Unit 4: Numbers: In the Wilderness (2)
- Week 1: The Organization of Israel
- Week 2: The Sanctification of Israel
- Week 3: The departure from Sinai
- Week 4: The failure of Israel in the wilderness
- Week 5: The Failure of Israel on the way to Moab
- Week 6: Reorganization of Israel
- Week 7: Dividing the land
Week 1: The Organization of Israel
Objective:
-
The Lord commands to number and organize the congregation
- Dedication of the tribe of Levi (priesthood)
Resources:
Reading:
- Numbers 1:1-4, 17-19, 44-54
- Numbers 2: skip
- Numbers 3:1-15, 40-51
- Numbers 4: skip
Key verse(s):
- "Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may serve him. And they shall attend to his needs and the needs of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of meeting, to do the work of the tabernacle" Numbers 3:6-7
Comments:
- The book is called numbers due to the census at the beginning and at the end
- Our God is the God of order and not of chaos
- How doe that relate to today?
- Explain how the priesthood is consecrated to the Lord for His service
Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions
- What was the total number of Israelites 20 years or greater who were able to serve in the army?
- The descendants of what tribe were excluded from the census?
- What was the main purpose of the census Moses and Aaron collected data for?
- Who was considered an “outsider” to the religious duties of the Tabernacle?
- To whom was the Tribe of Levi presented and why?
- Who was the chief leader of the Levites?
Homework:
**Servant may add more questions
- The Lord spoke to the Israelites ________________.
a) through Moses b) through a covering cloud c) with silver trumpets d) with anger - How old were the males listed by name in the census Moses and Aaron supervised?
a) 16 years and older b) firstborn c) 20 years and older d) 50 years and older - List the names of Aaron’s sons the anointed priests.
a) Nadab, the firstborn b) Abihu c) Eleazar and Ithamar d) all of these - Two of Aaron’s priestly sons fell dead because they used “unauthorized fire”. Name them.
a) Nadab and Abihu b) Eleazar and Ithamar c) Nadab and Eleazar d) none of these
Week 2: The Sanctification of Israel
Objective:
-
Discuss confession in the beginning of Chapter 5
- Explain the Law of the Naderite
-
Explain the second Passover
Resources:
Reading:
- Numbers 5:1-10
- Numbers 6: All
- Numbers 7: skip
- Numbers 8: skip
- Numbers 9: All
Key verse(s):
- "Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, after that the children of Israel would journey; and in the place where the cloud settled, there the children of Israel would pitch their tents." Numbers 9:17
Comments:
- Here we see a that the sacrament of Repentance and Confession has roots even in the OT
- When discussing the law about Naderite - discuss also how this applies to us as children of God anointed with the Myron
- Give examples of Naderites - Samson, St John the Baptist, etc.
- Explain the symbolism of the Passover and the cloud and pillar of fire
Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions
- What three areas regulated the Nazirite?
- What was the goal of the Nazirite?
- Why do you think God ordered the Nazirite's abstinence from wine and similar drinks?
- What does “make His face shine upon you” denote?
- Explain the judgement for willful neglect of the Passover. What does it teach us today?
- Name the location where the very first Passover was held.
- Where else in the Holy Bible is it mentioned that the Passover lamb will not have one of his bones be broken?
- The cloud is mentioned many times. What does it symbolize and what was its role?
Homework:
**Servant may add more questions
- A Nazirite could not drink what? a) vinegar b) grape juice c) wine d) all of these
- Name one physical distinction of a Nazirite.
a) blue eyes b) short stature c) long hair d) star on forehead - What must a Nazirite do at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting?
2. How many times did the Lord’s name appear in Aaron’s blessing to the Israelites? - What Israelite celebration took place at twilight on the 14th day of the 1st month?
a) Passover b) Feast of Tabernacles c) Day of Atonement d) Feast of Trumpets - Were “outsiders” allowed to participate in the celebration? Yes or No
Week 3: The departure from Sinai
Objective:
-
The Israelites are ready to depart Sinai at the direction of the Lord
- The people complained and the Lord sends quail
-
Aaron and Myriam speak against Moses and the Lord punishes them
- Moses sends the spies to the promise land
- The people refuse to enter the promised land and the Lord punishes them
Resources:
Reading:
- Numbers 10: All
- Numbers 11: All
- Numbers 12: All
- Numbers 13: All
- Numbers 14: All
- Numbers 15: Skip
Key verse(s):
- "“How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me?" Numbers 14:27
Comments:
- Emphasize on the sin of complaining (The Israelites) and the sin of talking negatively (Aaron and Myriam)
- Emphasize on Joshua and Caleb's positive attitude vs the negativity of the other spies
Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions
- Why did the Lord become ANGRY at the Israelites complaints against the “manna?”
