Numbers 35
KingCommentsNumbers 35:1
How to Distribute the Booty
The booty must be divided into two parts. One half is for the warriors, the other half is for the people. The booty is not only for the warriors. David later acts in the same way (1 Samuel 30:21-25; cf. Joshua 22:8). In proportion, the warriors get more. They have also experienced the difficulties, efforts and dangers of war.
The LORD makes sure that every Israelite can share in the joy of victory. He chooses who takes part in the war and honors them. He also wants to honor those who have stayed behind according to His sovereign will and who have faithfully fulfilled their task according to His will at their designated place.
Not everyone is equally capable of taking part in the battle. When believers achieve spiritual victories, the spoils must be shared with all. The spiritual riches one acquires must be shared with other believers.
Peter once made a fall. He has denied the Lord Jesus. The cause of this is the connection he has made with the world. He sat down in their midst (Luke 22:55). The Lord has even foretold this denial, but He also said that Peter would convert from that evil way. He even connects to it a command for Peter: after that bitter experience Peter will become an instrument of blessing for others (Luke 22:31-34). His letters are proof that he has carried out this task.
The warriors must give a part to the LORD (Numbers 31:28-29; 41). The people must also give a part and give it to the Levites (Numbers 31:30; 47). The service of the Levites is focused on the priestly service. Levites are encouraged in their task as they share in the spoils. Our spiritual victories should contribute to the promotion of the Levite service and through them also to the priestly service.
Everything is connected to the tabernacle (Numbers 31:30; 47) where ultimately the spiritual gain of each victory ends up. There God is served and God’s people have fellowship with Him and with each other. The meetings of the believers are then places where believers come from richer than they came.
Numbers 35:2
How to Distribute the Booty
The booty must be divided into two parts. One half is for the warriors, the other half is for the people. The booty is not only for the warriors. David later acts in the same way (1 Samuel 30:21-25; cf. Joshua 22:8). In proportion, the warriors get more. They have also experienced the difficulties, efforts and dangers of war.
The LORD makes sure that every Israelite can share in the joy of victory. He chooses who takes part in the war and honors them. He also wants to honor those who have stayed behind according to His sovereign will and who have faithfully fulfilled their task according to His will at their designated place.
Not everyone is equally capable of taking part in the battle. When believers achieve spiritual victories, the spoils must be shared with all. The spiritual riches one acquires must be shared with other believers.
Peter once made a fall. He has denied the Lord Jesus. The cause of this is the connection he has made with the world. He sat down in their midst (Luke 22:55). The Lord has even foretold this denial, but He also said that Peter would convert from that evil way. He even connects to it a command for Peter: after that bitter experience Peter will become an instrument of blessing for others (Luke 22:31-34). His letters are proof that he has carried out this task.
The warriors must give a part to the LORD (Numbers 31:28-29; 41). The people must also give a part and give it to the Levites (Numbers 31:30; 47). The service of the Levites is focused on the priestly service. Levites are encouraged in their task as they share in the spoils. Our spiritual victories should contribute to the promotion of the Levite service and through them also to the priestly service.
Everything is connected to the tabernacle (Numbers 31:30; 47) where ultimately the spiritual gain of each victory ends up. There God is served and God’s people have fellowship with Him and with each other. The meetings of the believers are then places where believers come from richer than they came.
Numbers 35:3
How to Distribute the Booty
The booty must be divided into two parts. One half is for the warriors, the other half is for the people. The booty is not only for the warriors. David later acts in the same way (1 Samuel 30:21-25; cf. Joshua 22:8). In proportion, the warriors get more. They have also experienced the difficulties, efforts and dangers of war.
The LORD makes sure that every Israelite can share in the joy of victory. He chooses who takes part in the war and honors them. He also wants to honor those who have stayed behind according to His sovereign will and who have faithfully fulfilled their task according to His will at their designated place.
Not everyone is equally capable of taking part in the battle. When believers achieve spiritual victories, the spoils must be shared with all. The spiritual riches one acquires must be shared with other believers.
Peter once made a fall. He has denied the Lord Jesus. The cause of this is the connection he has made with the world. He sat down in their midst (Luke 22:55). The Lord has even foretold this denial, but He also said that Peter would convert from that evil way. He even connects to it a command for Peter: after that bitter experience Peter will become an instrument of blessing for others (Luke 22:31-34). His letters are proof that he has carried out this task.
The warriors must give a part to the LORD (Numbers 31:28-29; 41). The people must also give a part and give it to the Levites (Numbers 31:30; 47). The service of the Levites is focused on the priestly service. Levites are encouraged in their task as they share in the spoils. Our spiritual victories should contribute to the promotion of the Levite service and through them also to the priestly service.
