Journey to the Plains of Moab
In the previous section of the book of Numbers (Ch.13 – Ch. 20) we studied the main arch of both Moses and Aaron's leadership time over the Jewish people. According to the Bible, the Israelites left Mount Sinai on the 20th day of the second month of the second year after their departure from Egypt (Numbers 10:11-12).
During this time God gave Moses the Law and the instructions for building the Tabernacle. In addition to this, they built the Tabernacle complex and its furnishings in preparation for setting it up in the Promised Land, a journey that would have taken only a few months.
However, after sending out the spies to assess the land and upon their return the negative report of 10 of these men caused the people to rebel and threaten to return to Egypt. In response to this, God punished the people by causing them to remain in the wilderness 40 years (one year for every day that the spies searched out the land).
Near the end of this time, that generation, except the faithful spies Joshua and Caleb, died in the desert along with both Miriam and Aaron. Only Moses was left of that era's leadership. In Numbers 20:12 he is told that he, also, will not enter the Promised Land with the people because he failed to follow God's instructions to speak to a rock to bring forth water for the Israelites at Meribah. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. As a result of this act of disobedience, God tells Moses and Aaron: "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."
In Deuteronomy 32:48-52, God reminds Moses of this consequence and allows him to view the land from afar before his death. In the meantime, there is still one last leg of the journey to complete to the plains of Moab which will serve as a staging area for the people's entry into the Promised Land. This is where we pick up the story in Numbers 21.
Content – Numbers 21-25
Chapters 21 to 25 of the Book of Numbers narrate a series of crucial events as the Israelites journey through the wilderness, approaching the Promised Land. These chapters include conflicts, divine interventions, prophecies, and moral failures, each reflecting significant themes and lessons for the Israelites.
Chapter 21: Journey to the Transjordan
The term "Transjordan" refers to the area east of the Jordan River, which is now roughly encompassed by the modern state of Jordan. In the context of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Numbers, the Transjordan is significant as the region where the Israelites encamped before crossing into the Promised Land, and where several tribes eventually settled.
The Arad Victory (Numbers 21:1-3)
After the Canaanite king of Arad attacks Israel, the Israelites vow to destroy their cities if God delivers them into their hands. This victory signifies God's ongoing support for Israel's conquests.
The Journey from Mount Hor (Numbers 21:4-9)
A familiar pattern repeats itself here. Right on the heels of their great victory in battle largely powered by their trust in God to overcome their enemies, the Israelites complain against God and Moses about the lack of food and water. In response, God sends venomous snakes among the people, and many are bitten and die.
The Bronze Snake
As a remedy, God instructs Moses to make a snake out of bronze and set it on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live. Moses obeys, and those who look upon the bronze snake after being bitten are healed (Numbers 21:4-9).
Type and Antitype
Before going on about the significance of the snake and its role in healing, I want to explain a theological principle known as Type and Antitype. In biblical theology, the concepts of "type" and "antitype" are used to describe how events, persons, or things in the Old Testament prefigure and foreshadow greater truths revealed in the New Testament.
Type
A "type" is a real, historical event, person, or object in the Old Testament that serves as a prophetic symbol or example, pointing forward to a future event or person. Types are often seen as patterns or models that have both a direct significance at the time of their occurrence and an additional, deeper significance when linked to later Christian teachings.
Antitype
The "antitype" is the fulfillment or realization of the "type" in the New Testament. It is often revealed through the person, work, or teachings of Jesus Christ. The antitype not only fulfills the type but usually exceeds it in meaning and significance, providing the ultimate interpretation of what the type was pointing towards.
Examples
1. Adam as a Type
Adam is described as a "type" of Christ in Romans 5:14, where Paul calls him a "pattern" of the one to come. Adam's actions affect all humanity through sin, and he serves as a figure of Christ, who, unlike Adam, brings righteousness and life to all humanity through His obedience.
2. Jonah as a Type
Jesus refers to Jonah's experience in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights as a sign that points to His own death, burial, and resurrection after three days (Matthew 12:40).
Theological Significance: The bronze snake, therefore, serves as a means of salvation for the Israelites, symbolizing God's provision and grace in the face of judgment. It also reflects the consequences of sin and the immediacy of God's mercy when His people turn to Him in faith. The snake is a "type" representing this theological idea introduced here in the Old Testament.
John 3:14-15 – The Antitype in the New Testament
Jesus refers to the bronze snake in His conversation with Nicodemus. He says,
14"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him."
- John 3:14-15 NIV
Theological Significance: Jesus draws a parallel between the bronze snake being lifted on a pole (the type) and His own upcoming crucifixion (the antitype). The analogy underscores that just as the bronze snake was a source of physical healing and salvation from immediate death, Christ on the cross is the source of spiritual healing and eternal salvation.
Key Theological Themes produced by the snake Type/Antitype
- Salvation through Faith: Both narratives emphasize faith as the mechanism for salvation. Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze snake to be healed (this was the expression of faith required by God), in the New Testament individuals must repent and be baptized – Acts 2:38 (this is the expression of faith required by God today) in order to be saved.
