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:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  

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

1. Describe the consequences for Moses and Aaron because they did not do exactly as the Lord had instructed
   them to do.
2. How was the High priest position transferred from Aaron to Eleazar? 
3. Why was Moses punished so harshly?
4. Why did the Israelites call themselves the brother of Edom?
5. Give proof that the people realized that the fiery serpent was a punishment for their sins? What did they ask
   Moses to do?
6. What message was sent to Sihon, King of the Amorites?
7.  What does the bronze serpent represent? Give verses in the New Testament that supports your answer.
8. How do the events with the Amorites compare with those of Edom in chapter 20?
9. How do we know the Moabites were afraid of Israel? Give verse.
10. God told Balaam not to go with Balak’s messengers. What reason did He give?
11. What does the fact the donkey could see the Angel of the Lord before Balaam tells you about Balaam?
12. Since the Lord told Balaam to go with the messengers, why was He angry with him?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Name the place in which Miriam was buried.
   a) Goshen b) Desert of Zin c) Canaan d) Gilead
2. Why did the people quarrel with Moses and Aaron? a) no food b) no water c) no rest d) no fun
3. To make the rock pour out its water, what should Moses have done?
4. What was Edom’s response when the Israelites requested to pass through the edge of their Territory?
5. State the name of the place where the Israelites completely destroyed the Canaanites.
   a) Mount Horeb b) Desert of Zin c) Hormah d) Kadesh
6. 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
7. The bronze snake was utilized for what?
8. State what the Lord said to Moses at the well in Beer.
9. Balak summoned ____________ to put a curse on the Israelites.
10. 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 
11. Why did Balaam's donkey turn aside and go into the field?
12. What did Balaam do when he saw the angel?