Everything is connected to the tabernacle (Numbers 31:30; 47) where ultimately the spiritual gain of each victory ends up. There God is served and God’s people have fellowship with Him and with each other. The meetings of the believers are then places where believers come from richer than they came.
Numbers 35:4
How to Distribute the Booty
The booty must be divided into two parts. One half is for the warriors, the other half is for the people. The booty is not only for the warriors. David later acts in the same way (1 Samuel 30:21-25; cf. Joshua 22:8). In proportion, the warriors get more. They have also experienced the difficulties, efforts and dangers of war.
The LORD makes sure that every Israelite can share in the joy of victory. He chooses who takes part in the war and honors them. He also wants to honor those who have stayed behind according to His sovereign will and who have faithfully fulfilled their task according to His will at their designated place.
Not everyone is equally capable of taking part in the battle. When believers achieve spiritual victories, the spoils must be shared with all. The spiritual riches one acquires must be shared with other believers.
Peter once made a fall. He has denied the Lord Jesus. The cause of this is the connection he has made with the world. He sat down in their midst (Luke 22:55). The Lord has even foretold this denial, but He also said that Peter would convert from that evil way. He even connects to it a command for Peter: after that bitter experience Peter will become an instrument of blessing for others (Luke 22:31-34). His letters are proof that he has carried out this task.
The warriors must give a part to the LORD (Numbers 31:28-29; 41). The people must also give a part and give it to the Levites (Numbers 31:30; 47). The service of the Levites is focused on the priestly service. Levites are encouraged in their task as they share in the spoils. Our spiritual victories should contribute to the promotion of the Levite service and through them also to the priestly service.
Everything is connected to the tabernacle (Numbers 31:30; 47) where ultimately the spiritual gain of each victory ends up. There God is served and God’s people have fellowship with Him and with each other. The meetings of the believers are then places where believers come from richer than they came.
Numbers 35:5
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:6
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:7
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:8
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:9
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:10
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:11
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:12
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:13
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:14
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:15
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:16
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:17
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:18
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:19
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:20
Distribution of the Booty
The booty and its distribution are as follows:
Booty of sheep: 675,000 1. for the soldiers: 337,500 of which 675 (=1/1000 of 675,000) for the LORD 2. for the people: 337,500 of which 6,750 (=1/100 of 675,000) for the Levites
Booty of cattle: 72,000 1. for the soldiers: 36,000 of which 72 for the LORD 2. for the people: 36,000 of which 720 for the Levites
Booty of donkeys: 61,000 1. for the soldiers: 30,500 of which 61 for the LORD 2. for the people: 30,500 of which 610 for the Levites
Booty of people: 32,000 1. for the soldiers: 16,000 of whom 32 for the LORD 2. for the people: 16,000 of whom 320 for the Levites
Numbers 35:21
The Voluntary Gift of the Spoils
A spontaneous action of the officers and captains takes place out of gratitude. They are impressed by the fact that no one has died. They do not attribute this to their own competence. Many have perished in Numbers 25 because of their unfaithfulness. Now that no one has perished, they give God the honor for it.
The Lord Jesus will also make sure that not one of them who belongs to Him will perish (John 17:12). No one will be missed in eternal glory from all those who have fought for the Lord on earth. All who abide by the Word of God attain salvation. We see this in picture in Acts 27, which concludes with: “And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land” (Acts 27:44b). The Lord Jesus will be praised for this for all eternity. This certainty will lead us now to worship Him in “the tent of meeting” (Numbers 31:54).
From spiritual leaders it may be expected to have more understanding of God’s goodness. Here it is even mentioned that these things are given to make atonement. It is exceptional that atonement is attributed to materials. This is always reserved for the blood.
However, there are exceptions. Atonement is also done in Numbers 16 by incense, although there is connection with the altar where the fire comes from (Numbers 16:46-48). In Exodus 30, atonement takes place through silver (Exodus 30:11-16). In order to exist before God, a price must be paid. Then someone becomes one of the numbered. Atonement means covering.
Normally atonement has to do with sins, that they are covered. Here it is about God’s glory covering His people after they have failed. This is about acknowledging that it is only His glory that matters and that we want to hide in it, even if it is due to causes we ourselves are to blame for.
The gold is brought by Moses and Eleazar into the tent of meeting (cf. 1 Chronicles 18:11; 2 Chronicles 15:18). All experiences should enrich our meetings. Every meeting should reflect all the experiences we have had over the past week that have impressed us with God’s goodness and faithfulness and glory.
In the history of this chapter we see an illustration of Samson’s riddle: here something to eat comes out of the eater and something sweet comes out of the strong (Judges 14:14). What the enemy (the eater, the strong) wants to do to destroy the people, works out for the glory of God and blessing for His people (something to eat and something sweet).
