Thoughts

Design: Steve Webb | Photo of hyssop: Robert Bottman on Unsplash

Chapter 17

In Numbers 17 God was going to show the people of Israel who He had chosen as their priest. There had already been murmurings and rebellions, and God confirmed to them that Moses was His choice. Here in chapter 17, He was going to use this demonstration to show them a final time who His choice was. 

Translations Matter

And according to the translation we read today (GNT) he said, "In this way I will put a stop to the constant complaining of these Israelites against you." Many of the modern translations use words to this effect. But some of the better translations say it like the HCSB renders it: "...and I will rid Myself of the Israelites’ complaints that they have been making about you."

Do you see the difference? In the modern translation, God says, "I'll put a stop to the the constant complaining..." In the more accurate translation, God says, "I will rid Myself of the complaints."

Enough Is Enough

God knew that the people would continue to complain, but once this demonstration was over, he would not answer them again. From this point on, as we shall see, He would judge them. 

The evidence that God used with the rods (or sticks in today's translation) was abundant evidence, don't you think? But complainers are usually not satisfied with evidence or reason, even if their complaint is taken care of. Why? Because complainers are not really motivated by issues; they are motivated by feelings. They don't feel good about the way things are, so they complain. There will always be problems that cause them to feel bad, so they will never be happy. Thus they will continue to complain.

What's the refrain we hear today? Haters gonna hate. Well, complainers gonna complain. 

Chapter 19

In Numbers 19, regarding the sacrifice of the red heifer and the water of purification.

The priest will take cedarwood, hyssop, and crimson cloth and throw them into the fire where the cow is burning.Numbers 19:6 CEB

There is important symbolism here.

In Leviticus 14:4-6 we read about the cleansing of lepers. Each of these items was used in that ceremony. 

The Symbols

Cedar is resistant to rot and disease, which are the result of sin. Therefore, cedar points to purity. Another symbolic aspect to the cedarwood is that it points to the cross upon which Jesus died. 

Hyssop, as I've already said was used in the cleansing of lepers, but also a drink from a hyssop branch was offered to Jesus as he hung on the cross.

Crimson, or scarlet, is the color of blood, which points to Jesus' shed blood, without which there is no forgiveness of sin. God used scarlet to foreshadow the sacrifice of His son in many ways throughout Israel's history. It was used in the veil and curtains in the tabernacle. It was in the garments of the high priest. It was used in the covering for the table of showbread. Rahab's salvation was signaled with scarlet. Bonus: When Jesus was beat and mocked by the Roman soldiers before his crucifixion, guess what color the robe was they put on Him. Yes, it was a scarlet robe. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 17 GNT, Ch. 18 NCV, Ch. 19 CEB, Ch. NIRV

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