Flesh to Eat Numbers 11

Numbers 11:5 "We remember the fish, which we id eat in Egypt freely, the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:"

Sounds sort of like the children wanted a pizza. Not really. They have become displeased with eating only the angel food or manna the Lord was sending them for their daily bread. Sadly, if they had just waited a little longer and not rebelled in the next couple of chapters, they would have had all these things in abundance. But they lost their patience. What happened?

V4 "And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?"

Provisions had been made for them to adopt strangers into their ranks but now the strangers have influenced them in the wrong way. Up to this point Israel had listened to the instructions of the Lord through Moses and did all of them. Now Moses can hear them weeping in their tents and he is touched deeply.

V14 "I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me." He told the Lord. So, in response to his plea, the Lord told him to appoint seventy men to help him. v16

But still there was the problem of the people wanting flesh to eat. The Bible called it lusting.

The Lord became angry with them and brought in quails for them, enough to feed all "six hundred thousand footman" v21 of them. But he was still angry even after he brought the quail, because of their unbelief and rebellion and their longing for a place where they had been enslaved. They seem to have totally forgotten that they were so close to the promised land which flowed with milk and honey.

The people stood up and ate the quail that day, that night and the next day. The quail were two cubits high.

v33 "And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague."

They buried the dead and then journeyed to Hazeroth.

Proverbs 16:25 "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

First March Numbers 10

Numbers 10:2 "Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly and for the journeying of the camps."

A signal is planned so that the congregation will know what to do and move as a single unit. The trumpet is used to give the signal with different blast used for different task to be performed.

Next the order of the march is set up i.e. who goes first, where is the tabernacle in the march and etc. I've made a list if I got it right: Judah, tabernacle, Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Sanctuary, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan Asher Naphtali. So as I see it, Judah would move out and then comes the tabernacle with the ark and so on.

So with the order of march and the signals Israel goes on their first march:

V33 "And they departed from the mount of the Lord three days journey: and the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them."

Psalm 127:1 "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."

Stand Still Numbers 9

Numbers 9:8 "And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you." See chapter 7 verses 89

Some of the people came to Moses with a 'what if' question. It concerned the passover and whether one who had been defiled(touched or been near) by a dead body. Should they observe the passover or not?

The answer was yes.

v10"..If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the Lord."

It occurred on the fourteenth day of the second month. v11

This passage of Moses speaking "stand still" reminds me of another passage In Exodus:

"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see he salvation of the Lord,..."

The people are in a bad spot, it appears, with water before them and the army behind them. But Moses says to 'stand still'. Wait on the Lord.

II Chronicles 20:15 - 17 " Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed... v16 Tomorrow go ye down against them... v17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you..."

All battles are not ours to fight.Some the Lord takes care of all by himself. v15 "...for the battle is not yours, but God's."

Samuel talking to Saul in 1 Samuel 9:27 "...but stand still a while, that I may show thee the word of God."

We often get all in a whirl when trouble comes. It is not always because we have made a mistake. Really, it may be because we are doing something for the Lord that the battle comes. Satan does not like it when we do something that causes someone to come to the Lord. He will launch an attack to stop us. Sometimes it is us or a loved one or our job or money problems. We need to 'stand still' and see what God will do.

Reference Romans 5:2, 14:4 I cor 2:5, 16:13 Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 6:13

Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. v14 Stand therefore..."

It seems that although we are not to be often idle. It is also our place to stand and be a witness as the Lord fights the battles that are too much for us. Stand Still.

We should note that when the cloud was upon the tabernacle the people stayed where they were (rested), when the cloud moved from off the tabernacle the people journeyed. v21.

Psalm 104:32 "He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke."

Lamps and Candlestick Numbers 8

Numbers 8:2 "Speak unto Aaron and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick."

This chapter is a review of previous commandments. It tells again of the Levites being separated for service in the sanctuary under Aaron's direction. Also, that the Levites were taken in place of the firstborn which the Lord had declared has his in Egypt.

The new element introduced is the length of service for the Levites. It was to be from age 25 to the age of 50. After that time, they were to minister 'with their brethren' v26 but 'shall do no service'.

Proverbs 18:1 "Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom"

Covered Wagons Numbers 7

Numbers 7:2-3 "That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered: And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: an they brought them before the tabernacle."

It is simple math. Each tribe offered 1 ox and they joined by 2's to offer a wagon loaded with treasures. Such things as silver and gold were offered and it was not just a meager amount. It added up to a great sum. For twelve days the offerings came in. Look at verse 61 and on:

"His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering: One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:"

And it continues on with the animal offerings for burnt offerings, peace offerings...

v84 "This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed..."

We seem to go back and forth in time but usually the chapter will tell us where we are in time.

v1 "And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof..."

Within this long chapter there are many lessons, I related to two in particular. Verse 9 tells us that the sons of Kohath received none of the many offerings brought forth in the twelve days. They have been assigned the task of carrying their burdens on their shoulders.

v9 "But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders."

Life is often like that. While some seem to have it made with plenty of material goods and all they need to get along. Can we say easy by all appearances? Others must carry heavy burdens with no other help but brute force. But their is help, it is not brute force alone but faith that carries us and helps us bear our load. It is a much better help than a covered wagon.

It is unfortunate and something we must all guard against, that bitterness gets inside us when we see others having it made while we struggle. It may be that we are stronger even though we do not feel so. It may be that those others could not bear the load we carry though it must be carried by someone.

We can only see the dust under our feet as we bend low and the flashing wheels as they rock along. By faith we should know that God sees the future and each person's individual needs and capabilities. As one whose health as failed, I can tell you that riding in the wagon is not all that great when you remember the strength you once had to put strong shoulders under a load.

Perhaps being unable to shoulder a load is worse than standing under the load with strength to spare. The good part is the Lord knows and grace shelters us all.

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It will make this lesson a little long but let us look at verse 89. It is here that Moses speaks with the Lord for perhaps the first time in the most holy place. That is based on verse 1.

"And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spake unto him."

Moses knew the voice of the Lord for they had conversed many times. This, however, is the crowning of all the labor and instructions. It is a promise fulfilled that the Lord would dwell among the people.

Later on it appears that Moses often went to talk with the Lord when he had a problem or a question just as we would go to a parent. Such terms as "spoke face to face" "my servant Moses" "meekest man" are phrases of endearment toward Moses. I can't find it now but I remember a place where someone came to Moses and he just said, I'll go ask the Lord and off he went, assured he would come back with the answer.