Numbers 35:22
The Voluntary Gift of the Spoils
A spontaneous action of the officers and captains takes place out of gratitude. They are impressed by the fact that no one has died. They do not attribute this to their own competence. Many have perished in Numbers 25 because of their unfaithfulness. Now that no one has perished, they give God the honor for it.
The Lord Jesus will also make sure that not one of them who belongs to Him will perish (John 17:12). No one will be missed in eternal glory from all those who have fought for the Lord on earth. All who abide by the Word of God attain salvation. We see this in picture in Acts 27, which concludes with: “And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land” (Acts 27:44b). The Lord Jesus will be praised for this for all eternity. This certainty will lead us now to worship Him in “the tent of meeting” (Numbers 31:54).
From spiritual leaders it may be expected to have more understanding of God’s goodness. Here it is even mentioned that these things are given to make atonement. It is exceptional that atonement is attributed to materials. This is always reserved for the blood.
However, there are exceptions. Atonement is also done in Numbers 16 by incense, although there is connection with the altar where the fire comes from (Numbers 16:46-48). In Exodus 30, atonement takes place through silver (Exodus 30:11-16). In order to exist before God, a price must be paid. Then someone becomes one of the numbered. Atonement means covering.
Normally atonement has to do with sins, that they are covered. Here it is about God’s glory covering His people after they have failed. This is about acknowledging that it is only His glory that matters and that we want to hide in it, even if it is due to causes we ourselves are to blame for.
The gold is brought by Moses and Eleazar into the tent of meeting (cf. 1 Chronicles 18:11; 2 Chronicles 15:18). All experiences should enrich our meetings. Every meeting should reflect all the experiences we have had over the past week that have impressed us with God’s goodness and faithfulness and glory.
In the history of this chapter we see an illustration of Samson’s riddle: here something to eat comes out of the eater and something sweet comes out of the strong (Judges 14:14). What the enemy (the eater, the strong) wants to do to destroy the people, works out for the glory of God and blessing for His people (something to eat and something sweet).
Numbers 35:23
The Voluntary Gift of the Spoils
A spontaneous action of the officers and captains takes place out of gratitude. They are impressed by the fact that no one has died. They do not attribute this to their own competence. Many have perished in Numbers 25 because of their unfaithfulness. Now that no one has perished, they give God the honor for it.
The Lord Jesus will also make sure that not one of them who belongs to Him will perish (John 17:12). No one will be missed in eternal glory from all those who have fought for the Lord on earth. All who abide by the Word of God attain salvation. We see this in picture in Acts 27, which concludes with: “And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land” (Acts 27:44b). The Lord Jesus will be praised for this for all eternity. This certainty will lead us now to worship Him in “the tent of meeting” (Numbers 31:54).
From spiritual leaders it may be expected to have more understanding of God’s goodness. Here it is even mentioned that these things are given to make atonement. It is exceptional that atonement is attributed to materials. This is always reserved for the blood.
However, there are exceptions. Atonement is also done in Numbers 16 by incense, although there is connection with the altar where the fire comes from (Numbers 16:46-48). In Exodus 30, atonement takes place through silver (Exodus 30:11-16). In order to exist before God, a price must be paid. Then someone becomes one of the numbered. Atonement means covering.
Normally atonement has to do with sins, that they are covered. Here it is about God’s glory covering His people after they have failed. This is about acknowledging that it is only His glory that matters and that we want to hide in it, even if it is due to causes we ourselves are to blame for.
The gold is brought by Moses and Eleazar into the tent of meeting (cf. 1 Chronicles 18:11; 2 Chronicles 15:18). All experiences should enrich our meetings. Every meeting should reflect all the experiences we have had over the past week that have impressed us with God’s goodness and faithfulness and glory.
In the history of this chapter we see an illustration of Samson’s riddle: here something to eat comes out of the eater and something sweet comes out of the strong (Judges 14:14). What the enemy (the eater, the strong) wants to do to destroy the people, works out for the glory of God and blessing for His people (something to eat and something sweet).
Numbers 35:24
The Voluntary Gift of the Spoils
A spontaneous action of the officers and captains takes place out of gratitude. They are impressed by the fact that no one has died. They do not attribute this to their own competence. Many have perished in Numbers 25 because of their unfaithfulness. Now that no one has perished, they give God the honor for it.
The Lord Jesus will also make sure that not one of them who belongs to Him will perish (John 17:12). No one will be missed in eternal glory from all those who have fought for the Lord on earth. All who abide by the Word of God attain salvation. We see this in picture in Acts 27, which concludes with: “And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land” (Acts 27:44b). The Lord Jesus will be praised for this for all eternity. This certainty will lead us now to worship Him in “the tent of meeting” (Numbers 31:54).
