BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusਨਮੂਨਾ

At the end of Genesis, Abraham’s family arrived in Egypt with famine behind them and an uncertain future ahead. Yet God took this humble and haggard group of shepherds and made them into a great nation. He rescued them from slavery by splitting open the sea. He showered them with bread from the skies and poured out water from the dry desert ground. He brought them to the borders of the promised land, protecting them from enemy armies and turning curses into blessings right over their heads.

Despite these gifts, Israel struggles to trust God and follow his instruction. In today’s reading, Israel falls into sexual sin and idolatry, a common pairing in Scripture. Just as adultery violates the covenant of marriage, Israel’s idolatry violates their covenant with Yahweh. God, like a loving spouse, wants his covenant partners to be faithful. The extreme measure Phinehas takes against Israel’s unfaithfulness (Num. 25:6-8) points to the deadly consequences of Israel breaking their agreement with God.

Following the plague crisis, the new generation of Israelites prepares to enter the promised land. Moses takes a new census of fighting-age men, and Zelophehad’s daughters challenge Moses about Israel’s inheritance laws. Now that permanent land will be established, women need property rights once reserved for men only. Moses sees their good point, agreeing to change the law so that the Abrahamic blessings will continue for all Israelite families. Then Moses appoints Joshua as his successor to provide Israel with a strong leader. The end of Israel’s wilderness wandering is in sight!

Reflection Questions

• Where has Joshua appeared in the book of Numbers so far? How has he proven his qualifications for leadership?
• God says that the daughters of Zelophehad can possess and have responsibility over their portion of the promised land, just like sons. Where else have you seen men and women given equal responsibility to govern the land? How does that help you understand this moment in Numbers?