Billy Sunday's wife once said that Mister Sunday prayed so much in his later years that she could not tell when he was praying and when he was talking to her.

There is much to learn from the relationship between Moses and the Lord as the laws were given and the tabernacle was built. From the burning bush to the cloud over the tabernacle, it has been a journey.

Psalm 107:14 "He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder."

Nazarites Numbers 6

Numbers 6:2 "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the Lord:"

Here in chapter six is the first time I have seen the vow of a Nazarite (Nazirite) mentioned in the Bible. I found no other history on the subject than what starts here. We know that Samson was a Nazarite but that is later on in Judges.

There were distinct requirements of the vow:

v3 No strong drink - in fact he was to eat nothing from the vine tree v4
v5 No razor shall come upon his head
v6 Not come near dead bodies - even if someone in his family died v7 If someone died near him or her - he was defiled and had to start over - the previous days were lost v12

When the days of separation are complete, he/she is to bring the offerings to the tabernacle v14

"And he shall offer his offering unto the Lord, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,"

v15 continues the offerings and the process. v18 The Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings."

So regardless of where the Nazarite vow started or if it started here, it is incorporated into the law by the Lord and so is not an option if someone chooses this path.

At the end of this chapter is a prayer that I have often heard but never knew where it came from and so I quote it from Numbers 6 verses 24,25,26.

"The Lord bless thee and keep thee:

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Lepers,Jealousy Bitter Water Numbers 5

Numbers 5:3 "Both Male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell."

It may seem a cruel thing to do. I had some problem myself. The thing to remember is that Israel is preparing for war. Only if the children of Israel are clean will they receive the victory that is possible. The Lord is their strength and he will not occupy space with uncleanliness.

They were not cast away but put out of the camp. It was a common thing for lepers to dwell separately.

V6 "Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin hat men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty: V7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: .....

The passage goes on to describe the method for cleansing from their sin. I John 1:9 describes how, as Christians, we are to deal with our sin.

Jealousy

v14 "And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:"

We all know what jealousy can do to a group of people. It would be bad to go off to war with the men jealous of each other over their wives. So this deals with that issue. The test falls on the woman. The test seems to be to remove doubt even when no deed was done.

Bitter water

V17 "And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel, and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take and put it into the water:"

The woman was to drink the liquid as a trial of her guilt. If she was innocent, she was restored. If she was not innocent she had physical ailments in her lower body.

The Bible seems to be dealing with some issues as they arise and incorporating them into the law. You will see here many of the practices of some denominations. Also some terms which will not appear in the New Testament i.e. holy water. Not that I remember anyway.

Proverbs 5:3-4 "For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword."

Romans 6:15 "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."

Service of Levites Numbers 4

Numbers 4:3 "From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

v48 "Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore." 8580.

The tabernacle was taken down and put back up often, as Israel moved about the wilderness. Aaron and his priest were responsible for keeping the holy things holy. There was a procedure we have already discussed for entering into the veil to the ark. These things were not to be viewed by everyone. It would have been a death sentence for someone to come upon the things of the most holy place if they were unclean.

So, in the chapter a procedure is setup to cover the objects of the tabernacle before the workers were called in to move them. The coverings were to prevent damage, yes, but they were also to protect those whose job it was to move them from place to place. It was a massive job to take the tabernacle apart and prepare it for transport.

Each part had designated personnel to move it. You can go back and read the details but it was very heavy since parts were made of gold.

v19 and 20 "But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them everyone to his service and to his burden: But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die."

Badger skin and royal blue cloth and scarlet was used to cover the objects.
v6 and v9

So we see that even in transport the tabernacle was to be revered and respected.

It was the job of the Kohathites to do these task. v18

In summary, the men have been organized on all sides of the tabernacle as well as the Levites. Arrangements have been made to move the tabernacle and who will do what. Through chapter nine more commandments are given. The physical arrangements are made, now the spiritual things must be addressed. The people must be prepared to go forward.

Proverbs 17:14 "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with."

Key words: Bible Study, KJV, Old Testament, Numbers, Levites, tabernacle, Bible, study

Tribe of Levi Numbers 3

Numbers 3:12 "And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine; v13 Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the Lord."

In this chapter a swap is made. The firstborn of Israel is exchanged for the tribe of Levi.

Exodus 13:2 "Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine."

Previously, we saw the arrangement of the tribes surrounding the tabernacle. The tribe of Levi was not numbered at that time. Now, they are brought forth to Aaron and claimed for service with the tabernacle. They are also numbered.

v6 "...they may minister unto him."
v7 "And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation to do the service of the tabernacle."
v8 "..keep all the instruments"

With the numbering of the tribe of Levi the age is from 2 months and up of the males. v15. That came out to be 22,000 males.

Then the firstborn were numbered which totalled 22,273. v43 (twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.)

A difference of 273. v46

Of the difference a payment was made to redeem the excess over 22,000. So, the firstborn were redeemed v41 v45 and the tribe of Levi became the caretakers of the tabernacle and the helpers to Aaron. They were also the inner most defenders of the tabernacle. They were to be placed on the four sides by family. v10 "...and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death."

As we will see later, this is a preparation for war. The tribes have been placed round about the tabernacle in what I would call four divisions with 3 brigades each. Within this formation are the Levites servicing and guarding the tabernacle.

It sounds a great deal like the mysterious wheel in a wheel mentioned in Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 1:15 "Now, as I beheld the living creatures behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. v16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the color of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. v17 When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when thy went." Read on for it is a fantastic picture painted in words.

I really do not know if this Ezekiel has anything to do with the arrangement of the tribes around the tabernacle but I can picture the children of Israel marching forward in their divisions and the Levites moving about the ark and the trappings of the tabernacle as they moved giving the appearance of moving forward and a buzz around the ark at the same time.

Again, seen from a mountain top, it must have been an awesome sight for an enemy to see coming toward them.

Psalm 125:2 "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even forever."

Order of the camps Numbers 2

Numbers 2:2 "Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch."

We have learned from this verse that each family had a standard or flag of some sort that distinguished them from each other. Held high it would guide a wayward member back to their family. It was a great honor in the military to carry the company flag. There was no doubt which company did good or bad. There was great pride in that flag.

The families were to have a particular place around the tabernacle. The Levites held the immediate spot around it then here in chapter 2 it gives the position of the other families.

Judah - v3 on the east side
Issachar - next to Judah
Zebulun- next after Issachar

v9 These shall be first set forth.

