ADULT HOLINESS QUARTERLY

Arminian in Theology Wesleyan in Doctrine

Holiness in Experience Scriptural in Standards

FIRST QUARTER JAN., FEB., MAR. 2019

Table of Contents
1. Jan. 6 THE TRESPASS OFFERING............................................................ 5
Leviticus 5:17—6:7
2. Jan. 13 STRANGE FIRE ................................................................................12
Leviticus 10:1-11
3. Jan. 20 THE GREAT DAY OF ATONEMENT ..............................................17
Leviticus 16:2-7, 29-33
4. Jan. 27 TEN COMMANDMENTS REVISITED...........................................22
Leviticus 19:1-4, 11-18
5. Feb. 3 THE YEAR OF JUBILEE..................................................................28
Leviticus 25:8-19
6. Feb. 10 BLESSINGS FOR OBEDIENCE ......................................................33
Leviticus 26:1-13
7. Feb. 17 BEING LED OF GOD .......................................................................41
Numbers 9:15-23
8. Feb. 24 UNBRIDLED DESIRES....................................................................46
Numbers 11:4-34
9. Mar. 3 MIRIAM AND AARON ....................................................................51
Numbers 12:4-14
10. Mar. 10 MOSES’ INTERCESSION ................................................................56
Numbers 14:19-31
11. Mar. 17 MOSES’ FAILURE ............................................................................61
Numbers 20:2-12
12. Mar. 24 BALAAM DISOBEYS ......................................................................66
Numbers 22:10-22a
13. Mar. 31 JOSHUA APPOINTED ......................................................................71
Numbers 27:12-23

Kenneth Wize, Editor-in-Chief Kenneth Wize, Editor

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 Introduction
Moses, as the author of the Pentateuch, wrote the books of Leviticus and
Numbers. The book of Leviticus was written following the setting up of the
tabernacle at Mount Sinai. Israel had a central place of worship and the articles for
religious service. Now, they needed the instruction manual regarding the sacrifices
and priesthood. In Exodus we see how God gets His people out of Egypt. In
Leviticus we see how God gets “Egypt” out of His people. Leviticus gives Israel’s
organization for worship. Numbers records her organization for work and warfare.
The book of Numbers chronicles the journeys of Israel through the wilderness and
their final arrival at the plains of Moab before crossing the Jordan and entering
Canaan land.

Leviticus
Though the title, Leviticus, means “pertaining to the Levites,” portions of the
book are specifically addressed to the priesthood, while other portions contain
instructions for all of the people. The New Testament refers to the book of
Leviticus more than ninety times, and Jesus also referred to it (Matt. 8:4; 22:39;
Mark 1:44). The book contains many types and symbols. The New Testament
book of Hebrews tells of the fulfillment of those types.
The repeated use of several words reveals the themes of Leviticus. Words
that appear about ninety times are “holy” and “blood.” Words that appear
approximately fifty times are “sacrifice” and “atonement.” The phrase, “I am the
LORD,” appears in Leviticus more than in any other Old Testament book.
Leviticus 19:2 could be considered the key verse for the book: “Speak unto
all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy:
for I the LORD your God am holy.” The same thought is expressed in other places
in the book, such as 11:45 and 20:7. The key chapter of the book is chapter
sixteen, which gives the details for the Great Day of Atonement.

