Números 2

Números 2

Constable - “The Egyptians characteristically placed the tent of the king, his generals, and officers at the center of a large army camp, but for the Israelites another tent was central: the sanctuary in which it placed God to dwell among his people. From him proceeds the power to save and to defend, and from this tent in the middle he made known his ever-saving will.” (Quoting B. Maarsingh, Numbers: a practical commentary) Constable - “This picture of the organization of Israel in camp is an expression of the author’s understanding of the theology of the divine presence. There are barriers which divide a holy God from a fallible Israel. The structure of the tent itself and the construction of the sophisticated priestly hierarchy has the effect, at least potentially, of emphasizing the difference and distance between man and God. This is valuable to theology as a perspective, but requires the compensating search for nearness and presence. The . . . author sought to affirm this in and through his insistence that God is to be found, tabernacled among his people, at the center of their life as a community.” (Quoting Budd) George Bush - The former order respecting the mustering was given to Moses alone; the present respecting the arrangement of the camp is given to both Moses and Aaron. The typical bearings of this arrangement had a more important reference to the spiritual order of the church, and therefore Aaron, the high priest, has a prominent part assigned him in the transaction. Moses represents that part of the economy which was more distinctively secular.(Numbers 2) Brian Bell - Tell me this book won’t apply to us: By its end we will cover 38 years of… “grumbling & judgement, sinning & punishment, repenting & forgiveness, warring & deliverance, attitudes of ingratitude, self-absorption, fear & desperation.” Where are you in your spiritual journey? At the base of Sinai marveling at God’s holiness & soaking in His word? Are you perched on the edge of the Promise Land, eager to push ahead & take possession of all God has promised you? Maybe you’re in some Wandering times, taking the long way home, the hard way to God; the trip lengthened by your disobedience or desire for something besides God? Good news: God has signed on for your whole trip! He doesn’t abandon us just because we wander. He’s with us in our wanderings: guiding, prompting, disciplining, sustaining, forgiving, & renewing us. What seems like aimless wanderings to us has purpose & direction if God is in it. Where are you in your spiritual journey? - Sitting under Sinai? Poised at the Promise Land? Or Wandering in the Wilderness? Do you sense that God is with you on the journey? What evidence do you have of His presence? Deut.31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - THE STANDARDS OF ISRAEL Numbers 2 The hosts of Israel were divided by Jehovah into four camps, and every camp had its own standard. The order in which they were to march when the pillar of cloud moved was also distinctly specified by the Lord. This arrangement has doubtless a deeply moral significance. The order was neither by birth nor according to numbers. Judah, who went first, was the fourth son of Jacob, and the camp that was to go last was the second largest of all. Just as all the vessels and sacrifices were full of spiritual meaning, so the various positions in the grand march of obedience to the call of God has likewise its spiritual lessons for us who are pilgrims and sojourners with Him. Perhaps the meaning of the names of the different camps and their moral connection with one another will afford us a clue into a truth, which to us may be profitable. The— 1. Standard of Judah. Judah went first (Nu 2:3–9). Judah means “Praise the Lord.” It is surely meet that the praising camp should lead the way. Praise is perhaps the first sign of a soul truly right with God. It is only when we have apprehended our own needy and guilty state, and by faith laid hold on the mercy and all-sufficiency of Christ that we can praise the Lord with a sincere heart. Can we ever make progress in the Divine life if we have not first of all taken our stand beneath the banner of praise? Judah was made head of his brethren, and from him kings were to descend (Gen. 49:8–10). Praising Christians will always be princes among the people. The sceptre of power shall not depart from them. Praise ye the Lord. 2. Standard of Reuben. This camp came immediately after Judah. Reuben means, “Behold a son.” Behold one in the full enjoyment of sonship. Reuben as a son sought to save the life of Joseph (Gen. 37:21), and offered his two sons as security for Benjamin. After praise comes the testimony of true sonship, “Behold a son.” Who will believe that we are the sons of God if our lives are not bright with His praise? If the spirit of praise and adoration fills your heart, then may you expect others to take knowledge, saying, “Behold a son.” Moreover, the great and blessed privileges of sonship can only be entered into and enjoyed by a thankful, trusting heart. Begin to praise and your testimony as a son will be felt and acknowledged by others. It becometh the sons of God to shout for joy. 3. Standard of Ephraim (Nu 2:18–24). Ephraim means “double fruitfulness.” Abundant fruit is sure to come after praise and the perfect life of sonship. We praise not the Lord because we are not fruitful, instead of praising Him that we may be made fruitful. Under Jehoshaphat the people of Judah “began to sing and to praise,” then the Lord set ambushments and gave them the victory (2 Chr 20:22). In our unbelief we will not bless the Lord until we see, although the Lord has said, “Believe, and thou shalt see.” But the way into “double fruitfulness” lies through the full appreciation of our privileges as the sons of God. The branch must receive from the vine a branch’s portion. Fruitfulness always implies fulness. 4. Standard of Dan (Nu 2:25–31). The meaning of Dan is judging. A judge is one seated in authority. The camp of Dan “shall go hindmost” (v. 31). The privilege of judging comes last of all. Is it not written that “the saints shall judge the world?” Are they not to “reign with Christ a thousand years?” Are we not to be made kings as well as priests unto God? And is it not said that “we shall reign on the earth? Yes, after Ephraim comes Dan, after fruitfulness comes exaltation and reward (Luke 19:17). 1. As SINNERS. Praise Him for the great things He hath done for us. 2. As SONS. Receive the great things He is offering to us. 3. As SERVANTS. Be fruitful in the work He has given us. 4. As JUDGES. Expect the honour promised us. These four standards are also suggestive of— 1. Christ’s birth, with its angelic songs. 2. Christ’s life, “Behold the Man.” 3. Christ’s death and resurrection. Double fruitfulness. 4. Christ’s coming again. Judging His people. R C