21 So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath. 22 They went up into the Negeb and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 And they came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them; they also brought some pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the Valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster that the people of Israel cut down from there. 25 At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land. (Numbers 13:21-25)
They journeyed as far north as the head water of the Orontes River which flows north into the Mediterranean Sea northeast of Beirut, Lebanon. The explored the Negev on the south of Canaan, which is an arid region not suitable for, agriculture.
Here they encounter the Anakin or descendants of Anak, a giant people. Three powerful leaders were mentioned.
Next the scouts moved through the Eshcol Valley near Hebron where they harvested the large cluster of grapes that had to be carried by two men on a pole. The Greek geographer and historian, Strabo, reported that clusters of grapes near Antioch were as much as three feet in length.
On their journey they passed through land that was suitable for grazing and herding, land for raising grain, and that suitable for raising fruit and vegetables.
The spies spent forty days on their survey. It is estimated that the distance between Kadesh and Rehob in the north as about 150 miles. We can assume that they traveled at least 300 miles.
Challenge: When preparing for a God-given task, what do you consider? What resources are available?
“God makes a promise faith believes it; hope anticipates it; patience quietly awaits it.” D.L. Moody
17 When Moses sent them to scout out the land of Canaan, he told them, “Go up this way to the Negev, then go up into the hill country. 18 See what the land is like, and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. 19 Is the land they live in good or bad? Are the cities they live in encampments or fortifications? 20 Is the land fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous. Bring back some fruit from the land.” It was the season for the first ripe grapes. (Numbers 13:17-20) Moses appointed twelve men, one from each tribe, to spy out the land. He wanted to know if the land was it habitable, suitable for growing crops. He also wanted to know if the people were strong or weak, did they live in fortified cities or tents, and how many of them were there? The purpose the expedition was to determine how to enter the land and the strategy needed to conquer it. It was not to determine if they could enter the land. Indications are that they traveled together which meant they were at considerable risk from the inhabitants; therefore, Moses command them to be courageous, or “make yourselves strong” or “be single minded” (v20). Note that the Israelites arrived at Kadesh when the harvest was taking place. A coincidence? Challenge: How do you approach a God-given task? Do you determine what is needed and the actions needed for completing it? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. 17 And I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone. (Numbers 11:16-17) The Lord Provides Help (16-17): God’s response to the complaints was not to change their diet but to provide Moses help in leading the people. Apparently, Moses had forgotten his father-in-law's (Jethro) advice to delegate leadership responsibilities (Exodus 18). God’s Instruction (16): The Lord instructed Moses to gather 70 men. They were men who demonstrated wisdom. He told Moses to take them to the tabernacle (tent of meeting) where they would hear God reveal his will and response to Moses’ need. Sharing the Load (17): God told Moses that he would talk to him in the presence of the elders and he would place his Spirit on them so they could assist him in leading the people. The Lord commissioned or empowered the elders to share the burden of leadership with Moses. Note: God met the real need not the perceived need. Challenge: Do you complain about the position the Lord has place you in? Have you delegated your work to the Holy Spirit? Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. (Exodus 18:21-22)
4 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” 7 Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like that of bdellium. 8 The people went about and gathered it and ground it in handmills or beat it in mortars and boiled it in pots and made cakes of it. And the taste of it was like the taste of cakes baked with oil. 9 When the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell with it. (Hebrews 11:4-9) The people (called riffraff or rabble) were tired of manna and complained that they had free food and ate better in Egypt. The riffraff was a group of non- Israelites traveling with them who were complaining. This is the ninth of ten times the people referred to how good life was in Egypt. The language implies that they had an inappropriate craving for the past. Clearly the people had selective memory. They had forgotten that they were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord provided food for them in the desert. They were complaining to the host, the provider. He met their needs even though it was not what they expected or wanted; food that required only gathering and preparation, no other effort was needed on their part. Jesus compared himself to manna (John 6:35-51). “Whoever eats of his bread will never be hungry but will live forever” Challenge: Do you think the past was better? Do you complain about the present? Do you overlook God’s blessings, his provision? "Each day, though it brings its trouble, shall bring its help; and though you should live to outnumber the years of Methuselah, and though your needs should be as many as the sands of the seashore, yet shall God’s grace and mercy last through all your necessities, and you shall never know a real lack." ~ Charles H. Spurgeon
22 Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. 23 At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses. (Numbers 9:22-23) Numbers describes (1) God’s preparation of Israel for the promised land, (2) the journey from Sinai to Kadesh Barnea, and (3) the 40 years in the wilderness. The people watched the cloud and when it moved, they moved. When it stopped, they stopped. They obeyed. Some believe that Moses assigned people to watch the cloud. These verses indicate that the movement of the cloud was abrupt. There were no alarm bells or warning. The Cloud just moved. God is a God of certainty. There is no indication that the movement of the cloud was uncertain. There was no question. God is decisive, and the people obeyed. Their obedience involved an effort. They had to dismantle and pack the tabernacle. It is estimated that there were 8500 Levites to do that job. With out a doubt they were prepared and organized for the task. Challenge: Today, we do not have a cloud. So how do you know that God is always there? How can you be certain, even when you do not feel his presence. How do you know when to start, when to stop, or where to go? How do you get directions from God? "[Having Faith in Christ] means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus, if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way." C. S. Lewis
