Today's passage: Numbers 5
Helpful thoughts:
- The people are reminded that those who are considered “unclean” for a time must be set apart from the rest of the camp until they become “clean” again.
- Verses 5-10 are an extension of Leviticus 6:1-7.
- The order of events here is to make things right with your fellow man before you come to God (Matthew 5:23-24).
- The test detailed in verses 11-31 are in the case of any suspicion of adultery (When there were no eye-witnesses but legitimate cause for suspicion). The negative effects for the guilty would render them barren, childless for the rest of their life.
Questions to consider:
- Remembering that God is preparing Israel for the Promised Land, what does it appear God is confirming for the people in these commands? How was Israel to conduct itself before their holy God?
- Though we are not under the Law of Moses, now being under the New Covenant, what principles would still apply today when we have wronged another person? Would it make sense to be dishonest in our business dealings Monday-Friday and then worship the Lord on Sunday? How does the Christian life change everything we do, every day of the week?
- How seriously does God take adultery and sexual sin? How should the threat of childlessness helps us to think more biblically about the joy of child-bearing (Psalm 127:3-5)?