SQLite format 3@ CD ii!%%atableTopicsTopicsCREATE TABLE Topics (Title NVARCHAR(100), Notes TEXT) DT - 12-2nd Generation: Admonitions-Dec 12-18N ! 11-Immorality on the Border-Dec 5-11V 1 10- Madness of the Prophet-Nov 28-Dec 4F  09-Sin of Moses & Aaron-Nov 21-27B  08-Priests & Levites-Nov 14-20 9y 07-Power Struggle-Nov 7-13B 06-Planning Ahead-Oct 31-Nov 6V1 05-From Complaints to Apostasy-Oct 24-30\= 04-Trumpets, Blood, Cloud, & Fire-Oct 17-23H 03-Worship & Dedication-Oct 10-16> 02-Preparing a People-Oct 3-99;} 01-A New OrdeJ   }gI &&U=}501-A New Order-Sep 26-Oct 2{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 GeorgiIi00-Introduction+I00-Introduction{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue255;\r zj}501-A New Order-Sep 26-Oct 2{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharsety}m01a}U01-A New Order-Sep 26-Oct 2{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\keepn\s1\sl276\slmult1\lang1037dy move toward apostasy and ruin? Or can they at all? Or, if they can help us, how should they be applied? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \b Summary:\b0 Israel\rquote s moral collapse on the borders of Canaan may serve as an example of one method Satan will use to cause God\rquote s people to apostatize in these end times. \ldblquote Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Mat_26:41\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\cf1\par } to deal with sin among us? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab The Israelites didn\rquote t fall into this sin overnight. It was a step-by-step process. What about us as a church today? Are we letting down our guard regarding things that could, ever so slightly, allow us to become hardened to what will lead us into Satan\rquote s traps? What role does the issue of standards play in this important area? How can standards help protect us against this slow and stea Worship and Dedication \tab\par \b0\tab\tab\tab\par \b SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul Exo_25:22\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2 Numbers 7, 8; \cf1\ul Zec_4:1-6\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Zec_4:11-14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_4:2\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_4:5\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_11:4\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver\ rdblquote (\cf1\ul 2Co_9:7\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par No question, the children of Israel are separated from our modern world through the vast gaps of time and culture. Their world is, in many ways, as incomprehensible to us as ours would be to them.\par \par Nevertheless, the unifying factor is the Lord, the One who created and redeemed them as well as us. Whatever the gaps in culture, language, and history, we worship the same God, no matter the differences in our forms and expressions. Indeed, the 5basic truths taught to them through their rites and rituals are, in principle, the same ones we are to learn today. \par \par This week we\rquote ll continue to follow our spiritual ancestors on their journey of faith. We\rquote ll examine more of the rituals, laws, and commands that God gave His people at that time. Among other things, we\rquote ll look at the dedication of the altar of burnt offering, at the menorah (lampstand) in the earthly sanctuary, as well as the ordination of the Levites to their in this area? What choices can we make regarding dress, language, decorum, what we watch in the media, and behavior in general that can remove stumbling blocks and temptation in regard to a sin that has led to so much suffering among us? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Think of the devastation that this sin caused in the camp. Think of the suffering of the people as a whole. What should this tell us about how, as a church community, we have a responsibility te his mind that sin which he once loathed will become pleasant to him.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 459.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab One of the greatest gifts God has given to human beings is the gift of sexuality. It\rquote s also been one of the most abused, one that Satan uses over and over, and with great success, to ensnare and ruin those who love God and want to serve Him. How can we help each othe }02-Preparing a People-Oct 3-9{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff,02-Preparing a People-Oct 3-9{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 TimeT502-Preparing a People-Oct 3-9{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 2 \tab *October 3-9\par \tab\tab\tab\par  ward ease and security that they were led into sin. . . . They neglected prayer and cherished a spirit of self-confidence. . . . A long preparatory process, unknown to the world, goes on in the heart before the Christian commits open sin. The mind does not come down at once from purity and holiness to depravity, corruption, and crime. It takes time to degrade those formed in the image of God to the brutal or the satanic. By beholding we become changed. By the indulgence of impure thoughts man can so educa er understand what was going on with those women who were taken as prisoners by the Israelites? In what ways does this help us better understa\cf1 nd Numbers 31?\cf0\par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY\b0\tab\tab\b December 11\b0\par \par \b Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Apostasy at the Jordan,\rdblquote pp. 453-461, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 .\par \par \ldblquote It was when the Israelites were in a condition of outelpless young women would be left alone, with all their parents dead, their whole social structure destroyed. What could happen to them in the harsh and dangerous world at that time? This way, by being taken into the Israelite camp, these women not only would be protected from whatever dangers they would have faced had they been left alone; they also would be treated well by the Israelites. After all, Israelite law demanded that.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Deu_21:10-14\cf0\ulnone . How does this help us bettour perspective, things not revealed to us.\par \par Many find \cf2\ul Num_31:13-18\cf0\ulnone particularly disturbing, and understandably so. But we should keep a few things in mind. Many of these Midianite women were the ones directly involved in the deception that led to thousands upon thousands of deaths; hence, they were reaping the punishment for their sins. But what about the young girls, the virgins, who probably had done nothing? \par \par Suppose the Lord said to just leave them be? These he Lord decreed their destruction.\par \par Rea\cf1 d \cf2\ul Num_31:1\ulnone \cf1 (entire chapter), th\cf0 e 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?\par \par Killing all the people, even the children, is hard enough for us to understand. We just have to trust in the revelation we have of God as revealed to us through Jesus Christ, and accept that there are things we don\rquote t understand from Midianites\par \b0\par After the terrible devastation at Shittim, the Lord wasn\rquote t done with 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 \ldblquote filled up the cup of their iniquity.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Review and Herald\i0 , May 2, 1893. And th time and again, warns us against sin. It\rquote s not that God can\rquote t forgive our sin; it\rquote s that the sin can so warp us that we can get to the point that we don\rquote t even see it as sin any longer.\par \par In your own walk with the Lord, how have you experienced the reality of how the practice of sin hardens you to just how bad it really is? What can you do to break out of this deadly unspiritual trap? \par \par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab December 10\par \par Destruction of the s 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\rquote t slow him down at all.\par \par All through the Bible, we see examples of how sin clouds the reasoning powers and leads people to do some of the most unthinking and irrational things. Think of Cain, of David with Bathsheba, of Judas betraying Jesus. No wonder the Bible,g 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 wa the camp, they might have been weeping for themselves and their family, as well, fearful that they might be next. The fact that they were at the tent of meeting means that they were imploring the Lord to end the devastation.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_25:6-18\cf0\ulnone . How do we understand what was going on here? What lessons can we take away from this story?\par \par Though the text doesn\rquote t come out and explicitly say it, one could read into the text that the Israelite man, Zimri, was havin \par \par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab December 9\par \par Open Sin\par \b0\par It\rquote s hard to imagine the chaos, confusion, and pain that must have been going on among the Israelites at this time. We get an inkling of the pain, at least, in \cf2\ul Num_25:6\cf0\ulnone , which said that the people \ldblquote were weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting\rdblquote (NIV). Weeping, no doubt, for the apostasy, for the suffering, and for their dead kinsmen. Also, with a plague ravaging who were involved in this apostasy. Thus, some might have had to execute members of their immediate family! And to do it in broad daylight (literally \ldblquote in front of the sun\rdblquote ). It must have been a terrible experience for the whole camp. \par \par What do you do with someone close to you who is partaking of a sinful practice that can have a harmful impact on you and others? What is your responsibility and duty in such a situation? To whom can you turn for help in knowing how to respond?God calls us to obey Him, not because He\rquote s a demanding tyrant, but because He loves His children and knows what\rquote s best for us.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_25:4-5\cf0\ulnone . Why such a strong reaction? See also \cf2\ul Num_25:8-9\cf0\ulnone . What lesson can we take away from this for ourselves? \par \par Think how painful it must have been for Israelites to have to kill other Israelites. Indeed, it seems as though each tribe may have had the responsibility of executing those of their ownBation, from start to finish, reveals the Lord\rquote s desire to redeem sinful fallen beings from the destruction that sin otherwise brings (\cf2\ul Joh_3:16-18\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par What term is used to describe what the Levites are to the priesthood and what the priesthood was to Aaron\rquote s family? What lessons should we draw from it? \par \par When you think of a gift, you think of something that is not earned. It\rquote s totally of grace. This was a privilege bestowed upon these people, not  \par No question, all through the Bible we see this same thing happening, again and again. From Eve in Eden to Judas in Jerusalem, those who should have known better, those who had been warned, those who had great light, nevertheless chose to ignore that light and-no doubt justifying and rationalizing their actions-fell into sins that brought devastating consequences. Who of us, perhaps, hasn\rquote t experienced this same thing in their own lives? ever would have occurred. No doubt, at first, they had no intention of going as far as they did. After all, they were just going to a party, that\rquote s all. And because Balaam, a prophet of their own God, had invited them, what could be wrong with that? How quickly, though, things got out of hand.\par \par What other examples in the Bible can you find of people opening the door to sin that eventually led to horrific consequences, consequences that they probably never imagined would come? \par  response-destroying themselves. What about you? What has God promised you, and how are you responding to those promises? \par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab December 8\par \par Sin and Punishment\par \b0\par The fact that these men fell into a trap didn\rquote t, obviously, excuse their sin. If they had obeyed the Lord to begin with, if they had kept His commandments, if they had done what they knew was right and not slowly opened themselves up to temptation, this dreadful apostasy and suffering nhimself unto Baalpeor.\rquote When Moses was aroused to perceive the evil, the plots of their enemies had been so successful that not only were the Israelites participating in the licentious worship at Mount Peor, but the heathen rites were coming to be observed in the camp of Israel.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , pp. 454, 455. \par \par Time and time again we see the same principle at play: God doing so much for His people, God promising so much to His people, and they-inThey offered sacrifice upon heathen altars and participated in the most degrading rites. \par \par \ldblquote It was not long before the poison had spread, like a deadly infection, through the camp of Israel. Those who would have conquered their enemies in battle were overcome by the wiles of heathen women. The people seemed to be infatuated. The rulers and the leading men were among the first to transgress, and so many of the people were guilty that the apostasy became national. \lquote Israel joined reat 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. of doors to sin, deception, and ruin are closed. Once, however, we move away from doing what we should, anything can happen. How crucial, then, that we seek to stay on the path of obedience.\par \par \ldblquote At Balaam\rquote 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. G!ese words and make our own? \tab\par \par \par \par \b MONDAY\tab December 7\par \par Behind the Scenes\par \b0\par Read \cf2\ul Rev_2:14\cf0\ulnone and \cf2\ul Num_31:16\cf0\ulnone . What insight do they give us into what was going on here with Israel at Shittim? How does this help us understand how they fell? \par \par Unable to succeed one way, their enemies now tried another, and it worked so much better. The principle should be clear: As long as we are acting in faith and obedience, a lot"d more. Slowly but surely their guard was let down; and before they knew it, they were ensnared by lust and passion. Once they had fallen into that trap, anything was possible. \par \par We fool ourselves when we think we are less vulnerable to the deceptions of sin of any kind.\par \par Read \cf2\ul 1Co_10:1-14\cf0\ulnone . How can we apply the lessons there to ourselves, today, in whatever situation we are in? What similar temptations do we face in our own contexts? What promise can we take from th#n in the texts, they first had sexual relations with the women, which clearly broke down barriers. And then it was at the invitation of these women that the men sacrificed to their pagan gods and then eventually bowed down and worshiped them. \par \par Again, from our perspective, it\rquote s hard to understand how something like this could happen. They should have known better, right? At the same time, here they were, mingling with these people, probably not much at first, but then, over time, more an$n River. \par \par In other words, after numerous mistakes and setbacks, things were going quite well. They were in no immediate danger from warring armies, because they readily had dispatched all of these military threats. Hence, they were able to take it easy.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_25:1-3\cf0\ulnone . What were the steps involved here in this apostasy? How did something so terrible happen? \par \par Sex, food, idolatry-it was all there on the shores of the Jordan. According to the order see%nt of fact, nothing more. \par \par The text says that \ldblquote Israel was staying\rdblquote in Shittim. That is, they weren\rquote t going anywhere. They were at rest. At ease, really, because they just had finished a number of successful conquests: they had beaten the Canaanites (\cf2\ul Num_21:1-3\cf0\ulnone ), the Amorites (\cf2\ul Num_21:21-31\cf0\ulnone ), and the folk under the rule of King Og of Bashan (vss. 33-35). And now they were on the borders of the Promised Land, just across the Jorda&day, the spiritual parallels are there, and they should shout a loud warning to God\rquote s church, also on the borders of the Promised Land. \par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 12.\i0\par \par \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab December 6\par \par Seduction\tab\par \b0\par \cf2\ul Num_25:1\cf0\ulnone reads: \ldblquote While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women\rdblquote (NIV). Just a clear-cut stateme' s overriding providence succeeded then, and will succeed. Just as He brought His ancient covenant people into the Promised Land, He will do the same in the end time for us. How much better, though, if we would cooperate with Him rather than work against His purposes.\par \par This week we\rquote ll look at one of the greatest breaches of faith in all of Old Testament history, the apostasy at Shittim. And though it happened thousands of years ago in a culture and context radically different from ours to(o_10:8\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par Here again, we see the same theme running through the book of Numbers: God\rquote s people, led so clearly and powerfully by Him, still making wrong choices, still showing a lack of faith, still falling into the most flagrant disobedience. All God wanted to do, from the start, was bring them into the Promised Land; and time and again, all they were doing, by their choices, was making it so much more difficult for that to happen. \par \par No question about it: God\rquote)ard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 11 *December 5-11\par \par Immorality on the Border\par \b0\par \b SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\tab\tab\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\cf1\b0 Numbers 25, 31,\cf0 \cf2\ul Deu_21:10-14\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Co_10:1-14\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_2:14\cf0\ulnone .\tab\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand\rdblquote (\cf2\ul 1C*d\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_27:21\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par How often do you seek the Lord in prayer regarding important decisions you need to make? Upon what basis do you make your decisions, if not through seeking God's will? \par \b\par \par \par TUESDAY\tab December 15\par \par Sacrificial System Reaffirmed\par \cf1\b0\f1\par \f0 When the Lord spoke audibly the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) from Mount Sinai, and commanded the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 25), the second generation would ham and Aaron. Now, though, there would be no question as to why these people were given these roles. They were there because God put them there-period.\par \par Notice, too, the reason the Lord wanted to make these divisions. It was so that His \ldblquote wrath may never again come upon the Israelites\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_18:5\cf0\ulnone , NRSV). Here, again, we see God\rquote s mercy even amid such powerful judgments. God seeks to save His people, not condemn or destroy them. The whole plan of salv,t are your gifts, and how could you better use them to serve your local church? \par \tab\par \par \par \b MONDAY\tab November 16\par \par The Gifts of Divine Service\par \b0\par When we read the Lord\rquote s instruction in \cf2\ul Num_18:1-7\cf0\ulnone , a few points stand out. First, the Lord makes it clear that He is the One who is appointing the people to these positions. Perhaps this emphasis was made because of the previous problems, not just with Korah and his cohorts but even with Miria-people were allowed into certain roles, as seen here in the division of the Levites and the family of Aaron from the general population, and then in the division made between Aaron\rquote s family and the Levites. Obviously, in New Testament times, hereditary roles, such as found with the Levites, clearly have been abolished, yet we find in the New Testament distinct roles in the church (\cf2\ul 1Co_12:28-31\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Eph_4:11\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Wha.s, as distinct from the remainder of the Levites, were responsible for seeing that no unauthorized person approached the tabernacle, thereby defiling it. This would allay the fears of the congregation that in coming near the tabernacle they risked death. \par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_18:1-7\cf0\ulnone . What distinctions were made in the roles given these men? \par \par What\rquote s important to note here is that although all the nation was to be a \ldblquote kingdom of priests,\rdblquote only certain 1 Levites\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par SABBATH AFTERNOON\par \b0\par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1 Numbers 9, 18, 19;\cf0 \cf2\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_14:6-12\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote And the Lord spake unto Aaron, . . . I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_18:20\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par After Korah\rquote s rebellion and the test of the staffs, it became necessary to emphasize further the d2istinct roles between the priests and Levites. Each had their God-appointed functions, and the Lord clearly drew the lines between those functions. And though all these roles and functions long ago have become obsolete, there are still lessons we can draw from them for ourselves today. \par \par Notice, for instance, just how sacred and solemn these roles were. Thus, we could learn for ourselves how we need to take seriously our sacred responsibilities and trusts, whatever they are. \par \par Noti3ce, too, just how interdependent these people were with each other and the nation as a whole. We certainly can draw lessons from that for ourselves today as a church body.\par \par Also, pay attention to the role of grace in these chapters, especially in regard to the gifts given these people through no merit of their own. They had these positions only because God gave those positions to them, not because of any inherent worth in and of themselves. \par \par What a powerful symbol of the gospel. \par4 \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath,\i0 \i November 21.\i0\par \par \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab November 15\par \par Division of Labor\par \b0\par \ldblquote Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel\rdblquote (\cf2\u/l Exo_19:5-6\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par How can we relate those words above to ourselves, today, as a church called to bring a message to the world? Is this calling unconditional? See \cf2\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_14:6-12\cf0\ulnone .\par \par In \cf2\ul Num_18:1\cf0\ulnone , the Lord wanted to give assurance to the worshipers that they would not die, but only if they approached the sanctuary through His specially chosen priests, who would act as mediators between them and the Lord. The priest6r sacred calling of working with the priests in their ministration of the sanctuary in the wilderness.\tab\tab\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 17.\i0\par \par \par \par \b SUNDAY October 11\par \par Altar Dedication\par \b0\par In the wilderness sanctuary, the sacrifices centered on the altar of burnt offering. Constructed of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, the altar stood within the courtyard near the entrance to the two-apartment sanctuar7y. The golden altar before the veil of the Most Holy Place served only for the burning of incense.\par \par Read\cf2 Numbers 7. \cf0 What thoughts come to your mind as you read about the offerings given during this solemn ritual? What spiritual points from this account can be applied to ourselves, today? For instance, where do you see the Cross represented here? \par \par The altar already had been consecrated for seven days (\cf1\ul Exo_29:37\cf0\ulnone ). Now the princes-as representatives of the f8ull nation-brought offerings to celebrate the dedication of the altar over a period of 12 days. Each prince and his tribe had their special day. All the gifts were identical; perhaps this was a way of showing that no matter who we are or our station in life, we all stand before God in the same position, that of sinners needing grace. \par \par \ldblquote Some wonder why God desired so many sacrifices and appointed the offering of so many bleeding victims in the Jewish economy.\par \par \ldblquote Eve9ry dying victim was a type of Christ, which lesson was impressed on mind and heart in the most solemn, sacred ceremony, and explained definitely by the priests. Sacrifices were explicitly planned by God Himself to teach this great and momentous truth, that through the blood of Christ alone there is forgiveness of sins.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages,\i0 book 1, p. 107.\par \par It\rquote s so easy to get caught up in the things of the world, isn\rquote t it? What can you do each day to: help keep the reality of the cross, and what was done for you there, first and foremost in your mind?\par \tab\par \par \par \b MONDAY\tab October 12\par \par Communion With God\par \b0\par As a symbol, the ark was at the hub of Israelite worship. It symbolized God\rquote s heavenly throne. \ldblquote The Lord of hosts . . . sits enthroned on the cherubim\rdblquote (\cf1\ul 2Sa_6:2\cf0\ulnone , RSV). In the Most Holy Place the visible Shekinah glory, hovering between the cherubim, represented t;he Lord\rquote s presence. The Ten Commandments beneath the cherubim throne attested to the Divine will, the foundation of the covenant between God and His people-and the moral basis for His universal rule and government. The Law provided the worshipers an insight into the character of God, in addition to stipulating His righteous requirements.\par \par Read \cf1\ul Exo_25:22\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul Num_7:89\cf0\ulnone . Try to imagine what kind of an experience this would be. How would you like to have< that kind of close encounter with God? What makes you think that you wouldn\rquote t be destroyed completely were you to get too close to Him? See \cf1\ul Exo_20:19\cf0\ulnone .\par \par In what sense can you today get even closer to the presence of God? See \cf1\ul Heb_4:14-16\cf0\ulnone . How has Jesus made this approach possible? \par \par Notice, too, how Moses had gone into the sanctuary to speak to the Lord. Yet, according to the text,= the Lord spoke to Moses instead. The point is, most of us know how to pray, most of us know how to speak to the Lord, to plead our case, to ask for this or that. \par But communion isn\rquote t just one way. In most relation-ships, each party will communicate with the other. Should it be any different between us and our Maker? Of course not.\par \par The question for us, then, is, How open are we to hearing the voice of God when He is speaking to us? \par \par What have your experiences in communi>on with God been like? How has the Lord communicated His will to you? How open are you to hearing His voice? What things in your life might be keeping you from a fuller communion with the Lord?\par \tab\par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab October 13\par \par Light in the Sanctuary\par \b0\par When Moses entered the sanctuary after the 12 days devoted to the dedication of the altar in the court, we may assume that it was dark inside the Holy Place. In that conversation, the Lord directed that Aaron should? light the seven lamps of the \ldblquote candlestick,\rdblquote known in Hebrew as the menorah, based on the Hebrew word or, for light (\cf1\ul Num_8:1-4\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par The menorah (or candlestick) with its main shaft and six branches (three on either side) was hammered from a single talent of gold. It was in the form of a stylized almond branch (\cf1\ul Exo_25:31-40\cf0\ulnone ). The oil lamps, resting atop each branch, were attended by the priests twice a day-morning and evening (\cf1\ul Exo_@30:7-8\cf0\ulnone ). \ldblquote [Aaron] shall keep the lamps in order upon the lampstand of pure gold before the Lord continually\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Lev_24:4\cf0\ulnone , RSV; emphasis added).\par \par What insights do the following texts give as to the meaning of the menorah?\par \par \cf1\ul Zec_4:1-6\cf3\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Zec_4:11-14\cf0\ulnone \par \par \cf1\ul Rev_4:2\cf3\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Rev_4:5\cf3\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Rev_11:4\cf0\ulnone\par A \par Zechariah\rquote s vision implies that the oil piped to the menorah lamps, enabling them to burn, is God\rquote s Spirit (\cf1\ul Zec_4:5-6\cf0\ulnone ). The Hebrew word for the almond (\cf1\ul Jer_1:11-12\cf0\ulnone ) means \ldblquote to watch\rdblquote or \ldblquote to wake.\rdblquote The almond literally was named the \ldblquote wake tree\rdblquote or \ldblquote watch tree\rdblquote because it was the earliest tree \ldblquote to waken\rdblquote and flower. John sees in the heavenlyO representation of the sanctuary a menorah of seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are identified as \ldblquote seven Spirits of God\rdblquote -John\rquote s mode of referring to the Holy Spirit in His multiple operations. \par \par Thus, Israel in the wilderness was assured day and night of God\rquote s presence in the first apartment as well as in the second.\par \par How has the Lord shown you the reality of His presence in your own life? Go back over those times when clearly you\rqCbecause of any merit on their part, but simply through God\rquote s grace and providence. In the end, the Lord needed someone to do this work, and in His divine wisdom these were the ones He chose. \par \par Of course, with this sacred task came sacred responsibilities. Issues of life and death, both physically and spiritually, were involved here, for the tabernacle was the place where God dwelt on earth. The sanctuary was also the model for what Jesus would do here on earth and for His ministry in heDav\cf1 en (\cf2\ul Heb_9:1-14\cf1\ulnone ;\cf2 \ul Heb_9:15-28\cf1\ulnone ). It w\cf0 as like a miniature Calvary being played out in types and shadows. The destiny of souls lay in the balance. Hence, the solemnity the Lord placed on the roles given these men.