The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites." Numbers 31:1-2
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 28-31 - where, given the wide range of text, we see God's instructions to Moses and the people for daily, Sabbath, monthly Passover, feast offerings, instructions for how to handle vows, and instructions to Moses and the people to take vengeance on Midian. The focus of my time this morning is God's vengeance on Midian. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks for Israel (and all believers) to avoid sinful influences as He is jealous for Himself and His glory. Numbers 25 describes how Israel "whore[d] with the daughters of Moab" and Midian, and yoked themselves to the pagan god Baal (Numbers 25:1-6). God punished those who allowed themselves to be lured away from God into sin - see also Numbers 25:7-8. In Numbers 25:16-18, we see how God instructed Moses and the people to harass and strike down Midian for how they "beguiled" Israel. In chapter 31, we see God take His vengeance. Once again, when God speaks that something will be done, we can be assured that it will be done as He is faithful.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: When we see evil and sin in the world, many are tempted to take vengeance and punishment into their own hands. God is clear that we are not to do this as vengeance is His alone - see Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:17-19. God will hold all - believers and non-believers alike - accountable for their deeds and sin. In Romans specifically, God's Word shares how we are to live "peaceably" with others, including with those who hurt and persecute us - see also Matthew 5:43-48.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid taking vengeance on others - this belongs to the LORD. Claim the promise that all are held accountable for their deeds upon judgement day and rest in this promise. Follow the example of Jesus who loves and prays for everyone including those who betray Him such as Peter. Love and pray for those who persecute you.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
