Today’s reading includes Numbers 4:1-5:31, Mark 12:18-37, Psalm 48:1-14, Proverbs 10:26.
We are now several chapters into the book of Numbers and before we get too far into it, I think we should stop and think about its purpose. The author was Moses and he is one of the main characters, as well. The book is called Numbers for the simple reason that it numbers the people on their journey in the wilderness. It is a very detailed account of the numbers of the tribes and the people within the tribes. It is a very detailed account of their journey through the wilderness, as well. Numbers are important to the Lord. We have talked much about the holy numbers we see repeated over and over throughout scripture, as well as the symbolism within those numbers. In detailed accounts of numbering throughout the book of Numbers (and throughout the entire Bible), one must realize that our God is a God of detail. All the details and all the numbers matter to him. He speaks to the group as a whole, but He also always speaks to the individual. The numbers represent details and they represent individuals—both of which are very important to the Lord.
Where else do we see evidence that our God is a God of numbers and a God of details?
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Psalm 147:4
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7
‘I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you.
Leviticus 26:9
In the coming days, we will read through a lot of numbers. Most of these will not make sense to us. Most will not have a spiritual impact on us. But what can have a spiritual impact on us as we read these seemingly unimportant details is the things we can learn about the character of God through these details. He is a God of details. He cares deeply about the details of your life. He does not grow weary with the intimate details of your life. He does not get confused by them, either. Nothing and no one is beyond His grasp and His care.