17 And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped. 18 At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 19 Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the Lord they remained in camp; then according to the command of the Lord they set out. 21 And sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they set out. (Numbers 9:17-21) The cloud was God’s signal for the people to move (set out) and stop (camp). When the cloud moved, the people packed up and set out following its movement. The cloud provided certainty and comfort. They did not need a calendar, clock, or compass. Some speculate that Moses appointed people to watch the cloud. Yet there was uncertainty. They never knew when the cloud was going to move. The Amplified version says that the cloud was “taken up” (v21). God lifted it up. it was not a morning fog. Further, When God moved, the people moved. They responded to God’s direction. Challenge: Have you had to wait for something? Why does the Lord make us wait? Is waiting difficult? Can you live with uncertainty, waiting on God? “To love God is to love His will. It is to wait quietly for life to be measured by One who knows us through and through. It is to be content with His timing and His wise appointment.” Elisabeth Elliott
15 On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning. 16 So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night. (Numbers 9:15-16) God’s Presence These verses are repeat the event at the end of Exodus: the erection of the tabernacle and the cloud representing God’s Prescence descending over it. The tabernacle was 150 feet in length and 75 feet wide. The outer courtyard posts with curtains between and an inner tented structure was 15x30 feet and was called the tent of testimony because it contained the ark of the covenant, an outer room, and the Holy of Holies with the ark of the covenant with the tablet of the law given to Moses at Mt. Sinai. From these verses we can see that the cloud covered or rested over the tabernacle by day and fire by night. The cloud was there continuously. Some scholars believe the cloud glowed like fire at night. The bottom line is God’s promise to be present with his people. These verses state that God’s presence was visible. God, or his representation was visible. Challenge: How does God show his presence today? How do we know that God is present today? Let it be your business to keep your mind on the presence of the Lord. Throughout your day, don’t let it wander too far so that you are accustomed to think of him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer. Brother Lawrence
22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you. The writer ends by urging his readers to give attention to what he has written. He adds a note about Timothy who will accompany him when he comes to them. In the meantime, greet your leaders and the believers. Resources Used in the Study of Hebrews ESV Study Bible , (Wheaton, IL, Crossway Bibles, 2008). The NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI, Zondervan, 1985). Guthrie, Donald, Hebrews: An Introduction and Commentary (Lisle, IL: IVF, 1957). Hodges, Zane C., Hebrews , in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, Walvoord, John F., Zuch, Roy B., ed., (Victory Books/Scripture Press, 1985. Stedman, Ray C., Hebrews , The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Westmont, IL: IVP Academic, 1992).
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21) In conclusion , the writer follows a New Testament practice of asking for God’s blessing on his readers. In so doing he captured several themes in the letter: peace, blood, covenant, shepherd, equip, etc. He notes that it is the Lord working in him and his readers to produce that which delights the Lord. He leaves the end a reference to the resurrection while everything he has written before is based on it. Challenge: Does your life reflect what the writer describes here? Is the Lord working like this in your life? Christ in me, the hope of Glory. Colossians 1:27
Hebrews: Closing Comments 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. 18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. (Hebrews 13:17-19) Obey Your Leaders (17): The author has moved on from encouraging believers to model their former leaders (13:7) and now commands them give their leaders joy by their obedience and submission. By their submission and obedience, they lighten the load on leaders and bring them joy in the responsibilities they bear. Pray for Me (18-19): The author asks for prayer for himself and those with him and assures his readers of the integrity of their ministry. He emphasizes the need to pray in terms of his desire to return to the fellowship quickly. Challenge: Do you stand behind your churches leadership in prayer and action? Do you encourage them by obedience and submission? The task of future Christian leaders is not to make a little contribution to the solution of the pains and tribulations of their time, but to identify and announce the ways in which Jesus is leading God's people out of slavery, through the desert to a new land of freedom. Henri Nouwen
10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:10-16) Contrast Then and Now (10-12): the writer makes a clear distinction between the practices and rituals of the old covenant with the new life in Christ. (1) Altar – the sacrificial system replaced by the cross; (2) No right to eat – the priest prohibited from eating the meat of sacrifices replaced by nourishment from Christ, the great Sin Offering (John 6:53-56) or communion (Mark 14:22-26); (3) Burned outside the camp – the burning of the residue of sacrifices outside the camp (Lev 4:11-12) was replaced by Jesus death on the cross outside the city of Jerusalem. Outside the Camp (13-14): The writer urges his readers to separate themselves from their past beliefs and rituals, set themselves Judaism (outside the camp), and by doing so, experience first-hand the suffering of Christ. By accepting Christ’s sacrifice, believers become sojourners in a foreign land and seek a permanent dwelling, a dwelling yet to come (see 11:10, 12:22). Further, the people moving from a camp (temporary) to a city, that is, becoming a new (permanent) spiritual community. Our sacrifices (15-16): In contrast to animal sacrifices, we are to offer the sacrifice of praise and meet the needs of others thereby sacrificing our time, talents and treasure. Challenge: Are you feasting on the Lord? Have you separated yourself from the past? Do you long for a permanent dwelling where you have unhindered fellowship with then Lord and offer a continual sacrifice of praise? Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17