Commuter Bible

Deuteronomy loosely translated means “second law,” as Moses reviews the Law and the promises of God for a new generation. The former generation has all passed away because of their iniquity, just as the Lord had commanded, so Moses is reminding this younger generation of what has happened so far. In his final words to the nation of Israel, you’ll hear Moses give this review in the same way a pastor might speak to his congregation, pleading with them to trust in the Lord and reminding them of God’s faithfulness.

Paul continues his argument from Scripture that the promise of freedom in Christ has been present in Scripture all along, but God was waiting for the right time to reveal His Son and his new covenant with mankind. In this covenant we are adopted as sons and given the Spirit that we might keep in step with the Spirit. Finally, he calls those who belong to Jesus to remember that they have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, and should therefore serve one another in the fruit of the Spirit.

Paul’s purpose in writing this letter to the churches of Galatia is to rebuke them for abandoning the true Gospel for a false one, relying on works of the flesh rather than relying on the Spirit which they received through faith. He is more critical of his audience here than in any other letter, calling them “foolish Galatians” and asking “who has cast a spell on you?” He also defends himself against accusations that the gospel he is preaching is man-made rather than God-given. Using his own testimony, the testimony of others, and sound logic from Scripture, Paul argues that the true gospel is one received in faith by the Spirit.

Looking back on our time in the book of Numbers we notice a few things. First, God is faithful to keep His promises even when His chosen people, whom he rescued, are not faithful. Second, God does not take grumbling and complaining lightly, punishing those who forget what they have been saved from, choosing instead to focus on the problems at hand. Third, sometimes data can be boring, but when it comes to counting the blessings of God, none of us should grow weary of seeing His hand multiply grace upon.

Remember the Peor incident, where the men of Israel prostituted themselves to Baal along with the women of Moab? Turns out that was led by Balaam, the same Balaam who spoke oracles from the Lord against Moab. After defeating Midian, they begin to divide the spoils of war. The tribes of Reuben and Gad see that this land is good for cattle, and ask if they can settle there. They cut a deal with Moses, assuring him that they will go to war with the rest of Israel before coming back to settle in the land.

As you may recall from our last episode, God has informed Moses that he is about to be gathered to his people, which is a nice way of saying that he’s going to die. Before that happens, the Lord gives Moses final direction and clarity on prescribed offerings and celebrations. We also get details on whether or not a vow is to be upheld and who may determine whether or not it is to be kept.

Just when you think Israel can’t go any lower, they decide to worship Baal along with the women of Moab. It’s likely that these were temple prostitutes who engaged in sexual activity thinking it would please Baal and allow their land and their people to be more fertile. As you might conclude, the Lord is furious, but his anger subsides when a man named Phinehas takes action. Later, the Lord prepares Moses for his death, giving directions on how Moses would pass the mantle of leadership on to Joshua, son of Nun.

I really enjoy when a serial TV drama takes an episode to give a back-story or a spin-off from the main narrative to give context and build texture to the story, and that’s exactly what’s happening in today’s passage. The king of Moab, whose name is Balak, hires a man named Balaam who is some kind of diviner or priest, to put a curse on Israel. As Balaam goes to visit king Balak, the Lord speaks to Balaam using a donkey, and if the Lord can use a donkey to speak to a man, he can certainly use Balaam to prophesy to the king.

Israel seemingly cannot handle the idea that the Lord would place Moses and Aaron in authority over them, so the Lord decides to put their complaints to rest. Later, the people rebel again when there is no water to be found. God instructs Moses to speak to a rock so that it will produce water, demonstrating God’s holiness, but Moses fails to trust the Lord’s instruction. In so doing, he is told that he will not enter into the land that the Lord will give Israel.

On today’s episode, God sends spies into the land of Canaan, the land He promised to give them, but when they see their foes, they cower, and refuse to venture onward. God resolves to punish their generation, promising the land to the generation to follow. Later, a man named Korah incites a rebellion against Moses, questioning his authority. Armed with the conclusion that the entire community of Israel is holy, he contends that Moses and Aaron have no right to go before the Lord exclusively. Korah and 250 men appear before the Lord, and what happens next is unprecedented.