Lesson 29 - Israel In Wilderness II

 Lesson 19 

Isreal In Wilderness II

From Sinai to Kadesh - Barnea 

Reading Portion: Numbers Ch 11 - 33

Israel reached 'Taberah,' and God's fire descended on them because of their murmuring and consumed those who were at the outskirts of the camp. 

Later, the mixed multitude among them murmured for meat. God gave them quail. Each person gathered about 10 homers. But God became angry at this, and those people who were always craving died of a plague ( Num. 11: 4-35). That place came to be called 'Kibroth - Hattaavh' 

After this, people came to Hazeroth. There Mariam and Aaron spoke against Moses. But God took revenge for Moses, "the meekest of all men" - Mariam was affected by leprosy and had to live outside of camp for 7 days. After that, she was healed through prayer. 

At Kadesh - Barnea 

Israel reached Kadesh - Barnea, which is in the south part of Canaan. Here, according to the people's will, Moses sent 12 spies to Cannan, including Joshua and Caleb. Ten out of the twelve returned and said discouraging words. But Joshua and Caleb opposed the ten and said God would give them the land. But people took stones to throw them. God's anger rise against them. But Moses interceded to God on their behalf, and God held back his anger. But God cursed that generation. Till all those who murmured died. Israel would wander in the wilderness for 40 years. ( Num. 14: 34)

40 Years of Wandering 

According to the 40 days that they took to spy out Canaan, they wandered 40 years in the wilderness. Korah, Dathan, Abiram rebled against Moses. But the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up (Num. 16)

Along with their families. But the sons of Korah saved (Num. 26:11) Lord consumed 250 men who were offering incense and 14,700 who murmured against Moses and Aaron. But after making atonement, the plague stopped. 

After 38 years of wandering, people reached Kadesh, near mount zin. Miriam died there and she was buried. People murmured again as they could not get water, Mosses became angry and he struck the rock twice instead of commands to it. Water came out of the rock, but judgment also came along with it. Moses and Aaron were denied the blessing of entering Cannan, the promised land. 

Later, they came to Mount Hor. Aaron died there at the age of 123. His son Eleazer was appointed as the High priest. 

The Fiery Serpent (Num 21: 4-9)

People started murmuring because of the long journey. God sent fiery serpents and many died from their bites. People repented. Mosses lifted up a bronze serpent, at the center of the camp and those who looked at it were saved from death. This symbolizes the salvation by faith through Jesus Christ, who was lifted up on a cross at Calvary ( John 3: 14).

 At the plains of Moab ( num 22)

In the later journey, Sihon, the King of Amorites, and Og, the King of Bashan attacked Israel. But Israel defeated them and conquered their countries. Now the people camped against Jericho, on the plains of Moab. The Kings of Moab tried to curse Israel, with the help of Ballam the prophet, But God put words of blessings on the mouth of Balaam.  But he gave Balaak the council regarding how to lead the people of Israel to idol worship and immorality. Because of this 24,000 Israelites were killed (num 25: 9). As revenge for this Israel smote Midianites and killed Ballam along with them.