Outline of Leviticus
Worshiping a Holy God—chs. 1-10
Through Offerings—chs. 1-7
Through Priests—chs. 8-10
Walking With a Holy God—chs. 11-27
Holiness in Daily Life—chs. 11-15
Holiness in National Life—chs. 16, 17
Holiness for the Individual—chs. 18-20
Holy Priests and Holy Feasts—chs. 21-23
Holiness in the Holy Land—chs. 24-27
 The Trespass Offering
Lesson 1 for January 6, 2019
Golden Text: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).
Leviticus 5:17 And if a soul sin, and
commit any of these things which are
forbidden to be done by the command-
ments of the LORD; though he wist it
not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his
iniquity.
18 And he shall bring a ram without
blemish out of the flock, with thy esti-
mation, for a trespass offering, unto the
priest: and the priest shall make an
atonement for him concerning his igno-
rance wherein he erred and wist it not,
and it shall be forgiven him.
19 It is a trespass offering: he hath
certainly trespassed against the LORD.
6:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses,
saying,
2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass
against the LORD, and lie unto his neigh-
bour in that which was delivered him to
keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken
away by violence, or hath deceived his
neighbour;
Daily Devotional Readings
Sunday The Need of a Sacrifice
Monday If the Congregation Sin
Tuesday He Shall Make Restitution
Wednesday An Offering for Sin
Thursday Deliverance Celebrated
Friday How Much More
Saturday By One Offering
January 6, 2019
Leviticus
5:17—6:7
3 Or have found that which was lost,
and lieth concerning it, and sweareth
falsely; in any of all these that a man
doeth, sinning therein:
4 Then it shall be, because he hath
sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore
that which he took violently away, or the
thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or
that which was delivered him to keep, or
the lost thing which he found,
5 Or all that about which he hath
sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in
the principal, and shall add the fifth part
more thereto, and give it unto him to
whom it appertaineth, in the day of his
trespass offering.
6 And he shall bring his trespass offer-
ing unto the LORD, a ram without blem-
ish out of the flock, with thy estimation,
for a trespass offering, unto the priest:
7 And the priest shall make an atone-
ment for him before the LORD: and it
shall be forgiven him for any thing of all
that he hath done in trespassing therein.
Isaiah 59:1-12
Leviticus 4:13-20
Exodus 22:1-9
Isaiah 53:1-12
Deuteronomy 12:5-12
Hebrews 9:6-14
Hebrews 10:1-14
5
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
The first seven chapters of Leviticus describe the offerings which were to be
made at the tabernacle. From the earliest times, sacrifices had been a part of the
approach to and worship of God. Adam, Abel,
Noah, Abraham, and Isaac all had their altars. The Lesson Outline
Now that a central place of worship had been The Burnt Offering
constructed, it was necessary for the people to un- 1:3-17; 6:8-13
derstand what God expected in the way of sacri- The Meat (Meal) Offering
fices. The offerings in these seven chapters may 2:1-16; 6:14-23
be divided into two groups. The first three have The Peace Offering
been called “sweet savor offerings.” They were 3:1-17; 7:11-34
given as voluntary offerings by those in commu- The Sin Offering
nion with God. In one sense they typify Christ’s 4:1—5:13; 6:24-30
willing devotedness to fulfill the divine will. The The Trespass Offering
5:14—6:7; 7:1-7
last two offerings were compulsory if a person
wanted to obtain communion with God.
The offerings were meaningless unless the worshipers had the right attitude
and lived by the laws of the Covenant. Many of the prophets condemned mere rit-
ualism. (See Isa. 1:10-17; Jer. 7:21-26; and Amos 5:21-24.) God’s requirements
were obedience to His laws, and a heartfelt devotion. Without these, the offerings
were worthless. Let us take a look at each of these offerings and their significance.
The offerings are described in 1:1 through 6:7. Added instructions concerning
them are given in 6:8 through 7:38.
The Burnt Offering  1:3-17; 6:8-13
This voluntary offering was brought to the door of the tabernacle. There the
offerer would be identified with the animal by placing his hand upon the animal’s
head. The animal was then slain, and the blood sprinkled around the brazen altar.
The animal was skinned and cut into pieces. The inwards were washed, and the
entire animal was consumed by the fire upon the altar. Only the skin was retained
by the priest. Because the entire animal was consumed, this offering was also
known as the whole burnt offering.
By placing his hand upon the animal’s head, the offerer acknowledged God’s
right to the man’s life and his property. This signified the voluntary devotion of his
being and possessions to God. Only animals that were considered “clean” could