Reuben - southside
Simeon next to him
Gad-next to Simeon

Ephraim - Westside
Manasseh -beside Ephraim
Benjamin - next to Manasseh

Dan - Northside
Asher -next to Dan
Naphtali -next to Asher

Even without listing the Levites, I came up with twelve groups divided into four groups of three.
I'll have to check the son's names to see how that works out.

I don't know how much shuffling of tents this organization caused but I expect moving the tribes to a particular spot around the tabernacle caused a lot of moving. It must have looked like a bunch of ants from high atop a mountain.

Nothing is left to self-will here. The Lord even picked who was to command each group.

Now, can you picture the tabernacle with its glow at night and all the children of Israel camped round about. There are some campfires spread out but the glow is stronger as you go toward the center and the tabernacle. I can imagine the appearance of a giant wheel with the tabernacle as the center and right in the middle the Lord himself is the source of power.

What a sight it must have been!

Psalm 8:1 "O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens."

Number of Israel - Numbers 1

Numbers 1:46 "Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty."

These were only the able bodied men who were 20 and up and able to go to war. v45

There is also the Levites who were not to be numbered, their job was the tabernacle.

Able to go to war: 603,550
Under 20: ?
Elders ?
Children(less 20) ?
Women ?
Levites ?

Total Unknown

If it averaged out that each man of war had a wife the number would double and there would be well over a million people. It would have been a number that would have attracted the attention of the surrounding inhabitants.

v52 "And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, everyman by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts."

v53 "But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the Tabernacle of testimony.

Psalm 3:3 "But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."

Opening Comments-Numbers

Numbers 1:2 "Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;

v3 "From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies."

The Book of Numbers sounds like only an accountant could find interest according to the title, but that is far from accurate. Numbers is a book of action. It is a time for getting ready for war.

Genesis was where creation, sin and the promise took place. Exodus was the redemption from Egypt. Leviticus was about the fine details of the law. Now we have Numbers and it is time to prepare to take the promised land.

Moses is instructed to number the people. It is a long way from Abraham and Issac alone on the mountain where a Ram replaced Issac in the sacrifice. Now, the people are many. Each family has grown tremendously.

Moses talks directly to God and passes the information to Aaron and the people. Reorganization takes place in this book.

CI Scofield divides the book into five chief divisions: The Order of the Host, From Sinai to Kadesh-barnea, Israel at Kadesh-barnea, The Wilderness Wanderings, Closing instructions.

So we finally leave mount Sinai and go to take the promised land but something happens at Kadesh-barnea that sends Israel into the wilderness to wonder.

Numbers 1:46 "Even all they that were numbers were six hundred and three thousand and five hundred and fifty (603,550). v47 But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them v48 For the Lord had spoken unto Moses saying v49 Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:"

Psalm 105:8 "He hath remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations."

Estimation - Tithe Leviticus 27

Leviticus 27:2 "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the Lord by thy estimation."

Outline:

v1 He that maketh a singular vow must be the Lord's
v2 The estimation of the person
v9 Of a beast given by vow
v14 Of a house
v16 Of a field and the redemption thereof
v28 No devoted thing may be redeemed
v32 The tithe may not be changed

The last chapter in this book is the most difficult for me to get a handle on. I went to Webster and found a couple of definitions after reading over the chapter. For some reason, I came up with the word appraise in relation to estimate. Or appraisal and estimation.

Estimate: to give or form an approximation (as of value, size or cost) Judge conclude evaluate, value rate, appraise, assay or assess
Estimation: judgment, opinion, esteem, honor

appraise: to set a value on
appraisal: same

So working from those definitions and the reading of the scripture, my best understanding is that Moses or the priest are to decide what something or someone is worth, money wise. The ending purpose for valuation being to allow redemption later except where restricted and to decide what the tithe would be in order to give to the Lord the tenth part.

The value is separated by age for the people and makes allowances for the poor.

The chapter also deals with vows once the method of estimation is established.

v28 "Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the Lord of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto the Lord."

Then we go to the subject of the tithe which has been the subject of much discussion in churches.

V30 "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the three, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord."

v32"...the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord." This spoke of the flocks which were counted by passing under the rod. v32 .

This is a good place for Malachi 3:10-12

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. v11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. v12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts."

These instructions were given at Mount Sinai as v34 states: These are the commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses for the children of Israel in Mount Sinai."

In the next book called Numbers, the setting is the wilderness of Sinai. Numbers 1:1 "And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying."

The end of Exodus has the children of Israel travelling with the cloud and pillow of fire. In Leviticus we have instructions at the mount, even though we are told of their moving on. I believe this is because Moses was teaching what he had received on the mount as they journeyed. Obviously, I do not understand this clearly. I just do not think all the instructions were on the stone tablets but that all this detailed stuff was written down after they broke camp at the mount. I'll take any clarity anyone has to offer. But like our churches, the tabernacle was where the people gathered to listen to Moses.

Psalm 6:2 "Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed."

If You Will - If you Will Not Leviticus 26

Leviticus 26:2 "Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary, I am the Lord."

Outline:
v1 Of idolatry
v2 Religiousness
v2 A blessing to them that keep the commandments
v14 A curse to those that break them
v40 God promiseth to remember them that repent

"The sins ye do by two and two ye must pay for one by one.' Kipling, Tomlinson

Chapter 26 is a chapter of 'if you will obey' and If you will not obey'. There is glory for Israel if they obey the commandments of the Lord. Verse 3 states it "If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and o them; " Then it goes on to list all the blessings God will bestow on Israel just for doing what they are suppose to do.

V4 The land will produce plenty.
v5 It will be safe in the land.
v6 There will be peace.
v7 Enemies will be defeated.
v9 The Lord will have respect for Israel and multiply them.
v10 They will not run out.
v11 The Lord's tabernacle will be among the people.

Then in verse 12 we see a flashback to the garden where the Lord walked in the cool of the day and meet with Adam and Eve. Genesis 3: 8 "And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day;..."

"And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people."

v13 reminds Israel of whom they owe their escape from Egypt.

Then verse 14 starts the punishment for not doing the things commanded. As we study other books of the Bible we will see that Israel chose to rebel and suffer the punishment.

"But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;"

Reference Deuteronomy 28:15 .

Verse 6 said they would have peace when doing God's commands. Verse 15 says they will have sorrow when they choose to rebel.