\par \par Think about your innate talents, whatever they are. No matter how hard you work to cultivate them, they are still that-gifts, something given to you by God. What are you doing with those gifts? Are you using them for yourself or for the Egood of others and the furtherance of the Lord\rquote s work? Might you need to do some serious soul-searching and changing?\par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab November 17\par \par Sanctuary Support\tab\tab\tab\par \b0\par Having distinguished between the two groups of religious workers, the Lord next gives instruction regarding their economic support. Their positions were, apparently, full-time. That is, they didn\rquote t \ldblquote serve tables\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Act_6:2\cf0\ulnone ) in order Fto support themselves. The support had to come from elsewhere.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_18:8-20\cf0\ulnone . What points seem most pertinent to you?\par \par Many interesting thoughts come through these texts. Notice, for instance, how closely the Lord related the offering given to Him with what was given to the priesthood. That is, though the offerings and gifts were made to Him, He gave them to the priests. Thus, by giving the offering to the Lord, they were at the same time giving them to the prieGsts. This shows the close link between the Lord and the priesthood, which served as intermediaries between God and the people. \par \par At the same time, we can see the humanity of the priests, as well. Though in this privileged position, they still were depending on the people they served for their sustenance. No doubt, with the people giving them of their best oil, wine, grain, and so forth, the priesthood constantly was reminded of their obligation to serve these people faithfully and not to take Hadvantage of the position that they had been given.\par \par Also, to redeem a child or an animal by means of money was one of the ways the Lord taught Israel the concept of substitution. One day in the future Christ would give His life as a substitute for sinners (see \cf2\ul 1Pe_1:18-19\cf0\ulnone ). Salt, added to every sacrifice, was a symbol that signified the permanence of God\rquote s covenant with His people (see \cf2\ul Lev_2:13\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par What kind of sacred responsibilities dKo you hold? How faithful are you in the tasks that others are trusting you with? How could you do better in faithfully executing your responsibilities? \par \tab\par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab November 18\par \par The Tithing Plan\par \b0\par Although the tribe of Levi had no land territory, they were given 48 cities, 13 of which were for the families of the priests (\cf2\ul Jos_21:19\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Jos_21:41\cf0\ulnone ). The Lord declared that He was their \ldblquote part\rdblqu 6zj)03-Worsh]03-Worship & Dedication-Oct 10-16{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Rom|q03-Worship & Dedication-Oct 10-16{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 3 *October 10-16\par \par rrrican pione=a04-Trumpets, Blo== 04-Trumpets, Blood, Cloud, & Fire-Oct 17-23{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fc~=M04-Trumpets, Blood, Cloud, & Fire-Oct 17-23{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 4 *October 17-23\par Lote or portion (\cf2\ul Num_18:20\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par In addition to their portion of the sacrificial offerings, what other plan did the Lord devise to care for both priests and Levites? \cf2\ul Num_18:21-32\cf0\ulnone .\par \par Returning a tithe of one\rquote s income to the Lord (\cf2\ul Lev_27:30\cf0\ulnone ) was an ancient practice. It is first mentioned in the Bible when Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, King-priest of Salem (\cf2\ul Gen_14:18-20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Heb_7:1-2\cf0\ulnone )M. Jacob promised the Lord he would render \ldblquote the tenth\rdblquote of all he would earn in his future (\cf2\ul Gen_28:22\cf0\ulnone ). Now, the Lord adapts the use of Israel\rquote s tithe, giving it for the support of the entire Levitical tribe-including the families of the priests.\par \par Even the Levites, who were paid in tithe, tithed as well, their tithe going to Aaron. The Levites were to give the \ldblquote best part\rdblquote of what they received as tithe. Hence, not only did that titNhe go toward the support of the priesthood; it also enabled the Levites to realize their dependence upon God and that all they received was from Him. They, too, needed to show their gratitude by faithfully returning the \ldblquote tithe of the tithe.\rdblquote If the people always needed to remember their dependence upon the Lord, how much more so the Levites?\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_18:32\cf0\ulnone . What point should be taken away from that regarding the sacredness of their calling? \par \par In\ this divine plan, everyone had their role, everyone had something to do. The priests and the Levites had their sacred duties to carry out regarding the service and ministry in the sanctuary, while the people had theirs in regard to the paying of a faithful tithe. The tithe was a small thing to give, considering what the Levites and priesthood performed in their behalf. In a sense, all the different groups were dependent upon the function of each other, and all were dependent upon the Lord. \tab\par \tPuote ve experienced God\rquote s presence in a remarkable manner. How can revisiting these experiences help you to stay firm in times that you feel yourself wallowing in fear and darkness? See \cf1\ul Psa_23:1-6\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab October 14\par \par Dedication of the Levites: Part 1\par \par \b0 Read \cf1\ul Num_8:6-26\cf0\ulnone , describing the dedication of the Levites to their special work in the service of God. What points impress you regarding this service? WhQat does this teach us about holiness, about sin, about purification, and about dedication to God? What principles can we take away from this for our lives today, regardless of whatever role we play in the Lord\rquote s service?\par \par The families of the three divisions of the Levites were encamped around the sanctuary. Because they numbered more than 20,000 (\cf1\ul Num_3:39\cf0\ulnone ), it is obvious that some parts of their dedication were done by symbolic representation. That is, only certain ones, representatives, as opposed to all the Levites, were involved directly and immediately.\par \par What\rquote s fascinating here, too, is the idea that the Levites, after they were cleansed and shaven, and after they offered a sin offering (\cf1\ul Num_8:7-8\cf0\ulnone )-they, themselves were called an \ldblquote offering\rdblquote or a \ldblquote wave-offering\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Num_8:11\cf0\ulnone ). This certainly wasn\rquote t anything related to human sacrifice. Instead, it gave the idea of deXmonth in the second year (\cf1\ul Exo_40:17\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par It was in the following month that the Lord proceeded to organize the nation more thoroughly (\cf1\ul Num_1:1-3\cf0\ulnone ) than it previously had been. And it\rquote s at this point, with the new organization, with this new order, that the book of Numbers picks up the sacred story of God\rquote s working with His covenant people. \par \par What kind of census did the Lord ask Moses and Aaron to draw up, and why? \cf1\ul Num_1:2-3\cRpt, the multitudes of Israel flowed into the wilderness of Sinai. Encamped around the mountain, they heard the voice of God proclaiming His will (\cf1\ul Exo_20:1-26\cf0\ulnone ). Despite such an incredible manifestation of God\rquote s power, some fell away and worshiped the golden calf (\cf1\ul Exo_32:1 \cf2\ulnone - entire chapter\cf0 ). After that debacle, the repentant nation spent time building a portable sanctuary (\cf1\ul Exo_25:8\cf0\ulnone ). The work was completed on the first day of the first So in His dealing with His covenant people, the Israelites, even as they wandered in the wilderness. This week we\rquote ll look, firsthand, at how God organized His people for their sacred calling, and we\rquote ll draw some lessons for ourselves today.\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 3.\par \i0 \par \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab September 27\par \b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \b Organizing the Army\par \b0\par Having miraculously escaped from Egye are in danger of making, as well? What main lessons can we learn from what they have done? More important, what can we do to ensure that we don\rquote t fall into the same traps? Or if we already have, how can we get out of them?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \b Summary:\b0 While Moses still lived, it was fitting that God instructed him to give final instructions to the second generation, reaffirm the faith, and also to appoint Joshua as the nation\rquote s new leader under God.\par \pard\cf1\par } Ut had? Discuss.\par \pard\fi45\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Dwell more on the question of what our role is in the church. First, what is the role of the church as a whole? How do we fit in with that role? Should we always be in a position of giving? When is it appropriate to take? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab As we have studied the children of Israel on the move in the wilderness, what mistakes have they made that wVxplains: \ldblquote Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come\rdblquote (\cf2\ul 1Co_10:11\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab How can one generation pass to the next generation its values, beliefs, and zeal? Or can it? Or look at it this way: Should one generation expect the next one to have the same kind of experiences and faith that iWard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Nadab and Abihu, priestly sons of Aaron (\cf2\ul Num_26:61\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab The first generation died in the wilderness, except Caleb and Joshua (\cf2\ul Num_26:63-65\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\tab\par Most of these events listed by Moses were events the second generation experienced. Why allude to these tragedies in Hebrew history? The apostle Paul eX-Ellen G. White, \i Life Sketches\i0 , p. 196.\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Shittim plague in which 24,000 died (\cf2\ul Num_25:9\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Num_26:1\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\li360\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Korah, Dathan, and Abiram\rquote s rebellion (\cf2\ul Num_26:9-11\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Er and Onan, sons of Judah (\cf2\ul Num_26:19\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pY time, might there not be times that, because of circumstances, you need to take more than you can give?\par \par \tab\par \par \b FRIDAY\b0\tab\tab\b December 18 \par \par Further Study:\b0 Study the following texts regarding specific points Moses chose to remind the second generation of Israelites about. His remarks are based on the principle: \ldblquote We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.\rdblquote Ztled down to enjoy their own. \par \par Seeing their willingness, Moses, though warning them that \ldblquote your sin will find you out [\cf2\ul Num_32:23\cf0\ulnone ]\rdblquote , nevertheless took them at their word and agreed on the stated conditions. \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par 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? At the same]ab\tab\par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab November 19\par \par The Red Heifer\par \b0\par The sacrifice of an unblemished red heifer that never had been yoked is the strangest rite in Israel\rquote s sanctuary system \cf1 (\cf2\ul Num_19:1-22\cf1\ulnone ). \cf0 What lessons can we learn from it?\par \tab\par This heifer was to be red, a symbol of blood, Christ\rquote s blood obviously. It had to be without blemish, as well, and never had borne a yoke-another symbol of Christ, a spotless sacrifice who^ came voluntarily to accomplish the work of atonement. There was no obligatory yoke upon Him, for He was independent and above all law. \par \par The sacrificial heifer was brought forth without the camp, and slain. Thus Christ suffered without the gates of Jerusalem (\cf2\ul Heb_13:12\cf0\ulnone ), for Calvary was outside the city walls. This was to show that Christ did not die for the Hebrews alone but for all humanity (\cf2\ul Rom_5:12-20\cf0\ulnone ). He proclaims to a fallen world that He has com_e to be their Redeemer, and urges them to accept the salvation He offers. After slaying the heifer, the priest, clothed in pure white garments, took the blood in his hands as it issued from the body of the victim, and cast it toward the tabernacle seven times. Thus, Christ in His own spotless righteousness, after shedding His precious blood, entered into the heavenly sanctuary to minister in the sinner\rquote s behalf. And there His blood is brought into the service of reconciling God to humanity (see \c`f2\ul Heb_10:21-23\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par The body of the heifer was burned to ashes, which signified a whole and ample sacrifice. The ashes then were gathered up by a person uncontaminated by contact with the dead, and laid up in a clean place without the camp. When the ceremony of cleansing was to be performed, these ashes were placed in a vessel containing water from a running stream. A clean and pure person then took the hyssop and sprinkled the contents of the vessel not only upon the tent where so+meone died but also upon its contents and the people inside of it. This purification ceremony was repeated several times in order to be thorough, and was done as a purification from sin.\par \par The cleansing water, sprinkled on the unclean, symbolized the blood of Christ spilled to cleanse us from moral impurities. The repeated sprinklings illustrate the thoroughness of the work that must be accomplished for the repenting sinner. All that he has must be consecrated. Not only should the sinner\rquote sard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\b Summary:\b0 The rebellion of Korah and his associates against Moses and Aaron was so deep-seated that God had to destroy them and their followers by earthquake, fire, and plague. This account should serve as a warning against envy and jealousy, as did the memorial bronze plates on the altar. If we would pray for our leaders and cherish what God has done for them and us, we may be spared the internal troubles that beset ancient Israel in Korah\rquote s uprising.\cf2\par } arit can be manifest among us? How can we recognize it when it arises among ourselves, especially when it\rquote s often cloaked under guises that make us think we\rquote re not rebelling really, but instead, really standing up for what is right? How do we know the difference?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Why are memorials, either religious or secular, important? What are some secular memorials common in your culture, and what do they represent? \tab\par \pbi720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab What are ways in which sin deceives us? How can we know if we are being deceived by it? (After all, isn\rquote t part of the deception of sin to make us think that actually we\rquote re not being deceived?) What role does the Bible play in answering this question? How can others help us, as well?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab However open and outright the rebellion we looked at this week, what are others ways that the same spice after them.\rquote\par \par \ldblquote The doctrines must be plainly understood. The men accepted to teach the truth must be anchored; then their vessel will hold against storm and tempest, because the anchor holds them firmly. The deceptions will increase, and we are to call rebellion by its right name. We are to stand with the whole armor on.\rdblquote -\i The SDA Bible Commentary\i0 , Ellen G. White Comments, vol. 1, p. 1114.\par \tab\tab\par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\ldte Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe. We shall be affected by it unless we by faith hang our helpless souls upon Christ. If men are so easily misled, how will they stand when Satan shall personate Christ, and work miracles? Who will be unmoved by his misrepresentations? Professing to be Christ when it is only Satan assuming the person of Christ, and apparently working the works of Christ? What will hold God\rquote s people from giving their allegiance to false Christs? \lquote Go not yeenough evidence of God\rquote s love and grace, do we fail to trust Him? Why do we make the same mistakes over and over? Even more important, why is it crucial that we not seek to justify our mistakes? \par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY\b0\tab\tab November 13\par \par \b Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Rebellion of Korah,\rdblquote pp. 395-405, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 .\par \par \ldblquote I question whether genuine rebellion is ever curable. . . .\par \par \ldblquo ""o=-04-Trumpets, Blood, Cloud, & Fire-1i05-From Complaints to Apostasy-Oct 24-30{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symbol;}{\f3\fnil\^105-From Complaints to Apostasy-Oct 24-30{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\stf priests of the Lord\rquote s sanctuary. The tragedy is that it cost so much suffering to get the point across. What\rquote s amazing is that the Lord was willing to do even more for them in order to set them straight.\par \par From our perspective, it\rquote s so easy to condemn and judge the Hebrews. Yet, what if we look at ourselves, individually (\cf1\ul 2Co_3:15\cf0\ulnone )? Why is it often so hard for us to learn the lessons that God seeks to teach us? Why, even when we have been given more than h?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\'b7\tab How does the reaction of the people reveal that they seem to have finally gotten the message that only certain people would be allowed to be priests?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1 \par There was no way that this miracle of Aaron\rquote s staff blooming and producing almonds could be denied. The Israelites had to admit that God had wrought a miracle within the tabernacle that, once and for all, designated Aaron and his descendants as theiwiped them all out, though it was never His desire to do that. Even after all that had happened, the Lord still was willing to work with these people and reveal His saving grace to them.\par Re\cf2 ad Numbers 17 an\cf0 d answer the following questions:\par \tab\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\'b7\tab What was the reason for the test? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\'b7\tab How was this test to be a means of preventing further rebellion and the resulting condemnationj the living? Justify your answer.\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab November 12\par \par Aaron\rquote s Rod That Budded\par \b0\par Although thousands had died in the rebellion stirred up by Korah, the Lord knew the issue of priestly leadership had yet to be settled. Even with all that He had done, the powerful and painful judgments poured out on the rebellious, God must have known that the people were still restless. With justification, He could have kkinds of people in this world, the living and the dead, not the physically dead but the spiritually dead. \ldblquote He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Joh_3:18\cf0\ulnone ). Jesus stands between the living and the dead; He\rquote s the border, the transition point from one to the other. Only through Him can we go from death to life. \par \par Are you amonglard rebellion and apostasy, we might find ourselves doing some very crazy and irrational things. How crucial that we, through God\rquote s grace, claiming His promises (\cf1\ul 1Co_10:13\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Php_1:6\cf0\ulnone ), die to these sentiments before they lead us toward ruin.\par \par Read \cf1\ul Num_16:48\cf0\ulnone . What does the idea of Aaron standing between the living and the dead mean? How do we, in this scene, get a glimpse of what Jesus has done for us?\par \par There are only two mbout fallen human nature? How did their accusation reflect the same accusation that Korah and the others had just made?\par \par What this amazing account should reveal to us is that the spirit of rebellion among some of the people hadn\rquote t ended with Korah. It remained in the camp, even after all that just had happened. It\rquote s hard to understand how anyone could have acted that way, especially after what they had just witnessed. Again, this only goes to show us how once we start the slide town\par \par Between the Living and the Dead\par \b0\par We would think that the judgments that fell upon Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the 250 princes would have sobered the wilderness congregation. After all, fire was coming down from heaven and consuming some, while the earth was opening up and consuming the others. What more could the Lord have done to show His righteous indignation at such outright rebellion and apostasy? \tab\par \par Read \cf1\ul Num_16:41-50\cf0\ulnone . What should this tell us ao What are some other memorials you can find in the Bible, and what are their purposes? See, for instance, \cf1\ul Exo_20:8-11\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Num_31:54\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Mat_26:13\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Luk_22:19\cf0\ulnone . In what ways were the animal sacrifices a kind of memorial? \par \par What things about the Lord and His promises do you constantly need reminding of? Why is it important to keep those promises constantly before you? \par \tab\par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab November 11udy, let\rquote s keep in mind whatever relevant parallels there might be to us, today, as we await the fulfillment of an even greater promise (\cf2\ul Heb_11:40\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 31.\i0\par \par \par \par \b SUNDAY October 25\par \par The Sin of Ingratitude\tab\par \b0\par Read\cf1 \cf2\ul Num_11:1\cf1\ulnone (entire chapter) \cf0 and ask yourself the following questions:\par \par \tab\bullet What does thqg such a visible presence of God in your midst! One would think that with something so clear and obvious before them, they so readily and willingly would have obeyed His every command as they journeyed toward the fulfillment of the promise made to their fathers long ago. \par \par Of course, that\rquote s not quite how things tend to work, even with God\rquote s people. This week we\rquote ll look at one mess up after another, one expression of doubt, disbelief, and ingratitude after another. As we stur Php_2:14-15\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab \par When the pillar of cloud lifted from the tabernacle in Sinai and the priests set forward with the ark, Moses proclaimed: \ldblquote Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_10:35\cf0\ulnone ). It was like a victory cry, and the vast hosts of Israel took to their journey with good cheer. At last they were on their way to the Promised Land!\par \par Imagine what it would be like havinslmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 5 *October 24-30\par \par From Complaints to Apostasy \par \b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \b SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1 Numbers 11-14\cf0 .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world\rdblquote (\cf2\ulvis incident tell us about the importance of not forgetting how the Lord has led us in the past? \par \par \tab\bullet How do we understand the Lord\rquote s reaction to them? \par \par \tab\bullet What can we learn from this account about the importance of controlling our appetites? \tab\par \par Literally, the Hebrew describes these discontented persons as \ldblquote murmurers of evil.\rdblquote We only can imagine what \ldblquote evils\rdblquote they complainwed about. Perhaps they felt that God had led the nation into a death trap in the wilderness-and not to the promised land of \ldblquote milk and honey.\rdblquote After all the miracles they had witnessed in Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, their murmuring was rebellious. Their influence could have been contagious and destructive to the young nation. And fire from the Lord destroyed them in \ldblquote the uttermost parts of the camp\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_11:1\cf0\ulnone ). Only the intercession ofx Moses quenched the fire.\par \par The people really had no true basis to complain about their diet. The manna could be prepared in various ways- ground in a mill, or beaten in a mortar; it could be baked or boiled (\cf2\ul Exo_16:23\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Num_11:8\cf0\ulnone ). Certainly the God who created so many tasty wonders for all humans wasn\rquote t going to make His covenant people eat something unpalatable. Furthermore, they had milk from the goats, sheep, and cattle. From this they also made cyurds (\ldblquote butter,\rdblquote \cf2\ul Deu_32:14\cf0\ulnone , KJV). As for flesh foods, the various \ldblquote peace sacrifices\rdblquote -vows, thank offerings, and freewill offerings-all ended with a communal meal in which the priest, the offerer, his family and servants, and invited Levites partook of the sacrifice. No question, they weren\rquote t going to go hungry.\par \par There\rquote s a saying, \ldblquote Be careful what you ask for or pray for; you might get it.\rdblquote What does thatz mean, and what can we learn from it for ourselves?\par \par \par \par \b MONDAY\tab October 26\par \par Pressures on Leadership\par \b0\par When Israel so quickly reverted back to idolatry and worshiped the golden calf, Moses pleaded with God to forgive them, but \ldblquote if not,\rdblquote he prayed \ldblquote blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Exo_32:32\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par Later, when Moses heard and saw the people \ldblquote weeping\rdblqu{ote at the door of their tents and crying out, \ldblquote Who shall give us flesh to eat?\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_11:4\cf0\ulnone ), how did he react? Why was his attitude unjustified? Where do we see the flawed humanity of this great man of God coming through? Vss. 10-15.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_11:21-23\cf0\ulnone . How again does the humanity of Moses come through? \par \par Despite the mistakes of Moses, and his lack of trust, the Lord did help ease the burden that Moses felt himself under, and| that was by appointing 70 elders to assist Moses in his work (vss. 16, 17). The experience of the 70 was similar to the Spirit\rquote s descent upon Christ\rquote s disciples at Pentecost, except that they \ldblquote prophesied.\rdblquote Thus, they were honored by God before all the people.\par \par \ldblquote They would never have been chosen had Moses manifested faith corresponding to the evidences he had witnessed of God\rquote s power and goodness. But he had magnified his own burdens and service~s, almost losing sight of the fact that he was only the instrument by which God had wrought. He was not excusable in indulging, in the slightest degree, the spirit of murmuring that was the curse of Israel.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White\i , Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 380.\par \par Read carefully \cf2\ul Num_11:20\cf0\ulnone . They had \ldblquote rejected the Lord, who is among you\rdblquote (NIV). Rejecting the Lord, then, doesn\rquote t mean outright apostasy, or denial of God\rquote s existence, or j ]06-Planning Ahead-Oct 31-Nov 6{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fchar Y06-Planning Ahead-Oct 31-Nov 6{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symbol;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georg8 u06-Planning Ahead-Oct 31-Nov 6{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue12taking one\rquote s name off the church books. What can we learn from this incident about how easy it is to deceive ourselves regarding our relationship to God? \par \tab\par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab October 27\par \par Family Nastiness\par \b0\par Zipporah, Moses\rquote wife, and their two sons had stayed with her father, \ldblquote the priest of Midian,\rdblquote during the plagues on Egypt. After Israel had become settled in Sinai, Jethro brought Zipporah and the children to Moses. Zipporah noticed how wearied her husband appeared and informed Jethro, who took a closer look at Moses\rquote method of administration and suggested a reorganization by appointing rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. He suggested that they could judge the small matters. Moses would bring the larger cases to God. Moses agreed, and these picked men \ldblquote judge[d] the people at all seasons\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Exo_18:13-26\cf0\ulnone ). This move on the part of Moses was eventually to excite the jealousy and envy of Miriam and Aaron.\par \par Rea\cf1 d Numbers 12\cf0 . What wretched human traits are being revealed here by Miriam and Aaron? How is their sin contrasted with the attitude and character of Moses? What should this sordid story tell us about how God views the bad attitudes revealed by these people?\par \par The verb \i spake\i0 (\cf2\ul Num_12:1\cf0\ulnone , KJV) or \cf1\i began to talk\cf0\i0 (NIV) is feminine singular, indicating that it was Miriam who initiated the charge following verse 1 (\cf2\ul Num_12:2\cf0\ulnone ). She was jealous of Zipporah and blamed her for influencing Moses to appoint the judges Jethro had suggested. She called Zipporah a Cushite, probably because she may have been dark-complexioned. Actually, Zipporah was a Midianite, a descendant of Abraham through his son Midian by Keturah, and a worshiper of the same true God. Also, the sneer may have been picked up from the fact that some of the Cushite tribes lived among the Midianites in the territory east of Sinai and east of the Gulf of Aqabah in Arabia. She could have been designated by either term. For example, a person of German descent born in the United States could be called a German or an American. But most likely the term was used in a slanderous manner.