Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Numbers+002
Numbers Chapter 2 (ESV)
1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 2 “The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side.
17 “Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; as they camp, so shall they set out, each in position, standard by standard.
32 These are the people of Israel as listed by their fathers’ houses. All those listed in the camps by their companies were 603,550. 33 But the Levites were not listed among the people of Israel, as the Lord commanded Moses.
34 Thus did the people of Israel. According to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so they camped by their standards, and so they set out, each one in his clan, according to his fathers’ house.
REFLECTION:
- Read this passage with continued imagination that I am in the throng of people milling around camps; men, women, children, dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and all the vessels and equipment.
- When the Israelites escaped from Egypt, they left hurriedly. Now, as they began their lives in the wilderness, they needed structure and organization. God directed Moses and Aaron to begin such massive undertaking in specific instructions and with good purposes.
- Is God concerned about the everyday aspects of my life? How does he show me this concern (or lack of it)?
PRAYER:
Slowly read or sing the following song. Pay special attention to lyrics where it depicts my own experiences. Go through the verses slowly as my wrestling with God and self. Then sing triumphantly the chorus with conviction (if applies). Otherwise, dwell on the questioning verses, and have a conversation with God. Don’t rush it. Give God time to respond.
HYMN:
Does Jesus Care? (www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbypf10Nq4Q)
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7, Lyrics: Frank E. Graeff, 1901, Melody: Joseph L. Hall
- Does Jesus care when my heart is pained, too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.
- Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near? - Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed to resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief, though my tears flow all the night long?
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye” to the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks— Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
