This week we enter into the Book of Numbers, a book that begins and ends with a “census” of the Israelites.

God commands Moses to take a count, by Tribe, of all the men who are 20 years of age and older, with the exception of the Tribe of Levi, who would serve the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Although not written, it was believed this count was for those who were fit for war. It was important to God to count His people, not only as a number, not only as a Tribe member, but as an “individual”. God cares about each one of us “individually”. Never forget that! You Count!

God gives Moses the details for the camping positions and formations of each Tribe around the Mishkan. He also gives the detailed responsibilities of caring for and transporting the Mishkan, to the Levites.

It is very interesting to see the connection of the Parashah Title, B’Midbar, and the Torah Book Title, Numbers, as they pertain to two specific missions of the Israelites on their 40-year journey:

Numbers referring to the counting or census
B’Midbar referring to the start of 40 years of wandering in the desert to reach the Promised Land

This “wandering” was NOT God’s original plan, but a “lack of faith”, as we will see inupc  oming Portions, causes God to “allow” it, as this time of wandering represents a very important and significant journey from slavery to freedom. Leaving Egypt (the familiar), not knowing what was ahead, dealing with frustrations of food, tents, new rules and customs, and of course, a new Leader, all surrounded these slaves longing for freedom. It was not easy to take Egypt out of the Israelites!

We can relate to this journey in many ways, especially when we see so many struggling today with leaving the world’s pleasures and following the Lord. Just as it was not God’s plan for His people to wander, it is not His plan for us either. Yes, He will “allow” it to increase our faith and trust in Him alone.

A whole generation was lost…kept from entering the Promised Land. This was not only a loss of people, or individuals, but of the past. This generation was the last to survive a “connection” with a most important past. The Book of Numbers should remind us to honor and to listen to our Elders who are still among us. They have a history that we do NOT have.

And never forget…. there IS a Promised Land for each of us, but times of wilderness will always be a part of the journey. It’s a time for testing, growth and renewing our relationship with our Creator. Life is a continual journey, and although it may be easy to flee from the past, it can also be hard to arrive in an unknown future!

READ ALSO:

HAFTARAH Hosea 2:1-22
New Testament Romans 9:22-23