Do you like numbers? Some folks like numbers. They grow up to be accountants, math teachers, scientists, etc. They enjoy calculating pr
obability and formulating solutions to different mathematical problems. It is likely that they also enjoy reading the book of Numbers from the Old Testament.
For most people, Numbers isn’t the first book they would choose for casual reading. You mention the book “Numbers” and they go numb. The first few chapters deal with counting the children of Israel, organizing the encampment, and assigning priestly duties. The common bible student looks at the text with dread.
Be careful. Don’t allow your prejudices to taint the great applications hidden in these seemingly boring texts of the Old Testament. Don’t allow your disdain for math and numbers to cause you to “write off” this book. The first three chapters have some great applications for us. (My apologies to the young adult class who has already been exposed to the following applications). Consider some lessons we can learn from Numbers 1–3.
God is at the center of everything. This application should be obvious from every text we read. One might recall Dan’s lesson a few weeks ago entitled “It’s all about God.” God is always at the center. Or, at least He should be. The camp arrangement of Israel is symbolic of this reality. God was quite literally at the center of everything. As the four companies of Israel encamped in a square formation, it was the dwelling place of God that filled the center of that camp. Historians have discovered that Ramses II used a similar formation with the armies of Egypt keeping his tent at the center of the formation. The purpose was to remind everyone who they served and who they were to protect. In Egypt, it was Ramses II. In the Sinai Wilderness, it was Jehovah. God is always at the center. We should keep Him at the center of our life.
We must protect the holy things. It is interesting to note that the Levites surrounded the Tabernacle. What was the purpose? They were the last line of defense for the holy things. If a stranger was able to break through the camp, the Levites were to kill him (Numbers 1:51). Foreign nations knew the key to defeating a people was to remove their deity. The square formation not only served as a reminder of who Israel served, it also put the most important items in the camp in the most protected location. Today, we should protect what is holy. That’s why we don’t mock sin. That’s why we don’t tolerate others who make fun of God or mock His church. We stand up for what is right. We defend what is holy. We protect all things holy.
Every person must fight for God. The numbering process in the beginning of Numbers isn’t about a general census of the nation. The purpose of the numbering was to organize the army of God’s people. The only people counted were men between the ages of twenty and sixty who were capable of fighting. But notice that every man between those ages was expected fight—every man. Today we must all be willing to fight for God. Our enemy is seeking us (1 Peter 5:8). He is attacking us to discredit God. We must fight. And none of us can afford to take one moment off from the battle. Every person must fight for God.
There are numerous other applications we could make—God’s constant guidance, a realization that details do matter to God, etc. But these three simple applications make the point. While Numbers may appear to be a boring and difficult read, the reality is that we can find great information to help remind us what life is about. All of these things are written for our learning (Romans 15:4). May God help us to cast off our preconceived ideas about these great Old Testament books and learn from them so we can serve Him better.