From spiritual leaders it may be expected to have more understanding of God’s goodness. Here it is even mentioned that these things are given to make atonement. It is exceptional that atonement is attributed to materials. This is always reserved for the blood.
However, there are exceptions. Atonement is also done in Numbers 16 by incense, although there is connection with the altar where the fire comes from (Numbers 16:46-48). In Exodus 30, atonement takes place through silver (Exodus 30:11-16). In order to exist before God, a price must be paid. Then someone becomes one of the numbered. Atonement means covering.
Normally atonement has to do with sins, that they are covered. Here it is about God’s glory covering His people after they have failed. This is about acknowledging that it is only His glory that matters and that we want to hide in it, even if it is due to causes we ourselves are to blame for.
The gold is brought by Moses and Eleazar into the tent of meeting (cf. 1 Chronicles 18:11; 2 Chronicles 15:18). All experiences should enrich our meetings. Every meeting should reflect all the experiences we have had over the past week that have impressed us with God’s goodness and faithfulness and glory.
In the history of this chapter we see an illustration of Samson’s riddle: here something to eat comes out of the eater and something sweet comes out of the strong (Judges 14:14). What the enemy (the eater, the strong) wants to do to destroy the people, works out for the glory of God and blessing for His people (something to eat and something sweet).
Numbers 35:25
The Voluntary Gift of the Spoils
A spontaneous action of the officers and captains takes place out of gratitude. They are impressed by the fact that no one has died. They do not attribute this to their own competence. Many have perished in Numbers 25 because of their unfaithfulness. Now that no one has perished, they give God the honor for it.
The Lord Jesus will also make sure that not one of them who belongs to Him will perish (John 17:12). No one will be missed in eternal glory from all those who have fought for the Lord on earth. All who abide by the Word of God attain salvation. We see this in picture in Acts 27, which concludes with: “And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land” (Acts 27:44b). The Lord Jesus will be praised for this for all eternity. This certainty will lead us now to worship Him in “the tent of meeting” (Numbers 31:54).
From spiritual leaders it may be expected to have more understanding of God’s goodness. Here it is even mentioned that these things are given to make atonement. It is exceptional that atonement is attributed to materials. This is always reserved for the blood.
However, there are exceptions. Atonement is also done in Numbers 16 by incense, although there is connection with the altar where the fire comes from (Numbers 16:46-48). In Exodus 30, atonement takes place through silver (Exodus 30:11-16). In order to exist before God, a price must be paid. Then someone becomes one of the numbered. Atonement means covering.
Normally atonement has to do with sins, that they are covered. Here it is about God’s glory covering His people after they have failed. This is about acknowledging that it is only His glory that matters and that we want to hide in it, even if it is due to causes we ourselves are to blame for.
The gold is brought by Moses and Eleazar into the tent of meeting (cf. 1 Chronicles 18:11; 2 Chronicles 15:18). All experiences should enrich our meetings. Every meeting should reflect all the experiences we have had over the past week that have impressed us with God’s goodness and faithfulness and glory.
In the history of this chapter we see an illustration of Samson’s riddle: here something to eat comes out of the eater and something sweet comes out of the strong (Judges 14:14). What the enemy (the eater, the strong) wants to do to destroy the people, works out for the glory of God and blessing for His people (something to eat and something sweet).
Numbers 35:26
The Voluntary Gift of the Spoils
A spontaneous action of the officers and captains takes place out of gratitude. They are impressed by the fact that no one has died. They do not attribute this to their own competence. Many have perished in Numbers 25 because of their unfaithfulness. Now that no one has perished, they give God the honor for it.
The Lord Jesus will also make sure that not one of them who belongs to Him will perish (John 17:12). No one will be missed in eternal glory from all those who have fought for the Lord on earth. All who abide by the Word of God attain salvation. We see this in picture in Acts 27, which concludes with: “And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land” (Acts 27:44b). The Lord Jesus will be praised for this for all eternity. This certainty will lead us now to worship Him in “the tent of meeting” (Numbers 31:54).
From spiritual leaders it may be expected to have more understanding of God’s goodness. Here it is even mentioned that these things are given to make atonement. It is exceptional that atonement is attributed to materials. This is always reserved for the blood.
However, there are exceptions. Atonement is also done in Numbers 16 by incense, although there is connection with the altar where the fire comes from (Numbers 16:46-48). In Exodus 30, atonement takes place through silver (Exodus 30:11-16). In order to exist before God, a price must be paid. Then someone becomes one of the numbered. Atonement means covering.
Normally atonement has to do with sins, that they are covered. Here it is about God’s glory covering His people after they have failed. This is about acknowledging that it is only His glory that matters and that we want to hide in it, even if it is due to causes we ourselves are to blame for.
