Dec19-25: Cities of Refuge

Teaching Points

1. Read Numbers 33 to 36 and make chapter outlines.

ANSWER: 

• Num. 33:1-56 The journey from Egypt to Canaan
• Num. 34:1-29 Division of Canaan
• Num. 35:1-34 Levite towns and cities of refuge
• Num. 36:1-13 Keeping the inheritance within the family (example: Zelophehad’s daughters’ marriage)

 2. Read Numbers 33:50–56. What important spiritual principle is found in these texts?

ANSWER: 

• Num. 33:52 Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places
• Here is a New Testament counterpart:
• 2Cor. 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 2Cor. 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 2Cor. 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 
• “casting down” means to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively): — cast (pull, put, take) down, destroy.

 OBSERVATION: 

• Num. 33:55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.
• Obviously we cannot drive out the “pagans” away from our presence literally. We may live in the world but not be of the world. However it is important to keep out the worldly influence from our homes.

APPLICATION QUESTION: 

• What idols or negative influences do you need to put away or avoid today?

 3. How many cities have been appointed for a place of refuge for the manslayer?

ANSWER: 

• Six, Num. 35:6

 OBSERVATION: 

• These cities of refuge are only for those who have killed someone unwittingly or accidentally.
• Spiritually speaking, we can still “flee to the city of refuge” even though we have sinned with knowledge of sin.

 4. What would be the purpose for fleeing to a city of refuge?

ANSWER: 

• Run from the avenger. Num. 35:12
• To receive fair judgment. Num. 35:12

 OBSERVATION: 

• So for the manslayer, his only hope is in a fair judgment. A fair judgment to vindicate that he is innocent and just. Therefore the manslayer is running for his justification. Is this the same as us needing to run to Christ for our justification?
• Spiritually speaking the avenger of blood is Satan. “The sinner is exposed to eternal death, until he finds a hiding place in Christ; and as loitering and carelessness might rob the fugitive of his only chance for life, so delays and indifference may prove the ruin of the soul. Satan, the great adversary, is on the track of every transgressor of God's holy law, and he who is not sensible of his danger, and does not earnestly seek shelter in the eternal refuge, will fall a prey to the destroyer.” {PP 517.2}

 5. Where are the cities of refuge?

ANSWER:

• Num. 35:14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.

 OBSERVATION: 

• Hebron, Shechem, Kodesh, Golan, Ramoth Gilead, and Bezer
• Basically, one day journey for the manslayer therefore the manslayer must run to a city of refuge as soon as he accidentally killed someone.
• “The cities so wisely provided were to be located within a half-day's journey of every part of the land. It would not often happen that the avenger of blood would be in the spot, hence the unfortunate man-slayer would have an opportunity to flee, and but few would be overtaken before they gained the place of safety.” {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 4}

 6. What can happen to the accused murderer if he or she decides to come out of the city of refuge?

ANSWER: 

• Can get killed. Num. 35:26 But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; Num. 35:27 And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood.

 OBSERVATION: 

• The only hope and protection for the manslayer is to remain in the city of refuge though he or she has been declare just. Therefore the only hope of a sinner is to abide in Christ so that our enemy cannot touch us.

 7. When are you allowed to go back to your land of possession?

ANSWER:

• After the death of the high priest.
• Num. 35:28 Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.

 8. Where or who is the city of refuge for us today?

ANSWER:

• Christ our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary.
• Heb. 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Heb. 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Heb. 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
  

SOP: 

• “The cities of refuge appointed for God’s ancient people were a symbol of the refuge provided in Christ. The same merciful Saviour who appointed those temporal cities of refuge has by the shedding of His own blood provided for the transgressors of God’s law a sure retreat, into which they may flee for safety from the second death. No power can take out of His hands the souls that go to Him for pardon. ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.’ ‘Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us;’ that ‘we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.’ Romans 8:1, 34; Hebrews 6:18.
• “He who fled to the city of refuge could make no delay. Family and employment were left behind. There was no time to say farewell to loved ones. His life was at stake, and every other interest must be sac- rificed to the one purpose—to reach the place of safety. Weariness was forgotten, difficulties were unheeded. The fugitive dared not for one moment slacken his pace until he was within the wall of the city.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 516, 517.
• “As the man-slayer was in constant peril until within the city of refuge, so is the transgressor of God's law exposed to divine wrath until he finds a hiding-place in Christ. As loitering and carelessness might rob the fugitive of his only chance for life, so delays and indifference may prove the ruin of the soul. Our adversary, the devil, is on the watch constantly to destroy the souls of men, and unless the sinner is sensible of his danger and earnestly seeks shelter in the eternal Refuge, he will fall a prey to the destroyer.” {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 19}

 CONCLUSION: 

• Psa. 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psa. 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
• Psa. 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
• We must remain in the “city of refuge” until we can literally enter into the city of God.