\par \par Despite the powerful manifestations of God\rquote s power among them, these two faithful people displayed some very bad attitudes. Examine your own heart: What bad attitudes need to be purged from you before they lead to your own spiritual ruin? \tab\par \par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab October 28\par \par At the Borders\par \b0\par The time was probably about September; the vineyards were ripening and the second crop of figs had matured. It took the Israelite migration only about 11 days to reach Kadesh-Barnea, near the southern border of Canaan. We only can imagine the tremendous waves of joy and happiness that rippled through the immense throng as it approached the cherished object of their dreams.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Deu_1:19-23\cf0\ulnone . What mistake was made here? \par \par Rea\cf1 d \cf2\ul Num_13:1\cf1\ulnone (entire chapter) \cf0 and answer the following questions:\par \par \tab\bullet Though the Lord agreed to let them send spies, why was that a compromise? What were the fruits of that compromise?\par \par \tab\bullet What did the reaction of most of the people reveal about them, even after all the manifestations of divine power?\par \par The people no doubt rejoiced to hear about the productivity of their new home-to-be. They marveled at the huge cluster of grapes carried between two men. This truly was going to be as good as, or even better than, they had imagined.\par \par As usual, with anything in this sinful world there are always problems, even when God leads us. Of course the Lord knew those pagan people were there. Did not the Hebrews think that the Lord could have taken care of the situation for them? After all, look what He had done to the Egyptians! \par \par Nevertheless, forgetting about the power and promises of God, they saw the obstacles set before them and, despite the pleadings of Caleb and Joshua, the other spies filled the ears of the Israelites with gloom and doom.\par \par How can you learn to trust God despite the seemingly impossible obstacles in your path? What choices are you making today that will determine how you will respond to what you face tomorrow? \par \tab\par \par \tab\par \b THURSDAY\tab October 29\par \par Back to Egypt\par \b0\par Re\cf1 ad \cf2\ul Num_14:1\cf1\ulnone - entire chapter. \cf0 What\rquote s the most powerful and important spiritual lesson you can take away from this story? In what ways have you ever done the same thing?\par \par Of all the horrible things they said, perhaps the worst was saying that they wanted a captain to take them back to Egypt (\cf2\ul Num_14:3-4\cf0\ulnone ). When we consider that Egypt symbolized the bondage and slavery of sin, of death, of alienation from God, for these people to act as they did, after having had such an incredible deliverance, was inexcusable.\par \par \ldblquote The unfaithful spies were loud in denunciation of Caleb and Joshua, and the cry was raised to stone them. The insane mob seized missiles with which to slay those faithful men. They rushed forward with yells of madness, when suddenly the stones dropped from their hands, a hush fell upon them, and they shook with fear. God had interposed to check their murderous design. The glory of His presence, like a flaming light, illuminated the tabernacle. . . . and none dared continue their resistance.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 390.\par \tab\par How do we see the mercy and grace of God revealed even here with these people who openly rebelled against Him? \par \par Look at their reaction to the punishment that they had received. In a sense, having rejected what God would have done for them, they decided to try to do it themselves, which, of course, resulted in disaster. If only they had trusted in God, who already had done so much for them, their disaster could have been averted. Sad, too, as is always the case with sin, many innocents-who had nothing to do with the rebellion-suffered for the sins of others. \par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY\tab\tab October 30\par \b0\par \b Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote From Sinai to Kadesh,\rdblquote pp. 376-386; \ldblquote The Twelve Spies,\rdblquote pp. 387-394, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 .\tab\tab\par \par \ldblquote These men, having entered upon a wrong course, stubbornly set themselves against Caleb and Joshua, against Moses, and against God. Every advance step rendered them the more determined. They were resolved to discourage all effort to gain possession of Canaan. They distorted the truth in order to sustain their baleful influence. It \lquote is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof,\rquote they said. This was not only an evil report, but it was also a lying one. It was inconsistent with itself. The spies had declared the country to be fruitful and prosperous, and the people of giant stature, all of which would be impossible if the climate were so unhealthful that the land could be said to \lquote eat up the inhabitants.\rquote But when men yield their hearts to unbelief they place themselves under the control of Satan, and none can tell to what lengths he will lead them.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White\i , Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 389. \par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Why is it so important to cultivate, in whatever situation we face, an attitude of praise and gratitude toward the Lord? No matter our circumstances, don\rquote t we all have things to be thankful for? Why is it so important to dwell on them, as opposed to the troubles that come upon us all? Why is gratitude and praise so important for keeping our faith strong? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Have you ever noticed how contagious criticism and murmuring can be, how easily those attitudes in others can spread to you? What should this tell us, then, about how careful we need to be regarding the words that come out of our mouths? \tab\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab In what ways, even subtly, as we await the Second Coming (which seems to be taking so long), could we be in danger of displaying the same attitudes we find so repugnant as manifested by the Hebrews here?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1 \par \b Summary:\b0 The 11 days between Sinai and Kadesh-Barnea on the borders of Canaan were some of Israel\rquote s worst wilderness times. There was an outcry against the manna that was so overwhelming that Moses begged God to let him die right then. Miriam\rquote s and Aaron\rquote s sharp challenge of Moses\rquote leadership was another low blow. Finally, after the evil report of the spies, the nation crossed a line, which resulted in 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. \par \pard\cf1\par } [f Reuben and Gad respond, and how did Moses respond in return? \cf2\ul Num_32:16-42\cf0\ulnone .\par \par The response of the Reubenites and Gadites showed that they were willing to do their part for the rest of their countrymen. That is, however much they wanted the land that they already possessed, they weren\rquote t going to be selfish about it. However much they were seduced by what they possessed, they were going to make sure the rest of the Israelites got their possessions as well before they set. He\rquote s not happy, and he views their actions as sinful. He compares it to what happened the last time they were on the borders and ready to cross over. Except that this time, their reasons were different. The first time they were simply scared of the people in the land and didn\rquote t trust the Lord enough to go over. This situation wasn\rquote t like that one. They weren\rquote t afraid to go over; instead they liked it where they were and wanted to remain there.\par \par How did the leaders olp prevent this from happening continually?\par \par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab December 17 \par \par On the Borders\par \b0\par After all this time, a new generation has arisen, one more than ready to leave the wilderness and finally have a home to call their own. Some were, indeed, more than ready to settle down.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_32:1-5\cf0\ulnone . What is going on here? Why would they make this request? \par \par In \cf2\ul Num_32:6-15\cf0\ulnone , Moses gives his responsei Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 506. In Israelite culture, failure to keep one\rquote s promise, sworn in the name of God, was regarded as a sin of omission. In a real sense, failure to fulfill a vow is taking His name in vain, especially if we are Christians who, ideally, do all things in the name of Christ.\par \par How many times have you made vows and promises to others, to God, or to yourself that you have broken? What can you learn from these experiences? What promises can you claim that will hes that-for whatever reason-we end up not keeping? What good is our religion if we don\rquote t keep our word? That\rquote s why it is crucial that we be very careful in what we promise or make vows about, because we might find ourselves in the embarrassing position of not being able to follow through, no matter how good our intentions. \par \par \ldblquote The obligation to which one\rquote s word is pledged-if it do not bind him to perform a wrong act-should be held sacred.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \ What are ways in which we deceive ourselves, ways in which we rationalize or justify our sins and wrong deeds? How can we protect ourselves against this sad and dangerous spiritual trap?\par \tab\par \par \par \b MONDAY\tab November 9\par \par If the Lord Creates Something New\par \b0\par Look at Moses\rquote reaction to these men (\cf1\ul Num_16:4-11\cf0\ulnone ). Despite the exalted position that they had been given, they wanted more. Moses clearly saw that. \par \par Even more important, How careful we must be! \par \par What else was behind their rebellion? Why, too, were these charges so utterly false? \cf1\ul Num_16:12-14\cf0\ulnone .\par \par What\rquote s so incredible are the words of these men, calling Egypt (Egypt!) the land flowing \ldblquote with milk and honey.\rdblquote It\rquote s amazing how sin was so able to pervert their judgment that the country of their slavery and bondage was now referred to by them in terms that represented God\rquote s Promised Land!\par \parr and then to leading men of Israel. Their insinuations were so readily received that they ventured still further, and at last they really believed themselves to be actuated by zeal for God.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , pp. 396, 397.\par \par Here, again, we see the manifestation of Satan\rquote s original sin in heaven. No matter how exalted these men and princes were, or the high positions that they held, it wasn\rquote t enough for them. They wanted more. \par \tab\par context, we\rquote re dealing with vows made \ldblquote unto the Lord,\rdblquote but in reality, when we-especially as professing Christians-say that we are going to do something, we should follow through on it. That we intended to do it at the time we said it will make little difference to the one to whom we make the promises. Maybe the individual will believe us, maybe not. The point is, as professed Christians, what kind of representative of Christ are we if we are going around making promises or voweady for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul Gen_17:10-17\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2 Numbers 16, 17\cf0 ; \cf1\ul Jos_4:3-9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_26:13\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_22:19\cf0\ulnone .\tab\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Pro_16:18\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par An ill-disguised hatred against Moses and Aaron still rankled in the hearts of the multitude. To be condemned to wander in the wilderness until the first generation out of Egypt died seemed more than many of them could bear. Instead of submitting to God\rquote s judgment, some began to plot how they could rid themselves of the two brothers, as if somehow these two men, and not God, were the ones responsible for this situation. \par \par \tab\ldblquote Korah, the leading spirit in this movement, was a Levite, of the family of Kohath, and a cousin of Moses; he was a man of ability and influence. Though appointed to the service of the tabernacle, he had become dissatisfied with his position and for some time . . . had been secretly opposing the authority of Moses and Aaron . . . . He finally conceived the bold design of overthrowing both the civil and the religious authority.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 395.\par \par \tab This week\rquote s lesson should be a powerful reminder to us of corruptness of the human heart. Pride, jealousy, and love of power, if cherished and left to fester, can manifest themselves in horrific ways. God alone knows how much pain, suffering, and loss have resulted and will result from those who, knowing better, allow these bitter seeds to bear their harvest. May we learn from the mistakes seen here, and not make the same ones ourselves.\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, November 14.\i0\par \par \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab November 8\par \par Rebellion (Again)\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \b0\tab\tab\tab\par Read \cf1\ul Num_16:1-3\cf0\ulnone . Read carefully the rebels\rquote words to Moses. What four lies are found there? \par \par Moses\rquote reaction to this attack (\cf1\ul Num_16:4\cf0\ulnone ) reveals just how frustrated he must have felt at such twisted and distorted charges, especially by those who should have known better. \ldblquote They were of the number who went up with Moses into the mount and beheld the divine glory. . . . Professing great interest in the prosperity of the people, they first whispered their discontent to one anotheake 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?\par \par It\rquote s one thing to flat-out lie; that\rquote s obviously sinful and wrong. But that\rquote s not what\rquote s being talked about here. How often have we made a solemn promise, or a vow in the Lord\rquote s name, that we absolutely intended to keep at the time, only to eventually break it for one reason or another? In this immediate7.\par \par Why is it so important to trust only in Christ\rquote s merits and righteousness, as opposed to anything in ourselves, as the only means of salvation? What happens if we start looking to ourselves, as if somehow we could be good enough to deserve or earn our salvation?\par \par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab December 16\par \par Keeping Your Word\par \b0\par Rea\cf1 d \cf2\ul Num_30:1\ulnone \cf1 (entire chapter) regarding v\cf0 ows and oaths. What important principle can we tso many sacrifices and appointed the offering of so many bleeding victims in the Jewish economy. \par \par \ldblquote Every dying victim was a type of Christ, which lesson was impressed on mind and heart in the most solemn, sacred ceremony, and explained definitely by the priests. Sacrifices were explicitly planned by God Himself to teach this great and momentous truth, that through the blood of Christ alone there is forgiveness of sins.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, p. 10 for us?\par \par On the Sabbath day (apart from the \ldblquote daily\rdblquote ) a special sacrifice was made. It consisted of two lambs, morning and evening (\cf2\ul Num_28:9-10\cf0\ulnone ). Then, \cf2\ul Num_28:11-15\cf0\ulnone detailed the sacrifices for the new moon, which was then followed by the festivals: Passover, Pentecost (Feast of Weeks), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (\cf1 Numbers 28, 29\cf0 ).\par \par \ldblquote Some wonder why God desired Lev_6:13\cf0\ulnone ). This \ldblquote daily\rdblquote or \ldblquote continual\rdblquote was the sanctuary\rquote s centerpiece. It took priority over all other sacrifices and was central to Israel\rquote s worship. This sacrifice represented the constant availability of God\rquote s forgiveness and acceptance through the Redeemer prefigured in the sacrifice.\par \par Rea\cf1 d \cf2\ul Rom_5:1-21\cf1\ulnone . W\cf0 hat does that tell us about the fullness and completeness of Christ\rquote s sacrificeount Sinai, and commanded the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 25), the second generation would have been children. Now God chooses to reaffirm, in summary form, the sacrificial system to the adult second g\cf0 eneration.\par \par \cf2\ul Num_28:1-8\cf0\ulnone described the \ldblquote daily\rdblquote or \ldblquote continual\rdblquote offering of a lamb in the morning and one in the evening. It was arranged in such a manner that this sacrifice always was burning (\cf2\ul Lev_6:9\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ulmandments, he also was to seek the Lord's will through the \ldblquote judgment of [the] Urim before the Lord\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_27:21\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par How often do you seek the Lord in prayer regarding important decisions you need to make? Upon what basis do you make your decisions, if not through seeking God's will? \par \b\par \par \par TUESDAY\tab December 15\par \par Sacrificial System Reaffirmed\par \cf1\b0\par When the Lord spoke audibly the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) from MWhy was it important that Joshua be given his charge before all the congregation? \par \par Moses was soon to die, his work being done. The charge was now given to Joshua, Moses' appointed successor. How interesting that it wasn't one of Moses' sons but, instead, someone who had proved his own worth. God, not Moses or the congregation, chose Joshua.\par \par Also, the texts make it clear that, as with Moses, Joshua was to lead only through the guidance of God; that is, besides the written laws and comand answer the following questions:\par \par In \cf2\ul Num_27:12\ulnone \cf0 the Lord talks about the land that He has \ldblquote given\rdblquote (in the past tense) to the children of Israel, even though they were not there yet. What does that tell us about God's promises? \par \par After the Lord told Moses again that he could not cross into this land because of his sin, how does Moses respond? That is, what is Moses' main concern? What does that tell us about the kind of man he was? \par \par ilderness, the children of Israel were soon to make their crossing into the Promised Land. A new generation had arisen, that was soon to inherit the land first promised to them when still in the loins of Abraham many centuries earlier (\cf2\ul Gen_17:8\cf0\ulnone ). Thus, despite the setbacks, the rebellions, the murmuring, the lack of faith in His people, God was going to fulfill His word. He was just going to do it with another generation, that's all. \par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_27:12-23\ulnone \cf0 esides the written laws and commandments, he also was to seek the Lord\rquote s will through the \ldblquote judgment of [the] Urim before the Lord\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_27:21\cf0\ulnone ). \par \tab\par How often do you seek the Lord in prayer regarding important decisions you need to make? Upon what basis do you make your decisions, if not through seeking God\rquote s will? \par \par \b\par \par Monday December 14 \par \par Successor \par \par \b0 After so many years in the wpar \par Why was it important that Joshua be given his charge before all the congregation?\par \par Moses was soon to die, his work being done. The charge was now given to Joshua, Moses\rquote appointed successor. How interesting that it wasn\rquote t one of Moses\rquote sons but, instead, someone who had proved his own worth. God, not Moses or the congregation, chose Joshua.\par \par Also, the texts make it clear that, as with Moses, Joshua was to lead only through the guidance of God; that is, b26:1-4\cf0\ulnone ). With just a few notable exceptions (\cf2\ul Num_26:64-65\cf0\ulnone ), the older generation had died off, and a new one had appeared. \par \par What was one of the reasons that the census was taken? Why would this be important? \cf2\ul Num_26:52-56\cf0\ulnone .\par \par After the Lord told Moses again that he could not cross into this land because of his sin, how does Moses respond? That is, what is Moses\rquote main concern? What does that tell us about the kind of man he was?\if you listened to their words, it seemed as if they were rebelling against Moses and Aaron, as if these two, of themselves, had usurped all this authority, had overstepped their bounds, and had exalted themselves over everyone else, as well as having led them into the wilderness to kill them. \par \par In reality, however, who were they truly rebelling against? \cf1\ul Num_16:11\cf0\ulnone . \tab\par \par Again, one has to wonder where these men came up with such false charges. Whose power split the Red Sea-God\rquote s, or Moses\rquote and Aaron\rquote s? Who brought manna for them every morning-God, or Moses and Aaron? Who was it that manifested the cloud by day and the fire by night-God or Moses and Aaron? It\rquote s hard to imagine how, with all that they had witnessed, they could have acted as they did.\par \par Read \cf1\ul Num_16:15-35\cf0\ulnone . Notice Moses\rquote words in verses 28-30. What is the saying that shows what the real issue was? \par \par Think of their situation. If these men had been able to foment a wider rebellion, who knows the horrible consequences that could have come. The children of Israel, as it were, hardly grounded in the Lord as they should be, easily could have gone totally astray. They had to know that the Lord was in control, that the Lord was the One who was leading them, and that Moses and Aaron were doing what God had called them to do and were not acting in their own behalf. All this should have been obvious, but again, sin has a powerful way of clouding our minds. The spirit of rebellion, once fostered, is hard to quell, and often takes on a momentum all its own.\par \tab\par How susceptible are you to feelings of envy regarding those who have position or authority over you? What can you learn from Christ\rquote s example that could help you overcome this potentially ruinous sentiment? \par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY \tab November 10 \par \par Memorials\par \b0\par Archaeological research in Palestine has not uncovered many written mate rson the mercy thatyY07-Power Struggle-Nov 7-13{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;kym07-Power Struggle-Nov 7-13{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 7 *November 7-13\par \par Power Struggle\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par SABBATH AFTERNOON\par \b0\par \b Rrials (other than the Dead Sea scrolls), yet the Scriptures refer to a variety of memorials as visible signs to recall continuously to Israel\rquote s memory their meaning. For instance, in \cf1\ul Gen_28:11-22\cf0\ulnone Jacob set up a stone memorial in order to remember the covenant promises that God had made to him and to his descendants. \par \par How was this terrible rebellion against Moses and Aaron memorialized? \cf1\ul Num_16:36-40\cf0\ulnone . What especially was this memorial to remind them of? \par \par Most of the memorials mentioned in the Old Testament reminded Israel of God\rquote s will, His goodness, grace, and covenant blessings. They pointed the person Godward, upward, toward the Lord. For example, the rainbow after the Flood (\cf1\ul Gen_9:13\cf0\ulnone ), circumcision (\cf1\ul Gen_17:10-17\cf0\ulnone ), the Passover festival (\cf1\ul Num_9:1-14\cf0\ulnone ), the blue tassels on their clothing (\cf1\ul Num_15:38-41\cf0\ulnone ), or the memorial stones Joshua erected at the Jordanp crossing (\cf1\ul Jos_4:3-9\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par In contrast, the bronze plates in the court were a preventative memorial to warn a stranger or a nondescendant of Aaron from attempting to usurp the priesthood. In a broader sense, it would remind people of what happened when humans-rationalizing their own greed, ambition, and desire for power-rebelled against God. It was a memorial, warning people to \ldblquote be not as Korah, and as his company\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Num_16:40\cf0\ulnone ).\par \paro wander in the wilderness until they died, the Lord would encourage their children to look forward to Canaan. Hence came God\rquote s further instruction regarding sacrifices, a loving attitude toward the foreigner who converted to the faith, how to deal with sins of ignorance and sins of open defiance, and finally the attaching of blue tassels to their garments to remind them of God\rquote s commandments and that their obedience to Him demonstrated the only way to true happiness.\par \pard\cf1\par } dication, of consecration, and of acknowledgment that these Levites were going to be doing a work in behalf of Israel, doing for them what they couldn\rquote t be doing for themselves. \par \par This is seen even more when Moses said that \ldblquote the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Num_8:10\cf0\ulnone ), acknowledging that these responsibilities had been passed on to the Levites. The tribe as a whole was offered as a living sacrifice to God, Who in turn hile not acting as if we are somehow superior? What lessons can we learn from the Israelites in this area? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab What can we, as a community, do to help remind each other not only of what God has done for us but of what He expects us to do in response? What role does the Lord\rquote s Supper have in helping us remember what we have in Jesus?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1 \par \b Summary:\b0 Although that first generation was condemned tgave them as a gift of this special ministry in the sanctuary in place of the firstborn, whom they now represented.\par \par Keeping the principles in mind seen in this ceremony, how do we understand what Paul says in \cf1\ul Rom_12:1\cf0\ulnone ? How can we be a \ldblquote living sacrifice\rdblquote ? What does that mean in our daily life?\par \par \par \par \b THURSDAY October 15\par \par Dedication of the Levites: Part 2\tab \par \b0\tab\par \ldblquote For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, even instead of the firstborn of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Num_8:16\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab\par Notice how emphatic the Lord was regarding the special calling of the Levites. They were \ldblquote wholly given\rdblquote to Him. The Hebrew reads more literally that they are \ldblquote given given to me,\rdblquote emphasizing by repetition just how serious their calling was. \par \par Read \cf1\ul Num_8:19\cf0\ulnone . What is meant by the phrase that the Levites were to \ldblquote make an atonement for the children of Israel\rdblquote ? How are we to understand this in light of the Cross? \cf1\ul Rom_5:11\cf0\ulnone , \cf1\ul Heb_9:25-28\cf0\ulnone .\par \par Scholars are divided on the precise meaning of the phrase here. Obviously, it does not mean \ldblquote to make atonement\rdblquote in the sense of dying for the sins of others, just as it didn\rquote t mean that for the scapego\cf2 at in Leviticus 16, \cf0 which was said to \ldblquote make an atonement\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Lev_16:10\cf0\ulnone ), something that the scapegoat, which never was sacrificed (and was a symbol of Satan), could not do if atonement is understood as substitutionary sacrifice.\par \par Obviously, the verb translated \ldblquote make atonement\rdblquote in this context has a broader meaning than how it\rquote s commonly used. In this case, the answer could be found in the same verse, in which it says that the Levites, by doing their service in behalf of Israel, would spare them from the plague. That is, in their work of ministry they were helping protect the children of Israel from the Divine wrath that they would face were they to come \ldblquote nigh unto the sanctuary\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Num_8:19\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par Thus the Levites, like the priests themselves, were doing something in behalf of the people that they couldn\rquote t do themselves. In this looser sense, then, they were said to \ldblquote make an atonement\rdblquote for the people.\par \par Though certainly nothing we do can make any kind of atonement, how can we, by faithfully doing our duties, work as the Levities did in behalf of the people? What are you doing in your local church for the betterment of the church and its mission? \par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY\tab October 16\par \b0\par \b Further Study:\b0 Trace the ancient Jewish custom of \ldblquote laying on hands.\rdblquote What seems to be its essential significance? \par \par \cf1\ul Gen_48:8-9\cf2\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Gen_48:13-14\cf3\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Gen_48:17-20\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Num_27:18-23\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Mat_19:13-15\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Act_13:1-3\cf0\ulnone\par \par \ldblquote To the Jew this form was a significant one. When a Jewish father blessed his children, he laid his hands reverently upon their heads. When an animal was devoted to sacrifice, the hand of the one invested with priestly authority was laid upon the head of the victim. And when the ministers of the church of believers in Antioch laid their hands upon Paul and Barnabas, they, by that action, asked God to bestow His blessing upon the chosen apostles in their devotion to the specific work to which they had been appointed.\par \par \ldblquote At a later date the rite of ordination by the laying on of hands was greatly abused; unwarrantable importance was attached to the act, as if a power came at once upon those who received the Lord? Why is this attitude so important? