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:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  

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

1. What new way of punishment did God use against the rebellious Israelites? (One in which they could not explain
   and certainly did not expect.)
2. Why was the “hurry” in having Aaron raising incense? Did all the people die?
3. What did Korah and the others accuse Moses and Aaron of doing? Why?
4. Was God serious in His threat to destroy His chosen people? Give proof
5. Moses specifically wrote Aaron’s name on the Staff of Levi. Give a reason for this.
6. The Lord exceeded the requirements of having the staff simply sprout its leaves. What purpose did this serve?
7.  What does the budded Rod of Aaron symbolize? Explain.
8. Aaron’s Rod joined what other things in or near the Ark of the Covenant?
9. How were the Levites, in particular the priests, provided for? Why?
10. Discuss the Levites tithes.
11.  How was the priesthood considered a gift? And why?
12. What does "A covenant of salt forever" mean?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. List the Levites who rose up against Moses. a) Korah b) Dathan c) Abiram d) all of these
2. Describe what happened to the wicked men and their 250 followers.
    a) stoned b) hung c) earth swallowed them d) placed outside camp
3. Why did Moses ask the Lord not to accept the offerings of Korah and all his followers?
4. What did Moses order to be done with the censors used by the 250 men?
5.  _____________ name was written on the staff of the Tribe of Levi.
6. 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
7. Why was Aaron’s Rod put back in front of the Testimony?
8. What was the significance of the “budding” of Aaron’s Staff?
9.  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
10. All others who came near the Sanctuary would be _________________________.
11. Aaron’s inheritance was the best among the Israelites. What was his inheritance?
12. What did the Levites' inheritance include?