March 4, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Numbers 21 - A Canaanite king attacked Israel and took some captives.  God allowed the Israelites to defeat this king and recover all that was taken.  God was giving Israel some experience in warfare.  Even after the victory the people complained once again and God sent snakes to inflict punishment on them.  When they repented God had Moses make a bronze snake and had him place it on a pole and lift up the pole for people to "look and live."  This is what is referred to in John 3:14 where John speaks of Christ being lifted up as the bronze snake was.  Israel also defeated two other kings and God gave them that land as part of their possession.

Numbers 22 - This chapter introduces us to the false prophet, Balaam.  Though he appears to listen to God his heart was lustful for money for his ministry.  God had to warn Balaam and He used Balaam's donkey to speak to him!  Yes, God can speak through a donkey.  He can speak through you too!