Week 1: Day 5- Numbers 9:23

Week 1 Passage: Numbers 9:15-23

At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed; they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
Numbers 9:23

Explanation

God’s commandments in this passage are connected to his presence and leading. Two actions are summarized here- journeying and resting. There was a time for work and there was a time for rest. The commands came through His relationship to them.

The cloud and the pillar rested at the tabernacle. This was the place that God accepted their sacrifices and atoned for their sin. This was all a picture of the coming Christ- the lamb of God that would take away the sin of the world.

This entire section is a chiasm with the focus being obedience:

A- At the command of the Lord the people would camp (18)
- B- The people would not journey as long as the cloud continued. (19)
  - X- They would remain and journey by the cloud (20)
  - X- They would remain and journey by the cloud (21)
- B- The people would not journey as long as the cloud continued. (22)
A- At the command ofthe Lord the people would remained encamped. (23)

Application

Redemption can not come through our obedience, but because of Christ’s obedience we can receive redemption. Redemption always should lead to obedeince. Look to the great commission. God calls us to teach them “to observe all things I have commanded you.”

God elected to give the promises and covenants through Israel. he chose to reveal Himself to them. As a result of that election He rightly demands obedience. Obedience to Him was always what was best for them.

So it is with us. When we respond to God’s offer of forgiveness, He redeems us and puts us into His family. As a loving Father he desires obedience from us and for us. The good news is that He also empowers and enables us to do it by His Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This leads to His glory being magnified by our lives!