Numbers 1-2
As I read these first two chapters of Numbers I was reminded of something I have read on a few occasions (I rarely read any thing twice): "The Art of War," the military strategy of the ancient Chinese General, Sun Tsu. These first two chapters of Numbers deal with how to defend not just the people of Israel, but the tablernacle, as well.
The men are divided up by families or clans and all the men who are of the age to go to war are counted in a census. They are essentially drafted. They are assigned positions of both defense and offense according to their clan. God assigns a position around the camp for each family unit; each regiment and company. From these positions they will defend the camp and when they go forth into the wilderness, they will also travel in these same positions prepared for war.
In the center of this mulitude of people (warriors?) will be the Levites. If I am understanding the reading properly, they are not for offensive engagement. They are strictly defensive - to stand guard duty over the tabernacle of the covenant.
I have titled today's blog as Military Strategy In The Wilderness. I've already mentioned the military strategy part of these first two chapters. In The Wilderness refers to the first verse in the book; when the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness. The Hebrew name for the book of Numbers is called Bemidbar which means "in the wilderness." Being in the wilderness, is the story of Israel. It is probably a story that most of us recognize as our own, as well; if we would take an honest look back at where our life's journey has taken us and where we find ourselves today. In the wilderness, we would be lost without the presence of God (and probably have been a few times when we turned away from God's presence). In the wilderness, we are in imminent danger without the guidance and direction of God. God is with us in this wilderness and has provided a strategy that we might be protected from all evil, harm and danger. That strategy was implemented through Jesus the Christ, God with us, Emmanuel.
As I read these first two chapters of Numbers I was reminded of something I have read on a few occasions (I rarely read any thing twice): "The Art of War," the military strategy of the ancient Chinese General, Sun Tsu. These first two chapters of Numbers deal with how to defend not just the people of Israel, but the tablernacle, as well.
The men are divided up by families or clans and all the men who are of the age to go to war are counted in a census. They are essentially drafted. They are assigned positions of both defense and offense according to their clan. God assigns a position around the camp for each family unit; each regiment and company. From these positions they will defend the camp and when they go forth into the wilderness, they will also travel in these same positions prepared for war.
In the center of this mulitude of people (warriors?) will be the Levites. If I am understanding the reading properly, they are not for offensive engagement. They are strictly defensive - to stand guard duty over the tabernacle of the covenant.
I have titled today's blog as Military Strategy In The Wilderness. I've already mentioned the military strategy part of these first two chapters. In The Wilderness refers to the first verse in the book; when the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness. The Hebrew name for the book of Numbers is called Bemidbar which means "in the wilderness." Being in the wilderness, is the story of Israel. It is probably a story that most of us recognize as our own, as well; if we would take an honest look back at where our life's journey has taken us and where we find ourselves today. In the wilderness, we would be lost without the presence of God (and probably have been a few times when we turned away from God's presence). In the wilderness, we are in imminent danger without the guidance and direction of God. God is with us in this wilderness and has provided a strategy that we might be protected from all evil, harm and danger. That strategy was implemented through Jesus the Christ, God with us, Emmanuel.
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