Números 9

Números 9

Meyer - Our Daily Homily When the cloud tarried. This was the supreme test of obedience. It was comparatively easy to strike the tents, when the fleecy folds of the cloud were slowly gathered from off the Tabernacle, and it floated majestically before the host. Change is always delightful; and there was excitement and interest in the route, the scenery, the locality of the next halting-place. But, ah, the tarrying! Sometimes the cloud tarried for two days, or a month, or a year; then, however uninviting and sultry the location, however trying to flesh and blood, however irksome to the impatient disposition, however perilously exposed to danger — there was no option but to remain encamped. The Psalmist says, “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” And what He has done for the Old Testament saints He will do for believers throughout all ages. Still, God often keeps us waiting. Face to face with threatening foes, in the midst of alarms, encircled by perils, beneath the impending rock. May we not go? Is it not time to strike our tent? Have we not suffered to the point of utter collapse? May we not exchange the glare and heat for green pastures and still waters? There is no answer. The cloud tarries, and we must remain, though sure of manna, rock-water, shelter, and defence. God never keeps us at a post without assuring us of his presence, and sending us daily supplies. Wait, domestic servant, before you give notice! Young man, do not be in a hurry to make a change! Minister remain at your post! Until the cloud clearly moves, you must tarry (Numbers 9:8). Wait, then, thy Lord’s good pleasure! He will be in plenty of time! Numbers 9:20 If sometimes the cloud remained a few days over the tabernacle, according to the command of the LORD they remained camped. Then according to the command of the LORD they set out. ISRAEL OBEYS AGAIN If sometimes the cloud remained a few days over the tabernacle, according to the command of the LORD they remained camped. Then according to the command of the LORD they set out - This repeats the idea of Israel's obedience noted in Nu 9:19. Numbers 9:21 If sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning, when the cloud was lifted in the morning, they would move out; or if it remained in the daytime and at night, whenever the cloud was lifted, they would set out. Ne 9:12,19 ISRAEL OBEYS A THIRD TIME If sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning, when the cloud was lifted in the morning, they would move out; or if it remained in the daytime and at night, whenever the cloud was lifted, they would set out - This again repeats the idea of Israel's obedience noted in Nu 9:19. Numbers 9:22 Whether it was two days or a month or a year that the cloud lingered over the tabernacle, staying above it, the sons of Israel remained camped and did not set out; but when it was lifted, they did set out. Nu 9:17 1:54 8:20 23:21,22 Ex 39:42 40:16,36,37 De 1:6,7 2:3,4 Ps 32:8 48:14 73:24 77:20 107:7 143:10 Pr 3:5,6 Ac 1:4 Shekinah Glory Cloud AGAIN REITERATES ISRAEL'S OBEDIENCE Whether it was two days or a month or a year that the cloud lingered over the tabernacle, staying above it - (shakan ~ rested or tabernacled) (Ex24:16 Nu10:12): shakan gives rise to the rabbinic word "Shekinah" ("that which dwells") although this word per se is not found in the OT. the sons of Israel remained camped and did not set out; but when it was lifted, they did set out - They are manifesting a good start in their wilderness journey, but sadly we begin to see them "slip" (or backslide) in Numbers 11:1ff+ and then fully "fall" in Numbers 14 where they fail to "set out" to the promised land of Canaan. A good start does not guarantee a good finish, which is why the writer of Hebrews says " since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance (hupomone) the race (the agon, the specific race God has laid out for each of us to run until we are "out of breath!" - stay in your lane!) that is set before us," (Hebrews 12:1+) THOUGHT - There is a powerful application of this OT pattern to our lives today (for we also are in a "wilderness" called the "world!"). Just as the Israelites had to continually be ready to "move out," and do so with an obedient spirit, so too believers need to be ever sensitive to the leading to the Holy Spirit and Holy Word, and ever ready and willing to "move out" in Spirit enabled obedience in various areas of our lives. Numbers 9:23 At the command of the LORD they camped, and at the command of the LORD they set out; they kept the LORD'S charge, according to the command of the LORD through Moses. they kept: Nu 9:19 Ge 26:5 Jos 22:3 Eze 44:8 Zec 3:7 FOLLOWING GOD'S WILL At the command of the LORD they camped, and at the command of the LORD they set out; they kept the LORD'S charge, according to the command of the LORD through Moses - Command is a key word in Numbers 9 occuring 9x in 5 verses (Nu 9:5 Nu 9:8 Nu 9:18 Nu 9:20 Nu 9:23) and in each use we see that Israel obeyed. Note that Israel has not actually set out, so this and the preceding passages are somewhat of a parenthetical explanation. NKJVSB - The cloud and the fire were manifestations of God’s will. When the cloud rose, the people were to set out. When the cloud settled, the people were to encamp. There was nothing predictable in the movement or settling of the cloud; all was dependent on God’s sovereignty. The people saw the glory and the will of God in the cloud’s actions. TSK - Some of the Levites may have been appointed to watch the moving of the pillar, and to give timely notice to the camp of its beginning to stir; and this is called "keeping the charge of the Lord." It is uncomfortable staying when God is departed, but very safe and pleasant going, when we see God go before us, and resting where he appoints us to rest. Keep (careful, guard, kept, observe, watch) (08104) see note on shamar Life Application Study Note - The Israelites traveled and camped as God guided. When you follow God's guidance, you know you are where God wants you, whether you're moving or staying in one place. You are physically somewhere right now. Instead of praying, "God, what do you want me to do next?" ask, "God, what do you want me to do while I'm right here?" Direction from God is not just for your next big move. He has a purpose in placing you where you are right now. Begin to understand God's purpose for your life by discovering what he wants you to do now! Wenham applies this section on Israel's being led by the cloud - The New Testament also uses cloud imagery to describe the presence of God. Our Lord was overshadowed by the cloud at his transfiguration, and disappeared into a cloud at his ascension (Luke 9:34; Acts 1:9). He indeed was the perfect tabernacle in which ‘the Word … dwelt among us’ (John 1:14). Paul and Peter both compare the body to a tent, a temporary dwelling to be replaced after death (2 Cor. 5:1–4; 2 Pet. 1:13–14). Like the tabernacle, the Christian’s body is no empty tent, but a temple for the Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). Filled by the Spirit he may follow in his Lord’s footsteps and resist the temptations of Satan even in the wilderness (Luke 4:1ff.). ‘Let the fiery, cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through.’ (TOTC-Nu)