The gold is brought by Moses and Eleazar into the tent of meeting (cf. 1 Chronicles 18:11; 2 Chronicles 15:18). All experiences should enrich our meetings. Every meeting should reflect all the experiences we have had over the past week that have impressed us with God’s goodness and faithfulness and glory.
In the history of this chapter we see an illustration of Samson’s riddle: here something to eat comes out of the eater and something sweet comes out of the strong (Judges 14:14). What the enemy (the eater, the strong) wants to do to destroy the people, works out for the glory of God and blessing for His people (something to eat and something sweet).
Numbers 35:27
The Voluntary Gift of the Spoils
A spontaneous action of the officers and captains takes place out of gratitude. They are impressed by the fact that no one has died. They do not attribute this to their own competence. Many have perished in Numbers 25 because of their unfaithfulness. Now that no one has perished, they give God the honor for it.
The Lord Jesus will also make sure that not one of them who belongs to Him will perish (John 17:12). No one will be missed in eternal glory from all those who have fought for the Lord on earth. All who abide by the Word of God attain salvation. We see this in picture in Acts 27, which concludes with: “And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land” (Acts 27:44b). The Lord Jesus will be praised for this for all eternity. This certainty will lead us now to worship Him in “the tent of meeting” (Numbers 31:54).
From spiritual leaders it may be expected to have more understanding of God’s goodness. Here it is even mentioned that these things are given to make atonement. It is exceptional that atonement is attributed to materials. This is always reserved for the blood.
However, there are exceptions. Atonement is also done in Numbers 16 by incense, although there is connection with the altar where the fire comes from (Numbers 16:46-48). In Exodus 30, atonement takes place through silver (Exodus 30:11-16). In order to exist before God, a price must be paid. Then someone becomes one of the numbered. Atonement means covering.
Normally atonement has to do with sins, that they are covered. Here it is about God’s glory covering His people after they have failed. This is about acknowledging that it is only His glory that matters and that we want to hide in it, even if it is due to causes we ourselves are to blame for.
The gold is brought by Moses and Eleazar into the tent of meeting (cf. 1 Chronicles 18:11; 2 Chronicles 15:18). All experiences should enrich our meetings. Every meeting should reflect all the experiences we have had over the past week that have impressed us with God’s goodness and faithfulness and glory.
In the history of this chapter we see an illustration of Samson’s riddle: here something to eat comes out of the eater and something sweet comes out of the strong (Judges 14:14). What the enemy (the eater, the strong) wants to do to destroy the people, works out for the glory of God and blessing for His people (something to eat and something sweet).
Numbers 35:29
Introduction
To understand the lesson of this chapter we need to know what the land represents and what the wilderness side of the Jordan represents. The land of Canaan is the land in which the people may enjoy the blessing of God. For the Christian, Canaan is a picture of the heavenly places, in which God blessed him “with every spiritual blessing … in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
To enter the land, you have to cross the Jordan. That river is a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Only he who believes in Him is seated in Christ in the heavenly places. Heavenly blessings are the specific blessings of the believer. Only those who are aware of this will enjoy them.
The wilderness side of the Jordan is the land on the east side of the Jordan. The wilderness side of the Jordan speaks of the earthly blessings. With earthly blessings we can think of things like health, clothing, shelter, work and family. For these blessings you don’t have to cross the Jordan. Earthly blessings can also be enjoyed by non-Christians.
The difference in enjoying the earthly blessings between the believer and the unbeliever is that the believer will thank the Lord for those blessings (1 Timothy 4:3), while the unbeliever appropriates those blessings as a right acquired by himself. So earthly blessings are not specific to the Christian. The Christian who is satisfied with only the earthly blessings, ignores what God has given him on top of that to enjoy together with Him.
The wilderness side of the Jordan first belonged to the Ammonites and was then conquered by the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. Therefore, the Israelites have received permission to conquer it (Numbers 21:21-35). Sihon has ruled in the south (Gilead) and Og in the north (Basan). It is God’s purpose that His people will inherit a part of the wilderness side of the Jordan. In the kingdom of peace, all tribes are assigned a part in the land and each tribe also receives a part in the wilderness side of the Jordan. However, it is not God’s purpose that His people will settle there completely. He does not want His people to be content with it alone, without interest in the land of which He says: “The land is Mine” (Leviticus 25:23). It is His land.
The Wilderness Side of the Jordan as a Possession
Reuben and Gad are stationed under the same standard. They will have considered the situation together and have come to the conclusion that there is much to be gained if they can stay where they are now: the plains of Moab. They have an exceedingly large number of livestock. And the area in which they are currently located provides what their livestock need according to their perception. They are guided by their eyes: the land is pleasing to their eyes and good for their livestock (cf. Genesis 13:10-11).
