Concern for the Non-Hebrews (Numbers 9-10)
TEXT: Numbers 9:4-5, 14
4 So Moses told the Israelites to celebrate the Passover, 5 and they did so in the Desert of Sinai at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD commanded Moses. 14 “An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD”s Passover must do so in accordance with its rules and regulations. You must have the same regulations for the alien and the native-born.”
- Which important event is commemorated during the Passover Feast?
- Were the non-Hebrews in Israel allowed to take part in it?
- How was this important feast transformed in the Gospels?
TEXT: Numbers 10:29, 33-36
29 Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses” father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place about which the LORD said, ”I will give it to you.” Come with us and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel. 33 So they set out from the mountain of the LORD and traveled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them during those three days to find them a place to rest. 34 The cloud of the LORD was over them by day when they set out from the camp.
35 Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, O LORD! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.”
36 Whenever it came to rest, he said, “Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel.”
- What do we know about the ancient Midianites?
- Moses describes Hobab as “our eyes in the desert.” Why was his help needed if God was the leader of the Israelite mobile camp?
- The pillar of fiery cloud symbolized God’s presence in the camp. Did it have any other practical functions?
Lesson: God claims all people as his children.