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Dwell more on Monday\rquote s lesson about how the Israelites were to treat the strangers among them. What other lessons can we take from this for ourselves today? How do we treat those who are not of our faith, those who hold views that we believe to be wrong? How should we treat them? At the same time, how do we show them that we believe we have something that they need to know, wpar \tab\tab\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Go through the Ellen G. White quote above. What is she saying? What important principles can we take from it? How do you understand the idea that our praise to God, along with a \ldblquote Christlike life,\rdblquote can be a powerful influence on the salvation of others? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab What has your own experience of giving praise and glory to God done for you in your walk with of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages,\i0 p. 347.\tab\tab\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\tab\tab\ulnone ) help you remember what God has done for you and what He asks you to do in return?\par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY November 6\par \b0\par \b Further Study:\b0 \ldblquote Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven\rquote s chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the workingar tassels today, we have something so much more powerful: the cross of Christ, which always should bring before our minds the cost of sin, the cost of our redemption, and the promise of salvation for all who, through faith, trust in the merits of Jesus and who \ldblquote follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Heb_12:14\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par How could following Jesus\rquote words to \ldblquote pray always\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Luk_21:36\cf0\od\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_15:40\cf0\ulnone ). When tempted to go after other gods-spiritual adultery-the blue in the tassels would call him or her back to their sworn loyalty to God, the God who had brought the nation out of Egyptian slavery (\cf2\ul Num_15:41\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par Apparently, even with the presence of God among them in such a marked manner, the Lord wanted to give them something even more immediate to help them remember what they needed to do.\tab\par \par Though we don\rquote t weote KJV) of blue on each tassel. The modern prayer shawl has four tassels-one on each corner, tied in a traditional knot with white and blue threads.\par \par What reason was given for wearing tassels? That is, what specific things did God want the Israelites to remember? \cf2\ul Num_15:39-41\cf0\ulnone .\par \par The word \i remember \i0 stands out twice in these verses. Every time an Israelite saw the tassels, he or she was to \ldblquote remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your Gir shirts with white tassels on it. Its origins are found here, in the Bible.\par \tab\par What did the Lord direct Moses to instruct every Israelite to attach to their garments? \cf2\ul Num_15:38\cf0\ulnone .\par \par Apparently attaching tassels of various colors was a common practice among the ancient peoples of the Near East, and God adopted the practice. The \ldblquote fringe\rdblquote (KJV) or tassel was attached to the four corners of the outer garment with a thread (\ldblquote ribband,\rdblqutruck dead for our defiance, that does not mean that we are not going to reap our just rewards one day.\par \par How ready and willing are you to repent, confess, and admit your sins? Or, on the other hand, how often do you find yourself justifying your sins for one reason or another? Why is that so spiritually dangerous?\par \par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab November 5\par \par Tassels of Blue\par \b0\par If you have ever seen Orthodox Jews, you might have noticed them wearing something under thevidually, still impacted the welfare of the whole. After all, was it not because of the complaining of some people that the whole camp was made to suffer by remaining in the wilderness? \par \par As Christians, we especially need to be aware of the fact that our deeds, be they for good or for evil, impact others, as well as ourselves. \par \par Meanwhile, though in the theocracy of ancient Israel death often came immediately, we shouldn\rquote t be fooled. Even though we aren\rquote t immediately s such ordination, which immediately qualified them for any and all ministerial work. But in the setting apart of these two apostles, there is no record indicating that any virtue was imparted by the mere act of laying on of hands.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Acts of the Apostles\i0 , p. 162.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab In what way does the local pastor today function in the role of the Levite? What can we do to support the pastor i arset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2 Y08-Priests & Levites-Nov 14-20 {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\from` I08-Priests & Levites-Nov 14-20{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 8 *November 14-20\par \par Priests and0 ^^Nj| u09-Sin of Mosesp=09-Sin of Moses & Aaron-Nov 21-27{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symbol;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\col !09-Sin of Moses & Aaron-Nov 21-27{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\view] arset0 CaZ 110- Madness of the Prophet-Nov 28-Dec 4{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 10 *November 28-December 4\par \par The \ldblquote Madness\rdblquote of the Prophet\par \b0\par \b SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\cf1\b0 Numbers 2congregation take part in this execution? What spiritual lesson can we draw from this?\par \tab\par It must have been a difficult thing for a group of Israelites to stone one of their members to death. Evidently God was attempting to show His people the seriousness of sin. \ldblquote The wages of sin is death\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Rom_6:23\cf0\ulnone ). Perhaps, too, He sought to show them the corporate nature of their community and that what they did influenced others around them. What each one did, indinst the Lord at Kadesh. But God commuted the death sentence to banishment in the wilderness. The point is, sins were taken very seriously by the Lord. Often in cases like this, those who afterward say that they are sorry, are, in fact, sorry only because they got caught, not sorry for the sins themselves. Against such hardness of heart, what can the Lord do? Sin truly must be repented of before it can be forgiven.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_15:32-36\cf0\ulnone . Why do you think the Lord had the whole ? See \cf2\ul Rom_5:6-8\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab November 4\par \par Sins of Defiance\tab\tab\par \b0\par Read \cf2\ul Num_15:30-31\cf0\ulnone . What\rquote s happening here and what lessons can we draw from it for ourselves? Why does the punishment seem so harsh? Where is grace in all this?\par \par The phrase in the Hebrew is \ldblquote with a high hand,\rdblquote a posture of arrogance and rebellion. Israel truly sinned \ldblquote with a high hand\rdblquote agairight hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Said the beloved John, \lquote These things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.\rquote \rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Steps to Christ,\i0 p. 64.\par \par How often do you tend to doubt whether you truly have been renewed by the Holy Spirit? What happened at the cross that should give you the courage to press on, even when filled with doubt about your own salvation1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 11 *December 5-11\par \par Immorality on the Border\par \b0\par \b SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\tab\tab\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\cf1\b0 Numbers 25, 31,\cf0 \cf2\ul Deu_21:10-14\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul 1Co_10:1-14\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_2:14\cf0\ulnone .\tab\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand\rdblquote (\cf2\uln this role?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab How does the act of giving impact our relationship with God? How is giving from our income an act of worship, of faith? Why is it so important to give generously?\tab\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab What is our understanding of what Jesus did on the cross for us that we could not do for ourselves? Why did Jesus have to die? Couldn\rquote t just reforming our lives and obeyrents\rquote bad mistakes, ready to learn from those mistakes and obey the Lord? How ready were they to take up the mantle now given to them? What lessons were they going to have to learn, and what can we learn from them, as well? \par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 19.\i0\par \par \par \b \par SUNDAY\tab December 13\par \par Land Division\par \b0\par After the debacle at Shittim, a census was taken of the males 20 years of age and older (\cf2\ul Num_tions are a reproach to the Lord? Yet at the same time, how do we deal with them in a way that does not make us appear judgmental? Or can we?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \b Summary:\b0 The children of Israel, on the borders of the Promised Land, are given a quick summary of how God has led them all those years. Just before they enter, the Lord establishes the cites of refuge, places of asylum that, in a unique way, represent the refuge that we, as sinners, can find in Christ. \par \pard\cf1\par } can we strike the right balance here?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab If someone were to ask you, \ldblquote What does it mean to take refuge in Christ?\rdblquote what would you answer? How do we \ldblquote take refuge\rdblquote in the Lord? What does that mean? How should it change our lives? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab How do we administer church discipline today? How do we deal with wayward members whose acrist and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the ath penalty. What would you tell the family, and why? Also, is it right and fair to apply what was done in ancient Israel to our system of justice today? Discuss. \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Why is it so important to remember how the Lord has led us in the past, either as individuals or as a church? What dangers arise if we forget the past? At the same time, why is it important not to dwell too much on what already has been done and cannot be changed? How rophets\i0 , p. 517. \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab How do we differentiate between forgiveness of sin, in the context of salvation and the Cross, and the issue of a crime in the context of the criminal justice system? Why must we differentiate between them, or can we? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab In class, discuss your answer to Tuesday\rquote s question regarding the de his danger, and does not earnestly seek shelter in the eternal refuge, will fall a prey to the destroyer.\par \par \ldblquote The prisoner who at any time went outside the city of refuge was abandoned to the avenger of blood. Thus the people were taught to adhere to the methods which infinite wisdom appointed for their security. Even so, it is not enough that the sinner believe in Christ for the pardon of sin; he must, by faith and obedience, abide in Him.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and P\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 12 *December 12-18\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par The Second Generation: Admonitions\par \b0\par \b SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1 Numbers 26-32, Romans 5.\cf0\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Deu_6:4-5\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par True to His Word that the rebellious generation who had refused to enter the Promised Land would not enter it, the Lord now brought a new generation to the borders of that same land. There He directed Moses and the high priest, Eleazar, to number the congregation of males from 20 years and upward, \ldblquote all that are able to go to war\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_26:2\cf0\ulnone ). Surprisingly, the total in this second count amounted to 601,730 (\cf2\ul Num_26:51\cf0\ulnone ), nearly the same as that in the first count, 603,550, 40 years before (\cf2\ul Num_2:32\cf0\ulnone ). In spite of the divine judgment on the nation, in which the first generation (except for Joshua and Caleb) perished, God had multiplied them abundantly, and the armies of Israel mustered in the plains of Moab were for all practical purposes as large as those of the first generation.\par \par Many questions, however, remained: Was this new generation, having lived with the results of their pa @@lse is addressing it. \par \par \b Activity:\b0 As a!e11-Immoral!-11-Immorality on the Border-Dec 5-11{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symbol;}{\f3\fnil\fchars4 !U11-Immorality on the Border-Dec 5-11{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\p* \b Summary:\b0 God is a God of order. Once the tribes were assembled in the wilderness before Mount Sinai, He began to organize them around the tabernacle. First, Israel\rquote s armies were organized, and the encampment of each tribe was selected, as was their order of march. The Levites encamped as a barrier around the tabernacle, and were given specific directions regarding their service in transporting it and erecting it. The holy God was in their midst as Israel was on the move. \par \cf1\par } instance, might the idea of melding Darwinian natural selection with our faith be a mixture of the sacred with the profane? What other examples can you think of?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Dwell more on the idea of substitution, as revealed in Wednesday\rquote s lesson study. Why is this concept so central to the whole plan of salvation? How did, and still does, Jesus function as our substitute, and why is that so important? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par it? Why, though, is it necessary? At the same time, what are the potential problems that it brings? How can we learn to work better with the church system, despite the problems that arise?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Talk about your answer to Thursday\rquote s question. In class, make a list of what is holy and what is common. How can we know the difference? In what ways does our culture impact our understanding of these things? Or our education? How, forrganization. All who desire the cooperation of the heavenly messengers must work in unison with them. Those who have the unction from on high will in all their efforts encourage order, discipline, and union of action, and then the angels of God can cooperate with them.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Testimonies to Ministers\i0 , p. 28.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Talk about the idea of organized religion. Why are some people so hostile toect order characterizes all their movements. The more closely we imitate the harmony and order of the angelic host, the more successful will be the efforts of these heavenly agents in our behalf. If we see no necessity for harmonious action, and are disorderly, undisciplined, and disorganized in our course of action, angels, who are thoroughly organized and move in perfect order, cannot work for us successfully. They turn away in grief, for they are not authorized to bless confusion, distraction, and disoto God. How interesting that the Lord would distinguish between things done unintentionally and that which was deliberate. At the same time, however, even the things done unintentionally were deemed \ldblquote sin\rdblquote and needed to be atoned for.\par \par How did an individual secure atonement for his or her sin of ignorance? How did this procedure differ from that of the congregation? \cf2\ul Num_15:27-29\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \ldblquote There are those who have known the pardoning love of Chthings to unlearn and a lot of new and good things to learn. \par \par If the congregation became aware that, as a group, they had erred from the Lord\rquote s commandments, what were they to do? What is the significance of the fact that they had to bring a \ldblquote sin\rdblquote offering to the Lord for what was done out of ignorance? \cf2\ul Num_15:22-27\cf0\ulnone .\par \par The sin offering atoned for their sin. The burnt offering represented a renewal of the congregation\rquote s consecration ing the law and loving others unconditionally be enough to make us right with God? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \b Summary:\b0 The forms of ancient Israel\rquote s worship differ from that of the modern church in the world\rquote s wilderness, but its substance is the same. Dedication of our material goods, contemplation of the meaning of the Cross, prayer, reflecting the light of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and total dedication to the Lord all spell out the same biblical faith.\par \pard\cf2\par } an we avoid that attitude, and yet at the same time, protect the truths we have been given? \par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab November 3\par \par Sins of Ignorance\par \b0\par We must keep in mind that the younger generation that God is addressing in this chapte\cf1 r (Numbers 15) w\cf0 as born in slavery. Thus they had been influenced by the Egyptian culture that surrounded them, as well as by their parents, who as slaves also were influenced by that same culture. Hence, they had a lot of bad od would not have them forget their marvelous redemption from Egyptian slavery. On their tribal march of three days, the nation was led by God in the pillar of cloud and fire. The march took place in an orderly manner at the signals of the silver trumpets and the priests bearing the ark in the forefront. The cloud led eastward and northward in the wilderness of Paran. In the same way, God\rquote s leading sometimes seems hard to us. But the key is to trust Him, our all-wise Father.\par \pard\cf2\par } do in this area? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab When we partake of the Lord\rquote s Supper, how can we better appreciate exactly what it means? Go over in your mind the great truth of salvation by faith alone, and how through faith in Jesus\rquote death for us, we have the promise of eternal life.\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \b Summary:\b0 Before leaving their year-long encampment at Sinai, Israel celebrated their first Passover anniversary in freedom. Grtially, answer this question? See \cf1\ul Job_1:1-11\cf2\ulnone , \cf1\ul Job_1:12-22\cf2\ulnone through \cf1\ul Job_2:1-13\cf0\ulnone .\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Discuss more this question of human support. What are other examples you can find in the Bible of how human support was so crucial and helpful to some of God\rquote s faithful people? In what ways does God minister to the needs of people through human support? How well does your local church en our troubles and torments will disappear, for our will is swallowed up in the will of God.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing\i0 , pp. 100, 101.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab As a class, share your answers to Thursday\rquote s final question. Why do we face the trials we face when God could, it would seem, take all the obstacles away? How does our understanding of the great controversy help us, at least pahen we take into our hands the management of things with which we have to do, and depend upon our own wisdom for success, we are taking a burden which God has not given us, and are trying to bear it without His aid. We are taking upon ourselves the responsibility that belongs to God, and thus are really putting ourselves in His place. . . . But when we really believe that God loves us and means to do us good we shall cease to worry about the future. We shall trust God as a child trusts a loving parent. Th: \par \par \cf1\ul Psa_31:3\par \cf3\ulnone\par \cf1\ul Psa_32:8\par \cf3\ulnone\par \cf1\ul Psa_48:14\par \cf3\ulnone\par \cf1\ul Psa_78:52\par \cf0\ulnone\par \cf1\ul Isa_58:10-11\cf0\ulnone\par \par \ldblquote If you have given yourself to God, to do His work, you have no need to be anxious for tomorrow. He whose servant you are, knows the end from the beginning. The events of tomorrow, which are hidden from your view, are open to the eyes of Him who is omnipotent.\par \par \ldblquote Wf so, why didn\rquote t He just do it for them instead of putting them through such a severe trial? How can your answer here, perhaps, help you understand why He simply doesn\rquote t make your paths and journey simple and obstacle-free? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.\par \tab\par \par \tab\par \b FRIDAY\b0 \b October 23\par \b0\par \b Further Study:\b0 We face decisions every day-some more serious than others. Contemplate the following promises regarding God\rquote s guidanceome; and the multitudes, after their long encampment, were not prepared to endure the perils and discomforts of the way.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White\i , Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 377. \par \par Read \cf1\ul Num_10:35-36\cf0\ulnone . How could you apply the principles there today in your struggles and battles in the faith? Also, ask yourself this question: Why didn\rquote t God, using His awesome power, just automatically make the way clear and easy for them? Couldn\rquote t He just have done that? Id the nation east and north into the wilderness of Paran (\cf1\ul Num_10:11-12\cf0\ulnone ), a journey of three days (\cf1\ul Num_10:33\cf0\ulnone ).\tab\par \par \ldblquote As they advanced, the way became more difficult. Their route lay through stony ravine and barren waste. All around them was the great wilderness. . . . The rocky gorges, far and near, were thronged with men, women, and children, with beasts and wagons, and long lines of flocks and herds. Their progress was necessarily slow and toilspar \par \par \b FRIDAY \tab October 2\par \b0\par \b Further Study:\b0 The theme of God\rquote s holiness runs like a silver thread throughout Scripture. Define it. What relation does it have to the believer? \par \par \cf1\ul Exo_28:36\par \cf0\ulnone\par \cf1\ul Lev_11:44-45\par \cf0\ulnone\par \cf1\ul Isa_6:1-7\par \cf0\ulnone\par \cf1\ul Heb_12:14\par \cf0\ulnone\par \cf1\ul 1Pe_1:15-16\cf0\ulnone\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \ldblquote Angels work harmoniously. Perfof God are not to walk in the vanity of their own wisdom, but in the wisdom of God, or they will be in danger of placing sacred and common things on the same level, and thus separate themselves from God.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White,\i Evangelism\i0 , p. 639.\tab\tab\tab\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Read carefully \cf1\ul Lev_10:10\cf0\ulnone . How can we today distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and unclean? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath. \par \wed, protecting the rear from attack. Everything was done in a very orderly manner. Considering what was going on, if it were done haphazardly at all, it would have been an incredible disaster just waiting to happen. \par \par The quickest way to Canaan from Egypt lay through the coastal area along \ldblquote the way of the land of the Philistines.\rdblquote But God knew Israel was not ready for war (\cf1\ul Exo_13:17\cf0\ulnone ). Consequently, when the pillar of cloud signaled the tribal march, it le open and receptive to the pagans who wanted to learn about their God and follow Him.\par \tab\par In many ways, our church today must do that same thing. We have specific truths to teach the world, truths that we need to guard and protect, and yet at the same time, we have to be willing to embrace those who are seeking to know the Lord and His message for this time. \par \par In what ways is it so easy to be exclusive, judgmental, and condemnatory of those who don\rquote t see things as we do? How c 1Co_10:8\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par Here again, we see the same theme running through the book of Numbers: God\rquote s people, led so clearly and powerfully by Him, still making wrong choices, still showing a lack of faith, still falling into the most flagrant disobedience. All God wanted to do, from the start, was bring them into the Promised Land; and time and again, all they were doing, by their choices, was making it so much more difficult for that to happen. \par \par No question about it: God\rquote s overriding providence succeeded then, and will succeed. Just as He brought His ancient covenant people into the Promised Land, He will do the same in the end time for us. How much better, though, if we would cooperate with Him rather than work against His purposes.\par \par This week we\rquote ll look at one of the greatest breaches of faith in all of Old Testament history, the apostasy at Shittim. And though it happened thousands of years ago in a culture and context radically different from ours today, the spiritual parallels are there, and they should shout a loud warning to God\rquote s church, also on the borders of the Promised Land. \par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 12.\i0\par \par \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab December 6\par \par Seduction\tab\par \b0\par \cf2\ul Num_25:1\cf0\ulnone reads: \ldblquote While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women\rdblquote (NIV). Just a clear-cut statement of fact, nothing more. \par \par The text says that \ldblquote Israel was staying\rdblquote in Shittim. That is, they weren\rquote t going anywhere. They were at rest. At ease, really, because they just had finished a number of successful conquests: they had beaten the Canaanites (\cf2\ul Num_21:1-3\cf0\ulnone ), the Amorites (\cf2\ul Num_21:21-31\cf0\ulnone ), and the folk under the rule of King Og of Bashan (vss. 33-35). And now they were on the borders of the Promised Land, just across the Jordan River. \par \par In other words, after numerous mistakes and setbacks, things were going quite well. They were in no immediate danger from warring armies, because they readily had dispatched all of these military threats. Hence, they were able to take it easy.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_25:1-3\cf0\ulnone . What were the steps involved here in this apostasy? How did something so terrible happen? \par \par Sex, food, idolatry-it was all there on the shores of the Jordan. According to the order seen in the texts, they first had sexual relations with the women, which clearly broke down barriers. And then it was at the invitation of these women that the men sacrificed to their pagan gods and then eventually bowed down and worshiped them. \par \par Again, from our perspective, it\rquote s hard to understand how something like this could happen. They should have known better, right? At the same time, here they were, mingling with these people, probably not much at first, but then, over time, more and more. Slowly but surely their guard was let down; and before they knew it, they were ensnared by lust and passion. Once they had fallen into that trap, anything was possible. \par \par We fool ourselves when we think we are less vulnerable to the deceptions of sin of any kind.\par \par Read \cf2\ul 1Co_10:1-14\cf0\ulnone . How can we apply the lessons there to ourselves, today, in whatever situation we are in? What similar temptations do we face in our own contexts? What promise can we take from these words and make our own? \tab\par \par \par \par \b MONDAY\tab December 7\par \par Behind the Scenes\par \b0\par Read \cf2\ul Rev_2:14\cf0\ulnone and \cf2\ul Num_31:16\cf0\ulnone . What insight do they give us into what was going on here with Israel at Shittim? How does this help us understand how they fell? \par \par Unable to succeed one way, their enemies now tried another, and it worked so much better. The principle should be clear: As long as we are acting in faith and obedience, a lot of doors to sin, deception, and ruin are closed. Once, however, we move away from doing what we should, anything can happen. How crucial, then, that we seek to stay on the path of obedience.\par \par \ldblquote At Balaam\rquote 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 purposee so important?\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par According to Moses, it was only an 11-day journey from Mount Sinai (Horeb) to Kadesh-Barnea, a city or area near to what eventually would become the southern border of Judah. \par \par Note the order. Three tribal armies followed the cloud and the ark. Then the Levites with their wagons carried the various parts of the portable sanctuary. Three more tribal armies followed. Then came the Kohathites, bearing the sanctuary furnishings. Six armies follo. 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. \par \par \ldblquote It was not long before the poison had spread, like a deadly infection, through the camp of Israel. Those who would have conquered their enemies in battle were overcome by the wiles of heathen women. The people seemed to be infatuated. The rulers and the leading men were among the first to transgress, and so many of the people were guilty that the apostasy became national. \lquote Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor.\rquote When Moses was aroused to perceive the evil, the plots of their enemies had been so successful that not only were the Israelites participating in the licentious worship at Mount Peor, but the heathen rites were coming to be observed in the camp of Israel.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , pp. 454, 455. \par \par Time and time again we see the same principle at play: God doing so much for His people, God promising so much to His people, and they-in response-destroying themselves. What about you? What has God promised you, and how are you responding to those promises? \par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab December 8\par \par Sin and Punishment\par \b0\par The fact that these men fell into a trap didn\rquote t, obviously, excuse their sin. If they had obeyed the Lord to begin with, if they had kept His commandments, if they had done what they knew was right and not slowly opened themselves up to temptation, this dreadful apostasy and suffering never would have occurred. No doubt, at first, they had no intention of going as far as they did. After all, they were just going to a party, that\rquote s all. And because Balaam, a prophet of their own God, had invited them, what could be wrong with that? How quickly, though, things got out of hand.