King James Version
The Book of Numbers
Chapter 17
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Commentary
Numbers 17
Num 17:1-6 KJV
The People did not take
the word of Moses as he had declared before that the descendents of
Aaron shwll be the priesthood. Instead, they wanted confirmation from
God on the matter.
This is the same People who asked to be hidden from God, "for He is too much for them...lest God should consume them". Now they wish to seek God. This does appear to me that the People are manipulating authority, just as we had done when we were children.
Num 17:7-8 KJV
It is very clear that God chose the Levites to lead the Priesthood for the People, and that there ought to be no more question of authority. The rod of Aaron did not merely bud, as proposed, it also brought forth blossoms and almonds! It seems that God was making a point here, as if to say, "how much more proof do you need" Oh, ye stiffnecked generation."
Num 17:9-12 KJV
"Woe is me! Woe is me!" Does this sound familiar? It should. It is the ever-present cry of us all when we are wrong and know it. Perhaps the People should have known BEFORE they chalenged authority. Maybe there was another way to go about it? If their intentions were innocent, then maybe they should have taken the time to explain to Moses they maybe they are concerned about who to follow, or some such appeal. Instead, this People present their challenge of authority as a rebellion against it, not as an effort to reverence God.
Num 17:13 KJV
Now it is so that God doesn't want this People to come near to Him, because of their sin and rebellion. God cannot have any dealings with sin. He will remain forever seperate from any manner of sin. This is why it is so important that we have a mediator to present us. Such a person must be made Holy, just as God had intended for ALL the People to be.
Today, Jesus is the sacrifice for our sin. Atonement for our sins brings us close again to God. Jesus accomplished that on the Cross. Now we must acknowledge that we do accept Jesus in the same way the People did acknowledge the Atonement for their sin. They confessed and they accepted atonement, just as we do today. Now we do not bring the sacrifice for our sin, the sacrifice comes to us by way of Christ.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