Verse 7 speaks of the enemies being afraid of them. Verse 16 talks of the terror they would feel when they rebel.

Then if rebellion continues the punishment increases and Israel will be scattered and the land desolate. v33

The great nation would decrease to desperation for food to the point of eating their own young in verse 29. See II Kings 6:29. Israel has slipped into a sad state of affairs because of sin.

But the Lord will not forget Israel even then and will remember the covenants he made with Abraham, Issac and Jacob. v42.

V45 " But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the Lord.

Knowing the greatness that Israel enjoys under such kings as David and Solomon and the tender care the Lord shed on the people through the years we are studying, it is sad to know the way they rebelled in later books of the Bible and see the punishment they suffered. It is similar to raising a child in church and under the daily instruction of the Bible only to see the pain they cause themselves by fleeing what they know to be the right way to live. They do themselves great harm just as Israel did. It was written down in this chapter in plain words: the 'if you will' but 'if you will not'. There were no surprises. The heathen had no such close instruction but Israel was without excuse.

Psalm 146:17 "The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works."

v18 "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."

Jubilee or Jubile Leviticus 25

Leviticus 25:9 "Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land."

V10 "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family."

v11 "A jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed."

v12 "For it is the jubilee; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field."

Outline:

v1 The sabbath of the seventh year
v8 The jubile in the fiftieth year
v14 Of oppression
v18 A blessing of obedience
v23 The redemption of land
v29 Of houses
v35 Compassion of the poor
v39
The usage of bondmen
v47 The redemption of servants

They are still at Mount Sinai as shown in verse 1. I may have mentioned them wondering in the desert in another place but I now think that was wrong. I believe they are still at the mount getting instructions.

Previously we read about working six days and resting on the seventh. In this chapter, it is taken further. They are also to work six years and rest the seventh year. It is for them a time of jubilee and a time of rest for the land.

v20 "And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase: v21 Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years."

This chapter overwhelms me. Besides the information in it that explains much of Jewish tradition, there is much that points to a study of prophecy and reminds me of Daniel. Chapter 9 of Daniel gets in the seventy weeks. This after Daniel had prayed much to understand. A sample first is verse 24 "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon the holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy and to anoint the most Holy."

V26 "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary: and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined."

And on it goes. It is a very interesting study and is pursued by many in relation to Revelation to more clearly understand the seasons of Christ's return and the end time.

But our chapter, as the outline shows, discusses the fiftieth year.

v10 "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family."

In summary, these times are a time of starting over. It is a time when the poor are given a new start and those who have fallen on hard times an opportunity to get back with their family. It is a wonderful concept and I am sure it worked very well since it was instituted by the Lord.

For you none farmers, it is a common practice now for land to be left unused for a year so that it can replenish itself. This lesson was learned in our country after much farmland was depleted. If only, we would pay attention to the Bible.

There are also commands to not charge usury on money loaned and other instructions on strangers and servants. It is a full chapter and a study could go many directions from here.

I must mention verse 9 again for it reminds me of when Christ comes back and our struggle is over.

Psalm 125:2 "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even forever."

Lamps to Burn Continually Leviticus 24

Leviticus 24:2 "Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually."

References: Exodus 27:20, Numbers 8:2-4

Outline:

v1 The oil for the lamps
v5 The shewbread
v10 Shelomith's son blasphemeth
v13 The law of blasphemy
v17 Of murder
v18 Of damage
v23 The blasphemer is stoned

The first part of the chapter tells of the command to keep the lamp in the tabernacle of the congregation burning all the time. Then it goes on to describe the twelve cakes that were to be made and placed in two rows of six upon the pure table v6.

This shewbread is mentioned throughout the Old Testament. Of particular interest was when David was so hungry that he ate the shewbread. I Samuel 21:4-6 tells the story. This was a time when King Saul became very angry at David and jealous of him and had ordered that David be killed. David was on the run and was hungry.

v6 "So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the showbread, that was taken from before the Lord, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away."

I cannot help but remember when the disciples plucked corn on the sabbath and raised the anger of the Pharisees. Matthew 12 v2 "But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him (Jesus) Behold thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. But Jesus responded v3 "But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him,How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him but only for the priests? .... For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day."

I know the commandment has other meanings but it is amazing that food was provided for David, (who was in the bloodline of Christ after the flesh) even before he was born.

The rest of the chapter deals with a man who cursed God and was stoned. The Lord took the opportunity to speak of punishment for taking another man's life as well. And of one who kills a beast of another.

There is no difference in the judgment on a stranger or one born an Israelite.

v20 mentions the often quoted phrase 'eye for eye' .

note: shewbread and showbread are used interchangeable according to the language translated from.

Psalm 53: 1-3 "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Everyone of them is gone back they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."

Feasts of the Lord Leviticus 23

Leviticus 23:2 "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts."

Outline:

v1 The feasts of the Lord
v3 The Sabbath
v4 The passover
v9 The sheaf of first fruits
v15 The feast of Pentecost
v22 Gleanings to be left for the poor
v23 The feast of trumpets
v26 The day of atonement
v33 The feast of tabernacles

convocation: a ceremonial assembly (as of the clergy) or the act of convoking
convoke: to call together to a meeting

We will not here debate what day we are to take off from work. Traditionally I believe it was our Saturday, the last day of the week after six days of work. In the Christian faith, we take off Sunday, the first day of the week which was when the Lord arose from the tomb. His work being done then. I think it appropriate to take off one day to honor the Lord and to mark a ending to a hard weeks work and to start afresh the new week.

v3 "Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest..."

Perhaps it would be better to just work six days and take one off in honor of the Lord rather than spend energy and cause hard feelings arguing over which day that is. Many ignore the working six days part and debate the seventh. It did say work six not five and then go fishing on the sixth.

Passover

Israel had been under slavery for 400 years. Many measures were taken to get Pharaoh to let Israel go from Egypt. The most pronounced one was when the firstborn were slain. On that night Israel was to apply blood of a lamb to the door post and mantel then the death angel would pass over them and not slay the firstborn.

It was a very important even to remember. It represents the Lord's power, his caring for Israel and the demonstration of a substitute to redeem those inside. The blood was made known there and so is remember in the 'passover'.

v5 "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's passover."

v6 "And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread..."

It should be noticed that in the New Testament, Jesus' taking of the passover precedes his death on the cross, the firstborn sacrificed for the redemption of mankind.

Luke 22:7 "Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat."

After the passover and Judas was given the sop signifying that he was the betrayer, Jesus went into the garden to pray and was then arrested and crucified.

