February 26 Readings

The Back to the Bible Beginning to End Reading Plan
Today's reading from Numbers 35-36
In Num 35.1-5, the tribes of Israel had land assigned to them as an inheritance. The Levites were to get towns to live in from the tribes (of the land they would possess). They were to get pasturelands around the towns and have towns to live in. God does not forget those who are serving him. He provide for them and their family. Let us not be neglectful in supporting our churches and missionaries.

In Numbers 35, murder is a very serious matter to God, especially when the life of the body is in the blood (Lev 17.11), and the blood has been shed. The tragedy is you cannot undo murder, you cannot bring this person back alive.

Six of the towns that the Israelites gave to the Levites (35.6-34) were to be Cities of Refuge. These were cities where refuge will be given to those who kill someone accidentally. God was concerned that an accused get a fair trial. If an accused murdered intentionally (v. 16-21) then they will not be allowed in the cities of refuge and shall be put to death. The person who killed accidentally would be allowed in the city of refuge. However if the person leaves the city of refuge, the avenger of the blood may kill the accused without being guilty of murder. Some other laws elaborated on ransom (31-32) and murder.

It is interesting how God views pollution! Pollution had to do with bloodshed and not hazardous waste!! Atonement cannot be made for the land on which the blood was shed, except for the blood if the one who shed it. The land has to be atoned for or else it would be polluted.
Numbers 36 discusses the issue of Zelophedad's daughter. The Lord had instructed Moses that women may inherit their father's land. New issues came up. What happen if the daughters marry another tribe. The decision was that the daughters must be married in the same tribe so that the family allotment passes from one tribe to another.

Numbers 35 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Numbers 36 with Commentaries, verse by verse


Other Links
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.