- Explain why 70 of Israel’s elder were chosen and brought before the Tent of Meeting?
- Why would God grant the people's desire for meat and then punish them for it?
- What has been the net effect on Moses of all the complaints?
- Why did Miriam contract leprosy and what was the significance of being leprous in an Israelite camp?
- What do we learn about Moses character and behavior from this chapter?
- Explain the difference between a “prophet of the Lord” and Moses, servant of the Lord.
- Describe Moses traits from this chapter
- Detail the report that most of the spies gave to Moses and the people on their explorations.
- How did Caleb’s report differ from the other spies?
- The spies gave a fearful report regarding the Promised Land. What would you assume about the spies?
- What do the names "Hoshea" and "Joshua" mean? What name do they compare to in the New Testament?
- What was Moses argument with God on behalf of the people?
- Give verses that show that victory depends on God's will not human power.
- If God forgave the children of Israel in verse 20 why did the people have to die?
- In verse 22 the Lord says: "All these men have put Me to test now these ten times." Give at least five references to these tests from Exodus and Numbers.
Homework:
**Servant may add more questions
- Name the location where fire from the Lord had burned among the outskirts of Israel’s camp.
a) Canaan b) Taberah c) Mount Sinai d) Gilead - Complaints from the Israelites arose because they were eating what food?
a) manna b) quail c) fish d) insects - Three days into the Israelite march, the people began complaining. What did they want?
- Define “manna.”
- Who complained against Moses because of his Ethiopian wife?
a) Miriam b) Aaron c) Hoshea d) a and b - The Lord's anger came upon Miriam and she:
a) starved to death b) became leprous c) became mad d) killed herself - State who was the “servant of the Lord."
- What happened to Miriam when the Cloud of the Lord lifted from above the Tent?
- Hoshea, the son of Nun, was given another name by Moses. What was it?
a) Caleb b) Reuben c) Joshua d) Eleazar - Name the land the spies (leaders of Israel) were sent to explore.
a) Trans Jordan b) Canaan c) Moab d) Midian - How long it took the spies to explore the land and come back?
- What did the spies bring with them?
- The Israelite community spoke of doing what to Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb?
a) making them kings b) worshipping them c) stoning them d) honoring them - How long were the Israelites to suffer for their rebellion against God?
a) 40 years b) 6 months c) 2 generations d) 7 days - Why did the Israelites want to select another leader?
- Who of the twelve spies were not plagued?
Week 4: The failure of Israel in the wilderness
Objective:
-
The rebellion against Moses and Aaron and a lesson on the dignity of the priesthood
-
The budding of Aaron's rod and the symbolism of St Mary
-
The ministry of the priests and the Levites
Resources:
Reading:
- Numbers 15: Skip
- Numbers 16:All
- Numbers 17: All
- Numbers 18: All
- Numbers 19: Skip
Key verse(s):
- “Bring Aaron’s rod back before the Testimony, to be kept as a sign" Numbers 17:10
Comments:
- Discuss Aaron's rod in the midnight praises
Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions
- What new way of punishment did God use against the rebellious Israelites? (One in which they could not explain
and certainly did not expect.) - Why was the “hurry” in having Aaron raising incense? Did all the people die?
- What did Korah and the others accuse Moses and Aaron of doing? Why?
- Was God serious in His threat to destroy His chosen people? Give proof
- Moses specifically wrote Aaron’s name on the Staff of Levi. Give a reason for this.
- The Lord exceeded the requirements of having the staff simply sprout its leaves. What purpose did this serve?
- What does the budded Rod of Aaron symbolize? Explain.
- Aaron’s Rod joined what other things in or near the Ark of the Covenant?
- How were the Levites, in particular the priests, provided for? Why?
- Discuss the Levites tithes.
