Miriam, Moses' sister dies. Shortly thereafter, the people complain for a lack of water. Moses, instructed to speak to the rock for the water supply, becomes frustrated and strikes the rock. God punishes this disobedience by promising Moses that he will not set foot in the promised land. Soon, Aaron dies. As the people continue to travel, the surrounding nations set themselves against the Hebrew nation. God delivers His people in battle, yet they are unsatisfied and complaining. Fiery serpents are sent which prove lethal to many. Moses delivers the people from this plague by forming a bronze serpent and putting it on a pole for people to look at for deliverance. Jesus uses this incident in John 3 to illustrate that God's plan of redemption involves an elevation of One able to rescue from the power of sin.
Not all nations are openly hostile to Israel. Balak, wanting to destroy Israel without being destroyed hires the services of the prophet Balaam. Balaam, however, is thwarted from going by an angel that only his donkey can see. The angel finally gest Balaam's attention and he promises to only give the message that God would give to him.
No comments:
Post a Comment