In this episode, we cover Numbers 5-6. These next two chapters provide some final words on issues of impurity that could distract the Israelites from the fight ahead and disturb the camp purity. Based on how these impurities are inserted here in Numbers, rather than with the other impurities in Leviticus, we can assume that these may have become common problems in the camp that needed to be addressed.
HAYLEY’S BIBLE BENDER:
My takeaway from today’s episode was not about purity at all. It was actually about the Aaronic Blessing. I have been to many churches where each week there is a benediction that uses this blessing. As I hear it weekly, it tends to get stale. Susan’s explanation of this blessing revived this passage to me.
Susan said this: “The pattern and poetry of the words is what really makes it stand out. First, all three lines begin with the Lord. The repetition emphasizes that the Lord is the source of every blessing. Then, in the Hebrew translation the lines build visually.
- The first line has 3 words, the second 5 words, and the third 7 words.
- If we remove the Lord from each Hebrew line what remains is 12 words representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
As the length of each line builds, so does the richness of the blessing, culminating with the final blessing of seeing God’s face and peace.
- God is so holy and pure that to see God’s face would kill you. Remember how God put Moses in a cleft in the mountain so that when he passed by Moses saw only his back.
- This final blessing is the hope we all live for-the day when we shall see the face of God in eternity of peace.”
How sweet a picture these words bring to mind. How incredible that this was the blessing God wanted over his nation. It just shows how much love he has for us.
What was your Bible bender? Did you learn anything new?
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This article was written by Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club.