- How was the priesthood considered a gift? And why?
- What does "A covenant of salt forever" mean?
Homework:
**Servant may add more questions
- List the Levites who rose up against Moses. a) Korah b) Dathan c) Abiram d) all of these
- Describe what happened to the wicked men and their 250 followers.
a) stoned b) hung c) earth swallowed them d) placed outside camp - Why did Moses ask the Lord not to accept the offerings of Korah and all his followers?
- What did Moses order to be done with the censors used by the 250 men?
- _____________ name was written on the staff of the Tribe of Levi.
- The staff of Levi was placed before the Lord in the Tent of Testimony. What happened?
a) budded b) sprouted c) blossomed and produced almonds d) all of these - Why was Aaron’s Rod put back in front of the Testimony?
- What was the significance of the “budding” of Aaron’s Staff?
- The TRUE PRIESTS of Holy worship chosen by the Lord were who?
a) Moses and Aaron b) Aaron and his family c) the Levites d) 12 tribal leaders - All others who came near the Sanctuary would be _________________________.
- Aaron’s inheritance was the best among the Israelites. What was his inheritance?
- What did the Levites' inheritance include?
Week 5: The Failure of Israel on the way to Moab
Objective:
-
Moses' error at Kadesh and the the Lord punishes him
- Aaron dies
- The people complain and the Lord punishes them
-
Moses intercedes for the people and makes the bronze serpent
- Sihon and Og are defeated
- Balak and Balam
Resources:
Reading:
- Numbers 20: All
- Numbers 21: All
- Numbers 22: All
- Numbers 23: 1-12
- Numbers 24: Skip
- Numbers 25: Skip
Key verse(s):
- "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Numbers 20:12
Comments:
- Discuss the sin of complaining
- Discuss the bronze serpent as a symbol of the Cross
- Discuss the story of Balaam briefly - no need to read the full prophecy
Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions
- Describe the consequences for Moses and Aaron because they did not do exactly as the Lord had instructed
them to do. - How was the High priest position transferred from Aaron to Eleazar?
- Why was Moses punished so harshly?
- Why did the Israelites call themselves the brother of Edom?
- Give proof that the people realized that the fiery serpent was a punishment for their sins? What did they ask
Moses to do? - What message was sent to Sihon, King of the Amorites?
- What does the bronze serpent represent? Give verses in the New Testament that supports your answer.
- How do the events with the Amorites compare with those of Edom in chapter 20?
- How do we know the Moabites were afraid of Israel? Give verse.
- God told Balaam not to go with Balak’s messengers. What reason did He give?
- What does the fact the donkey could see the Angel of the Lord before Balaam tells you about Balaam?
- Since the Lord told Balaam to go with the messengers, why was He angry with him?
Homework:
**Servant may add more questions
- Name the place in which Miriam was buried.
a) Goshen b) Desert of Zin c) Canaan d) Gilead - Why did the people quarrel with Moses and Aaron? a) no food b) no water c) no rest d) no fun
- To make the rock pour out its water, what should Moses have done?
- What was Edom’s response when the Israelites requested to pass through the edge of their Territory?
- State the name of the place where the Israelites completely destroyed the Canaanites.
a) Mount Horeb b) Desert of Zin c) Hormah d) Kadesh - What was the Lord’s response to the Israelites grumbling against Moses and Aaron?
a) lightening and fire b) venomous snakes c) plagues d) hail - The bronze snake was utilized for what?
- State what the Lord said to Moses at the well in Beer.
- Balak summoned ____________ to put a curse on the Israelites.
- An Angel of the Lord standing in the middle of the road was seen by whom?
a) Balaam b) a donkey c) 2 servants d) Moses and Aaron - Why did Balaam's donkey turn aside and go into the field?
- What did Balaam do when he saw the angel?
Week 6: Reorganization of Israel
Objective:
-
The second census
-
The inheritance law
- Joshua is prepared to be the new leader
- Law concerning vows
Resources:
Reading:
- Numbers 26:1-4
- Numbers 27:All
- Numbers 28: Skip
- Numbers 29: Skip
- Numbers 30: All
Key verse(s):
- "If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word" Numbers 30:2
Comments:
Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions
- What was Zelphehad’s daughters' problem?
