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Lesson Number
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Class Date
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Subject
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Numbers
27
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Aug 14, 19
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Deut 31: 7-8: The Lord's promise. Num 25:1-18.
In ch. 25, Israel commits harlotry in Moab, kindling
God's wrath (v. 1-3). This results in the deaths 24,000
Israelites, including 1,000 leaders, as punishment (v.
4-5, 9; 1 Cor 10:8). Only after Eleazar's son, Phinehas,
zealously slays two idol worshipers does God's wrath
abate (Num 25:6-13, Jam 5:19-20). Israel is an example
of the believer in the Church Age. God's Word is our
shield against temptations and attacks from Satan (Eph
6:10-19).
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Numbers
26
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Aug 7, 19
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Num 22:39-24:25. The prophesies/oracles of
Balaam. In order to curse Israel, Balak and Balaam try
to impress God with seven offerings. God is not
impressed and instead puts words in Balaam's mouth
resulting in seven prophesies about Israel. Rather than
curse Israel, He blesses them and curses their enemies.
He also prophesies the coming Messiah (v. 24:15-19). God
made promises to Israel and us, and He will never fail.
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Numbers
25
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Jul 31, 19
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Num 22:1-41. In ch. 22, Balak, the king of Moab,
hires Balaam, a “seer,” to destroy Israel by spiritual
means (v. 1-8). God tells Baalam not to pursue Israel,
but Balaam does anyway, kindling the anger of the Lord
(v. 9-22). The Lord then speaks to Balaam first through
his donkey, then face to face (v. 23-35, 2 Pet 2:15-16).
God has a solution for our problems. Without having a
relationship with Him, we will miss those solutions and
blessings.
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Numbers
24
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Jul 24, 19
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In ch. 21, we see opposition and discouragement,
as well as God's victories. We open with the Lord
delivering the Israelites from the king of Arad (v.
1-3). Following this great victory, we move on to the
failure of the bronze serpent incident (v. 4-9) and
God's subsequent spiritual deliverance (Jn 3:14-15). We
then travel with Israel from Mount Hor to Moab (Num
21:10-20). Finally, Israel encounters two enemies but
God gives them the victory (v. 21-35). When we trust the
Lord, we can have the same spiritual victories.
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Numbers
23
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Jul 17, 19
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Amos 4:12-13: Reminder of God's sovereignty. Num
20:14-29. In the second half of ch. 20, Israel attempts
to pass through Edom to reach the Promised Land;
however, despite Moses' attempts at diplomacy, Edom
refuses passage (v. 14-20, Gen 12:3). God concludes the
chapter by honoring Aaron's death, despite his failures
(Num 22-29). God takes care of His saints in life and
death (Ps 116:15).
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Numbers
22
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Jul 10, 19
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Numbers 20:1-13. In the first half of ch. 20, we
see God honor Miriam's death (Num 20:1), God provide
water from the rock at Kadesh (v. 2-13,??1 Cor 10:2-4,
Ps 18:1-2, Deut 32:4), and Moses disobey God (v. 10-12).
God will honor and provide for us, despite our failures,
if we remain committed to Him (Lev 10:3). Greater
blessings are coming to those who honor and sanctify
Him.
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Numbers
21
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Jul 3, 19
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Remembrance of the Battle of Long Island
(Revolutionary War). Num 19:1-22. The Laws of
Purification. Ch. 19 describes steps the Israelites took
to return to ritual purity after touching a dead body,
which would render them unclean for seven days. It
includes the ritual burning of the red heifer (v. 1-10)
and the requirements of the unclean (v. 11-22). These
rules were used to remind the Israelites about the
holiness of God and our need to be purified from sin
before Him.
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Numbers
20
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Jun 5, 19
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Remembrance of the Battle of Midway (WWII).
Reading from Gordon Prange's, "Miracle at Midway."
Numbers 17-18. The Israelites continue to challenge the
selection of Aaron and his sons as priest. In ch. 17,
God provides a demonstration using the staffs of each
tribe. Aaron's staff buds and sprouts almonds as a sign
of his selection by God. In ch. 18, we review the
priests' responsibilities (v. 1-7), provisions to
sustain them (v. 8-20), and tithes to support them (v.
21-32). While the Levites did not get an inheritance or
land, God provided for them. God is their inheritance.
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Numbers
19
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May 29, 19
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Numbers 16:1-50. Korah, dissatisfied with his
station in life and seeking to be part of the
priesthood, challenges Moses and Aaron. Despite Moses'
warning, Korah conspires and leads a coup again him (Num
16:1-19). In response to their show of rebellion, God
directs the earth to swallow up Korah and his men (Num
16: 20-35). The congregation then rebels against Moses
and Aaron, leading God to send a plague against them (v.
41-50). We should be content with God's plan for our
lives (Phil 4:12, Col 3:12-17, Heb 13:5). When we oppose
this plan, we oppose God (1 Sam 8:7).