Verse 9 starts the description of the celebration of wave offering to be started when Israel came into the land promised to them by the Lord.

V11 "And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it."

It is a time of offerings and holy convocation. It reminds me of when Mary discovered the empty tomb and when she talked with the Lord in the garden and was excited to tell the others that the Lord had risen.

Seventh Month-first day:

"V24 "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. v25 Ye shall do no servile work therein, but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.

Tenth day:

v27 "Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and y shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.

Fifteenth day:

v34 "Speak unto the children of Israel saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord."

Many things could be said about this chapter. It does away with the idea that living for God is 'all work and no play' . They had feast and celebrated the harvest and God's blessings.

Also there is a relation in the order of things which could be studied with prophecy. After all, there will be a great celebration when the Lord comes back for his children. On that day, the harvest will be taken in and a time of rest and rejoicing will take place around the throne in heaven. The long six days, the long six years will be over and the seventh day, seventh year will come and the feast will began.

booths: were usually made of poles set upright in the ground and covered with green boughs Lev 23:40-42 Neh 8:14

Some of the traditions of Israel have been interrupted due to historical events and mapping changes. It is a whole other subject to dive in to. It deals with the temple mount and the problems there. It deals with the place of the original temple and sacrifices. Perhaps we
will get into those things at a later time. Some Bible teachers deal almost exclusively with these conditions and current events to show the soon return of Christ. They are not hard to find.

V44 "And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord."


Proverbs 2: 1-6 "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If hou seekest her as silver,and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."

Holy Things Holy Name Leviticus 22

Leviticus 22:2 "Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the Lord."

Outline:
v1 The priests in their uncleanness must abstain from the holy things
v6 How they shall be cleansed
v10 Who of the priest's house may eat of the holy things
v17 Th sacrifices must be without blemish
v26 The age of the sacrifice
v29 The law of eating the sacrifice of thanksgiving

I believe this is the first time I have noticed the mention of 'beef'. Verse 19 "Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beefs, of the sheep, or of the goats."

In this chapter there is a distinction made between what can be offered for a vow and what can be offered as a free will offering. Verse 23 Either a bullock or a lamb that hath anything superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted."

The first part of the chapter deals with the cleanliness of the priest in such things as touching the unclean: verse 5 Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever uncleanness he hath; v6 The soul which hath touched any such shall be unclean until even, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he wash his flesh with water."

There are other restrictions as well. It also covers the issue of strangers and those who marry strangers, are divorce from strangers and so on. I am amazed at the detail which covers so many various possibilities of daily life. The main issue seems to be that even though uncleanness will occur anyone must go through the process of being cleansed before coming before the Lord.

The chapter closes with the pronouncement that the Lord's holy name is to be respected. It is He who brought Israel out of Egypt and not another.

A special notice should be given to the phrase in verse 33 "...I am the Lord." Remember back when Moses was called to lead Israel out of Egypt Exodus 3:14 "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."

Read with me in John 18 where the temple leaders heard those words again:

John 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? v5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he...." v6 "As soon then as he had said unto them I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground."

In the darkness of their soul a small light still burned for the great historical name of the Lord "I AM."

It could have stopped there, I suppose, but then there would have been no redemption had not the sacrifice been made and Jesus' blood shed. There would have been no fulfillment of all the scripture and no victory over death and no perfect blood shed to take to the throne of God. No, Jesus would not let it end here. He persisted in telling them who he was and they gained courage once again. Verse 8 "Jesus answered I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:" verse 12 "Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus and bound him, v13 And led him away..."

So down through the ages it is taught that the name of the Lord is to be respected. Someone once asked the question 'What's in a name?'. I respond that in this case, every thing is in this name. Look in Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

On this night in the garden the great I AM was forever linked to the name of Jesus. v5 "They answered Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he...."

The Lord who in Leviticus 22 is teaching his people is the same Lord who stood in the garden unafraid and submitted himself to the mob as a lamb without spot or blemish. He was not a stranger but one of their own. He had the family ancestry of a king. There was no doubt of his heritage. Yet even in their blindness they were part of the fulfillment of prophecy and the plan of salvation.

Psalm 146:13 "Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations."

Priests Leviticus 21

Leviticus 21:1 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:"

Outline:
v1 Of the priests mourning
v6 Of their holiness
v8 Of their estimation
v8.13 Of their marriages
v17 The priests that have blemishes must not minister in the sanctuary

The key phrase to understand this chapter is in verse one: "Speak unto the priests."

The way I understand the priesthood of the old testament is that they were to be as the offerings, without spot or blemish. They served as a bridge between the offering and the holiness of God.

I've read of the practice of putting bells on priests so that if the bell stopped ringing, it was assumed the priest was dead, those outside could pull the dead priest out of the holy place from behind the veil by a rope attached to their foot.

We can understand in this time, that Christ had not yet died on the cross and shed his blood for our sins. In the old testament ceremonies of offerings, there was a point when the offering for sin had not yet been made, since it had to be done over and over again.

The priest were a part of the tabernacle, servants of the holiest place and must be clean to stand before God.

It is difficult to express the difference between then and now. For now, we, as Christians are all priests with our sins forgiven and covered, yea, removed, by the blood of Christ.

Hebrews 9:1 "Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. v6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God."

v8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing."

Then arose another line of priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:11 For Christ came of the tribe of Judah Hebrews 7:14.

Hebrews 7:12 "For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Revelation 1:5-6 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. v6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 2:5 "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."

So with Christ things changed totally. No longer is it the Aaron priesthood but the priesthood of Christ. We as Christians, are called priest and so offer up our praise to the Lord. Because of the shed blood of Christ, we are accepted with all our faults and failures and made perfect in the sight of God because the Father does indeed see only his son when he sees us.

Matthew 27:50-51 "Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;"

Jesus was not liked by most of the Jewish leadership. Their jobs were to keep the law of Moses as they saw it. They were smothered in traditions of men which included much that had to do with the decisions of man and nothing to do with the actual law of Moses. They had made the law a burdensome tool that oppressed the people. Then along came Jesus, claiming (and was) to be the Son of God and determined to teach a new way. It was an affront to the leadership. It told the whole nation that they were wrong. It placed the kingdom of God in the hearts of man and not in the hands of the priesthood. It is no wonder that the priests, having lost their love and awe for God, and wrapped up in the mechanics of the law, were pierced to their soul by the teachings of Jesus. They would simply not allow it.