Therefore they ask Moses, Eleazar and the leaders to give them this land as their possession. In doing so, they ask to not have to go across the Jordan. They are asking, as it were, for a favor not to have to move into the land. That must have hurt Moses, who so desperately wanted to enter the land, but was not allowed to. And how this would have hurt the heart of the LORD. He has chosen this land for His people, and these tribes say they do not want to enter it.
The Gadites and Reubenites have experienced all the trials of the wilderness, they have been spared, and just before the Jordan they refuse to cross over. This is tragic. They use their large livestock as an excuse not to have to enter the land. Their property is their everything. If we use our earthly blessings for ourselves, they become an excuse not to occupy ourselves with the heavenly blessings.
There is also some impatience in the attitude of both tribes. Why wait for blessings of which you have to wait and see if and how they please you, if you can already enjoy them here and now? One bird in the hand is always better than ten in the air. This attitude can be found with us when we live for what we possess on earth, what we can touch and taste with our natural senses.
Numbers 35:30
Introduction
To understand the lesson of this chapter we need to know what the land represents and what the wilderness side of the Jordan represents. The land of Canaan is the land in which the people may enjoy the blessing of God. For the Christian, Canaan is a picture of the heavenly places, in which God blessed him “with every spiritual blessing … in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
To enter the land, you have to cross the Jordan. That river is a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Only he who believes in Him is seated in Christ in the heavenly places. Heavenly blessings are the specific blessings of the believer. Only those who are aware of this will enjoy them.
The wilderness side of the Jordan is the land on the east side of the Jordan. The wilderness side of the Jordan speaks of the earthly blessings. With earthly blessings we can think of things like health, clothing, shelter, work and family. For these blessings you don’t have to cross the Jordan. Earthly blessings can also be enjoyed by non-Christians.
The difference in enjoying the earthly blessings between the believer and the unbeliever is that the believer will thank the Lord for those blessings (1 Timothy 4:3), while the unbeliever appropriates those blessings as a right acquired by himself. So earthly blessings are not specific to the Christian. The Christian who is satisfied with only the earthly blessings, ignores what God has given him on top of that to enjoy together with Him.
The wilderness side of the Jordan first belonged to the Ammonites and was then conquered by the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. Therefore, the Israelites have received permission to conquer it (Numbers 21:21-35). Sihon has ruled in the south (Gilead) and Og in the north (Basan). It is God’s purpose that His people will inherit a part of the wilderness side of the Jordan. In the kingdom of peace, all tribes are assigned a part in the land and each tribe also receives a part in the wilderness side of the Jordan. However, it is not God’s purpose that His people will settle there completely. He does not want His people to be content with it alone, without interest in the land of which He says: “The land is Mine” (Leviticus 25:23). It is His land.
The Wilderness Side of the Jordan as a Possession
Reuben and Gad are stationed under the same standard. They will have considered the situation together and have come to the conclusion that there is much to be gained if they can stay where they are now: the plains of Moab. They have an exceedingly large number of livestock. And the area in which they are currently located provides what their livestock need according to their perception. They are guided by their eyes: the land is pleasing to their eyes and good for their livestock (cf. Genesis 13:10-11).
Therefore they ask Moses, Eleazar and the leaders to give them this land as their possession. In doing so, they ask to not have to go across the Jordan. They are asking, as it were, for a favor not to have to move into the land. That must have hurt Moses, who so desperately wanted to enter the land, but was not allowed to. And how this would have hurt the heart of the LORD. He has chosen this land for His people, and these tribes say they do not want to enter it.
The Gadites and Reubenites have experienced all the trials of the wilderness, they have been spared, and just before the Jordan they refuse to cross over. This is tragic. They use their large livestock as an excuse not to have to enter the land. Their property is their everything. If we use our earthly blessings for ourselves, they become an excuse not to occupy ourselves with the heavenly blessings.
There is also some impatience in the attitude of both tribes. Why wait for blessings of which you have to wait and see if and how they please you, if you can already enjoy them here and now? One bird in the hand is always better than ten in the air. This attitude can be found with us when we live for what we possess on earth, what we can touch and taste with our natural senses.
Numbers 35:31
Introduction
To understand the lesson of this chapter we need to know what the land represents and what the wilderness side of the Jordan represents. The land of Canaan is the land in which the people may enjoy the blessing of God. For the Christian, Canaan is a picture of the heavenly places, in which God blessed him “with every spiritual blessing … in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
To enter the land, you have to cross the Jordan. That river is a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Only he who believes in Him is seated in Christ in the heavenly places. Heavenly blessings are the specific blessings of the believer. Only those who are aware of this will enjoy them.
The wilderness side of the Jordan is the land on the east side of the Jordan. The wilderness side of the Jordan speaks of the earthly blessings. With earthly blessings we can think of things like health, clothing, shelter, work and family. For these blessings you don’t have to cross the Jordan. Earthly blessings can also be enjoyed by non-Christians.