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Numbers
18
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May 15, 19
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Voice of the Martyrs: Report on Sudan. Review of
Israelites' whereabouts (Deut 1:42-2:1). Num 15:1-41. In
ch. 15, we see more detail given regarding freewill
offerings (v. 1-16) and sin offerings (v. 22-31). We
then have a parenthetical section dedicated to those who
violate the Sabbath (v. 32-36). Lastly, we see God's
guidance on wearing tassels as a memory device to
remember to obey. Throughout the chapter, we're reminded
of God's provisions and everlasting love (Rom 8:31-39,
Phil 4:6-7, Heb 13:5-6).
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Numbers
17
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Apr 3, 19
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Ronald Reagan's godly remarks after attempted
assassination. Num 14:26-45. The rebellion of the people
continues. God declares they have tested Him "these ten
times" (v. 22, reviewed) and announces His punishment
for their disobedience (v. 26-35, Heb 3:16-19). With the
exception of Caleb and Joshua, all the Exodus generation
20 years+ would perish in the wilderness. The evil spies
died immediately (Num 14:36-37). We must trust God to
provide during difficult situations (1 Cor 10:13).
Refusing to accept this fate, the people try to enter
land but are driven back (Num 14:39-45). Humility is a
central part of recovery after failure.
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Numbers
16
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Mar 27, 19
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Num 14:1-25. God used the spies to show the
Israelites that Canaan was flowing with milk and honey.
Now the question is, would they trust Him? Even after
hearing a good report from Joshua and Caleb, the
Israelites react with fear and delusion, even seeking to
stone them (v. 6-10). God, in turn, responds with
righteous anger, leading Moses to intercede for the
people (v. 11-19). The Lord pardons them, but promises
(with the exception of Joshua and Caleb) that they will
never enter the Promised Land (v. 20-25). While life is
designed to be difficult, God provides solutions. We
need not fear because God has overcome the world (Jn
16:33).
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Numbers
15
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Mar 20, 19
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Num 14:1-2. Israel has arrived at the southern
boundary of Canaan. However, after hearing the spies'
bad report, they refuse to enter and thereby refuse to
follow God. The Lord gives us opportunities to
demonstrate our faith in Him, and it's our choice to
reject or follow Him. The Israelites respond by weeping
and complaining against Moses (Num 14:1-2). This is
otherwise known as the "emotional revolt of the soul,"
one of the eight stages of reversionism (reviewed). The
Israelite response is an example of why we should follow
God's will for our lives (1 Cor 10:1-11).
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Numbers
14
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Mar 6, 19
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Numbers 13: 1-33. At last, the tribes of Israel
have reached the Wilderness of Paran, southeast of
Canaan. In response to the Israelites' request, a
reconnaissance team is sent to spy out the land (v.
1-24, Deut 1:19-22). The journey takes forty days (Num
13:25). The land proves to flow with milk and honey but
is inhabited by "giants" or formidable men (v. 26-29).
With the exception of Caleb, God allows the team to give
a negative report in order that Israel will trust Him
(v. 30-33). God gives us the same opportunity (Ps.
56:3).
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Numbers
13
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Feb 27, 19
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Recent Senate bill regarding abortion. Numbers
11:31-35. In response to intense complaining, the Lord
sends the Israelites quail prior to their arrival in
Sinai. Rather than being grateful, they grossly overeat
the quail and become violently ill. God gives us what we
need. Very often what we think we should have is not
good for us. Numbers 12:1-16. Miriam and Aaron speak out
against Moses. God responds by calling the siblings to
face Him directly, reprimanding the dissension and
leaving Miriam leprous, for which Moses intercedes. We,
too, must not attack others or question God's will.
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Numbers
12
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Feb 6, 19
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Ps 37: Trusting in the Lord in the midst of a
violent and angry world. Num 11:1-35. In Ch. 11, the
people complain. After the Israelites travel three days,
they murmur against the Lord, kindling His wrath (v. 1).
They continue to complain because of the lack of meat,
exasperating Moses (v. 4-15). God responds by
instructing Moses to assign 70 elders to assist him with
the camp (v. 16-30). The Lord also sends quail (v. 31).
Often we complain about a situation being too big to
bear, but if we trust God we will endure.
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Numbers
11
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Jan 30, 19
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Ex 3-6: Lessons learned from Moses. Num 10:1-36.
Ch. 10 opens with the silver trumpets, which were used
by the priests to guide the tribes (v. 2), and later for
war (v. 9) and the feasts (v. 10). These trumpets served
as a memorial of God's past guidance and blessing. Ch.
10 continues with the order of the march given to the
Israelites as they prepare to depart Sinai (v. 11-28).
We also see a brief interaction between Moses and his
father-in-law's son, Hobab (v. 29-30). We conclude with
Moses' "war cry" to the Lord recited before the ark sets
out (v. 35-36).
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Numbers
10
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Jan 23, 19
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Evidence of anatomy from divine design. Gen
37-45: Lessons learned from Joseph's life. Num 9:1-23.