Yet, in the effort to stop Jesus from his goal. His goal was accomplished. The redemption of mankind.

Had they been listening, they would have known that he came to die, so that he might provide sinless blood as an offering for the sins of the whole world. No longer does the priesthood exclude all but the Jewish nation but excludes only those who reject Him as Savior. That exclusion being made by the individual choice for he did indeed die for all.

Even Abraham said to Issac when Issac was taken to the mountain to be sacrificed:

Genesis 22:8 "And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together."

And then from God:

Genesis 22:18 "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou has obeyed my voice."

So the Lord was telling them and us all along of the sacrifice to be made. The establishment of the nation, the giving of the law, the priesthood, all lead up to the cross on a hill where Jesus died and the garden where he arose again on the third day.

Psalm 40:4 "Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies."

Milk and Honey Leviticus 20 (4)

Leviticus 20:24 "But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people."

Israel is the Lord's. He took a wondering man and brought forth a great nation. They are to be different v26. God himself gave them the laws to live by. Others may have their own laws and traditions but these people have words from the mouth of God to live by.

In return, the Lord is leading them to a great land and a good land. It flows with milk and honey.

This lady Israel bears the promises of God and the great promise of a redeemer for mankind. They are on the way to a land where God himself will become man and shed his blood for the sins of the world. Although, Israel is special, the plan includes all mankind. Israel is protected but not just for Israel's sake. They carry the promise of a savior. This great land that even now captures the attention of the whole world holds hope for the whole world in the person of "God with us."

Psalm 32:1 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."

Parents Leviticus 20 Part 3

Leviticus 20:9 "For everyone that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him."

It is a good thing that we are under grace in our day. I've never seen such a time when children were so disrespectful to their parents. I've seen them talk to their parents worse than I would ever talk to a yard dog, even if it was worthless and wouldn't hunt.

The Lord takes children's attitudes toward parents very seriously.

Chapter 19 puts it this way: v3 "Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father..."

Exodus 20:12 tells us"Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

Show me a child that is disrespectful to their parents and I will show you a child that does not honor and respect God in their life. It is from parents that children learn to respect and obey authority. For those who rebel against their parents, even when parents try their very best to be good examples, we can but pray that they will be touched in some way to see their need for the Lord. Only God can break up a hard heart.

Over and over the Bible exhorts children to honor their parents. It even has a promise for those who do so, "...that thy days may be long..."

We indeed live in troubled times. Parents must compete with television and peer pressure as they try to direct their children. These influences are very strong on young minds. I heard it often as ours grew up. "I just want to spend time with my friends." It made no difference to try to explain that those friends were doing bad things.

We cannot give up the battle though. God can move in ways that we can not imagine. The children are worth it even if the hurt us deeply.

Proverbs 7:1 "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee."

v5 "That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words."

Wizards Leviticus 20 Part 2

Leviticus 20:6 "And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people."

The punishment for following a wizard is to be cut off from ones people. This many see like a small thing at first, to be cut off. Remember that they were a community and relied on each other for support. The tabernacle where they received forgiveness for sin and made the offerings was with the people. Sin of verse 6 would have them cut off from all this.

We take it very casually these days and even smile at the funny stories but it is a very serious thing with God and amounts to dealing with demons and such called familiar spirits here.

Exodus 22:18 "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."

Proverbs 4:19 "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble."

Molech Levitcus 20 Part 1

Leviticus 20:2 "Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of he strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones."

This verse takes us back to Leviticus 18:21 and refers to sacrificing children in unholy sacrificial ceremonies to Molech. There was apparently some danger of this in the area. Some outside influence that was being warned against.

It was an offense to the Lord and his sanctuary and his holy name. v3

There is also warning against turning a blind eye to the crime. v4

I can but relate this activity to our present day abortion. It is the killing of babies, how ever people attempt to explain it away.

Proverbs 7:2 "Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."

Laws Repeated Leviticus 19

Leviticus 19:2 "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy."

Another assembling of the congregation for a "sermon" to remind them of how they are suppose to live. Just as we are reminded in our weekly church services, so the children of Israel must be reminded. Here and there a new note is inserted or said in a different way that hits home.

Sort of like telling the children (ours), 'Now don't do this or that or don't forget to do this or that.'

V3 reminds children to honor their parents but here it says fear every man his mother, and his father...

v4 another reminder to stay away from idols and molten gods.

v5-8 don't let an offer of sacrifice of peace offering sit around for three days. Let it be eaten when it should be.

v9 "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest."

This was for the poor and unfortunate who found themselves without land and a way to grow food. They would go through fields and pick up scraps left behind after the harvest. We can refer to the story of Ruth to find where the application of this law was very important.

The book of Ruth is nestled between Judges and 1 Samuel.

Elimelech and his wife Naomi went to the land of Moab because of a famine. Elimelech died while there and Naomi would have come back alone except for Ruth who was her daughter-in-law from one of Naomi's dead sons. Naomi entreated Ruth to remain among her own people but she would not.

Here we get the famous wedding phrase from chapter 1 of Ruth v16 "...Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:"

v19 "So they two went until they came to Bethlehem..."

You are right fro the clue ...Ruth is in the family tree of Christ. She was found gleaning in the fields and Boaz (the owner of the field) saw her. In time they were married and she bare a son.
The son was called Obed who was the father of Jesse, the father of David the King. Matthew chapter 1 gives the genealogy (Booz because of the different language translation). Also in the last chapter of Ruth.

The law of leaving the gleanings bore great rewards in supporting Ruth and the line of Christ.

Ruth 2:4-5 "And behold Boaz came from Bethlehem and said unto the reapers....Whose damsel is this?" v6 ...It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi..."

So we leave the gleaning for now but it would be good to read the entire book of Ruth.

The balance of the chapter deals with the distinction between clean and unclean beast. It also continues on with proper conduct toward relatives.

The theme of the chapter seems to be that this nation, Israel, will be different from all nations. They will honor one God and conduct themselves in a high level of personal conduct. They will not copy traditions of those they come into contact with but keep the commandants of God.

Psalm 4:3 "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him."

Incest Forbidden Other Abominations Leviticus 18

Leviticus 18:29 "For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people."

Outline:
v1 unlawful marriages
v19 unlawful lusts

Often it is said that some passages of the Bible are confusing. Chapter 18 of Leviticus leaves no room for confusion. It simply spells out what is not to be done.

