Sermon and Worship Resources

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Numbers 24:15-19

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

24:15–19 Balaam agrees that he will return home, but before leaving he speaks another oracle, again indicating the divine intent to bless Israel and give Israel military success. Because this oracle departs from the narrative structure of the first three, it is clearly the climax of the story. No sacrifice, sorcery, or even mention of the divine spirit is here; Balaam simply speaks as a prophet of...

2. Offerings at the Dedication of the Tabernacle

Numbers 7:1-89

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

In the narrative flow of Numbers 1–10, the benediction at the end of chapter 6 aptly concludes a block of material on ordering the camp in preparation for departure from Sinai. The blessing may recall the inauguration of tabernacle worship (Lev. 9). Numbers 7 then refers back to the completion of the tabernacle (Exod. 40). The notation When Moses finished setting up the tabernacle is a helpful clu...

3. Supplementary Offerings

Numbers 15:1-21

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

Most commentators find it odd for a chapter of Priestly legislation to follow four chapters of narrative about murmurings in the wilderness. Olson argues persuasively that there is purpose for the placement of the chapter. He maintains that it relates in important ways to chapters 11–14 on the one hand and to chapter 16 on the other. Also, in contrast to a number of other commentators, he understa...

4. Tassels on Garments

Numbers 15:37-41

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

15:37–41 These final verses exhort the people to keep divine instruction like that given in this chapter. The command is to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. The tassels with blue cord would stand out on the fringes of garments, as the law is to stand out for people of faith. The tassels, a visual reminder of the law, constitute encouragement in living ...

5. The Levites

Numbers 3:1-51

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

The first chapter of Numbers counted the people and then turned to the Levites; the second chapter organized the tribes. This third chapter returns to those with clerical tasks, first the priests and then the organization of the Levites. Chapter 3 contains a variety of materials and perspectives but still concentrates on the organization of this community according to Priestly principles. 3:1–4 N...

6. The Priestly Blessing

Numbers 6:22-27

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

6:22–27 This last section of chapter 6 prescribes the blessing Aaron and his sons are to pronounce over the people. The instruction comes through Moses. This blessing is presumably the one Aaron pronounced in Leviticus 9:22. These verses are the most famous in the book of Numbers and continue to be used as a benediction in Jewish and Christian tradition. The importance and antiquity of the blessin...

7. The Sabbath-Breaker Put to Death

Numbers 15:32-36

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

15:32–36 These verses consider a particular case of Sabbath observance. A person was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day and kept in custody until a penalty could be revealed. The text does not tell us why the person was kept in custody. Exodus 31 and 35 have made it clear that no work is to be done on the Sabbath, and that violation of the commandment is a capital offense. Is the question whe...

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