Sabbath, April 6 – Numbers 34, 35
Study Questions:
1. How many tribes received their inheritance on the other side of the Jordan? Numbers 34:13
2. Who distributed these lands as inheritance? Numbers 34:16-18
3. What was the purpose of the cities of refuge? Numbers 35:9, 10
4. Was one witness sufficient to convict a murderer? Numbers 35:30
Commentary and Reflection:
After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the people of Israel are finally at the gates of the promised land. Now, they are to enjoy the land flowing with milk and honey. Each tribe would receive its inheritance, take possession of the land that God had given them, and finally, the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be fulfilled. They would also have cities of refuge, and everyone could expect a fair trial.
Numbers 34 and 35 show us how wonderful God’s justice is. Through its study, we can appreciate three aspects of His love and justice.
First, in distributing the inheritance among the tribes, each would receive what was fair according to the size of the tribe. Everyone would receive what was necessary to meet their needs. However, “The heritage that God has promised to his people is not in this world.” (PP 169). The beautiful day will come when our God will say to us, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” (Matthew 25:34). Thank you, Father, it is by your justice and grace that we will receive our inheritance.
Second, we see God’s justice in providing cities of refuge for those who had committed unintentional homicide. How reassuring it would be for these people to know that they could count on a place of refuge and safety. How wonderful it is to know that Jesus is always our refuge. How beautiful it is that we can say, “The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:7). Thank you, Father, for being our high refuge.
The God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:7). Thank you, Father, for being our high refuge.
Third, we see a just God when in a trial the testimony of a single witness was not allowed to condemn the accused. There were the necessary safeguards so that each person had a chance at life. You and I can count on the “Faithful and True Witness,” the one who, by His grace and forgiveness, declares us innocent if we come to Him in repentance. Thank you, God, for being our Faithful and True Witness.
May you have a beautiful and wonderful day.
Pastor Luis Raul Nazario