\par \par What other examples in the Bible can you find of people opening the door to sin that eventually led to horrific consequences, consequences that they probably never imagined would come? \par  \par No question, all through the Bible we see this same thing happening, again and again. From Eve in Eden to Judas in Jerusalem, those who should have known better, those who had been warned, those who had great light, nevertheless chose to ignore that light and-no doubt justifying and rationalizing their actions-fell into sins that brought devastating consequences. Who of us, perhaps, hasn\rquote t experienced this same thing in their own lives? God calls us to obey Him, not because He\rquote s a demanding tyrant, but because He loves His children and knows what\rquote s best for us.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_25:4-5\cf0\ulnone . Why such a strong reaction? See also \cf2\ul Num_25:8-9\cf0\ulnone . What lesson can we take away from this for ourselves? \par \par Think how painful it must have been for Israelites to have to kill other Israelites. Indeed, it seems as though each tribe may have had the responsibility of executing those of their own who were involved in this apostasy. Thus, some might have had to execute members of their immediate family! And to do it in broad daylight (literally \ldblquote in front of the sun\rdblquote ). It must have been a terrible experience for the whole camp. \par \par What do you do with someone close to you who is partaking of a sinful practice that can have a harmful impact on you and others? What is your responsibility and duty in such a situation? To whom can you turn for help in knowing how to respo1nd? \par \par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab December 9\par \par Open Sin\par \b0\par It\rquote s hard to imagine the chaos, confusion, and pain that must have been going on among the Israelites at this time. We get an inkling of the pain, at least, in \cf2\ul Num_25:6\cf0\ulnone , which said that the people \ldblquote were weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting\rdblquote (NIV). Weeping, no doubt, for the apostasy, for the suffering, and for their dead kinsmen. Also, with a plague ravagingen blessed by someone who gave you comfort and sympathy in time of need. What made it so helpful? How might you now provide comfort and encouragement to someone in need? \tab\par \par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab October 22\par \par Heading Home?\par \b0\tab\par Read the account in \cf1\ul Num_10:11-36\cf0\ulnone of the Israelites\rquote first journey as God\rquote s organized, covenant people. What\rquote s the one thing that stands out regarding the manner in which they moved? Why would that bng and sorrow, and who could sympathize with the Saviour in the trial of His earthly life. Moses and Elijah had been colaborers with Christ. They had shared His longing for the salvation of men. . . . The hope of the world, the salvation of every human being, was the burden of their interview.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages\i0 , pp. 422, 425.\par \par Though we are to lean on the Lord, how often we find human sympathy so comforting and helpful. Go over times when you especially have be? \cf2\ul 1Ki_8:41-43\cf0\ulnone . What does Isaiah have to say about the strangers who sought to worship at the temple? \cf2\ul Isa_56:6-7\cf0\ulnone .\tab\par \par When one considers the whole purpose of God calling out His people and establishing them in the Promised Land, these texts all make perfect sense. Israel had to maintain its distinctive teaching and truths, the teaching and truths that made them God\rquote s special representatives to the pagan world. Yet at the same time, they needed to beettled among the Israelites and who fully accepted the faith and, if male, duly was circumcised. They were to be treated and loved as if they were Israelites. \ldblquote One ordinance\rdblquote or \ldblquote one law\rdblquote shall be for you, and \ldblquote for the stranger that sojourneth with you\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_15:16\cf0\ulnone ). Talk about inclusiveness! \par \par In the dedicatory prayer at the opening of the first temple, what request did Solomon make of God in regard to non-Israelites e radical ideas of ancient Israel dealt with their attitude toward strangers, toward those who were not of their heritage or of their faith. \par \par What specific commands were given to the second generation of Israelites as they looked forward to settling in Canaan? \cf2\ul Num_15:14-16\cf0\ulnone . How is this same principle revealed in the New Testament? \cf2\ul Gal_3:26-29\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Col_3:11\cf0\ulnone .\par \par The \ldblquote stranger\rdblquote or foreigner would be a person who s ould not we do the same? \par \par Whatever your present woes, why is it important to dwell on God\rquote s goodness, love, and care? How does keeping the Cross before you help you better realize God\rquote s love and care for you, even in the worst of times? What things can you be grateful for now, regardless of your situation? Why is dwelling on these blessings so important for us? \par \par \par \par \b MONDAY\tab November 2\par \par The Stranger Within Your Gates\par \b0\par One of the mority?\par \par Even our Savior felt at times the need for human sympathy and support. While He loved all the disciples, He was especially close to Peter, James, and John. In Gethsemane He solicited their prayers. On the mount of transfiguration the same trio slept instead of praying. But Heaven sent Moses and Elijah to encourage Christ to go forward with His atoning death (\cf1\ul Luk_9:28-31\cf0\ulnone ). \ldblquote Now heaven had sent its messengers to Jesus; not angels, but men who had endured sufferi ried to persuade Hobab to accompany Israel. Was not the presence of God in the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night more than sufficient to guide the migrating nation through the wilderness? Here we see Moses\rquote humanity waffling before the challenge that faced him, and failing to remember that the God who opened the Red Sea also could open a path through the deserts and provide both food and water. \par \par Read \cf1\ul Mat_26:36-43\cf0\ulnone . What does this tell us about Jesus in His human father-in-law when Moses married his daughter, Zipporah. Jethro is designated \ldblquote the priest of Midian\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Exo_18:1\cf0\ulnone ) and worshiped the true God (\cf1\ul Exo_18:12\cf0\ulnone ). Other descendants of Midian turned away from the faith of Abraham to pagan gods; these were often enemies of Israel.\par \par What request did Moses make of Hobab, Jethro\rquote s son? What was his response? \cf1\ul Num_10:29-32\cf0\ulnone .\par \par Moses didn\rquote t consult God before he the death of the cross\rdblquote ? \cf1\ul Php_2:6-8\cf0\ulnone .\par \par What one trumpet sound do you really want to hear, and why? \cf1\ul 1Co_15:52\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab October 21\par \par \ldblquote Be to Us Eyes\rdblquote\par \b0\par After Sarah\rquote s death, Abraham remarried. Keturah bore him a number of sons, one named Midian (\cf1\ul Gen_25:1-6\cf0\ulnone ). Jethro (also named Reuel (\cf1\ul Exo_2:18\cf0\ulnone ), friend of God) became Moses\rquote s the knowledge of God\rquote s love as revealed through the Cross. \par \par What would you rather have: a silver trumpet bellowing in your ears, or the knowledge of the love, the character, and care of the One who, \ldblquote being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even t trumpets) they were given special reminders of God\rquote s guidance and presence among them. \par \par Today, we don\rquote t have the cloud, the fire, or the silver trumpets to remind us of God\rquote s guidance and presence. We do, though, have the New Testament revelation of what God has done for us through Jesus, which gives us an assurance of His love and care that ancient Israel couldn\rquote t have appreciated fully. They knew, only in types and shadows, what we now have in reality, and that i appears the wrongs are all but unforgivable? \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \b Summary:\b0 The Lord would have His people happy and at peace. Physical and spiritual wholeness are obtained by loving obedience to His laws of life, kind relationships with spouse and neighbors, and daily consecration of the will to the Father. This doesn\rquote t mean that life is always easy in this sin-cursed earth, but it can be improved greatly if we seek to walk in His paths.\par \pard\cf1\par } me of the stresses and strains that your particular society places on marriage? How can your church, in that society, deal with these challenges in a way that protects the God-given sanctity of marriage? \tab\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab In class, talk about situations in which you were wrong, or wronged someone else, and how you were able to resolve the problems. What lessons did you learn from these experiences? How do you deal with situations in which itm_15:18-21\cf0\ulnone . What were the purposes of these offerings? What did they represent? What was the purpose of bringing oil, drink, and grain as well?\par \par The Hebrew term for \ldblquote meat/grain\rdblquote is \i minchah\i0 , meaning \ldblquote gift\rdblquote or \ldblquote tribute.\rdblquote It included the flour, olive oil, and wine, representing the offerer\rquote s gratitude for God\rquote s blessings on the fields and crops (see \cf2\ul Deu_8:18\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par In the context \question!\par \par Also, we come across some of the special instructions given to God\rquote s chosen people. However unique the circumstances, however unique the specific commands, there are spiritual lessons and principles given not only for them, but for us as well. \par \tab\par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath,\i0 \i November 7.\i0\par \par \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab November 1\par \par Thankfulness\par \b0\par Read \cf2\ul Num_15:1-10\cf1\ulnone ;\cf3 \cf2\ul Nupar The masses are now on the way back into the wilderness out of which they had first come. And it\rquote s at this point that the Lord communicates with Moses as the chapter opens: \ldblquote Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you, . . .\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_15:2\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par Despite the major setback, the promise was still sure: God would bring His people into the Promised Land. Of that there was no FFz-512--u12-2nd Generation: Admonitions-Dec 12-18{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symbol;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;: -U12-2nd Generation: Admonitions-Dec 12-18{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4 Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols: I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Eze_20:18-19\cf0\ulnone ).\tab\par \par At the beginnin\cf1 g of Numbers 15 th\cf0 e scenes of tumult and rebellion, of shame and defeat (at the hands of the Amalekites and Canaanites), have now faded. The people have learned, the hard way, the suffering that disobedience brings. \par \8;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 6 *October 31-November 6\par \par Planning Ahead\par \b0\par \b SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1 Numbers 15; \cf2\ul 2Co_2:15-16\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Gal_3:26-29\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Eph_5:2\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Col_3:11\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote But I said unto their children in the wilderness,cf1 of Numbers 15, these \cf0 directions really carried a promise to the younger generation that one day they would plant fields of wheat, barley, and other grains in their new home in Canaan. They would with their own hands establish vineyards on the hills, and orchards of olive trees and other fruits such as figs and pomegranates. In other words, these nonbloody offerings helped point them to the material blessings that were to be theirs were they to remain faithful. No doubt, all these thoughts were wr apped up in their sacrifices to the Lord, which helped point them day by day to the land of promise that awaited them.\par \par How did the apostle Paul apply this concept in New Testament times? \cf2\ul Rom_12:1\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 2Co_2:15-16\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Eph_5:2\cf0\ulnone .\par \par However difficult their circumstances at present, the Lord wanted His people to cultivate an attitude of praise and gratitude for what He had done for them and what He promised to do for them in the future. Shd your God,\rdblquote and they would be saved from their enemies (\cf1\ul Num_10:9\cf0\ulnone ). Thus the sounding of these horns served as \ldblquote a memorial before your God: I am the Lord your God\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Num_10:10\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par How interesting, then, that even with all the manifestations of God\rquote s leading, guiding, and presence, the Lord used these trumpets too in order to remind Israel of His presence and care. Both by sight (the cloud and the fire) and by sound (the \par Trumpet, Blood, Cloud, and Fire\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\par \b0\par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul Exo_12:1-29\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2 Numbers 9, 10\cf0 ; \cf1\ul Mat_26:36-43\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_22:15\cf2\ulnone ;\cf3 \cf1\ul Luk_22:19-20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_15:52\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us\rdblquote (\cf1\ul 1Co_5:7\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par At the last Passover that Jesus ate with His disciples, He instituted the Lord\rquote s Supper. Taking some of the same elements of the Passover meal, Jesus said, \ldblquote Take, eat; this is my body.\rdblquote And of the cup, He said, \ldblquote This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Mat_26:26-29\cf0\ulnone ). And Paul wrote: \ldblquote For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord\rquote s death till he come\rdblquote (\cf1\ul 1Co_11:26\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par The Lord\rquote s Supper is the Christian Passover, the New Testament parallel to Israel\rquote s deliverance from Egypt. This week we\rquote ll look at Israel\rquote s first anniversary of that deliverance. We\rquote ll look also at the Lord\rquote s guiding presence among the camp of the Israelites, as well as the silver trumpets that were blown at certain times, and a few other accounts that reveal the si!tuation of God\rquote s ancient people in their unique circumstances.\par \par As always, we\rquote ll look for lessons that we can take for ourselves as we face, in our time and context, some of the same kind of trials and temptations that they did, no matter how radically different the circumstances.\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath,\i0 \i October 24.\i0\par \par \b \par \par SUNDAY October 18\par \par In Remembrance of Me\par \b0\par Read \cf"1\ul Num_9:1-5\cf0\ulnone and \cf1\ul Exo_12:1-29\cf0\ulnone . What spiritual truths can we take away from these accounts for ourselves? As you read, think, for example, about such things as obedience, grace, redemption, faith, and judgment.\par \par This was the first anniversary of the amazing night in Egypt when the Lord\rquote s angel slew the firstborn of the Egyptians, but \ldblquote passed over\rdblquote (hence the name Passover) the dwellings o#f Israel marked by the blood of the sacrificial lamb. Now, in what was to be an annual ritual, they were to remember the night of their special deliverance from Egypt and the salvation that God had wrought in their behalf. \par \par How are the followers of Jesus to commemorate the Passover today? \cf1\ul Luk_22:15\cf2\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_22:19\cf2\ulnone ;\cf3 \cf1\ul Luk_22:20\cf0\ulnone . What is this service to remind us of? \par \par \ldblquote Christ was standing at the point of transition be$tween two economies and their two great festivals. He, the spotless Lamb of God, was about to present Himself as a sin offering, that He would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to His death. As He ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be observed by His% followers in all lands and through all ages. . . .\par \par \ldblquote The ordinance of the Lord\rquote s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ. . . . It is the means by which His great work for us is to be kept fresh in our minds.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages\i0 , pp. 652, 653.\par \par \tab\par \par \b MONDAY\tab October 19\par \par The Guiding Presence\par \b0\par One of the most wonderful assurances that Is&rael had in the wilderness was the visible sign of God\rquote s presence, as manifested in the most remarkable way: the cloud by day and the fire by night.\par \par Think about it. Composed of perhaps two million people living in a barren and dangerous wilderness, the camp must have spread out for many miles in all directions. With no means of instant and direct communication (no radio, telephone, Internet), there had to be some way of letting them know when and where they were to go. \par \par Read '\cf1\ul Num_9:15-23\cf0\ulnone . How did this manifestation of God\rquote s presence reveal to them God\rquote s will, at least in terms of their movement? \par \par The Lord\rquote s leading of Israel by means of the visible cloud was not always through easily traveled highways. Jeremiah records that He led us \ldblquote through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt\(rdblquote (\cf1\ul Jer_2:6\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par But there\rquote s a deeper issue here than just where and when to go. The existence of the cloud by day and the fire by night was also a very powerful reminder to them of God\rquote s abiding presence. According to \cf1\ul Num_9:16\cf0\ulnone , \ldblquote So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.\rdblquote No matter where they were, what trials they would face, what foes they would meet, there-hovering in the s)ky-was a visible marker of God\rquote s presence among them. \par \par It must have been nice to have had that. This cloud and fire certainly would have been more than enough to keep them faithful, trusting, and obedient to God, right? \par \par When seeking to make a decision about where to go, how often have you wished you had a cloud by day and a fire by night to guide you? What promises, though, can you find in the Bible of God\rquote s willingness to lead us, and to be present among us even tod*ay? What choices can you make that will enable you to be more open to God\rquote s leading and more aware of His presence?\par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab October 20\par \par Silver Signals\par \b0\par Ancient Israel had two kinds of horns: the common ram\rquote s horn (the shofar), and the two silver metal horns that essentially belonged to the sanctuary and were blown only by the priests (\cf1\ul Num_10:8\cf0\ulnone ). The latter were made of hammered work, each wrought from one piece of metal. The silver horn was like a long tube, flared on one end.\par \par Read \cf1\ul Num_10:1-10\cf0\ulnone . What was the purpose of the blowing of these trumpets? What kind of spiritual lessons can be drawn from the use of these trumpets?\par \tab\par The blowing of these silver trumpets carried a meaning in addition to their more practical applications. Their blowing was to be considered an \ldblquote ordinance.\rdblquote In war it assured them that they would \ldblquote be remembered before the Lor, own soul be washed clean and pure, but he or she should seek purity and holiness in all aspects of his or her existence.\par \tab\par Look at your life. What things still need to be submitted to the purification process? What are you holding on to, and why? \par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY\b0\tab\tab\b November 20\b0\par \par \b Further Study:\b0 \ldblquote God\rquote s plan in the tithing system is beautiful in its simplicity and equality. All may take hold of it in faith and courage, for it i-s divine in its origin. In it are combined simplicity and utility, and it does not require depth of learning to understand and execute it. All may feel that they can act a part in carrying forward the precious work of salvation. Every man, woman, and youth may become a treasurer for the Lord, and may be an agent to meet the demands upon the treasury. . . .\par \par \ldblquote Great objects are accomplished by this system. If one and all would accept it, each would be made a vigilant and faithful treasur.er for God; and there would be no want of means with which to carry forward the great work of sounding the last message of warning to the world.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Gospel Workers\i0 , p. 223.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab What are some of the issues regarding tithe in the church today? Why is tithing so important, not just for the function of the church, but for the spiritual well-being of the one who tithes? \par \pard\sl276\s/lmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Go back over Thursday\rquote s lesson on the red heifer. Dwell on what it tells us about Christ\rquote s death and ministry in our behalf. What does it tell us about our need to be cleansed from sin? What has Christ done that enables us to have victory over sin? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Think about your home. Are there things there that you need to cleanse, things that could be defiling it? Bo0oks, DVDs, music, magazines, whatever? What are they, and why should you get rid of them? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab What are ways that we can help others, especially the young people in our church, use their God-given talents for the Lord? That is, how can we help steer folks, who do have gifts, in the right direction of using those gifts for the right purposes? What is our obligation to help them? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\tab\tab\par \b Summary:\b0 Because of Korah\rquote s rebellion and desire to hold the office of a priest, God instructed Moses (for the people) in regard to the distinction between the priests and the Levites. The priesthood was a gift from God; the Levites were a gift to the priesthood. Both were supported by a tithing plan. With the ashes of a red heifer mixed with water, the Lord provided for a special ritual cleansing, which signified the grace of God in cleansing a person from the stain of sin.\par \par \pard\cf1\par } 2 the camp, they might have been weeping for themselves and their family, as well, fearful that they might be next. The fact that they were at the tent of meeting means that they were imploring the Lord to end the devastation.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_25:6-18\cf0\ulnone . How do we understand what was going on here? What lessons can we take away from this story?\par \par Though the text doesn\rquote t come out and explicitly say it, one could read into the text that the Israelite man, Zimri, was havin3g 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 wa4s 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\rquote t slow him down at all.\par \par All through the Bible, we see examples of how sin clouds the reasoning powers and leads people to do some of the most unthinking and irrational things. Think of Cain, of David with Bathsheba, of Judas betraying Jesus. No wonder the Bible,M time and again, warns us against sin. It\rquote s not that God can\rquote t forgive our sin; it\rquote s that the sin can so warp us that we can get to the point that we don\rquote t even see it as sin any longer.\par \par In your own walk with the Lord, how have you experienced the reality of how the practice of sin hardens you to just how bad it really is? What can you do to break out of this deadly unspiritual trap? \par \par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab December 10\par \par Destruction of the Tdly, you see order.\rdblquote\par \par However much our world has been damaged by sin, we still can see the working of our Creator in the design and order of the natural world. Even one fanatical Darwinist was forced to admit that nature is something that gives \ldblquote the illusion of design.\rdblquote\par \par Illusion? Please. Design and order are real, and they represent the hand of our Maker. \par \par But God\rquote s order doesn\rquote t end merely with nature. It is seen also in His deali5to them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come\rdblquote (\cf1\ul 1Co_10:11\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par A Christian struck up a conversation with another man, a professional biologist. Looking for a way to witness, the Christian asked, \ldblquote Don\rquote t you see the hand of a Creator when you study the things that you do?\rdblquote\par \par Without missing a beat, the biologist answered, \ldblquote Wherever you look, either outwardly or inwar63\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 1 *September 26-October 2\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \b A New Order\par \b0\par \b SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1\ul Gen_15:14-16\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Lev_10:1-11\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2 Numbers 1-4\cf0 ; \cf1\ul Jer_23:23-24\cf0\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_14:15-18\cf2\ulnone ;\cf3 \cf1\ul Joh_14:23\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Now all these things happened unow the dangers of getting too caught up in the things of this world, and losing sight of our real home, is it possible to be so wrapped up in our desire for heaven that we shirk our responsibilities here? If so, how? How can we strike the right balance in this important topic? What examples can you think of in which people have gone too far in their anticipation of heaven at the expense of their responsibilities here?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab What are so8stance, can separate us from the Saviour. Wherever we may be, He is at our right hand, to support, maintain, uphold, and cheer. Greater than the love of a mother for her child is Christ\rquote s love for His redeemed. It is our privilege to rest in His love, to say, \lquote I will trust Him; for He gave His life for me.\rquote \rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Ministry of Healing,\i0 p. 72.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Though we all kn9 matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Steps to Christ\i0 , p. 70.\par \par \ldblquote Circumstances may separate friends; the restless waters of the wide sea may roll between us and them. But no circumstances, no di:g that are making it difficult to see these things realized in your walk with God? What changes, no matter how painful, must you make?\par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY\tab\tab October 9\par \b0\par \b Further Study:\b0 \ldblquote Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, \lquote Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.\rquote This is a daily;g power would have been seen by His presence in the sanctuary, whose ritual-burnt offering, incense, and menorah-always were burning day and night.\par \par Here is clear evidence that Old Testament religion was all of grace (\cf2\ul Gal_3:7-14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Heb_4:1-2\cf0\ulnone ). The third line assures the believer of God\rquote s smile and peace (see \cf2\ul Mat_11:28-30\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par How have you experienced the blessings listed above in your own life? What things might you be doinber 8 \par \par The Aaronic Prayer\par \b0\par \ldblquote The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_6:24-26\cf0\ulnone ). \tab\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par After reading carefully the above blessing, answer the following questions:\par \par \pard\fi720\sl276\slmult1\bullet How is the nature of the Godhead hinted at here? \cf2\?dblquote a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Heb_11:16\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par How do we, as Adventists, live in anticipation of a better country, regardless of whatever country we are living in now? What are concrete ways that we can protect ourselves from getting so caught up with our vineyards here that we lose sight of our final destination? \par \par \par \par \b THURSDAY \tab Octo@te (\cf2\ul 1Sa_1:10-11\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par Interesting, too, is the injunction about drink. The vineyard, and its products of juice, wine, and grapes represented to the ancient mind a cultivated land of farms and homesteads. When the Nazarites wouldn\rquote t drink from the vineyard, they were expressing in a concrete way their belief that they were heading to a better land. The vineyard symbolized the settled life; the Nazarite, however, by the way he lived, showed in a concrete way a desire for \lArent could dedicate a child to be a lifetime Nazarite. For example, Samson\rquote s mother dedicated her son according to the instruction of an angel, with the intent that he would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines (\cf2\ul Jdg_13:2-5\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Jdg_16:17\cf0\ulnone ). Likewise, the angel Gabriel instructed Zacharias to rear John (the Baptist) as a Nazarite for his service as the forerunner of the Messiah (\cf2\ul Luk_1:15\cf0\ulnone ). Hannah also vowed Samuel to be a lifelong NazariCTS+R1234MNOPQRSVWXfs22 T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S\ulnone\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\b\i\fs32\par The Lesson in Brief\par \i0\f1\fs22\par Key Text:\b0 \cf2\ul Num_2:1\cf1\ulnone , \cf2\ul Num_2:34\par \cf1\ulnone\par \b The Student Will:\b0\f0\par \b\f1 Know:\b0 How God brought order to the people of Israel so that they could represent Him.