"624,730"

BIBLE READING: Numbers 26-27
            As we get to this point of the book of Numbers, we see why it was called “numbers”.  Chapter 27 is a detailed census that was taken by Moses, Aaron and Eleazar of all the sons of Israel that were 20 years old and older.  When you begin to add up these people, you get 624,730.  That may not seem like a whole lot of people to you, so look at it this way.  According to 2015 census, when you add up Lauderdale County, Colbert County, Limestone County, Lawrence County and Madison County; you get 629,817.   When we look at the nation of Israel at this time in the course of the story, the male population is similar to the entire population of all five of the neighboring counties combined.  However, the most interesting thing of that 624,730 is found in Numbers 26.64-65:
“But among these there was not one of those listed by Moses and Aaron the priest, who had  listed the people of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. For the LORD had said of them, "They shall die in the wilderness." Not one of them was left, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.”

Out of all of those men, Joshua and Caleb were the only ones that were allowed to enter the Promise Land.  624,728 men died while wondering in the wilderness because they did not place their trust in God.  Folks, God means what He says!  When He tells us that He is going to return to this earth and execute judgment on those that don’t know or obey Him, He will.  He has already set a precedent, not just in this story, but in several other places throughout His Word.  Give some thought today on how much trust you have placed in Him.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colors of Christmas: Green

  Discussion:                                    Evergreen plants, like holly and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and winter wouldn't last forever! The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, “paradise plays” were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. “The Paradise Tree” in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it. Today, think about the newness of life we have because we are in Christ. The old man could represent the dark winter and the barren trees. Then think of the bright Christmas trees that are so easily seen! … Help brighten someone’s life this week! Inform
Read more

“Blow-out in Boston”

BIBLE READING: Luke 14 DISCUSSION                                                                                       Boston Globe's account in June 1990 of a most unusual wedding banquet… Accompanied by her fiancé, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu, made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flower arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to $13,000. After leaving a check for half that amount as down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements. The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the groom got cold feet. "I'm just not sure," he said. "It's a big commitment. Let's think about this a little longer." When his angry fiancé returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the manager could not have been more understanding. However, concerning the refund, she h
Read more

“Prepare for Happiness”

  DISCUSSION:                                    Just recently we have seen the devastation that can result from hurricanes, earthquakes, and fire. According to the show on National Geographic channel “Doomsday Preppers” there are a lot of people over the country stocking up on supplies in the hope of being able to survive (months) a natural disaster or power grid failure. Many agree with this philosophy. Who could argue that it is a smart idea to be prepared? As a provider we should take reasonable measures to have our family prepared for hard times both mentally and physically. In this life, Christians have something more precious to protect than material things. Preparing our souls for eternity is much more important. We have been promised a gift that nothing can compare to, a home not made with hands (2Corinthians 5:1). So even if disasters come our way, we can be sure God will take care of His children. As a Christian we have a peace of mind from our faith in God’s word and beli
Read more