In ch. 9, Numbers reverses its chronology. We pick up
before the census in v. 1:1 with Moses' commanding the
Israelites to keep the Passover (v.1-2). Those made
unclean, on travel, and even strangers were given an
opportunity to celebrate (v. 6-12, 14), and there were
consequences for those who refused (v. 13). The
remainder of ch. 9 summarizes the activities of the
cloud and fire throughout Israel's experience in the
wilderness. Today, God desires to lead us every day
through an internal, rather than visible, presence.
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Numbers
9
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Jan 16, 19
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Voice of the Martyrs: China and the crackdown on
Christianity. Genesis 17, 18, 21: Abraham and Sarah
laugh at God. In return, God names their first born
Isaac ("laughter") to indicate their lack of faith and
God's faithfulness. Num 8:1-26. Ch. 8 provides guidance
on lampstands (menorahs that represent Jesus Christ, the
Light of the world) and the cleansing and dedication of
the Levites (the "firstborns").
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Numbers
8
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Jan 9, 19
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Gen 15-21: Observations about Abraham, walking
with God, keeping our eyes on Him, and trusting Him. Num
7:1-89. Ch. 7, the second longest chapter in the Bible,
opens with the completion, blessing, and consecration of
the tabernacle by Moses (v. 1, Ex 40:1). The remainder
of the chapter details the offerings the tribal leaders
brought to the tabernacle for the Lord. While the
chapter seems repetitive, the dedication of the
tabernacle was critical to Israel.
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Numbers 7
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Jan 2, 19
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Num 6:1-27. In ch. 6, we study consecration and
blessing as represented by Nazarite vow. God set
provisions so that any man or woman could take a special
vow to be a Nazarite for a specific period of time. This
period of separation for God was demonstrated by
abstinence from vine (v. 3-4), razor (v. 5), and contact
with dead bodies (v. 6-7). Vow represents God's desire
for Israelites to be set apart for Him (v. 2) and
reminds us that proper devotion to Lord may require
abstinence from certain activities. Lesson concludes
with priestly blessing seen in v. 22-27.
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Numbers 6
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Dec 19, 18
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Num 4:21 - 5:1-31. Duties of Gershonites,
Merarites, and priests (specifically, Eleazar and
Ithamar) discussed as it relates to moving tabernacle.
Special care is given to this endeavor because of
importance of items being moved. Study of ch. 4
concludes with numbering of Levites and how it differs
from general census. Ch. 5 describes how to deal with
purity, sin, and infidelity in camp. These rules
ultimately given to demonstrate importance of
maintaining holiness in presence of God, but also to
prepare Israelites for entry into Canaan.
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Numbers 5
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Dec 12, 18
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Reading from Johannes Vogel's Pre-Trib
presentation, "From Hate to Love." Num 4:1-20. While ch.
3 provides a general explanation of duties of priests
and Levitical families, ch. 4 deals more specifically
with functions of families (Kohath, Gershon, and Merari).
Unlike other tribes, Levites are counted selectively
based on their ability to perform these functions. The
significance of rituals and warnings inherent in these
duties reminds us that God cares about details and
should be treated reverently. It's important for us to
honor Him with that in mind.
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Numbers 4
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Nov 28, 18
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Bill Nye's comments on colonizing Mars. Num
3:1-51. Third chapter explores Aaron, his sons, and the
selection, numbering, and placement of the Levites.
God's special instructions for Levitical priesthood help
us understand the principles of substitution and
redemption seen throughout the Bible. While today we
have direct access to God previously granted to the
priests, we must understand that God is still holy and
needs to be treated as holy.
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Numbers 3
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Oct 24, 18
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Num 2:1-34. Recap/update on CEF Rhode Island by
Kathi Haley. Intro to Numbers continued. Bible Knowledge
Commentary Outline shared as a way to view Numbers by
chapters (vs. by geography or topic). In the first
chapter, God's purpose for Numbers is both stated
(military roster) and non-stated (He cares about
details, knew size of nation would be challenged, etc.).
Second chapter explores the placement of the tribes in
the Israelite encampment.
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Numbers 2
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Oct 17, 18
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Num 1:1-54. The Moon: Required for Life on
earth. Introduction to Numbers continued. Historical
background: Israel's exodus from Egypt and and first
year spent in the wilderness. First chapter explores
purpose and logistics of Israel's first census. Dispute
over final census numbers discussed.
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Numbers 1
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Oct 10, 18
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Ps 19:1-6. Article by Jamie McIntyre:
“Stargazing: What will the next 60 years bring to
space?" Introduction to the Book of Numbers: name &
author, date, theme & purpose, and outlines. Continuing
Exodus's narrative, Numbers compares and contrasts the
Exodus generation to the next generation. The book,
which records two censuses, spans the time from the
Israelites' second year in the wilderness to Moab, as
the Next-Gen prepares to enter the Promised Land.
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