\par \b Feel:\b0 Sense the similari u13-Cities of Refuge-Dec 19-25{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symb@ 13-Cities of Refuge-Dec 19-25{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Verdana;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 13 \tab *December 19-25\par \paBs to serve Him in connection with the sanctuary-tabernacle worship.\par \par What vow could a commoner (woman or man) take to devote a specific period of time to the Lord? \cf2\ul Num_6:1-21\cf0\ulnone . What spiritual lessons can we take from this for ourselves today, in the context of deepening our own spirituality and our commitment to the Lord? \par \par A Nazarite was a \ldblquote consecrated one\rdblquote who purposed to dedicate himself or herself to the Lord for a varying length of time. A paEhoices can you make, to enable you to have a pure heart? \par \b\par \par \par WEDNESDAY\tab October 7\par \par Consecrated Commoners\par \b0\par God purposed to organize Israel in the broadest sense to be for Him \ldblquote a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Exo_19:6\cf0\ulnone ). They would thus witness to the nations far and near about the truths concerning the living God and the Creator of all things. However, at Sinai the Lord especially appointed priests and LeviteFn for the woman, who could be the victim of a husband\rquote s unwarranted jealousy?\par \tab\par However strange this whole thing seems to us today, the point it brings out is how important the marriage vow is in the eyes of God. Only God alone knows just how much pain, suffering, and damage has been caused by marital infidelity by one partner or another. What a tragedy that in so many societies marriage vows seem to hold about as much sanctity as a handshake. \par \par What things can you do, what cGilty). If the holy met the unholy, judgment was inevitable. If the holy met the guiltless, harmony prevailed.\rdblquote -Raymond Brown, \i The Message of Numbers\i0 (Liecester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2002), p. 46.\par \par This procedure (strange to us) was not an instance of magic. Rather, it was a concrete visual aid that ex-slaves could grasp. It was not the water but the Lord who read the wife\rquote s heart, and who punished or cleared her.\par \par How was this procedure also a protectioH the greatest threat to family stability. \par \par In this procedure, obviously which included a supernatural element-the focus was on the drink. The water was holy; so was the ground from which the priest took a pinch of dust. Holy water and dust didn\rquote t embitter the water; it simply underscored its holiness. The written judgments/curses that were washed off into the water symbolized its potential bitterness. \ldblquote Everything depended on whether the woman was holy (guiltless) or unholy (guIg the first union (\cf2\ul Gen_1:26-28\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Gen_2:21-24\cf0\ulnone ). Two precepts of the Decalogue, the seventh and the tenth, protected the institution of marriage. In the theocracy, infidelity was punishable by the death of both parties (\cf2\ul Lev_20:10\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_5:11-31\cf0\ulnone . How are we to understand this today? \tab\par \par The Lord, obviously, wanted to stress how seriously He took the whole question of marital infidelity, which is by farJto set us right with God, not through anything we could do, but only through what Jesus has done for us (\cf2\ul Col_1:20\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par Keeping in mind what Jesus has done to make things right between you and God, what do you need to do to make things right with someone whom you might be in conflict with?\par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY \tab October 6\par \par Marital Fidelity\par \b0\par The Creator established the marriage bond in Eden by creating humankind in two sexes and celebratinKare sinning against God Himself. \par \par What was the guilty person to do? \cf2\ul Num_5:6-8\cf0\ulnone ; see also \cf2\ul Eze_33:15\cf0\ulnone and \cf2\ul Luk_19:8-9\cf0\ulnone .\tab\par \par Though the principle of righting wrongs with other people still applies today, how do we right the wrong we have done to God, against whom we\rquote ve sinned, as well? The fact is, we can\rquote t. It\rquote s way too late for us to make ourselves right with God. That\rquote s, of course, why Jesus came: NMidianites\par \b0\par After the terrible devastation at Shittim, the Lord wasn\rquote t done with 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 \ldblquote filled up the cup of their iniquity.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Review and Herald\i0 , May 2, 1893. And thOe Lord decreed their destruction.\par \par Rea\cf1 d \cf2\ul Num_31:1\ulnone \cf1 (entire chapter), th\cf0 e 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?\par \par Killing all the people, even the children, is hard enough for us to understand. We just have to trust in the revelation we have of God as revealed to us through Jesus Christ, and accept that there are things we don\rquote t understand from Pour perspective, things not revealed to us.\par \par Many find \cf2\ul Num_31:13-18\cf0\ulnone particularly disturbing, and understandably so. But we should keep a few things in mind. Many of these Midianite women were the ones directly involved in the deception that led to thousands upon thousands of deaths; hence, they were reaping the punishment for their sins. But what about the young girls, the virgins, who probably had done nothing? \par \par Suppose the Lord said to just leave them be? These hQelpless young women would be left alone, with all their parents dead, their whole social structure destroyed. What could happen to them in the harsh and dangerous world at that time? This way, by being taken into the Israelite camp, these women not only would be protected from whatever dangers they would have faced had they been left alone; they also would be treated well by the Israelites. After all, Israelite law demanded that.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Deu_21:10-14\cf0\ulnone . How does this help us bettRer understand what was going on with those women who were taken as prisoners by the Israelites? In what ways does this help us better understa\cf1 nd Numbers 31?\cf0\par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY\b0\tab\tab\b December 11\b0\par \par \b Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Apostasy at the Jordan,\rdblquote pp. 453-461, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 .\par \par \ldblquote It was when the Israelites were in a condition of outSward ease and security that they were led into sin. . . . They neglected prayer and cherished a spirit of self-confidence. . . . A long preparatory process, unknown to the world, goes on in the heart before the Christian commits open sin. The mind does not come down at once from purity and holiness to depravity, corruption, and crime. It takes time to degrade those formed in the image of God to the brutal or the satanic. By beholding we become changed. By the indulgence of impure thoughts man can so educaVte his mind that sin which he once loathed will become pleasant to him.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 459.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab One of the greatest gifts God has given to human beings is the gift of sexuality. It\rquote s also been one of the most abused, one that Satan uses over and over, and with great success, to ensnare and ruin those who love God and want to serve Him. How can we help each otheUng with His covenant people, the Israelites, even as they wandered in the wilderness. This week we\rquote ll look, firsthand, at how God organized His people for their sacred calling, and we\rquote ll draw some lessons for ourselves today.\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 3.\par \i0 \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab September 27\par \b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \b Organizing the Army\par \b0\par Having miraculously escaped from Egypt, the multitudes oYf Israel flowed into the wilderness of Sinai. Encamped around the mountain, they heard the voice of God proclaiming His will (\cf1\ul Exo_20:1-26\cf0\ulnone ). Despite such an incredible manifestation of God\rquote s power, some fell away and worshiped the golden calf (\cf1\ul Exo_32:1 \cf2\ulnone - entire chapter\cf0 ). After that debacle, the repentant nation spent time building a portable sanctuary (\cf1\ul Exo_25:8\cf0\ulnone ). The work was completed on the first day of the first month in the second Wr in this area? What choices can we make regarding dress, language, decorum, what we watch in the media, and behavior in general that can remove stumbling blocks and temptation in regard to a sin that has led to so much suffering among us? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Think of the devastation that this sin caused in the camp. Think of the suffering of the people as a whole. What should this tell us about how, as a church community, we have a responsibility Xto deal with sin among us? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab The Israelites didn\rquote t fall into this sin overnight. It was a step-by-step process. What about us as a church today? Are we letting down our guard regarding things that could, ever so slightly, allow us to become hardened to what will lead us into Satan\rquote s traps? What role does the issue of standards play in this important area? How can standards help protect us against this slow and steady move toward apostasy and ruin? Or can they at all? Or, if they can help us, how should they be applied? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \b Summary:\b0 Israel\rquote s moral collapse on the borders of Canaan may serve as an example of one method Satan will use to cause God\rquote s people to apostatize in these end times. \ldblquote Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Mat_26:41\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\cf1\par } Zyear (\cf1\ul Exo_40:17\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par It was in the following month that the Lord proceeded to organize the nation more thoroughly (\cf1\ul Num_1:1-3\cf0\ulnone ) than it previously had been. And it\rquote s at this point, with the new organization, with this new order, that the book of Numbers picks up the sacred story of God\rquote s working with His covenant people. \par \par What kind of census did the Lord ask Moses and Aaron to draw up, and why? \cf1\ul Num_1:2-3\cf0\ulnone . \par \p[ar The Israelites were not a warlike nation. Their occupation had been that of shepherds, cattle herding (\cf1\ul Gen_47:3\cf0\ulnone ). Furthermore, at this point they were recently freed slaves, without weapons or training for war. It may seem strange for the Lord now to organize them into troops. But it must be remembered that their task involved the displacement of several nations of the most wicked and corrupt people in the Near East, including the Amorites and Canaanites. Israel would serve as God\crquote s executioners of these nations who had filled the cup of their transgressions (\cf1\ul Gen_15:14-16\cf0\ulnone ). Israel was now a theocracy, directed by God Himself, and they were a people, a might army, on the move.\par \par Read \cf1\ul Gen_15:14-16\cf0\ulnone (see also \cf1\ul Deu_9:5\cf0\ulnone ). What\rquote s implied here? How can they help us understand Israel\rquote s wars with the Amorites? \par \par At the time of Abraham, God would not allow the Amorites to be destroyed. Here God Ln and redemption (\cf2\ul 1Co_6:19-20\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_17:28\cf0\ulnone ). If someone were to come onto your property and damage it, the sin wouldn\rquote t be just against the property itself as much as against you, the one who owns it. It works the same way when we sin against someone else; we are sinning against the One who created that person and who, at the cross, bought that person back with His own blood. No wonder, then, that the Bible expresses this idea that by sinning against others we ^kind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 9 *November 21-27\par \par The Sin of Moses and Aaron\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1 Numbers 20, 21; \cf2\ul Joh_3:14-15\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Jam_4:4-15\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes_: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Deu_3:27\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par After years of wandering in the wilderness, Israel finally reached Kadesh-Barnea, on the southern border of the Promised Land. After all that they had gone through, all the hard lessons the Lord had sought to teach them, all the powerful judgments issued upon those who openly rebelled, one would have thought that these people, once and for all, finally would have been ready for the Lord to use them to their ful`lest potential. As we know, that wasn\rquote t quite how it happened.\par \par This week we\rquote ll study what is a perennial theme all through the Bible: the mercy and grace of God in contrast to the faithlessness, sin, and ingratitude of His people. From Adam and Eve in Eden to the Laodicean church today (\cf2\ul Rev_3:14-18\cf0\ulnone ), again and again we see God\rquote s mercy and grace in dealing with those who more often than not failed to claim the promises of victory, faith, and holiness thata He offers. At the same time, we can see His willingness to forgive those who stumble and fall, even those who should have known better, such as the great Moses himself, who, in a moment of weakness, impatience, and maybe even a little hubris, lost sight of the God who had done so much for him. Thus, if even Moses can fall, what about the rest of us?\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, November 28.\i0\par \par \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab November 22\par \par When Giabnts Fall\par \b0\par When the water ceased to flow at Israel\rquote s encampment at Kadesh-Barnea, a grand opportunity presented itself for Israel to look to God for help. He always had provided for them in the past, so why should it be any different now? However, they quickly forgot the past and turned on Moses and Aaron with their old complaints.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_20:1-13\cf0\ulnone . What did the Lord command Moses to do, and what did he do instead? Why do you think that this meek, faithfuli, and devoted servant of God showed such an uncharacteristic lack of faith and trust?\par \par On one level, it\rquote s easy to understand Moses\rquote frustration. First, he just had buried his sister, and no doubt was feeling pain over that. And then to hear these people utter, basically, the same complaint that their forefathers had made years ago? Nevertheless, in the Lord\rquote s eyes, none of this excused his behavior. \par \par \ldblquote The water gushed forth in abundance to satisfy the hodrevealed His long suffering. \ldblquote The Amorites were at enmity against His law; they believed not in Him as the true and living God; but among them were a few good persons, and for the sake of these few, He forbore long.\rdblquote -The \i SDA Bible Commentary\i0 , Ellen G. White comments, vol. 1, p. 1093.\par \par Many folks are troubled by the Israelite destruction of these people, and understandably so. Why, in cases such as this, in which there is much we don\rquote t understand, do we simply neeed to go by faith, trusting in the goodness of God, who has revealed Himself to us in Jesus? \cf1\ul Joh_14:9\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \tab\par \par \b MONDAY\tab September 28\par \b0\par \b The Presence of the Lord\par \b0\par To what task was the tribe of the Levites appointed? \cf1\ul Num_1:50-54\cf0\ulnone .\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Moses pitched the portable tabernacle in the middle of Israel\rquote s encampment. The Levites pitched their tents around it, on all four sides. Their fpresence acted as a kind of barrier, protecting the place where God manifested His presence. \par \par Why was it set up this way? The Bible doesn\rquote t come right out and say, yet some important lessons can be learned from this arrangement.\par \par Yahweh, the living God, was in their midst. He, the Creator, was among His people-so what could overcome them if they remained faithful? And yet, at the same time, they pitched their tents at a distance from the tabernacle (\cf1\ul Num_2:2\cf0\ulnone g), and that was because He was holy, and so they, as sinners, as fallen beings, could come only so close. Thus, on one hand, they had the reality of God\rquote s closeness and compassionate care; at the same time, they constantly were reminded of His greatness and holiness and that only through mediation could they, as sinners, approach a holy God.\par \par What do other Bible writers say about God\rquote s distance (transcendence) and nearness (immanence) to humanity? \par \par \cf1\ul Psa_139:1-10\chf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Isa_57:15\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Jer_23:23-24\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Joh_14:15-18\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf1\ul Joh_14:23\cf0\ulnone\par \par \ldblquote At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, camn separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages\i0 , pp. 669, 670.\par \par In what ways have you yourself experienced the reality of God\rquote s presence, His compassionate care, and closeness? On the other hand, what things are you doing that keep you from an even deeper intimacy with God? \par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab September 29\par \b0\jst. But a great wrong had been done. Moses had spoken from irritated feeling. . . . When he took it upon himself to accuse them, he grieved the Spirit of God and wrought only harm to the people. His lack of patience and self-control was evident. Thus the people were given occasion to question whether his past course had been under the direction of God, and to excuse their own sins. Moses, as well as they, had offended God. His course, they said, had from the first been open to criticism and censure. They khad now found the pretext which they desired for rejecting all the reproofs that God had sent them through His servant.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 417.\par \par Even the most faithful and diligent servants of the Lord need to be careful. What makes this sin even worse was that it was done by someone who had been given great privileges. Think of all that Moses had seen of God\rquote s power; think of all the incredible revelations of the Lord that he had, again and agailn, witnessed. And yet, even with all that, he allowed self to rise up and dominate? What a warning this should be for the rest of us.\par \par Think of a time that you felt pushed over the edge and did something rash and sinful. How often did you wish you could have turned back the clock and undone the damage? What lessons have you learned from this incident that, ideally, could help prevent you from doing the same thing again?\par \tab \par \par \par \b MONDAY\tab November 23\par \par Death ofv Aaron\par \b0\par Read \cf2\ul Num_20:23-29\cf0\ulnone . What points seem pertinent here in the depiction of the death of Aaron? What lessons can we take away from this for ourselves and whatever work we are doing for the Lord?\par \par Chapter 20 opened with the death of Miriam and ended with the death of Aaron. It\rquote s clear that the older generation was passing on, and the new one was to take up where they had left off. We see the same thing in our church today. One generation goes, and a new npar \b Under the Standards\par \b0\tab\par \ldblquote So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each with his clan and family\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Num_2:34\cf0\ulnone , NIV).\par \par Read\cf2 \cf1\ul Num_2:1\cf2\ulnone - entire chapter. T\cf0 alk about organized religion! What is one thing that becomes apparent about how the Israelites were supposed to live? \par \par The government of Israel woas characterized by a very precise organizational structure, seen, for example, in how the Lord had arranged for the camp itself to be ordered and where the people were to pitch their tents. The Hebrew camp was separated into three great divisions, each having its appointed position in the encampment, all based on family and tribal ties. \par \par The position of each tribe in the camp also was specified. Each was to march and to encamp beside its own standard. Nothing was left to chance. The Lord caprefully and precisely had organized the nation. And though they were one people, their distinctive family connections were not broken. \par \par Read \cf1\ul Num_2:34\cf0\ulnone . What does this tell us about how, despite the clear organizational pattern, the Lord left room for the distinctness and uniqueness of the various tribes? What lessons can we draw from that for ourselves? \par \par Why is it so important for the church today to be organized, as well? What happens when folks are left to do thqeir own thing? Why is that so often a recipe for chaos and deception? How has belonging to an organized body helped you in your spiritual walk? \par \par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab September 30\par \par Call to Ministry\par \b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par In memory of their deliverance from Egyptian slavery, the death of the Egyptian firstborn, and the deliverance of their own under the sign of the blood, God requested Israel\rquote s firstborn to be dedicated to Him (\cf1\ul Exo_r13:2\cf2\ulnone ;\cf3 \cf1\ul Exo_13:12-15\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par Giving God our firstborn? That\rquote s very intense. What powerful lesson should we take from this about how much we owe the Lord for our redemption and deliverance? Why, in this context, is pride and self-sufficiency so sinful? \par \par At Mount Sinai, the Lord did an exchange for the firstborn of all Israelites. Instead of them, He would take the Levites in their place (\cf1\ul Num_3:12-13\cf0\ulnone ). This act, then, required thse numbering of the Levites, who until that point had not been numbered with the rest of Israel. Moses is told to number the Levite males from a month upward (\cf1\ul Num_3:14-15\cf0\ulnone ). To make the exchange, Moses then counted the male firstborn children of a month old and older. Their total came to 22,273-that\cf2 is, 273 \cf0 more firstborn Israelites than there were Levites.\par \par What were the extra Israelites to do for their redemption? To whom was it given? \cf1\ul Num_3:46-51\cf0\ulnonet .\par \par The Lord also dedicated the Levites to Aaron and his priestly sons and descendants; they were to assist in the worship of God and the care of the tabernacle. In a sense, they were called to the ministry of the church in the wilderness.\par \par Once the Hebrews reached the Promised Land, the Levites continued to be attached to the sanctuary in a variety of tasks (\cf1\ul 1Ch_23:27-32\cf0\ulnone ). Scattered through the tribal areas, some became teaching Levites (\cf1\ul 2Ch_17:7-9\cf0\ulnoune ); others became judges (\cf1\ul 2Ch_19:8-11\cf0\ulnone ), instructing the people in the ways of God.\par \par In what ways can you see the Cross, the substitutionary death of Jesus (\cf1\ul Joh_3:16\cf0\ulnone ), prefigured in these substitutionary rituals? What does it mean that Jesus substituted Himself for you? How should knowledge of this reality change your life? \tab\par \par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab October 1\par \par Protecting the Sacred\par \b0\tab\tab\par In establishing the syst~em of worship at Sinai, God selected one family of the Levites to function as priests. This work was laid out i\cf2 n \cf1\ul Num_4:1\cf2\ulnone - entire chapter. \cf0 Moses consecrated Aaron as high priest and his four sons-Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar-as assistant priests. The rest of the tribe of Levi would help the others but would not function as priests. It is obvious that every working Levite had his place and service, harmoniously working together to preserve and protect the sacredness of Iwone arises to pick up the mantle. The crucial question remains: How much will the new generation learn from the mistakes, as well as the successes, of the older one?\par \par Notice the difference in the accounts of the death of Miriam and Aaron. Her death was mentioned in just one short verse. It\rquote s almost as if her death came suddenly and unexpectedly. What a contrast to Aaron\rquote s, which is clearly foretold.\par \par Before Aaron\rquote s death, Aaron, Moses, and Aaron\rquote s son, Eleazyar, go to the top of Mount Hor, where in the sight of the congregation Moses takes off his brother\rquote s priestly garments and puts them on his nephew, Eleazar, a powerful symbol of the transference of the role of one generation to another. Though Aaron was soon to be \ldblquote gathered unto his people,\rdblquote the work of the high priest must go on. In other words, the work and mission of the church is greater than any one man or woman. If we chose, we can do our duty faithfully, but sooner or lat\mmunity knows, that\rquote s not always so easy. Even in the best of times, conflicts arise.\par \par When an Israelite sinned against a person in the camp, whom did they really sin against? \cf2\ul Num_5:6\cf0\ulnone ; see also \cf2\ul Psa_51:3-4\cf0\ulnone . How do we understand this concept? \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par To wrong our neighbor is to sin against God Himself. In one sense this shouldn\rquote t be that hard to understand. We all belong to God; we are all His property, both by creatiozer we pass from the scene, and others pick up where we have left off.\par \par It\rquote s hard to imagine just how emotional this incident must have been for everyone involved. Moses, knowing that his death would surely soon follow, strips his brother of the sacred garments and places them on his nephew, Aaron\rquote s son; Aaron, no doubt remorseful over some of his failures, knows that he is soon to die; and Eleazar, standing before his father, who will soon die, now bears the heavy responsibility of{ the high priest. Meanwhile, down below, the children of Israel watch the whole thing unfold. \par If you were to die tomorrow, what legacy would you leave? What have you done for the Lord\rquote s work? How can you better use the little time that you, as do any of us (\cf2\ul Jam_4:4-15\cf0\ulnone ), have left?\par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab November 24\par \par The Sin of Ingratitude\par \b0\par Because the nation of Edom (descendants of Esau) refused to let Israel pass through its borders|, it was necessary to go around it. (See \cf2\ul Num_20:14-21\cf0\ulnone .) The Edomites occupied the territory extending south from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqabah.\tab\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_21:1-5\cf0\ulnone . What were the people\rquote s complaints? Think about all that had happened to them and all that they had gone through. Could there have been some justification for their complaints?\par \par However much they might have thought that they had reason to grumble, the Lord obviously didn\r}quote t agree. After all, every day of their travels they had been kept by a miracle of divine mercy. They had all the water they needed, even in a desert; they had bread from heaven to eat, angels\rquote food (\cf2\ul Psa_78:25\cf0\ulnone ); and they had peace and safety under the shadowy cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. There was not a feeble one in all their ranks. Their feet had not swelled on their long journeys, neither had their clothes \ldblquote waxed . . .old\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Deu_8:3-4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Psa_105:37\cf0\ulnone ). No doubt, they had their struggles, their problems, their fears, as we all do. But apparently, focusing only on those problems, they forgot the divine blessings that had been theirs for so long. Indeed, perhaps that might have been their problem: so used to God\rquote s mercy, grace, and provision, they started to take it for granted. And once we take things for granted, it\rquote s very easy to forget about them.\par \par What are some things that srael\rquote s worship system.\par \par No question, the Levites had been given a solemn responsibility. The same with the sons of Aaron, who would function as priests before the Lord in the tabernacle. Think about what they were called to do. The Lord Himself, the Creator, revealed His presence among them in the sanctuary (\cf1\ul Num_14:10-11\cf0\ulnone ), a powerful reminder to them that their safety and security existed only in Him, the One who had redeemed them from Egypt. These priests were the mediators between a Holy God and a fallen people. In their roles, too, of course, they were symbols of Jesus, our true High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary (\cf1\ul Heb_8:1-14\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par Read \cf1\ul Lev_10:1-11\cf0\ulnone . What happened, and what lessons are there for us today?\par \par It is hard to imagine that these young men, given such a sacred responsibility and who already had been given so much (see \cf1\ul Exo_24:9-11\cf0\ulnone ), would violate so openly an express command of God. However hard and harsh their punishment might seem to us, it only underscores the reality of just how sacred the responsibility given them was. No doubt others got the message about how seriously the Lord expected His commandments regarding the sanctuary to be carried out. \par \par \ldblquote To handle sacred things as we would common matters is an offense to God; for that which God has set apart to do His service in giving light to this world is holy. Those who have any connection with the work e are in danger of making, as well? What main lessons can we learn from what they have done? More important, what can we do to ensure that we don\rquote t fall into the same traps? Or if we already have, how can we get out of them?