 APPLICATION QUESTION: 

• Do you have reasons to flee to the city of refuge today?
• How could we dwell in the secret place of God today? 

Dec12-18: The Second Generation: Admonitions

Teaching Points

1. Read Numbers 26 to 32 and make chapter outlines.

ANSWER: 

• Num. 26:1-51 Taking census to gather the men of war
• Num. 26:52-65 Land division
• Num. 27:1-11 Zelophehad’s daughters asking for inheritance
• Num. 27:12-23 Joshua, the new leader for the children of Israel
• Num. 28:1-29:40 Continual Offerings
• Num. 30:1-16 Vows
• Num. 31:1-54 War against Midianites
• Num. 32:1-42 The tribe of Reuben and Gad asking to settle down in the land of Jazer, and Gilead

2. Read Numbers 27:1–11. What important principles do we see being made manifest here?

ANSWER: 

• No discrimination against female gender
• Take good care of the fatherless and widows

OBSERVATION: 

• God gives tender care over those who are afflicted and poor.
• Ex. 22:22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. Ex. 22:23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry
• Deut. 10:18 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Deut. 10:19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
• James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world

APPLICATION QUESTION: 

• Do you have anyone in the church that needs help? What are you doing about it? 

3. Read Numbers 27:12–23. After the Lord told Moses again that he could not cross into this land because of his sin, how does Moses respond?

ANSWER: 

• Moses’ main concern was the children of Israel—that they may have a new shepherd to lead and guide them.

OBSERVATION: 

• Truly, Moses is a man of God. He did not even ask God to rethink about His decision. He could have pointed out all his sacrifices and dedication for God, but his words only point to his true care for the people. Selflessness has to be the main characteristic of a good leader:
• Selfless Stephen, Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
• Selfless Paul, Eph. 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
• Selfless Daniel, Dan. 9:20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God

APPLICATION QUESTION: 

• Is it possible to love your religious work more than the people that are around you?
• Are you ready to separate yourself from the people because they do not appreciate your work?
• It is interesting to observe that sometimes we treat the non-SDAs much better than our own members. How could we develop more love for the people that we are working with? 

4. Read Numbers 30 regarding vows and oaths. What important principle can we take away from this chapter for ourselves today? What does this tell us about the importance of our words? What warnings should we take away from here too?

ANSWER:

• Keep your words.
• Say things very clearly. If it is yes, say yes. If it is no, say no.

OBSERVATION: 

• In the New Testament, we have something very similar to Num. 30.
• Matt. 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
• James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
• James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. 

APPLICATION QUESTION: 

• How could we have more honest communication without hurting people’s feeling unnecessarily? 

5. Read Num. 32 and make observations.

OBSERVATION: 

• Reubenites and Gadites made a reasonable request.
• Moses called their action sinful, expressing his concern for their real motive.
• Reubenites and Gadites came back with assuring promise that they will fight until other tribes are settled down in the Promised Land.
• Moses agreed and trusted their words.
• I am sure Moses thought that his concern was valid about it not a good idea for Reubenites and Gadites to settle down before other tribes. Moses, however, was not a dictator. He was willing to go with trusting their words. This is another example of a good leader. Trust begets trust.

CONCLUSION: 

• Definitely God is preparing the newer generation for the final settlement in the Promised Land. I see change of leadership, re-organization, and re-education. 1Cor. 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order.” We as a church have a lot to learn from the book of Numbers. God is so good with details. I think of a car. In order to make a car move, all the details have to be just right and in the right place. A missing part in a car can cause a big havoc later. So even with our church, we need all the parts so that this church can have movement with great speed. It is a foolish thing to think that we can do God’s work without proper organization.