First I would mention that a verse in this chapter may explain why judgment came upon the land of Canaan.

v25 "And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhahbitants."v27 "(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled.)"

Mention is made of the Molech, which if studied it would be found that they sacrificed their babies to him by tossing them into their sacrificial fires. History bears this out.

v3 "After the doings of the land of Egypt...and after the doings of the land of Canaan...shall ye not do..."

The Lord here warns Israel that the laws given to them in the wilderness would be those which govern them. They were not to take the laws or customs of Egypt with them nor adapt the traditions and laws of Canaan when they arrived there.

The first part of the chapter deals with lust toward family members and marriages within the family. It was not to be. We know now, from science, that it can have very sad results. Here in the wilderness the children of Israel had to accept it by faith that God knew what to tell them to do for their own well-being.

Parents, brothers and sisters were off limits. A great sin that is repeated in this nation and I suspect all others.

v22 "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."

One of America's great sins is clearly forbidden. Notice....

v25 "...the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants."

One has only to try to clear spam from their email or search for something on the search engines to see the depths to which our nation has sunk. Clearly many have decided to disobey the Lord and His word. Payday is coming.

Why was it so important for Israel as well as ourselves to obey God's commands.

v2 "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the Lord your God."

It is such an honor to be chosen of the Lord. It is warmth to my soul to know that he sought me out and planted his word in my heart. Though, I often falter, like a father, he forgives and guides me to do better.

What happens when a person continually refuses to obey the Lord.

Romans 6:19 "I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."

Proverbs 29:1 "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

God in love gives warning to those who break his commandments. There will be a last warning and we know not which warning will be the last. It is time now to quit sinning.

Speaking of sinning Christians, the Bible says:

I Corinthians 5:5 "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."

II Corinthians 6:17 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you v18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

Psalm 89:7 "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him."

Blood Atonement Leviticus 17

Leviticus 17:11 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."

Outline:
v1 The blood of all slain beasts must be offered to the Lord at the door of the tabernacle
v7 They must not offer to devils
v10 All eating of blood is forbidden
v15 and all that dieth alone, or is torn

I believe verse 7 is the second key verse in this chapter.

"And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone whoring. This shall be a statue forever unto them throughout their generations."

I was a little taken back by verse 3 until I thought about the sacrifices that had been offered elsewhere in the groves to strange gods. This chapter, I believe, speaks to this practice. Because I can see where some animals would be killed for food besides those kills at the tabernacle for offerings. But when the whole chapter is taken together it does look like to me that it is speaking of any killings for sacrifices to strange gods.

Verse 10 and beyond deals with eating flesh with the blood still in it.

"And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people."

Verse 14 expounds on our text verse which is verse 11 telling us that the blood is for atonement.

V14 "For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off."

The warning is repeated and must be taken very seriously.

Now we should remember that Christ fulfilled the law and brought a new and better way.

"Romans 3:23-25 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"

Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."

Day of Atonement-Annual Feast Leviticus 16

For some old fashion gospel singing go here: http://www.eleventhavenuebaptistchurch.com/music.htm

Leviticus 16:29 "And this shall be a statute forever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: v20 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord."

I found it interesting in the passage above when he said afflict your souls, and do not work at all. I expect that would suit our generation just fine in many cases.

That however is not the meaning of this passage. It is a day to be free from sin. It is a day to be clean from all your sins before the Lord v30. It must have been a great day for Israel. Yet, year after year they must come back. The New Testament is a once-for-all cleansing, although, we are to repent of our sins and confess them before the Lord. We are nevertheless cleansed of sin when Christ is accepted as Savior: past, present and future.

Hebrews 10:16-19 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, ad in their minds will I wrte them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, breathren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus."

The Old Testament is so good to have. It instructs us and helps us understand the New. It gives us types and shadows...examples to explain the thinking of God and our position with him. It displays his holiness and our sinfulness but bridging this gap is always the blood shed for our sins. First the blood of the animals (pointing to the sacrifice of Jesus) but then the finality of the blood of the lamb of God. It requires only that one come in faith and admit their sinful condition, repent (turn from) and in faith accept Christ as Savior.

Hebrews 10:10 "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

Psalm 40:3 "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even prise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord."

Scapegoat Leviticus 16

Leviticus 16:1-2 "And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they offered before the Lord and died; And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat."

Outline:

v1 How the high priest must enter into the holy place
v11 The sin offering for himself
v15 The sin offering for the people
v20 The scapegoat
v29 The yearly feast of the expiations (expiate: to give satisfaction, atone) (atonement)

The high priest was not exempt from sin. He too must have his sin atoned for to stand before a holy God.

v3 "Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering."

A couple of chapters ago, two of Aaron's sons had died because they did not follow the procedures set down by the Lord. A sinful man cannot stand before a holy God. He must first have his sins atoned for.

Perhaps, since they were priest, there was a certain casualiness about walking around inside making preparations. In verse two caution is given. "...for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat." the Lord told them. It was not just during ceremonies that the Lord showed up. I feel from this passage that he often appeared upon the mercy seat at unannounced times. He had said that he would dwell with the people.

So the priest were not to just casually wonder around in the holy place. They could not wonder in as if saying 'Oh I forgot my lunch in there.' They must have respect for the place at all times for the Lord surely would be there.

Procedure was to be followed at all times.

v4 "He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on."

Again, the priest cannot just run in from a trip to the country, throw on his priestly garments
and dash into the holy place. He must wash himself before dressing in the holy garments. There was no place in the holy place for uncleanness or casualness.

v5 "And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering."

Two goats are brought.

v9-10 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be a scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him gofor a scapegoat into the wilderness."

v14 "And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times."

The one goat is then killed for a sin offering and the live goat goes off into an unihabited wilderness.

v22 "And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness."

These actions are types which help us understand the New Testament. The goat killed is a type of the sacrifice of death for our sins suffered by Christ while the living Goat is a type of our sins being taken away from the presences of God. The priest represents Christ entering the holy place of heaven with his own blood to atone for our sins. The veil was removed by Christ death and we can now enter 'boldly' before the throne of grace and confess our sins knowing we will find forgiveness because of the shed blood of Jesus. I John 1:9 .

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Psalm 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: or I shall yet praise him for the help of is countenance."