The difference in enjoying the earthly blessings between the believer and the unbeliever is that the believer will thank the Lord for those blessings (1 Timothy 4:3), while the unbeliever appropriates those blessings as a right acquired by himself. So earthly blessings are not specific to the Christian. The Christian who is satisfied with only the earthly blessings, ignores what God has given him on top of that to enjoy together with Him.
The wilderness side of the Jordan first belonged to the Ammonites and was then conquered by the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. Therefore, the Israelites have received permission to conquer it (Numbers 21:21-35). Sihon has ruled in the south (Gilead) and Og in the north (Basan). It is God’s purpose that His people will inherit a part of the wilderness side of the Jordan. In the kingdom of peace, all tribes are assigned a part in the land and each tribe also receives a part in the wilderness side of the Jordan. However, it is not God’s purpose that His people will settle there completely. He does not want His people to be content with it alone, without interest in the land of which He says: “The land is Mine” (Leviticus 25:23). It is His land.
The Wilderness Side of the Jordan as a Possession
Reuben and Gad are stationed under the same standard. They will have considered the situation together and have come to the conclusion that there is much to be gained if they can stay where they are now: the plains of Moab. They have an exceedingly large number of livestock. And the area in which they are currently located provides what their livestock need according to their perception. They are guided by their eyes: the land is pleasing to their eyes and good for their livestock (cf. Genesis 13:10-11).
Therefore they ask Moses, Eleazar and the leaders to give them this land as their possession. In doing so, they ask to not have to go across the Jordan. They are asking, as it were, for a favor not to have to move into the land. That must have hurt Moses, who so desperately wanted to enter the land, but was not allowed to. And how this would have hurt the heart of the LORD. He has chosen this land for His people, and these tribes say they do not want to enter it.
The Gadites and Reubenites have experienced all the trials of the wilderness, they have been spared, and just before the Jordan they refuse to cross over. This is tragic. They use their large livestock as an excuse not to have to enter the land. Their property is their everything. If we use our earthly blessings for ourselves, they become an excuse not to occupy ourselves with the heavenly blessings.
There is also some impatience in the attitude of both tribes. Why wait for blessings of which you have to wait and see if and how they please you, if you can already enjoy them here and now? One bird in the hand is always better than ten in the air. This attitude can be found with us when we live for what we possess on earth, what we can touch and taste with our natural senses.
Numbers 35:32
Introduction
To understand the lesson of this chapter we need to know what the land represents and what the wilderness side of the Jordan represents. The land of Canaan is the land in which the people may enjoy the blessing of God. For the Christian, Canaan is a picture of the heavenly places, in which God blessed him “with every spiritual blessing … in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
To enter the land, you have to cross the Jordan. That river is a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Only he who believes in Him is seated in Christ in the heavenly places. Heavenly blessings are the specific blessings of the believer. Only those who are aware of this will enjoy them.
The wilderness side of the Jordan is the land on the east side of the Jordan. The wilderness side of the Jordan speaks of the earthly blessings. With earthly blessings we can think of things like health, clothing, shelter, work and family. For these blessings you don’t have to cross the Jordan. Earthly blessings can also be enjoyed by non-Christians.
The difference in enjoying the earthly blessings between the believer and the unbeliever is that the believer will thank the Lord for those blessings (1 Timothy 4:3), while the unbeliever appropriates those blessings as a right acquired by himself. So earthly blessings are not specific to the Christian. The Christian who is satisfied with only the earthly blessings, ignores what God has given him on top of that to enjoy together with Him.
The wilderness side of the Jordan first belonged to the Ammonites and was then conquered by the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. Therefore, the Israelites have received permission to conquer it (Numbers 21:21-35). Sihon has ruled in the south (Gilead) and Og in the north (Basan). It is God’s purpose that His people will inherit a part of the wilderness side of the Jordan. In the kingdom of peace, all tribes are assigned a part in the land and each tribe also receives a part in the wilderness side of the Jordan. However, it is not God’s purpose that His people will settle there completely. He does not want His people to be content with it alone, without interest in the land of which He says: “The land is Mine” (Leviticus 25:23). It is His land.
The Wilderness Side of the Jordan as a Possession
Reuben and Gad are stationed under the same standard. They will have considered the situation together and have come to the conclusion that there is much to be gained if they can stay where they are now: the plains of Moab. They have an exceedingly large number of livestock. And the area in which they are currently located provides what their livestock need according to their perception. They are guided by their eyes: the land is pleasing to their eyes and good for their livestock (cf. Genesis 13:10-11).
