Searching the Scriptures: Numbers
Moses’ Prayer Denied
March 7, 2024 • Arthur Bailey • Deuteronomy 3
Moses, the deliverer and Prophet of God to Israel, performed great signs and wonders. His leadership of YeHoVaH’s armies struck terror into the hearts of nations. Moses, whom YeHoVaH spoke to face to face, on several occasions prayed to God on Israel’s behalf and prevented YeHoVaH from destroying Israel because of their rebellion. After forty years of wandering in the vast wilderness and waging war with the armies of kings and nations on their way to the Land of Promise, that which Moses wanted from YeHoVaH, more than anything else, was denied.
Tribal Land & Marriage
February 8, 2024 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 36
The land promised to the Tribes of Israel had specific Instructions concerning its borders for each individual tribe. An issue arose amongst a tribal member of Manasseh, a son of Joseph, concerning a man who had no sons and only daughters. The issue was about what would happen to his inheritance in the Promised Land. Upon receiving Instructions from YeHoVaH and giving them to the tribal leaders, another issue arose about marriage and the Tribal Land that will be addressed in this study.
Land of the Levites
February 1, 2024 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 35
In the previous Chapter, YeHoVaH instructed Moses to “Command the Israelites and say to them: When you enter Canaan, the land that will be allotted to you as an inheritance will have these boundaries:'' Twelve Tribes were allotted land as an inheritance per YeHoVaH’s Instructions. Levi, the thirteenth Tribe was not given Tribal Land, but instead was given land within the twelve Tribal Lands. This study will address the Land of the Levites.
Canaan: Israel’s Inheritance
January 25, 2024 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 34
After forty years of wandering in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, the land YeHoVaH promised to Israel was before them. YeHoVaH had given Instructions to Moses to give to the Children of Israel on what to do to the inhabitants that resided in the land and the consequences of not following His Instructions. Moses also received Instructions from YeHoVaH about the boundaries of each Tribe as they prepared to enter Canaan and take possession of their inheritance.
From Egypt to The Promised Land
January 18, 2024 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 33
Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt, by YeHoVaH’s chosen leader Moses, and the journey to the Promised Land took several detours and passages through treacherous territories and kingdoms. Moses recorded Israel’s travels at YeHoVaH’s command from Egypt up to the threshold of Canaan and gave Instructions for taking The Land from its inhabitants that included a very serious warning to the Children of Israel.
The Sins of the Fathers
January 11, 2024 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 32
For forty years the Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness until an entire generation of Israelites died because they angered YeHoVaH and He swore an oath to Himself in His wrath. On the verge of crossing over the Jordan to take possession of the Land of Promise, a new generation of Israelites are about to commit the same sins of their fathers.
The Vengeance of The LORD
January 4, 2024 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 31
The wrath of YeHoVaH had been executed against the Children of Israel who committed fornication with the Moabite women resulting in the death of 24,000 Israelites. However, YeHoVaH had not forgotten the culprits who seduced His people to worship their god. In this chapter of Numbers, YeHoVaH instructed Moses to avenge the Children of Israel against the Midianites which would become one of the last Instructions given to Moses before the end of his life.
Making and Breaking Vows
December 28, 2023 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 30
Making vows unto YeHoVaH, or in the presence of YeHoVaH, was and is a sacred and binding responsibility for those who made them. Under certain circumstances, vows could be nullified or overturned. In this portion of Numbers, Moses is given Instructions to inform YeHoVaH’s people of what was expected of them concerning vows and the requirements and obligations associated with them.
The Latter Feasts
December 7, 2023 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 29
The Feasts of the seventh month, or the Latter Feasts, begin on the first day of the seventh month with the Feast of Trumpets and end with the Eighth Day Assembly. We will discuss the Instructions given by YeHoVaH to Moses for the Priests and distinguish between Biblical Truth and Jewish traditions.
Offerings, Passover & The Feast of Weeks
November 30, 2023 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 28
Giving Offerings were a significant part of the Hebrew Israelite’s life in their relationship with YeHoVaH. The specifics of the required Offerings given daily, on the Sabbath, monthly, and at the Appointed Times are discussed in detail in this passage.
Inheritance Rights and Laying on of Hands
November 16, 2023 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 27
Inheritance rights are birth rights that are of serious concern to YeHoVaH. A unique situation arises where Moses seeks YeHoVaH’s face for Instructions on what to do. Moses is also informed that his life is coming to an end and the reason why. Then, Moses receives Instructions from YeHoVaH on who will be the new leader that will succeed him and the process for positioning his successor for success.
Wasted in the Wilderness
November 9, 2023 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 26
YeHoVaH instructed Moses to do a second census after the hanging of the heads of the leaders and the death of the 24,000 people who died in the plague in the previous Chapter. The numbers of the tribes and families that were counted, including the Levites, had drastically changed reflecting YeHoVaH’s promise, over 38 years earlier, concerning those that would be wasted in the wilderness.
Israel the Whore
November 2, 2023 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 25
Whoredom and Idolatry were major concerns of YeHoVaH for Israel. At Sinai, in the establishment of the Covenant relationship YeHoVaH made with Israel, YeHoVaH commanded Israel against Idolatry and later warned them of what would cause Israel to fall into Idolatry. In this portion of Numbers, Israel becomes the whore they had been warned against and immediately faced the consequences of their actions.
Balaam and the Spirit of God
October 26, 2023 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 24
Balaam, the diviner, had an experience with the Divine that caused him to take a totally different approach, which was contrary to his character, when he saw that blessing Israel pleased YeHoVaH. Balaam’s next words to Balak deeply troubled the king, resulting in Balaam getting fired and sent back to his own country without pay.
You Can’t Curse Israel
October 19, 2023 • Arthur Bailey • Numbers 23
Before Israel became a nation, and settled in the “Promised Land” given to the Children of Israel by YeHoVaH, nations plotted its demise and destruction. When YeHoVaH is with you, no nation's military, sorcerer, diviner, so-called prophet or soothsayer can stand against you. Balaam’s revelations and Balak’s frustrations caused them both to realize, You Can’t Curse Israel.