- Moses was excluded from the Promised Land due to what action?
- "You also shall be gathered to your people as Aaron your brother was gathered." Explain.
- Denote Joshua’s main qualification to assume Moses’ leadership role
- Who might nullify the vows of an unmarried woman still under her father’s protection?
- The Lord gave Moses regulations concerning what relationships?
- List the regulations concerning the vow of an unmarried woman residing in her fathers’ home.
- Why does God place so much emphasis on vows? What does this say about God and His promises?
Homework:
**Servant may add more questions
- What man died and left behind only daughters?
a) Reuben b) Zelophehad c) Moses d) Hoglah - Who did the Lord determine Zelophehad inheritance should go to?
a) his brother b) his daughters c) his first cousin d) tribal leader - Who was Moses successor?
- Who should inaugurate Joshua and in front of who?
- A man that makes a vow to the Almighty must do what?
a) everything he said b) almost everything he says c) forget it d) don’t worry about it - The young woman living in her father’s home can make a vow stand under what condition?
a) her father hears and says nothing b) father doesn’t hear c) mother had died - List the Holy festivals and special days held during the 7th month.
2. How long did the Feast of Tabernacles last?
Week 7: Dividing the land
Objective:
-
Vengeance on the Midianites
- Dividing of the plunder
- The tribes settling East of the Jordan
- Review of the Journey from Egypt
- Instructions for the conquest of Canaan
- The boundaries of Canaan
- The cities of the Levites and the cities if the refuge
Resources:
Reading:
- Numbers 31: All
- Numbers 32: All
- Numbers 33: 1-2 then 50-56
- Numbers 34: All
- Numbers 35: All
- Numbers 36: Skip
Key verse(s):
- " “This is the land which you shall inherit by lot," Numbers 34:13
Comments:
Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions
- What vengeance did the Israelites had against the Midianites?
- Under Moses command what action was taken with the spared Midianite children and women?
- Can you think of a reason as to why Pinehas was selected to lead the Midianite Battle?
- Why would soldiers obeying God's command become unclean?
- . Why did the Gadites and Reubenites want to settle the land they had help to conquer just before the Jordan
River? - What would happen to the two tribes if they failed to live up to their agreement with Moses?
- If the Gadites and Reubenites failed to stay with the whole Israelite community in conquering Canaan it might
lead to the whole community revolting. What does this remind one of in Chapters 13 and 14? - What repeated assurances do the Gadites and Reubenites give Moses? How did Moses bind them to their
words? - Who was commanded to assign the inheritance to the Israelites?
- The East Side of the Jordan across from Jericho would belong to whom?
- God set three major steps to make sure there will not be any conflict between the Israelites in Canaan. Mention
them - The listing of the new tribal leaders in Chapter 34 recalls what?
- Explain a “city of refuge.”
- What happen if a person was found guilty of killing?
- Why were the Levites to be spread out throughout the land and not placed in an isolated encampment?
- Why banish an innocent man?
Homework:
**Servant may add more questions
- . ____________is the number of Israelite men who marched against the Midianites.
- Which priest did Moses send with the Israelites? a) Aaron b) Eleazar c) Balaam d) Phinehas
- What did Pinehas take with him to the battle with the Midianites?
- List the plunder and spoils the Israelite army took to Moses, Eleazar, and the leaders.
- Name the 2 tribes that wanted to settle in the lands located before crossing the Jordan.
a) Gadites and Reubenites b) Gadites and Levites c) Manassah and Moabites - State the name of the land Moses gave to the Makerites, descendants of Manassah.
a) Midian b) Canaan c) Gilead d) Trans Jordan - Under what condition did the Lord through Moses allow the Gadites and Reubenites to settle the fertile lands
before the Jordan River? - What did the Lord allow the Tribes of Reuben and Gad to do before going into war?
- Israel’s western boundary in the Promised Land extended to the coast of the ____________.
- Canaan was assigned to how many tribes?
- How many tribes inherited in the land of Canaan?
- Who were to divide the land among the tribes?
- A man who kills another intentionally can live the rest of his life in the city of refuge. True or false?
- The number of cities of refuge was: a) seven b) forty two c) six d) forty eight
- 1. How many cities were set as cities of refuge?
- How many towns did the Levites receive?