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \b Summary:\b0 While Moses still lived, it was fitting that God instructed him to give final instructions to the second generation, reaffirm the faith, and also to appoint Joshua as the nation\rquote s new leader under God.\par \pard\cf1\par } t had? Discuss.\par \pard\fi45\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Dwell more on the question of what our role is in the church. First, what is the role of the church as a whole? How do we fit in with that role? Should we always be in a position of giving? When is it appropriate to take? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab As we have studied the children of Israel on the move in the wilderness, what mistakes have they made that wxplains: \ldblquote Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come\rdblquote (\cf2\ul 1Co_10:11\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab How can one generation pass to the next generation its values, beliefs, and zeal? Or can it? Or look at it this way: Should one generation expect the next one to have the same kind of experiences and faith that iyou take for granted in your life? Why is that such a foolish thing to do? \par \par The only cure for this is to day by day thank the Lord for what He has given us. This is why praise is so important. God doesn\rquote t need our praise; we need to praise the Lord as much as we can, for this serves as a constant reminder to us of just how much we have to be thankful for to the Lord.\par \par Write out your own psalm of praise. Put in it all things that you have to be thankful for. Imagine if you were to sing it every day. How could this help you from falling into the sin of ingratitude and the dangerous traps it can lead to?\par \tab\par \tab\par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab November 25\par \par The Fiery Serpents \par \b0\tab\tab\par However much the people thought that they had valid things to complain about, it\rquote s clear the Lord wasn\rquote t sympathetic to their grievances. After all these years in the desert, all these years of seeing God working among them, what do they do but regurgitate the same old complaint about having been brought into the desert in order to be killed? No wonder the Lord wasn\rquote t sympathetic. What made their complaints even worse was that they just had experienced a victory over the Canaanites. \par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_21:5-9\cf0\ulnone . How again do we see Moses in the role of intercessor? Why, especially now, did the people need an intercessor? \par \par There are about 35different species of snakes in Palestine. Some are extremely poisonous. The poisonous serpents that infested the wilderness were called \ldblquote fiery serpents,\rdblquote on account of the terrible effects produced by their sting. As the protecting hand of God was removed from Israel, great numbers of the people were attacked by these venomous creatures. In other words, it wasn\rquote t that God sent them upon the Israelites; rather, the Lord took His protection away from them, and they then suffered the consequences.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Joh_3:14-15\cf0\ulnone . How does Jesus relate the incident with the serpents to the plan of salvation? In what sense have we all been bitten by fiery serpents?\par \par The existence of the bronze serpent on the pole wasn\rquote t enough to stop the bites from killing people. They had to look; they had to make the choice to obey and then receive the benefits of the provision made in their behalf. In the same way, the death of Jesus itself automatically doesn\rquote t bring salvation to the world. His death provided the means of salvation, but just as the people in the wilderness needed to look, we have to look to Jesus and believe in order to receive what He so freely and graciously offers.\par \par How have you known in your own life the healing power of Christ, even now? What other hurts do you need to bring to Him for consolation, healing, and strength to move on despite what seems like insurmountable pain? \par \tab\par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab November 26\par \par Early Conquests\par \b0\par Nearly forty years earlier Isard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Nadab and Abihu, priestly sons of Aaron (\cf2\ul Num_26:61\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab The first generation died in the wilderness, except Caleb and Joshua (\cf2\ul Num_26:63-65\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\tab\par Most of these events listed by Moses were events the second generation experienced. Why allude to these tragedies in Hebrew history? The apostle Paul e-Ellen G. White, \i Life Sketches\i0 , p. 196.\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Shittim plague in which 24,000 died (\cf2\ul Num_25:9\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Num_26:1\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\li360\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Korah, Dathan, and Abiram\rquote s rebellion (\cf2\ul Num_26:9-11\cf0\ulnone ).\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Er and Onan, sons of Judah (\cf2\ul Num_26:19\cf0\ulnone ).\par \p time, might there not be times that, because of circumstances, you need to take more than you can give?\par \par \tab\par \par \b FRIDAY\b0\tab\tab\b December 18 \par \par Further Study:\b0 Study the following texts regarding specific points Moses chose to remind the second generation of Israelites about. His remarks are based on the principle: \ldblquote We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.\rdblquote tled down to enjoy their own. \par \par Seeing their willingness, Moses, though warning them that \ldblquote your sin will find you out [\cf2\ul Num_32:23\cf0\ulnone ]\rdblquote , nevertheless took them at their word and agreed on the stated conditions. \par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par 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? At the samef Reuben and Gad respond, and how did Moses respond in return? \cf2\ul Num_32:16-42\cf0\ulnone .\par \par The response of the Reubenites and Gadites showed that they were willing to do their part for the rest of their countrymen. That is, however much they wanted the land that they already possessed, they weren\rquote t going to be selfish about it. However much they were seduced by what they possessed, they were going to make sure the rest of the Israelites got their possessions as well before they set. He\rquote s not happy, and he views their actions as sinful. He compares it to what happened the last time they were on the borders and ready to cross over. Except that this time, their reasons were different. The first time they were simply scared of the people in the land and didn\rquote t trust the Lord enough to go over. This situation wasn\rquote t like that one. They weren\rquote t afraid to go over; instead they liked it where they were and wanted to remain there.\par \par How did the leaders o will help prevent this from happening continually?\par \par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab December 17 \par \par On the Borders\par \b0\par After all this time, a new generation has arisen, one more than ready to leave the wilderness and finally have a home to call their own. Some were, indeed, more than ready to settle down.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_32:1-5\cf0\ulnone . What is going on here? Why would they make this request? \par \par In \cf2\ul Num_32:6-15\cf0\ulnone , Moses gives his responseWhite, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 506. In Israelite culture, failure to keep one\rquote s promise, sworn in the name of God, was regarded as a sin of omission. In a real sense, failure to fulfill a vow is taking His name in vain, especially if we are Christians who, ideally, do all things in the name of Christ.\par \par How many times have you made vows and promises to others, to God, or to yourself that you have broken? What can you learn from these experiences? What promises can you claim thats or vows that-for whatever reason-we end up not keeping? What good is our religion if we don\rquote t keep our word? That\rquote s why it is crucial that we be very careful in what we promise or make vows about, because we might find ourselves in the embarrassing position of not being able to follow through, no matter how good our intentions. \par \par \ldblquote The obligation to which one\rquote s word is pledged-if it do not bind him to perform a wrong act-should be held sacred.\rdblquote -Ellen G. xpar \b0\par It is difficult for us today to grasp the enormous problems entailed in the migration of thousands of people together with herds and flocks of cattle and sheep. Now they are packed into the wilderness before Mount Sinai. The physically impaired had been removed for the sake of the nation\rquote s health. But another serious problem needed to be addressed. Although they were being instructed to \ldblquote love\rdblquote one another (\cf2\ul Lev_19:18\cf0\ulnone ), as anyone who lives in a cod the reality of how sin separates a person from the sense of God\rquote s presence? Who hasn\rquote t experienced the sense of spiritual isolation that comes from being defiled before God? \par \par What things are we watching, reading, eating, doing, or even thinking that make us feel as if we are exiled spiritually out of the camp? More important, what\rquote s the only solution to this problem? \cf2\ul 1Jn_1:8-9\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \par \par \b MONDAY \tab October 5\par \par Social Control\ of quarantine. Even in modern times we have special wards in hospitals for persons with infectious diseases.\par \par For what theological reason were these impaired persons removed for a time from the nation\rquote s encampment? \cf2\ul Num_5:3\cf0\ulnone , last phrase. What spiritual message can we take away from this for ourselves?\par \par Look at this whole thing from a spiritual perspective, from the idea of defilement, of sin, and of what sin does to us. What believer hasn\rquote t experiencese) also was included in this class. Any infectious skin disease would be regarded as a danger to the community. So, also a bloody flux or discharge, or the handling of a decaying corpse in the desert heat, might spread disease of epidemic proportions through the camp. Both men and women were expelled until, if possible, they improved in health. The Lord didn\rquote t hate these physically-impaired persons, but for the sake of the health of the nation, He separated them to an area outside the camp, a kindave at their disposal? None. And considering how medicine often was practiced back then, they might have been better off anyway. Nevertheless, in such an environment, how easily an epidemic of one sort or another could spread. \par \par What three classes of people did the Lord command Moses to \ldblquote put out of the encampment\rdblquote ? \cf2\ul Num_5:1-4\cf0\ulnone .\par \par Apparently anyone with a serious skin disease might be designated a leper. True leprosy (now called Hansen\rquote s diseat), and how to deal with the personal clashes that inevitably arise when people live together. \par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 10.\par \i0 \par \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab October 4 \par \par Disease Control\par \b0\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Imagine the scene of ancient Israel in the wilderness desert before Mount Sinai. Thousands upon thousands of nomads with their cattle, miles away from any kind of civilization. What kind of medical facilities did they h the same time, though some things were ended after they finally entered the Promised Land (such as the manna), many regulations remained because in them were principles that, if followed, would have greatly blessed their lives in a world filled with sin and idolatry.\par \par This week we\rquote ll look at some of the provisions that the Lord instituted for His ancient people, which includes such things as how to deal with some sickness and disease, how to deal with marital infidelity (or the fear of ire probably not going to relate completely to the situation of the children of Israel. Of course, unlike many refugees today, the children of Israel wanted to leave Egypt, as opposed to being driven out. Yet still, it must have been disconcerting to have left the only land they knew and to be wandering in a hostile desert.\tab\par \par It\rquote s in this context that we can better understand some of the rules and regulations given to this people, rules that would help them survive in the wilderness. At Preparing a People\par \b0\par \b SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1 Numbers 5, 6\cf0 ; \cf2\ul Eze_33:15\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Luk_19:8-9\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Act_17:28\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_6:19-20\cf0\ulnone .\tab\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth\rdblquote (\cf2\ul 3Jn_1:2\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par Unless you have been a refugee, you\rquote part in making sure that the Levites were provided for. Thus, the Lord clearly wanted them to know their obligations. In a sense, the principle of tithing works the same way. Those who have a lot will, by default, tithe more than those who have less. \par \par At the same time, too, the fact that they were to be provided for by the other tribes certainly must have been a constant reminder to the Levites of their responsibility to do their work faithfully in behalf of the people. \par \par The Leviteshat provision was made for the Levites? What does this teach us about how the Levites were to live? \cf2\ul Num_35:1-8\cf0\ulnone .\par \par Notice, too, how the land was to be given to them from all the tribes. Those who had been given a lot of land were to give up more than those who had been given less. Hence, fairness in the land allocation is again seen. And yet all the tribes were to give of \ldblquote the inheritance of their possession\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_35:2\cf0\ulnone ). All were to take rael attempted to attack the Canaanites in this same area and were beaten badly (\cf2\ul Num_14:40-45\cf0\ulnone ). That generation now had died during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness and a new one now was prepared to pick up where the older one had left off. \par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_21:10-33\cf0\ulnone and answer the following questions:\tab\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\'b7\tab What promises did the Hebrews make to the pagan king Sihon? What was offered in those promises?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\'b7\tab Who attacked whom? \cf2\ul Num_21:23\cf0\ulnone . \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\'b7\tab What difference was there between how the Israelites responded to King Sihon and King Og?\tab\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \ldblquote These nations on the borders of Canaan would have been spared, had they not stood, in defiance of God\rquote s word, to oppose the progress of Israel. . . . Although the Amorites were idolaters, whose life was justly forfeited by their great wickedness, God spared them four hundred years. . . . All His wonders in bringing Israel from Egypt were known to them. Sufficient evidence was given.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 434.\par \par Note the difference in strategy in regard to the two kingdoms. No courteous request is made to pass peacefully through Og\rquote s land. Rather, the Lord drew the king and his armies away from their cities that \ldblquote were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Deu_3:5\cf0\ulnone ). Away from their defenses, Israel-under the guidance and promises of God through Moses-was totally able to defeat King Og and his Amorite army in the field.\par \par The victory over Sihon and Og-the kings of the Amorites in Transjordon-was immortalized forever in song (Pss. 135:10-12; 136:18-26), and in the national memory (\cf2\ul Jdg_11:18-22\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par Forty years later the children of Israel finally were entering the Promised Land. Look at all the time wasted, all due to their own lack of faith and trust, despite all the evidence that they had of God\rquote s leading. How much precious time are you wasting, not moving ahead on faith? How can you better learn to trust in God\rquote s promises and then to act on those promises now instead of wasting time?\par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY\b0\tab\tab\b November 27\par \b0\par \b Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Smitten Rock,\rdblquote pp. 411-421; \ldblquote The Journey Around Edom,\rdblquote pp. 422-432; \ldblquote The Conquest of Bashan,\rdblquote pp. 433-437, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 .\par \par \ldblquote Nicodemus was being drawn to Christ. As the Saviour explained to him concerning the new birth, he longed to have this change wrought in himself. By what means could it be accomplished? Jesus answered the unspoken question: \lquote As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.\rquote\par \par \ldblquote Here was ground with which Nicodemus was familiar. The symbol of the uplifted serpent made plain to him the Saviour\rquote s mission. When the people of Israel were dying from the sting of the fiery serpents, God directed Moses to make a serpent of brass, and place it on high in the midst of the congregation. Then the word was sounded throughout the encampment that all who would look upon the serpent should live. The people well knew that in itself the serpent had no power to help them. It was a symbol of Christ. As the image made in the likeness of the destroying serpents was lifted up for their healing, so One made \lquote in the likeness of sinful flesh\rquote was to be their Redeemer. . . . Whether for the healing of their wounds or the pardon of their sins, they could do nothing for themselves but show their faith in the Gift of God. They were to look and live.\rdblquote -mmediate context, we\rquote re dealing with vows made \ldblquote unto the Lord,\rdblquote but in reality, when we-especially as professing Christians-say that we are going to do something, we should follow through on it. That we intended to do it at the time we said it will make little difference to the one to whom we make the promises. Maybe the individual will believe us, maybe not. The point is, as professed Christians, what kind of representative of Christ are we if we are going around making promisecan 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?\par \par It\rquote s one thing to flat-out lie; that\rquote s obviously sinful and wrong. But that\rquote s not what\rquote s being talked about here. How often have we made a solemn promise, or a vow in the Lord\rquote s name, that we absolutely intended to keep at the time, only to eventually break it for one reason or another? In this i0 , book 1, p. 107.\par \par Why is it so important to trust only in Christ\rquote s merits and righteousness, as opposed to anything in ourselves, as the only means of salvation? What happens if we start looking to ourselves, as if somehow we could be good enough to deserve or earn our salvation?\par \par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab December 16\par \par Keeping Your Word\par \b0\par Rea\cf1 d \cf2\ul Num_30:1\ulnone \cf1 (entire chapter) regarding v\cf0 ows and oaths. What important principle  why God desired so many sacrifices and appointed the offering of so many bleeding victims in the Jewish economy. \par \par \ldblquote Every dying victim was a type of Christ, which lesson was impressed on mind and heart in the most solemn, sacred ceremony, and explained definitely by the priests. Sacrifices were explicitly planned by God Himself to teach this great and momentous truth, that through the blood of Christ alone there is forgiveness of sins.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\iquote s sacrifice for us?\par \par On the Sabbath day (apart from the \ldblquote daily\rdblquote ) a special sacrifice was made. It consisted of two lambs, morning and evening (\cf2\ul Num_28:9-10\cf0\ulnone ). Then, \cf2\ul Num_28:11-15\cf0\ulnone detailed the sacrifices for the new moon, which was then followed by the festivals: Passover, Pentecost (Feast of Weeks), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (\cf1 Numbers 28, 29\cf0 ).\par \par \ldblquote Some wonderWhat personal choices must you, and you alone, make for yourself to help limit the negative impact of these influences on you? \par \par \tab\par \par \b MONDAY\tab December 21\par \tab\tab\par Cities of the Levites \par \b0\tab\tab\par It will be remembered that, because of the Levites\rquote loyalty at Sinai, they were to be rewarded. God was to be their portion. Nevertheless, the Lord made specific provisions for them and how they were to live among the people they were to serve.\par \par W \par \par Compromise with the world has been and continues to be \ldblquote barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_33:55\cf0\ulnone , NRSV) for the Lord\rquote s people. Unless we protect ourselves from the bad influences in the world and from the culture surrounding us, we are always in danger of allowing these things to corrupt our faith and lead us astray. \par \par How can we protect ourselves from the negative influences that are always around us? \ulnone ; \cf2\ul Lev_6:13\cf0\ulnone ). This \ldblquote daily\rdblquote or \ldblquote continual\rdblquote was the sanctuary\rquote s centerpiece. It took priority over all other sacrifices and was central to Israel\rquote s worship. This sacrifice represented the constant availability of God\rquote s forgiveness and acceptance through the Redeemer prefigured in the sacrifice.\par \par Rea\cf1 d \cf2\ul Rom_5:1-21\cf1\ulnone . W\cf0 hat does that tell us about the fullness and completeness of Christ\rExodus 20) from Mount Sinai, and commanded the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 25), the second generation would have been children. Now God chooses to reaffirm, in summary form, the sacrificial system to the adult second g\cf0 eneration.\par \par \cf2\ul Num_28:1-8\cf0\ulnone described the \ldblquote daily\rdblquote or \ldblquote continual\rdblquote offering of a lamb in the morning and one in the evening. It was arranged in such a manner that this sacrifice always was burning (\cf2\ul Lev_6:9\cf1tten laws and commandments, he also was to seek the Lord's will through the \ldblquote judgment of [the] Urim before the Lord\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_27:21\cf0\ulnone ). \par \par How often do you seek the Lord in prayer regarding important decisions you need to make? Upon what basis do you make your decisions, if not through seeking God's will? \par \b\par \par \par TUESDAY\tab December 15\par \par Sacrificial System Reaffirmed\par \cf1\b0\par When the Lord spoke audibly the Ten Commandments (was? \par \par Why was it important that Joshua be given his charge before all the congregation? \par \par Moses was soon to die, his work being done. The charge was now given to Joshua, Moses' appointed successor. How interesting that it wasn't one of Moses' sons but, instead, someone who had proved his own worth. God, not Moses or the congregation, chose Joshua.\par \par Also, the texts make it clear that, as with Moses, Joshua was to lead only through the guidance of God; that is, besides the wri-23\ulnone \cf0 and answer the following questions:\par \par In \cf2\ul Num_27:12\ulnone \cf0 the Lord talks about the land that He has \ldblquote given\rdblquote (in the past tense) to the children of Israel, even though they were not there yet. What does that tell us about God's promises? \par \par After the Lord told Moses again that he could not cross into this land because of his sin, how does Moses respond? That is, what is Moses' main concern? What does that tell us about the kind of man he ny years in the wilderness, the children of Israel were soon to make their crossing into the Promised Land. A new generation had arisen, that was soon to inherit the land first promised to them when still in the loins of Abraham many centuries earlier (\cf2\ul Gen_17:8\cf0\ulnone ). Thus, despite the setbacks, the rebellions, the murmuring, the lack of faith in His people, God was going to fulfill His word. He was just going to do it with another generation, that's all. \par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_27:12f God; that is, besides the written laws and commandments, he also was to seek the Lord\rquote s will through the \ldblquote judgment of [the] Urim before the Lord\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_27:21\cf0\ulnone ). \par \tab\par How often do you seek the Lord in prayer regarding important decisions you need to make? Upon what basis do you make your decisions, if not through seeking God\rquote s will? \par \par \b\par \par Monday December 14 \par \par Successor \par \par \b0 After so mad of man he was?\par \par Why was it important that Joshua be given his charge before all the congregation?\par \par Moses was soon to die, his work being done. The charge was now given to Joshua, Moses\rquote appointed successor. How interesting that it wasn\rquote t one of Moses\rquote sons but, instead, someone who had proved his own worth. God, not Moses or the congregation, chose Joshua.\par \par Also, the texts make it clear that, as with Moses, Joshua was to lead only through the guidance oder (\cf2\ul Num_26:1-4\cf0\ulnone ). With just a few notable exceptions (\cf2\ul Num_26:64-65\cf0\ulnone ), the older generation had died off, and a new one had appeared. \par \par What was one of the reasons that the census was taken? Why would this be important? \cf2\ul Num_26:52-56\cf0\ulnone .\par \par After the Lord told Moses again that he could not cross into this land because of his sin, how does Moses respond? That is, what is Moses\rquote main concern? What does that tell us about the kinthe Lord didn\rquote t want done, and that is to forget that God was central to all that had happened. \par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_33:50-56\cf0\ulnone . Putting aside the immediate historical context (and the inevitable difficult issues it raises for us today), what important spiritual principle is found in these texts? From what you know of the history of ancient Israel after they had settled the land, why was this commandment about dealing with these peoples so important? ions, never to forget that the whole story of the Hebrew people on the move in the wilderness was, really, the story about God and His dealings with sinful human beings in an effort to save them and to bring them into the Promised Land. \par \par However powerful the story of their wanderings, today there are biblical scholars who, while not denying the reality of a group of ex-slaves leaving Egypt, nevertheless try to attribute it to purely natural circumstances. That is, they were doing exactly what hat serve? \par \par It\rquote s really an incredible history, if you think about it. An entire nation flees its captors after centuries of oppression and survives for four decades wandering in the hostile environment of the Sinai wilderness. Only by the grace, power, and miracles of God could this have happened. Notice, too, how the text in \cf2\ul Num_33:2\cf0\ulnone stressed that they moved place to place \ldblquote by the commandment of the Lord.\rdblquote The Lord wanted them, and future generatNumbers, we\rquote ll look at some of the final preparations as the children of Israel get ready to claim their promised inheritance. \par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath,\i0 \i December 26.\i0\par \par \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab December 20\par \par History Lesson\par \b0\par Re\cf1 ad \cf2\ul Num_33:1\cf1\ulnone (entire chapter). W\cf0 hy do you think the Lord had Moses write down their \ldblquote starting points, stage by stage\rdblquote ? What purpose could tof us never have seen and, at least in this life, probably never will.\par \par But the Lord was not through. No way. The theme of the Bible, again and again, is that God will fulfill His promises. The Lord will have His redeemed people in a new heaven and new earth. That is beyond question. The only question for us is, Will we be there, or will we be like the first generation, who despite all that was done for them, refused to enter into the promises given them? \par \par This week, our last week in r Cities of Refuge\par \par SABBATH AFTERNOON\par \par Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1 Numbers 33-36,\cf0 \cf2\ul Jos_20:1-7\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Eph_2:1-22\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote We. . . who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Heb_6:18-19\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par Though God was faithful in doing all that He had promised, the nation itself, at least that first generation, proved unfaithful and-instead of inheriting the land offered it-died in a harsh wilderness on the wrong side of the Jordan River, the side they were to have fled from and not to have died in. What a tragedy, especially because it didn\rquote t need to happen. All that they had been given, all that God had done for them, and yet, still they refused to trust, refused to act in faith even though they had witnessed dramatic manifestations of God\rquote s power in ways that most Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages\i0 , pp. 174, 175.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\par \b0\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Think about the story of the fiery serpents. Talk about having to act on faith. That is, just by looking at the serpents, the Israelites were promised to be spared what would otherwise have been a certain death. There was no natural explanation; their life depended upon a supernatural act on their behalf. How does that reflect the plan of salvation, as well? What should this tell us about just how helpless we are on our own, apart from God, for eternal life? How should this reality keep us humble? \tab\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\'b7\tab In what ways might we, either as individuals or as a church, be making some of the same mistakes as the children of Israel made? Why is it always so hard to see our own spiritual weak points?