Numbers 9: Looking Back; Looking Ahead
WHAT TRADITIONS DO you look forward to each year? Caroling at Christmas? Decorating Easter eggs? A family cookout in July? The Bible deals frequently with the importance of tradition and commemoration of important events. In Numbers 9 we learn the power of remembering the past as we face the future.
Warming Up to God
Think of a tradition that is meaningful for you. How does it nurture you? Thank God for the joy you gain through traditions.
Read Numbers 9. »
Discovering the Word
- God establishes celebration of the Passover at the beginning of chapter 9 (Exodus 12 provides the background). Why might he want the Israelites to commemorate this recent spiritual event?
- Verses 6-13 involve purity during the Passover celebration. What is the relationship between purity and worship?
- Soon after, God begins to lead the Israelites using a cloud (vv. 15-23). How will it help the Israelites to keep a sense of the past as they move into the future?
- What do the "cloud patterns" (that is, the cloud's day-to-day status) reveal about the process of following God's guidance?
Applying the Word
- How can you commemorate the important events in your personal spiritual pilgrimage?
- In what direction is God leading you in current life decisions?
Responding in Prayer
Praise God for the strength he gives us through memories, and ask him to help you be patient in the guidance he provides from day to day.
For Further Study
The Message of Numbers by Raymond Brown