APPLICATION QUESTION: 

• How do we balance between standing firm for principle and being open to suggestions?
• “Think about your own relationship to the church body as a whole. How much are you seeking to give to the church, in contrast to how much you take from it? What does your answer tell you about yourself?” SSL p. 101

Dec5-11: Immorality on the Border

Teaching Points

1. Read Numbers 25:1–3. What were the steps involved here in this apostasy?

ANSWER: 

• Num. 25:1 “abode” – Among many Hebrew meanings for “abode”, there is one that caught my attention: “ease self”
• Num. 25:2 “called” – “invited” to heathen festival (Ventured upon the forbidden ground)
• Num. 25:2 “eat” – “consume” (United in mirth and feasting…broke down the barriers of self-control)
• Num. 25:1 “whoredom” – “to commit adultery” (Passion took over)
• Num. 25:2 “bowed down” – “worship” (Idolatry)
• Num. 25:3 “joined” – “fasten” (No turning back)

SOP SUPPORT FOR THE ORDER OF APOSTASY: 

• “At Balaam’s suggestion, a grand festival in honor of their gods was appointed by the king of Moab, and it was secretly arranged that Balaam should induce the Israelites to attend. He was regarded by them as a prophet of God, and hence had little difficulty in accomplishing his purpose. Great numbers of the people joined him in witnessing the festivities. They ventured upon the forbidden ground, and were entangled in the snare of Satan. Beguiled with music and dancing, and allured by the beauty of heathen vestals, they cast off their fealty to Jehovah. As they united in mirth and feasting, indulgence in wine beclouded their senses and broke down the barriers of self-control. Passion had full sway; and having defiled their consciences by lewdness, they were persuaded to bow down to idols. They offered sacrifice upon heathen altars and participated in the most degrading rites.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 454.

APPLICATION QUESTION: 

• How could we turn down “friendly invitations” that are dangerous?

2. Read Revelation 2:14 and Numbers 31:16. What insight do they give us into what was going on here with Israel at Shittim?

ANSWER: 

• Num. 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

PROPHECTIC OBSERVATION: 

• In the beginning Balak was telling Balaam what to do but it did not work.
• Then later Balaam was telling Balak what to do and then it worked.
• Rev. 2:14 is talking about how Balaam was telling Balak what to do.
• If Balaam represents a religious power and Balak represents a political power then Rev. 2:14 is talking about when the church starts to have influence over the state which prepared the way for the arise of Papacy. 
• When Constantine became “Christian”, the state had the power over the church; but when the Papacy was established, the church had power over the state.
• The doctrine of Balaam caused God’s people to “to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.”
• The doctrine of Balaam sounds like the characteristics of spiritual Babylon in Revelation. Rev. 14:8 “drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” Rev. 14:9 “worship the beast and his image”

APPLICATION: 

• What is the “doctrine of Balaam” for the end time?

3. Read Numbers 25:6–18. How do we understand what was going on here? What lessons can we take away from this story?

ANSWER: 

• Open sin was dealt openly.

OBSERVATION: 

• “Though the text doesn’t come out and explicitly say it, one could read into the text that the Israelite man, Zimri, was having a sexual relationship with the woman when Phinehas came into the tent and thrust his javelin through them both. However harsh all this might seem, think about the circumstances. The whole camp is weeping and pleading with the Lord because of what was happening, and this man—so audacious and open in his sin—brings this Midianite woman into the camp before all of them and then takes her into the tent and has sexual relations with her. All the while a plague is ravaging the camp! What made it even worse was that Zimri came from a house of princes; that is, he was part of royal stock and thus should have known better. He must have been so deceived, so consumed with lust, that the sight of the camp weeping before the tabernacle didn’t slow him down at all.” SSL p. 92
• “All through the Bible, we see examples of how sin clouds the reasoning powers and leads people to do some of the most unthinkable and irrational things. Think of Cain, of David with Bathsheba, of Judas betraying Jesus. No wonder the Bible, time and again, warns us against sin. It’s not that God can’t forgive our sin; it’s that the sin can so warp us that we can get to the point that we don’t even see it as sin any longer.” SSL p. 92

4. Read Numbers 31, the story of the destruction of the Midianites. What are some of the hard things in this account that make it difficult for us to understand today?

ANSWER: 

• I have to say that this is one of those difficult chapters in the Bible. I can think of different ways to deal with Midianites but I have to trust that what God has done was just. 

OBSERVATION: 

• Is. 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Is. 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
• John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
• 1Cor. 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
• “After the terrible devastation at Shittim, the Lord commanded Israel to attack the Midianites, the ones who had—through their deceptions— brought such suffering to His people. Justice was going to be done. This particular branch of the Midianites had given themselves completely over to idolatry and all its attendant evils. Like the Amorites, this clan of Midian had ‘filled up the cup of their iniquity.’—Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, May 2, 1893. And the Lord decreed their destruction.” SSL p. 93

CONCLUSION: 

• God does show His anger towards open rebellion. Though we may not understand God’s harsh treatment toward the rebellious ones, we must believe that He does not cease to love the sinners.

APPLICATION QUESTION: 

• How do you feel about God when He does something that you just cannot understand?
• Do you still see the love of God when God seems harsh and fearful?