C I Scofield's Division of the Old Testament

Mister Scofield divided the Old Testament into useful divisions. I will list them here for future reference:

Redemption

-Genesis
-Exodus
-Leviticus
-Numbers
-Deuteronomy

Organization

-Joshua
-Judges
-Ruth
-II Samuel
-I-II Kings
-I-II Chronicles
-Ezra
-Nehemiah
-Esthe

Poetry

-Job
-Psalmes
-Proverbs
-Ecclesiastes
-Song of Solomon
-Lamentations

Sermons

-Isaiah
-Jeremiah
-Ezekiel
-Daniel
-Hosea
-Joel
-Amos
-Obadiah
-Jonah
-Micah
-Nahum
-Haakkuk
-Zephaniah
-Haggai
-Zechariah
-Malachi

As Scofield indicated these are groupings but the individual books also hold their own purpose and flow of thought.

Law of Issue Leviticus 15

Leviticus 15:31 "Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them."

The tabernacle is one place where all the people meet. It is obviously important that this area not be contaminated with anything contagious. So, this chapter deals with separating those with illness where the lose of bodily fluid is involved.

References: John 13 : 3-10, Ephesians 5:25-27, 1 John 1:9 These references deal with the importance of cleansing from a spiritual prospective.

Outline:

v1 The uncleanness of men in their issues
v13 The cleansing of them
v19 The uncleanness of women in their issues
v28 Their cleansing

It is not necessary to go into detail on this chapter. Adults will understand the importance it carries in a personal way and in a large group of people. If one is discovered to be sick and contagious, it makes really good sense to separate them from the people until they are well again. Otherwise, the problem could just go round and round among the people.

The procedures in this chapter have been following for generations in the medical field.

This is the Lord taking care of issues of a personal nature but very necessary. Again, He is gracious to provide the cleansing process as well as point out the problem. Restoration is the goal.

Psalm 94:14 "For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance."

Footnote Leviticus 14

Leviticus 14:33-34 " And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron saying, When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession..."

I wanted to point out this verse which I was thinking about after I went to bed last night. I noticed that the Lord had not forgotten his promise to give Israel the land of Canaan. I also noticed that even though the people were in tents, the Lord say them living in houses even while they wondered in the wilderness.

I thought it was wonderful how in the midst of all the schooling on the law that this promise comes forth. As Christians, we too are wanderers in this world. Sometimes it is difficult to accept that it will ever end and we will inherit our promise land. I think the Lord already sees us in the place he has prepared for us. (John 14)

Just as the promise of Canaan was kept, so our Lords promise to us will be kept in good time.

I can see that Israel was not yet ready to possess the land at this point in the Bible. They still needed to seat the law of God in their hearts. They needed to shake off the bonds of slavery. Even though the physical chains were gone, there must surely have been bonds of the heart that still held them.

Israel, at this point, is a child nation. They are in the development years. For a child to have the opportunity of success they must first be properly trained. Israel is being trained here in the wilderness. They are not yet facing the enemies they must face on the battlefield. They are facing inward enemies that fight for space in our hearts where the Lord wishes to possess. It is up to us to relinquish that space we hold in reserve and let the Lord in.

Promise to Abraham and Israel:

"Genesis 17:8 "And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."

Promise to Christians:

John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. v6 Jesus saith nto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

I am glad, as so many have written about, that the Lord is a promise giver. Many commands of scripture have promises for keeping them. I am also glad that the Lord is a promise keeper. He does what he says he will do.

In John 14, Jesus says if I go away, I will come again. Well, he did go away and so will come again.

Acts 1:9 "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight."

I know he made it home to the Father because Stephen say him in:

Acts 7:55-56 "But, he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."

John spoke to Jesus again on the isle of Patmos when he (John) was in exile for his faith.

Revelation 1: 10 "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day and heard behind me a great voice, as a trumpet, v2 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last....v17 Fear not; I am the first and the last v18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and , behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen: and have the keys of hell and of death."

Jesus said 'Amen' which has various meanings: faithful, true, steadfast, 'let it be'. It is translated Verily when used at the beginning of a sentence and when repeated by listeners they are agreeing with what was said.

So, I have journeyed far from our text to declare that the Lord knows our future and is faithful in his promises.

A broad view of the Bible helps one see the entire picture. Standing close to a painting sometimes leaves the viewer with a good idea of the details but lacking in the overall impression the artist was trying to make.

I see a perfect world made and then tainted by sin, then a plan to raise up a nation that would honor God and be the vehicle to bring Jesus into the world to redeem sinful man. To break the Bible down into segments and believe one part and not another is to miss the whole picture and deprive oneself of many blessings.

Not believing the truth does not change the truth.

Psalm 91:1 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Cleansing for Leprosy Leviticus 14

Outline:
v1 The rites nd sacrifices in cleansingof the leper
v33 The signs of leprosy in a house
v43 The cleansing of that house

Leviticus 14:2 "This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing:..."

A long chapter with provisions for the cleansing of the leper. The process of bringing the cleansed leper back into the tabernacle of the congregation is given. Also, allowance is made for those who do not have the finances to bring the appropriate offering.

The priest goes forth from the camp and finds a leper healed. v3. Then the cleansing process starts with : two birds alive and clean and cedar wood and scarlet and hyssop. v4.

One of the birds is killed v5 and the other is not. The one to be killed is to be done in an earthen vessel over running water v5 . The living bird and other parts are dipped in the blood of the first bird and then the live bird is set free v6. Then the leper is sprinkled. This sprinkling is done seven times.

The former leper's clothes are to be washed as well as himself v8 and then he is to shave all his bodily hair off. v8

Then on the eighth day v10 two lambs and one ewe lamb and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil and one log of ol v10. The one to be cleaned is presented to the Lord and the sacrifices made. The sacrifices or offerings include a wave offering, sin offering and burnt offering and trespass offering.

The blood is put on the ear, thumb and toe in the appropriate places and the oil applied. v14-18.

Verse 21 deals with the poor who cannot afford the above offerings. One lamb for a trespass is waved and one tenth deal of fine flour v21 mingled with oil and a log of oil, two turtledoves or two young pigeons.

I noticed one passage "...such as he is able to get..." . The Lord makes provision so noone will be excluded from reconcillation.

The healed leper is doing nothing in the process except standing there while the priest does what is required to make him clean. Such as it is when Christ finds us and does the cleansing of our soul.

Verse 33 starts the cleansing of a house process when the house is found to be infected. There is a two step process. First they try to replace the infected rocks and replaster the house. When that does not work, the house must be torn down. v44-45.

References: Romans 4:4-5, Luke 19: 10 Hebrews 9:22, I Corinthians 15: 17

Psalm 32:1 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."