Mission 66

Numbers 28-30 reminds us of the importance of offerings and vows in honoring God. In chapters 28 and 29, God outlines the offerings for daily, Sabbath, monthly, and annual celebrations, including Passover, the Feast of Trumpets, Yom Kippur, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These sacrifices reflected gratitude for God’s provision and the Israelites’ recognition that all blessings come from Him. Chapter 30 shifts focus to vows, teaching that promises made to God are serious commitments and must not be broken. If someone makes a vow, they are expected to fulfill it unless it is overridden by a father or husband in their household. This chapter highlights God’s chain of authority and fairness. Together, these chapters show God desires sincere worship, trust in His leadership, and careful thought when making promises. Let’s honor God with our actions, words, and commitments!

Numbers 27 teaches valuable lessons about inheritance and leadership as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. Facing an inheritance issue, Zelophehad’s five daughters approach Moses, explaining that their father died without sons. God confirms their plea is just, establishing a fair law that daughters could inherit property when there were no sons. This moment shows God’s fairness and His willingness to provide guidance when no policy existed. Later, knowing he would not enter the Promised Land, Moses seeks God’s direction for his successor. God appoints Joshua, a faithful man filled with the Spirit, to lead Israel. Moses commissions Joshua before the congregation, transferring his leadership authority. This chapter reminds us that God is a wise and just leader who prepares solutions for our challenges and calls us to honor the leaders He appoints.

Numbers 26 discusses the second census, or head count, of the Israelites after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. God commanded this new count to organize the Israelites as they prepared to conquer the Promised Land. The total number of men eligible for war was 601,730—nearly the same as the first count at Mount Sinai. Though the rebellious older generation had died due to unbelief, the new generation demonstrated that God’s promises continued. Caleb, Joshua, and Moses were the only exceptions from the older generation to remain. The chapter emphasizes that God’s plans for His people do not fail, even if delayed. The division of the land was also outlined, based on population size within the tribes, and was determined by casting lots, trusting God’s guidance. This census teaches us to trust God’s timing and purpose, even when we face delays or challenges.

In Numbers 25, God’s people fall into sin at Baal Peor, revealing a dangerous truth: the greatest danger often comes from the “enemy within.” While camped in Moab, Israelite men were enticed by Moabite and Midianite women into idolatry and sexual immorality, worshiping the false god Baal. This sin brought God’s judgment on the nation as a plague killed 24,000 people. In the midst of repentance, an Israelite man and a Midianite woman shamelessly flaunted sin in front of everyone. Phinehas, the priest, acted to uphold God’s honor, and his zeal stopped the plague. This chapter serves as a warning about the dangers of lust, idolatry, and disobedience. When we stray from God’s Word, it is easy to fall into destructive sin. To remain strong, we must guard ourselves against worldly temptations and stay close to God’s commands.

Numbers 22-24 introduces Balaam, a prophet for hire, and his talking donkey. King Balak of Moab, fearing the Israelites, hires Balaam to curse them. God warns Balaam not to curse the nation He has blessed. When Balaam reluctantly agrees to go, his donkey sees an angel blocking the path and miraculously speaks to correct Balaam’s foolishness. Despite many attempts by Balak to manipulate him, Balaam can only speak God’s message, which contains blessings for Israel. These blessings reaffirm God’s unchanging promises to His people and foretell a coming star, the Messiah, who will rise from Jacob and rule forever. Through this story, we see God’s power over all creation, His unstoppable plans for His people, and the destructiveness of greed as exemplified in Balaam's eventual downfall.