Therefore they ask Moses, Eleazar and the leaders to give them this land as their possession. In doing so, they ask to not have to go across the Jordan. They are asking, as it were, for a favor not to have to move into the land. That must have hurt Moses, who so desperately wanted to enter the land, but was not allowed to. And how this would have hurt the heart of the LORD. He has chosen this land for His people, and these tribes say they do not want to enter it.
The Gadites and Reubenites have experienced all the trials of the wilderness, they have been spared, and just before the Jordan they refuse to cross over. This is tragic. They use their large livestock as an excuse not to have to enter the land. Their property is their everything. If we use our earthly blessings for ourselves, they become an excuse not to occupy ourselves with the heavenly blessings.
There is also some impatience in the attitude of both tribes. Why wait for blessings of which you have to wait and see if and how they please you, if you can already enjoy them here and now? One bird in the hand is always better than ten in the air. This attitude can be found with us when we live for what we possess on earth, what we can touch and taste with our natural senses.
Numbers 35:33
Introduction
To understand the lesson of this chapter we need to know what the land represents and what the wilderness side of the Jordan represents. The land of Canaan is the land in which the people may enjoy the blessing of God. For the Christian, Canaan is a picture of the heavenly places, in which God blessed him “with every spiritual blessing … in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
To enter the land, you have to cross the Jordan. That river is a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Only he who believes in Him is seated in Christ in the heavenly places. Heavenly blessings are the specific blessings of the believer. Only those who are aware of this will enjoy them.
The wilderness side of the Jordan is the land on the east side of the Jordan. The wilderness side of the Jordan speaks of the earthly blessings. With earthly blessings we can think of things like health, clothing, shelter, work and family. For these blessings you don’t have to cross the Jordan. Earthly blessings can also be enjoyed by non-Christians.
The difference in enjoying the earthly blessings between the believer and the unbeliever is that the believer will thank the Lord for those blessings (1 Timothy 4:3), while the unbeliever appropriates those blessings as a right acquired by himself. So earthly blessings are not specific to the Christian. The Christian who is satisfied with only the earthly blessings, ignores what God has given him on top of that to enjoy together with Him.
The wilderness side of the Jordan first belonged to the Ammonites and was then conquered by the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. Therefore, the Israelites have received permission to conquer it (Numbers 21:21-35). Sihon has ruled in the south (Gilead) and Og in the north (Basan). It is God’s purpose that His people will inherit a part of the wilderness side of the Jordan. In the kingdom of peace, all tribes are assigned a part in the land and each tribe also receives a part in the wilderness side of the Jordan. However, it is not God’s purpose that His people will settle there completely. He does not want His people to be content with it alone, without interest in the land of which He says: “The land is Mine” (Leviticus 25:23). It is His land.
The Wilderness Side of the Jordan as a Possession
Reuben and Gad are stationed under the same standard. They will have considered the situation together and have come to the conclusion that there is much to be gained if they can stay where they are now: the plains of Moab. They have an exceedingly large number of livestock. And the area in which they are currently located provides what their livestock need according to their perception. They are guided by their eyes: the land is pleasing to their eyes and good for their livestock (cf. Genesis 13:10-11).
Therefore they ask Moses, Eleazar and the leaders to give them this land as their possession. In doing so, they ask to not have to go across the Jordan. They are asking, as it were, for a favor not to have to move into the land. That must have hurt Moses, who so desperately wanted to enter the land, but was not allowed to. And how this would have hurt the heart of the LORD. He has chosen this land for His people, and these tribes say they do not want to enter it.
The Gadites and Reubenites have experienced all the trials of the wilderness, they have been spared, and just before the Jordan they refuse to cross over. This is tragic. They use their large livestock as an excuse not to have to enter the land. Their property is their everything. If we use our earthly blessings for ourselves, they become an excuse not to occupy ourselves with the heavenly blessings.
There is also some impatience in the attitude of both tribes. Why wait for blessings of which you have to wait and see if and how they please you, if you can already enjoy them here and now? One bird in the hand is always better than ten in the air. This attitude can be found with us when we live for what we possess on earth, what we can touch and taste with our natural senses.
Numbers 35:34
The Indignation of Moses
Moses points out the dangers of their wish. He points out the negative influence that their wish can have on the rest of the people. Moses sees again a reluctant people who do not want to enter the land. It reminds him of what happened forty years earlier, and this he presents to the two tribes. Then the whole people did not want to enter because some spies misrepresented things (Numbers 13:27-33; Numbers 14:1-4). The two tribes also misrepresent the situation by indicating that they do not appreciate the promised land.
Moses is not flattering about their ancestry. He calls them “a brood of sinful men” (Numbers 32:14). Out of the fullness of his heart he expresses his indignation about the unwillingness of the people at the time to enter the land. Now the children from these ‘sinful men’ come and they also say that they do not want to enter the land. He is afraid that the same unwillingness is present in these men, this new generation.