As Alexander (2012) states, the second division of the Book of Numbers is framed in chapters eleven through twenty, which highlight selected events, chosen by the writer, of the Israelites journey to possess their Promised Land. The common theme, woven into this narrative, is the dynamics and tensions exhibited between this descendant of Abraham and their God. The exploration of this idea, in the second facet of the Book of Numbers, shall take into account relationships between; Israelites and God, Israelites and Moses and Aaron and lastly between the Israelites and people in opposition to their occupying Canaan.
Dynamics and Tension
It would that one of the constants of the human animal, is that we are continually evolving and sometimes like …show more content…
To complicate matters, they were absolutely in the dark as to whom they were praying. Thus God sent Moses to make the introduction (Exodus 3:13-15). It would appear that the Hebrews truly wanted to believe but faith in Yahweh proved formidable despite His many exhibitions of His power and providential care (Numbers 14:11). This paradigm of trusting and subsequent doubt, would to be a prove to be a hallmark and the fire that would forge the Israelites relationship with their God, their leadership and the people that would challenge Yahweh’s …show more content…
They said to Moses and Aaron, “you have gone too far! Everyone in the entire community is holy and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the Lord’s assembly” (v. 3). Moses took their concerns to God and God said he would show whom, among the Levites, he had chosen to minister before Him (v. 16-30). God picked Aaron subsequently; the families and possessions of Korah were swallowed into the earth (v. 31-33). In verse 35 the Lord judge the 250 others and consumed them with fire (v. 35).
Israelites and Opposing Forces
However, in spite of the pronouncements God made about the community not going into the Canaan until the current generation was gone, the Israelites took it upon themselves to try conquering the Canaanites on their own (14:39-45). It was a disaster, they were lifted up in pride and wanted to prove God wrong, and therefore their defeat was great.
In contrast, Numbers 22 tells of a soothsayer Balaam (Joshua 13:22) who is hired to curse the Israelites by Balak, a Moabite king. However, God supernaturally prevailed upon Ballam that he should be His oracle (Numbers 22:22-35). God worked in the community’s favor and stopped Balak plans to curse the Israelites (Numbers 23
Dynamics and Tension
It would that one of the constants of the human animal, is that we are continually evolving and sometimes like …show more content…
To complicate matters, they were absolutely in the dark as to whom they were praying. Thus God sent Moses to make the introduction (Exodus 3:13-15). It would appear that the Hebrews truly wanted to believe but faith in Yahweh proved formidable despite His many exhibitions of His power and providential care (Numbers 14:11). This paradigm of trusting and subsequent doubt, would to be a prove to be a hallmark and the fire that would forge the Israelites relationship with their God, their leadership and the people that would challenge Yahweh’s …show more content…
They said to Moses and Aaron, “you have gone too far! Everyone in the entire community is holy and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the Lord’s assembly” (v. 3). Moses took their concerns to God and God said he would show whom, among the Levites, he had chosen to minister before Him (v. 16-30). God picked Aaron subsequently; the families and possessions of Korah were swallowed into the earth (v. 31-33). In verse 35 the Lord judge the 250 others and consumed them with fire (v. 35).
Israelites and Opposing Forces
However, in spite of the pronouncements God made about the community not going into the Canaan until the current generation was gone, the Israelites took it upon themselves to try conquering the Canaanites on their own (14:39-45). It was a disaster, they were lifted up in pride and wanted to prove God wrong, and therefore their defeat was great.
In contrast, Numbers 22 tells of a soothsayer Balaam (Joshua 13:22) who is hired to curse the Israelites by Balak, a Moabite king. However, God supernaturally prevailed upon Ballam that he should be His oracle (Numbers 22:22-35). God worked in the community’s favor and stopped Balak plans to curse the Israelites (Numbers 23