?  Are we going to die?

I'm struck by how different God's mood is here, just one chapter later.  Earlier Moses pleads with God to spare the camp and in His wrath He sends the plague.  Here, without any recorded solicitation from Moses, God has a plan to spare them from future wrath.  He wants to stop their grumbling so they won't be the recipients of future wrath.

God wants us to be spared- God wants us to be at peace with Him- and while prayer is an amazing opportunity to bond with Him- He (at least here) is looking for ways to spare us future pain whether we're looking for those ways or not.

Second- what God intends as relief, the Israelites turn into stress.  This fig leaf from God- this clarity of His will- doesn't make things easier for them... instead they freak out.

Can we take things God intends as blessings and make them not only worthless, but thorns in our sides- opportunities that we resent, relationships that we take for granted, gifts that we squander and use in ways He never intended?  God may be giving us everything we need- but because of our lacking in wisdom we miss the big picture.

Instead of seeing His gift of peace, we assume we're going to die.