Leviticus and Numbers- the twin road blocks to Bible study. Heavy on details, repetitious and even tedious, they can present a real challenge as you make your way through Scripture.
In Leviticus, the Israelites remain at the foot of Mt. Sinai and receive God's specific instructions on how worship would work from now on. God was undoing years of absorbed Egyptian culture and morality to create a unique people, set apart and obedient to Him. In our age of grace, you might make a good case that we don't need to know anything about Old Testament law. However, here are a couple of things to consider as you work through this law book.
- What do the precepts tell you about the character of God?
- How do the standards given for the priests apply to us as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9)?
Numbers has lists- census, genealogies, campsites and more. If that's not your thing, there are still some goodies in the book of Numbers. Most of these stories are referenced by New Testament writers so they can add to your understanding in other studies.
- Chapter 6:24-26 Aaron's blessing
- Chapters 11-12 Rebellion in the camp
- Chapters 13-14 The spies, the refusal to advance and repercussions
- Chapters 16-17 Korah's rebellion
- Chapter 20 Moses' lapse at Kadesh
- Chapter 21 First victories
- Chapter 22-25 Balaam's prophecies and Israel's failure
I admit, Leviticus and Numbers can be tough, but God always blesses your efforts. Ask Him to show you something you can use. He will.
What have you learned or applied from Leviticus or Numbers?
Lauren says
I read Leviticus and what I took away from it was God is serious about worship and so while the laws of Leviticus were very strict and almost condemning as everything was unclean and the way we worship today isn't, we still need to take it seriously.
I'm beginning Numbers tonight. So this post was helpful. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for all these!