- Divine Grace in Response to Judgment: The bronze snake was provided as a means of grace and mercy in response to God's judgment for sin. Similarly, the crucifixion of Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's grace in making restitution for our sins and thus offering forgiveness and life in response to the judgment our sins deserve.
- Symbol of Sin and Curse: In the Bible, snakes are often symbols of sin and evil (e.g., Genesis 3), and being lifted on a pole or tree was a sign of being cursed (Deuteronomy 21:23). Christ's crucifixion, where He is metaphorically "lifted up" as sin itself and as bearing a curse, fulfills this symbolism, taking upon Himself the curse of sin to provide healing and salvation to all who believe.
Typology enriches biblical interpretation by linking the Old Testament with the New Testament, demonstrating the unified plan of God across the Scriptures. It helps believers understand how historical events and laws from the Old Testament find their ultimate meaning in Christ revealed in the New Testament.
The Song of the Well and Conquests Over Amorites (Numbers 21:10-20, 21-35)
Israel sings a song celebrating the well provided by God, and they conquer territories from the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. These victories highlight God's direct involvement in granting them success, preparing them for the impending conquest of Canaan. The Israelites now controlled the land east of the Jordan river from which they could prepare to conquer and settle the land on the western side of the Jordan river known as Canaan.
Chapter 22-24: Balaam's Involvement
Balak's Invitation to Balaam (Numbers 22:1-21)
Balak, king of Moab, summons Balaam to curse Israel because of his fear that this large number of people will overrun his land. Balaam's journey is marked by an angelic intervention that his donkey perceives, teaching about God's control over all nations and the protection of His people. This is where Balaam's donkey answers the prophet when being questioned by him.
Balaam's Prophecies (Numbers 22:22-24:25)
Despite his initial intentions and encouragement by the king to curse the Israelites, Balaam blesses Israel multiple times instead, proclaiming their prosperity and dominance. These blessings reinforce the divine favor upon Israel and God's plan for their future. While specific details about Balak's death or further actions are not detailed directly after the events of Numbers 22-24, his name reappears as part of Israel's history in retrospective references, warning against similar enmity towards Israel (Micah 6:5, where Balak's interactions with Balaam are recalled as a reminder of God's protection over Israel).
Chapter 25: Peor and its Aftermath
Counsel against Israel
Despite his prophetic proclamations in favor of Israel during his oracles, Balaam later played a role in leading Israel into sin. He is mentioned as having advised the Midianites on how to corrupt Israel by leading them into idolatry and immorality with Moabite women (Numbers 31:16).
This began with Israelite men being seduced by Moabite women into fornication as well as participation in Baal worship, specifically of the local god, Baal of Peor (Numbers 25:1).
The climax of this sinful behavior occurred when a Jewish man actually brought a Midianite woman, this time, into the camp and into his tent thus defiling not only himself but the camp. This act led to a rebellion with many leaders falling into idolatry and caused a severe plague to fall on the camp.
Phinehas's Zealous Act (Numbers 25:6-18)
Phinehas, Aaron's grandson, ends the plague by killing the couple (Jewish man and Midianite woman) involved in the apostasy, earning him a covenant of peace and a perpetual priesthood from God. This act symbolized the importance of zeal for God's law and the impact of righteous actions on communal well-being.
Death
Balaam's end comes when he is killed by the Israelites during a military campaign against the Midianites later on, as instructed by God. His death is mentioned explicitly in Numbers 31:8,
They killed the kings of Midian along with the rest of their slain: Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the five kings of Midian; they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword.
Significance of These Events
- Preparation for Conquest: The military victories and divine interventions in these chapters serve to prepare and reassure the Israelites of their ability to conquer the land promised to them, with God's direct support and guidance.
- Spiritual and Moral Lessons: The events involving the bronze snake and Balaam's blessings highlight the themes of salvation, divine protection, and the fulfillment of God's promises. These narratives strengthen the Israelites' trust in God's plans and their spiritual identity.
- Consequences of Disobedience: The incident at Peor illustrates the severe consequences of straying from God's commandments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity and devotion amidst external influences.
Note: The following chapters 26 and 27 of the Book of Numbers document significant transitional events as the Israelites prepare for their entry into the Promised Land. These chapters focus on a new census, inheritance laws, and the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. Here's an orderly explanation of each event along with passage references and their significance:
Chapter 26: The Second Census
Conducting the Census (Numbers 26:1-4)
God commands Moses and Eleazar to take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans–all men 20 years old or older who can serve in the army. This occurs after the plague associated with the Baal Peor incident.
Results of the Census (Numbers 26:5-51)
The census lists each tribe's male population. This new count reflects those who will enter the Promised Land, excluding the generation that came out of Egypt, as they were decreed to die in the wilderness due to their disobedience (except for Caleb and Joshua).
Significance: This census serves to organize and prepare the new generation for conquest and settlement. It underscores a shift from the old generation that experienced the Exodus to the new one that will experience the conquest of Canaan.