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \b Summary:\b0 This segment of the book of Numbers focuses on the close of the 40 years of wandering. Grieving over the death of their sister Miriam, Moses and Aaron in a state of anger sin against the Lord. Later, the grumbling congregation, bitten by death-dealing snakes, found physical and spiritual healing by faith when they looked upon a bronze serpent the Lord commanded Moses to make and place before them. Following this humbling experience, the Lord enabled Israel to conquer the Amorites of Transjordan and to seize their territories.\par \pard\cf1\par } can help us better understand where Balaam went astray?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \b Summary:\b0 The account of Balaam\rquote s attempt to curse Israel in return for riches and honor brings out into the open his inordinate greed and covetousness. The tenth commandment warns us away from this sinful human trait. None of us are immune to this, or to any other sin, which if not overcome can lead to our final ruin. How important it is that we learn from Balaam\rquote s mistakes. \par \pard\cf1\par } uch an incredibly corrupting influence in all areas of life, including our religious life. How can we, as Christians, protect ourselves, our faith, and our church from the potentially corrupting influence of money? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Read \cf2\ul Jud_1:11\cf0\ulnone and \cf2\ul Rev_2:14\cf0\ulnone , which, aside from the verses we already looked at in 2 Peter, are the only other New Testament references to Balaam. What can we learn from them that What does it teach, for instance, about God\rquote s sovereignty, about human free will and God\rquote s providence, or about human sinfulness? \par \pard\fi720\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Dwell more on this idea of the \ldblquote death of the righteous.\rdblquote If you were to die today, would it be a \ldblquote death of the righteous\rdblquote ? Justify your answer. \tab\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Money is spened, as were those of Balaam, they would see an angel of God standing as a witness, to testify against them in the courts above. A record goes up to heaven, and a day is coming when judgment will be pronounced against those who abuse God\rquote s creatures.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 443.\par \par \b Discussion Questions:\b0\tab\tab\tab\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab What are some other spiritual lessons we can take away from the story of Balaam?0 ; \ldblquote The Beatitudes,\rdblquote pp. 17-44; \ldblquote The Spirituality of the Law,\rdblquote pp. 45-58, in \i Thoughts From the Mount of Blessings.\par \i0\par \ldblquote He who will abuse animals because he has them in his power is both a coward and a tyrant. A disposition to cause pain, whether to our fellow men or to the brute creation, is satanic. Many do not realize that their cruelty will ever be known, because the poor dumb animals cannot reveal it. But could the eyes of these men be orld will see Him prevail. See \cf2\ul Isa_45:23\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rom_14:11\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Php_2:10\cf0\ulnone . \par \par However much injustice in the world, we have the promise that God will prevail, and that justice will, as well. How does that promise help you cope with all the injustice you see now? \par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY\b0\tab\tab\b December 4 \b0\par \par \b Further Study:\b0 Read Ellen G. White, \ldblquote Balaam,\rdblquote pp. 438-452, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\iese words a Messianic prediction, that of the coming Redeemer, Jesus. The image of a scepter (power) and a star (light) both are apt symbols of Jesus. Though the Lord used, at the time of the prophecy itself, local symbols, which would have meaning to those who heard it then, the principle behind the prophecy-that of Christ\rquote s power and victory-apply to the whole world. Jesus is the light of the world and the rightful owner of it, and no matter what humans\rquote plans are, in the end the whole woriptures. . . . Balaam belonged to the magicians, though at one time a prophet of God; by the Holy Spirit he had foretold the prosperity of Israel and the appearing of the Messiah. . . . The prophecy of Balaam had declared, \lquote There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.\rquote . . . Could this strange star have been sent as a harbinger of the Promised One?\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i The Desire of Ages,\i0 pp. 59, 60.\par \par Bible students long have seen in th Looking on Israel\rquote s encampment from this third angle, he blessed the nation again (\cf2\ul Num_23:27-30\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Num_24:1-10\cf0\ulnone ), and Balak sent him home in disgrace for his failure to curse Israel.\par \par Read the parable Balaam told in \cf2\ul Num_24:15-17\cf0\ulnone . What was this a prophecy of, and how was it fulfilled? \cf2\ul Gen_49:10\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mat_2:1-2\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \ldblquote Seeking clearer knowledge, [the wise men] turned to the Hebrew Scof Israel and built another seven altars, offering again bullocks and rams. Balaam \ldblquote went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_24:1\cf0\ulnone ). Yet again, instead of Balak getting the curse that he was willing to pay so much for, Balaam-under the control of God-uttered another blessing over Israel. A third time Balak arranged for seven altars and their sacrifices on another peak, but Balaam knew it was useless to ask God for permission to use magic on Israel.sults of their parents\rquote bad mistakes, ready to learn from those mistakes and obey the Lord? How ready were they to take up the mantle now given to them? What lessons were they going to have to learn, and what can we learn from them, as well? \par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 19.\i0\par \par \par \b \par SUNDAY\tab December 13\par \par Land Division\par \b0\par After the debacle at Shittim, a census was taken of the males 20 years of age and olf2\ul Num_26:51\cf0\ulnone ), nearly the same as that in the first count, 603,550, 40 years before (\cf2\ul Num_2:32\cf0\ulnone ). In spite of the divine judgment on the nation, in which the first generation (except for Joshua and Caleb) perished, God had multiplied them abundantly, and the armies of Israel mustered in the plains of Moab were for all practical purposes as large as those of the first generation.\par \par Many questions, however, remained: Was this new generation, having lived with the re\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Deu_6:4-5\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par True to His Word that the rebellious generation who had refused to enter the Promised Land would not enter it, the Lord now brought a new generation to the borders of that same land. There He directed Moses and the high priest, Eleazar, to number the congregation of males from 20 years and upward, \ldblquote all that are able to go to war\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_26:2\cf0\ulnone ). Surprisingly, the total in this second count amounted to 601,730 (\c.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 12 *December 12-18\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par The Second Generation: Admonitions\par \b0\par \b SABBATH AFTERNOON\b0\par \par \b Ready for This Week\rquote s Study:\b0 \cf1 Numbers 26-32, Romans 5.\cf0\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mighte grave. Only the righteousness of Jesus can, which is credited to us by faith. Here, in the book of Numbers, with the story of Balaam, God is revealing to us the promise of salvation through Jesus.\par \par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab December 3\tab\par \par Star and Scepter\par \b0\par Imagine the king\rquote s surprise when Balaam began to bless Israel. Although angry, the king still wasn\rquote t ready to give up. He took the prophet to another mountain peak where he could see only a small part die the death of the righteous\rdblquote ? What is the only way we can die such a death? \cf2\ul Rom_3:20-24\cf0\ulnone .\par \par In a sense, these words of God uttered over His ancient people reflect the gospel promise of all of God\rquote s people in every age, the promise of eternal life because of the righteousness of Jesus. None of us are righteous; none of us live or die in and of ourselves with enough righteousness to deliver us from th scene, he exclaimed, \lquote Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel?\rquote And as he saw the crown of glory on every brow, the joy beaming from every countenance, and looked forward to that endless life of unalloyed happiness, he uttered the solemn prayer, \lquote Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!\rquote\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarch and Prophets\i0 , p. 447.\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\par What does it mean to \ldblquote , spoke over the children of Israel. What powerful message, and promise, is found in them? What hope is offered to us all in them, as well? See \cf2\ul Num_23:5-10\cf0\ulnone ; see also \cf1 1 Corinthians 15.\cf0\par \par \ldblquote He saw them supported by His arm as they enter the dark valley of the shadow of death. And he beheld them coming forth from their graves, crowned with glory, honor, and immortality. He saw the redeemed rejoicing in the unfading glories of the earth made new. Gazing upon thete\par \b0\par After the incident with the donkey, Balaam came to Balak. It is interesting to note that Balak brought Balaam to \ldblquote the high places of Baal\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_22:41\cf0\ulnone ). Apparently, Near Eastern pagans built their shrines on the tops of mountains so as to be nearer the gods whom they wished to influence. Balaam ordered the king to build at this place seven altars and offer seven bullocks and seven rams thereon.\par \par Read the words that Balaam, controlled by Godstill was speaking with Him in an intimate manner. And yet, even with this connection, Balaam was determined to do what he himself wanted.\par \par In what ways, even the most subtle ways, do you find yourself fighting against the Lord? That is, you\rquote re determined to do what you want even though you know it\rquote s not what God wants. How can you overcome this dangerous attitude? \par \tab\par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY December 2\par \par \ldblquote The Death of the Righteous\rdblquo start conversing with them? \par \pard\fi2970\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\'b7\tab How does this story reveal God\rquote s grace, even to Balaam, despite his course of action?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par A lot has been written over the centuries regarding this, one of the stranger stories in the Bible. Different commentators come away with different interpretations. One point, though, seems clear: Balaam was a man who had a special connection with the Lord. After all, the Lord the Lord and that Balaam, a supposed prophet of God, couldn\rquote t? See \cf2\ul Zep_1:17\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Mat_15:14\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Rev_3:17\cf0\ulnone .\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\'b7\tab Read Balaam\rquote s first response to the donkey after it spoke to him. Think about what was happening. What does Balaam\rquote s irrational response reveal about the true nature of his heart and his desire for wealth? After all, what would most people do were an animal tort to get the rewards the king offered him, Balaam set out with the men toward Moab. Despite all Balaam\rquote s outward professions of fidelity, which he even might have believed himself, the Lord knew what was going on in the man\rquote s heart and responded to it.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_22:22-34\cf0\ulnone and answer the following questions:\par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\'b7\tab What symbolic significance might there be to the fact that the dumb animal was able to see the angel of fulness and his claims about not being able to be bought at any price, he was eager to get all the money that was offered to him. \par \par Read \cf2\ul 2Pe_2:14-16\cf0\ulnone . How did Peter view the actions of Balaam? What warning is there for us regarding covetousness and temptation? Why is it so easy to rationalize away our sin to the point that it doesn\rquote t seem sinful? \tab\par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab December 1\par \par Unnatural Confrontation\par \b0\par Determined in his heaith \ldblquote the fees for divination\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_22:7\cf0\ulnone , NRSV).\par \par Notice what happened at the second invitation, when they promised him even more. God had said that \ldblquote if the men come to call\rdblquote he may go, provided he speak only what God said (\cf2\ul Num_22:20\cf0\ulnone ). But in the early morning-before the princes could say anything-Balaam saddled his donkey and rode off at once with ambassadors of Moab. In other words, despite all the pretense of faithalaam had urged the messengers to tarry with him that night, declaring that he would give no decided answer till he had asked counsel of the Lord. Balaam must have realized that his curses would not hurt Israel, for Balaam knew, or at least had known, the Lord. He really didn\rquote t need to ask the Lord; perhaps He did so hoping there would be another answer. Either way, by having them linger when he should have dismissed them right away, he opened himself up to temptation. After all, the men had come wmessengers announced their errand, he well knew that it was his duty to refuse the rewards of Balak and to dismiss the ambassadors. But he ventured to dally with temptation.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , p. 439.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_22:7-21\cf0\ulnone . On the surface, it looks as if Balaam is standing firm for the Lord. However, if you read carefully, what hints can you find of his playing with temptation? \par \par B. How can you learn to get your eyes off these things and on the Lord? Why is that naturally hard to do? See \cf2\ul 1Co_2:14\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \par \par \b MONDAY\tab November 30\par \par Balaam\par \b0\par Who was this Balaam?\par \par \ldblquote Balaam was once a good man and a prophet of God; but he had apostatized, and had given himself up to covetousness; yet he still professed to be a servant of the Most High. He was not ignorant of God\rquote s work in behalf of Israel; and when the d upon a prophet of the true God. Perhaps the key to that is found in \cf2\ul Num_22:6\cf3\ulnone \cf0 : \ldblquote \lquote Curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed\rquote \rdblquote (NKJV).\par \par Ask yourself how much you really seek to depend upon God, and how much you trust in yourself, your money, your job, your talents, whateverr \par It\rquote s kind of ironic that Balak, facing what he believed to be an insurmountable foe, would seek out a prophet of the God of the very people he wanted cursed and defeated. Whether he realized what he was doing, we don\rquote t know; but from our perspective, it\rquote s obvious that Balak\rquote s plans were doomed from the start. One only could wonder, too, why he didn\rquote t get one of his own local holy men to petition the Moabite gods to defend them against Israel. Instead, he calleMoab (see \cf2\ul Num_21:26\cf0\ulnone ). Not to mention what they had done to the Canaanites (\cf2\ul Num_21:1-3\cf0\ulnone ), too. No wonder he was nervous.\par \par Read \cf2\ul Num_22:1-6\cf0\ulnone . What was it about the Israelites that especially made the king fearful? \par \par In reality, if Israel had been a threat, what should Balak really have been afraid of? See \cf2\ul Gen_48:21\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Exo_15:1\cf0\ulnone , \cf2\ul Deu_1:30\cf1\ulnone ,\cf3 \cf2\ul Deu_20:4\cf0\ulnone .\pagreat nation of Egypt, and who had survived only by miracles (what else?) in the desert for four decades. And now they were camped \ldblquote in the plains of Moab\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_22:1\cf0\ulnone ), not far from his kingdom. \par \par Even though the nation had not made any threats against them and wasn\rquote t intending to invade, Balak, understandably, was nervous. After all, look what they had just done to King Og of Bashan and to King Sihon of the Amorites-whose nation already had defeated f how wrong it was.\par \par If someone like Balaam, a prophet, could be so \ldblquote mad,\rdblquote how much madder would we be to do something similar, especially with his sorry example before us?\par \par \i *Study this week\rquote s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 5.\par \i0 \par \par \par \b SUNDAY\tab November 29\par \par A Fearful and Deluded King\par \tab\par \b0 Try to put yourself in the position of Balak, king of Moab. Here was this massive horde that had come out of the (\cf2\ul 2Pe_2:15-16\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Jud_1:11\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_2:14\cf0\ulnone ), and none of the references are very flattering. On the contrary, he\rquote s a prototype, a symbol, of sin. \par \par Peter talks about the \ldblquote madness\rdblquote of Balaam. Yet, it wasn\rquote t the \ldblquote madness\rdblquote of the mentally deranged; rather, it was the madness of someone who was so swept up into covetousness that he was ready to do what Balak asked, and all for money, regardless o such as: \ldblquote Well, if God could talk through Balaam\rquote s donkey, then He could talk through so-and-so.\rdblquote \par \par In one sense, however, there\rquote s nothing really funny about this story. Though it can be read on various levels, Balaam\rquote s encounter with the Lord can be seen as another example of how sin, if not overcome, if not wrestled with through the power of God, can lead us into paths of destruction. \par \par Balaam is referred to in the New Testament three times 2-24; \cf2\ul Deu_1:30\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Deu_20:4\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Mat_15:14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 1Co_2:14\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul 2Pe_2:14-16\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rev_3:17\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \b Memory Text:\b0 \ldblquote For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows\rdblquote (\cf2\ul 1Ti_6:10\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par The story of Balaam is well known and often used to make jokes,ed0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sl276\slmult1\lang1033\i\f0\fs22 Come visit us at our Web site: \i0 {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.absg.adventist.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf1 http://www.absg.adventist.org}}}\f0\fs22\par \par \b\f1\fs48 People on the Move: The Book of Numbers\par \b0\f2\fs22\par \tab\f3\fs20 In the book of Exodus, the Lord described the birth of a nation. Exodus and Leviticus detailed the rules and laws for this nation. In the book of Numbers (the topic for our quarter) we see another dimension of this nation, that of God\rquote s people on the move.\par \f0\tab\f3 But not just moving anywhere. They are to go and take possession of the land promised them-promised not because of their inherent holiness, not because of their inherent goodness but because of God\rquote s words to their father Abraham centuries earlier: \ldblquote For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Gen_13:15-17\cf0\ulnone ).\par \tab Directly tied to this promise is another aspect of this nation: that of the nation as an army, a mighty army of God, a conquering army that cannot be defeated by external enemies because the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, is in their midst. \par \tab And because of God\rquote s presence, they were not only an army, they were a holy army and thus were expected to act like one, as well. \par \tab Unfortunately, that isn\rquote t exactly what happened. This mighty, powerful, and conquering army, hovering on the edges of the Promised Land, was defeated, not by the Canaanites but from within. Satan knew that as long as they obeyed the Lord, as long as they trusted in God and lived by faith and obedience to His commandments, he would be helpless against them. All he could do, therefore, was use them against themselves. \par \tab And it worked. No wonder Ellen White\rquote s warning: \ldblquote We have far more to fear from within than from without. The hindrances to strength and success are far greater from the church itself than from the world.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Selected Messages\i0 , book 1, p. 122.\par \tab Hence, it should be obvious that, as a people on the move, as a people seeking to reach the Promised Land, as a people called out by God, we can learn from the book of Numbers. We can learn from how God organized the camp and assigned duties to the priests and the Levites. We can learn from the festivals and ordinances of the sanctuary service. We can learn from their cries about returning to Egypt, which they called \ldblquote a land that floweth with milk and honey\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Num_16:13\cf0\ulnone ). We can learn from Miriam\rquote s leprosy, from the 12 spies, from Caleb\rquote s faith, from the intercession of Moses, from Korah\rquote s rebellion, and even from Balaam\rquote s recalcitrant donkey. \par \tab And we are supposed to learn too. \ldblquote These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall. No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it\rdblquote (\cf2\ul 1Co_10:11-13\cf0\ulnone , NAB). These words contain not just a warning but a promise, as well.\par \tab Despite the setbacks, the delays, and the devastating judgments, perhaps the most important lesson in Numbers is that God will fulfill His promises. Whether He will fulfill them through us, despite us, or without us at all is, indeed, another question entirely. But they will be fulfilled, and that\rquote s for sure.\par \tab In the context of the Cross and the new covenant, the book of Numbers reveals that God already has made His choice regarding us. The only question left is What will be our choice regarding Him? \tab\tab\tab\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par \tab\i The late Frank Holbrook was from 1981 to 1990 an associate director of the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. \par \i0\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab \par \cf3\par \pard\cf0\i The Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide is prepared by the Office of the Adult Bible Study Guide of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the guides is under the general direction of a worldwide Sabbath School Manuscript Evaluation Committee, whose members serve as consulting editors. The published guide reflects the input of the committee and thus does not solely or necessarily represent the intent of the author(s).\cf3\i0\par } , then, were to be scattered among all the tribes of Israel; that is, they weren\rquote t gathered in one specific area. They were to live among the people, perhaps as a reminder of the faithfulness of their fathers during the worship of the golden calf. Hence, ideally, they in their sacred roles could be a constant witness to the people of what faithfulness and holiness should be about. Living among them, being part of their communities, sharing in their struggles, sorrows, and joys, the Levites-had they been faithful to their task-could have been a blessing to the nation. They were not to be some exclusive, elite, arrogant class that lived apart from the community in which they served. They were to serve, not be served. What an example of what true ministry is all about.\par \tab \par Read \cf2\ul Eph_1:1-22\cf0\ulnone . What does this tell us about what it means to be part of a community of believers? How can we best fit into our community and fulfill whatever roles we are called to? \par \par \par \par \b TUESDAY\tab December 22\par \par Cities of Refuge \par \b0\par Read \cf2\ul Num_35:6\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Num_35:9-12\cf0\ulnone . What is being established here and why? \par \tab\par At this time in ancient Israel no system of justice operated. If a man accidentally or on purpose killed a man, the victim\rquote s nearest of kin became his \ldblquote avenger of blood\rdblquote (\cf2\ul Deu_19:12\cf0\ulnone ) to execute justice. To prevent a miscarriage of justice, a system of six Levitical cities (three on each side of the Jordon) were appointed to which the murderer could flee for safety (\cf2\ul Jos_20:1-7\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par \cf2\ul Num_35:12\cf0\ulnone , though, brings out an important point. Fleeing to the city automatically didn\rquote t guarantee permanent asylum. In some cases it would be a temporary refuge \ldblquote until he stands before the congregation in judgement\rdblquote (NKJV). That is, until the facts of the case could be established. These cities did not provide some kind of permanent diplomatic immunity, in which today a diplomat can commit a crime in a host country and get away with it. In this case, these cities were set up in order to prevent what could be a miscarriage of justice. \par \tab\par Read \cf2\ul Num_35:9-21\cf0\ulnone . How do we understand this form of justice in light of the gospel? \par \par Some people don\rquote t understand how something like this could be reconciled with Bible texts about forgiveness or turning the other cheek. But what we are dealing with here is a criminal code. The gospel of forgiveness and grace, as taught by Christ, doesn\rquote t mean that crime, especially something as heinous as murder, goes unpunished by society. That a killer might even repent before God is, really, a different matter. What society can function if crime is not punished? What we see here is God\rquote s way of making sure that one of the worst crimes, that of murder, is dealt with in a fair and just manner.\par \tab\tab\par Suppose you know someone whose family member has been murdered, and the accused, unquestionably guilty, is convicted. The family, who are Christians, can have a say in the sentence, either death or life in prison. What would you advise them and why? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath. \par \par \par \par \b WEDNESDAY\tab December 23\par \par Cites of Refuge, \i Continued\i0\par \b0\par Read \cf2\ul Num_35:22-34\cf0\ulnone and answer the following questions: \par \par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab How was the whole congregation involved in dealing with these situations? Why would it be important for them to be involved? \par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab What distinction was made between premeditated murder and that of manslaughter?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Even though the death might have been by accident, the perpetrator still had to remain in the city of refuge in order to be protected. Given the context, why do you think that was so?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab All through the book of Numbers we have seen example after example of God\rquote s supernatural intervention, especially in cases of apostasy, sin, and rebellion. That being the case, why do you think the Lord set up this system of justice, in which humans were responsible for determining guilt and innocence? Why didn\rquote t He just supernaturally administer justice, as He did in other cases?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sl276\slmult1\tx720\'b7\tab Why do you think a murderer couldn\rquote t be put to death on the testimony of just one witness? What does that say about how serious the issue regarding capital punishment was?\par \pard\sl276\slmult1\par \par \par \b THURSDAY\tab December 24\par \tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\tab\par Christ, Our Refuge\par \b0\par \ldblquote The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence\rdblquote (\cf2\ul 2Sa_22:3\cf0\ulnone ).\par \par How does \cf2\ul 2Sa_22:3\cf0\ulnone reflect, at least somewhat, what the cities of refuge provided?\par \par In what ways do we find the same kind of refuge and protection in Christ that those who fled to the cities of refuge found? \par \par \cf2\ul Joh_8:10-11\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf2\ul Eph_1:7\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf2\ul Col_1:14\cf0\ulnone\par \par \cf2\ul Heb_6:18\cf0\ulnone\par \par \ldblquote The cities of refuge appointed for God\rquote 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\rquote 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. \lquote There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.\rquote \lquote 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;\rquote that \lquote we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.\rquote\cf2\ul Rom_8:1\cf1\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Rom_8:34\cf0\ulnone ; \cf2\ul Heb_6:18\cf0\ulnone .\par \par \ldblquote 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 sacrificed 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.\rdblquote -Ellen G. White, \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 , pp. 516, 517.\par \par At the same time, the parallel is not exact, because our understanding of the Cross is that even those who have committed premeditated sin, even murder, can be forgiven by the Lord. \par \tab\par Do you feel that you are not good enough to be saved? Do you feel that your sins are too great for you to be accepted by God? Do you feel that you are unworthy of forgiveness? If so, then why is it important to forget about how you feel and claim the promises of forgiveness, salvation, and acceptance offered to you by Jesus? \par \par \par \par \b FRIDAY\b0\tab\tab\b December 25\b0\par \par \b Further Study:\b0 Ellen G. White, \ldblquote The Division of Canaan,\rdblquote pp. 510-520, in \i Patriarchs and Prophets\i0 .\par \tab\par \ldblquote 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\rquote s holy law, and he who is not sensible of