February 26, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Numbers 7 - Yes, just one chapter today.  But when you finish reading this one chapter you'll be wondering, "Why?"  Why is this chapter in the Bible and why are the offerings of each tribe repeated twelve times, especially when each tribe is giving the exact same things?  I, too, wondered about this some years ago, but now I've come to recognize there are reasons why God chose to place this in His word.

First, "Inventory."  What you will read is an inventory of each tribe's offering and it is recorded for all to see.  I've often used the idea of twelve trailer trucks filled with emergency supplies going to twelve rescue squads across the country.  Each individual truck is filled with the exact same items and the amounts are equal as well.  The foreman overseeing the loading is going to want an exact inventory of what is going into each truck.  He will be meticulous in keeping records and he will want an accounting of each truck.  God is no less particular with the offerings given for His service.

Second, "Important Inventory."  As I just said, the items given by each tribe were all necessary things used for the ministry of the Levites at the Tabernacle and for the way these items would be transported. 

So, should you read every word?  My simple reply:  If God wanted it written, then He wanted it read.