Levite Census and Inheritance Instructions
Census of the Levites (Numbers 26:57-62)
The Levites are counted from a month old and above, highlighting their distinct role and duties separate from military functions.
No Inheritance in the Land (Numbers 26:52-56)
While the land is to be distributed to the tribes according to the census numbers, the Levites are not to receive a territorial inheritance; their inheritance is the Lord and the offerings given to Him.
Significance: The arrangement reinforces the Levites' special status and duties in the religious life of Israel, focusing on spiritual service over territorial governance.
Chapter 27: Inheritance Laws and Leadership Transition
Daughters' Rights to Inheritance (Numbers 27:1-11)
The daughters of Zelophehad petition to inherit their father's land, as he had no sons. God instructs Moses to grant them their inheritance, setting a precedent for inheritance rights for daughters in the absence of sons.
Significance: This adjustment in the law promotes justice and equity in Israelite society, ensuring family legacy and property continuity even in the absence of male heirs.
Succession of Leadership (Numbers 27:12-23)
God tells Moses that he will not enter the Promised Land and instructs him to appoint Joshua as his successor. Moses lays hands on Joshua before Eleazar the priest and the whole community, conferring authority on him.
Significance: This transition of leadership is critical for maintaining continuity and stability. Joshua's appointment underlines the importance of godly leadership and the need for public endorsement and divine appointment in leadership transitions.
Overall Significance to the Journey
These chapters are pivotal as they deal with reorganization and preparation of the Israelite community for life in Canaan:
- Military Victories: The military successes in Chapter 21 demonstrate God's support for Israel and signify their growing readiness as a conquering nation, a key aspect of their identity.
- Divine Protection and Guidance: The narratives about the bronze snake and Balaam underscore God's protective guidance and His plans for Israel's blessing, reinforcing their special status as His chosen people.
- Moral and Spiritual Tests: The incident at Peor represents a critical test of Israel's loyalty to Yahweh, illustrating the constant threat of apostasy and the need for vigilance in maintaining covenant faithfulness.
- Preparatory Actions: The census prepares the nation for military and civic action in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.
- Legal and Social Foundations: Establishing inheritance laws, including those for women, helps in laying down a more equitable societal structure.
- Leadership Continuity: Ensuring a smooth leadership transition from Moses to Joshua helps in maintaining morale and direction as the Israelites stand on the brink of fulfilling the promise of entering the Promised Land.
Each event in these chapters teaches lessons about God's protection, the consequences of disobedience, and the importance of remaining faithful to divine commands. They collectively mold the character and destiny of the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
In addition to this, they collectively emphasize readiness—militarily, legally, and leadership-wise—for the significant changes awaiting the Israelites as they transition from wanderers to settlers.
Lessons From the Journey
1. Depend on God's Provision and Protection First
In Numbers 21, when the Israelites face venomous snakes as a result of their complaints and lack of faith, God provides a means of healing through the bronze snake lifted by Moses. This event emphasizes reliance on God's provision even in punishment or correction.
Lesson for Christians: This teaches Christians the importance of looking to God for sustenance, healing, and protection first, especially in times of distress or dissatisfaction with life's circumstances. It's not faith if our attitude is, "Well, we might as well pray…it can't hurt." My point here is that going to God for help first should be our natural "go to" move when things get tough.
2. God is Sovereign Over the plans of Human Beings
In Numbers 22-24, Balaam's intent to curse Israel is overridden by God, who turns the intended curses into blessings. Despite Balak's persistent attempts to harm Israel through curses, God's protective hand over His people changes curses into blessings.
Lesson for Christians: This narrative underscores the sovereignty of God over all human plans and intentions. It encourages Christians to trust in God's overarching plans for their lives, even when we don't quite understand, especially when we don't understand! With God, all things are possible, however, not everything comes with an explanation. That's why and how we walk by faith.
3. The Dangers of Compromise and the Need for Moral Integrity
In Numbers 25, the Israelites engage in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, leading to God's severe judgment. Phinehas's zealous act of killing the sinning Israelite and Midianite woman stops the plague sent as punishment, showcasing a drastic but necessary action to preserve the holiness of the community.
Lesson for Christians: This stark event highlights the dangers of compromising one's faith by conforming to the secular and pagan practices surrounding us. For Christians, it's a call to uphold moral integrity and remain faithful to God's commandments, even in a culture that might encourage contrary behavior.
Zeal for God's holiness in an unbelieving, even pagan environment is what creates the light in the darkness. We can't show people the "way" by compromising our behavior so we'll be accepted by unbelievers. That's what the world likes, low intensity Christians who contribute to the darkness instead of lighting up the darkness.
Each of these lessons from Numbers 21 to 27 encourages Christians to navigate their spiritual journeys with faith, trust in God's sovereignty, and uncompromised moral integrity. Remember what Paul said in I Corinthians 10:11 concerning what was written in the Old Testament:
Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
- I Corinthians 10:11