be used for this offering. Each morning and evening a lamb was to be offered as a
whole burnt offering. Although different animals were allowed, according to the
ability of the offerer, each had to be “a male without blemish.” Solomon, at the
6 ADULT
dedication of the temple, sacrificed twenty-two thousand oxen (1 Kgs. 8:63).
Mary, for her purification, brought a pair of turtledoves (Lk. 2:24). God does not
expect more than what we have to give.
This offering typified Christ, Who was led as a lamb to the slaughter (Isa.
53:7). He presented Himself to the Father to do His will. “Be ye therefore follow-
ers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and
hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling
savour” (Eph. 5:1, 2). As Christ gave Himself to the Father, even so we are called
upon to present ourselves unto God as “a living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1, 2). Like
the morning and evening sacrifices which were to be offered continually, the be-
liever’s life is one of continual consecration and service.
The Meat (Meal) Offering  2:1-16; 6:14-23
In the King James Version, the word “meat” signified all kinds of food. An
example would be when Jesus used the phrase “I have meat to eat that ye know
not of” (Jn. 4:32). There was no flesh sacrificed in this offering. It consisted of
parched grain, unbaked flour, or baked loaves. Either in or on the offering, were
added the ingredients of oil, salt, and frankincense. No offering was to include
leaven or honey. A portion of the offering was burnt on the brazen altar, and the
rest was given to the officiating priest.
When this offering was given, there was no sense of it being an atonement
for sin. Rather, it was an expression of gratitude for God’s goodness. It was an of-
fering of thanksgiving, and included the concept of consecration to God’s service.
Our hearts should be filled with gratitude for God’s goodness. Our labors are to be
invested in the support and advancement of His kingdom. Christ gave Himself in
loving service to His Father and to mankind.
“Christ was the ‘corn of wheat’ bruised in the ‘mill of Calvary,’ mixed with
the ‘oil of the Holy Spirit,’ seasoned with the ‘salt of incorruption,’ and offered
with the ‘frankincense of a holy life.’ In Him was no corrupting leaven or souring
honey; and when offered, He became the Bread of Life” (Clarence Larkin).
The Peace Offerings  3:1-17; 7:11-34
The peace offering was the only sacrifice from which the offerer received a
portion. The animal offered could be a male or female, but it had to be without
blemish. After the animal was slain and its blood sprinkled at the altar, the animal
was divided into portions. The fat, kidneys, and rump were burned on the altar.
The priest received the breast and right shoulder. The remainder was eaten by the
worshiper, his family, servants, and friends. The offering symbolized the blessing
of fellowship which the offerer enjoyed with God. The meal enjoyed with the fam-
ily was a time of festivity and rejoicing.
There were actually two kinds of peace offerings. One was a thanksgiving of-
fering, which had to be eaten on the same day in which it was offered. The other
January 6, 2019 7
peace offering was given in relation to a vow. That offering could be eaten on the
first day and the second day. If eating of either of the offerings was carried over to
an additional day, the offering was not accepted by God.
The apostle Paul stated that it was through Christ that both the Jews and
Gentiles could be brought into fellowship with God the Father. “For he is our
peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of parti-
tion between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of com-
mandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new
man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body
by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Eph. 2:14-16). Christ gave Him-
self as our Peace Offering so we could have fellowship with God.
The Sin Offering  4:1—5:13; 6:24-30
The last two offerings were to remove the guilt of sin, and to restore the of-
ferer’s relationship with God. Access to God was restored by the shed blood. “It is
the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Lev. 17:11).
The sin offering was made to cover sins of error, weakness, and ignorance.
The offering could be made for anyone—a priest (v. 3), a ruler (v. 22), or a com-
mon person (v. 27). Through the blood, a pardon was available to all. An offering
could be made for even the entire congregation (v. 13).
On the great Day of Atonement, a sin offering was made for the high priest,
and a second sin offering for all the people. A significant aspect of this offering
was the application of the blood inside the tabernacle. The blood was sprinkled be-
fore the veil, and applied to the horns of the incense altar. The remainder of the
blood was poured out at the brazen altar. The fat, kidneys, and rump were burned
on the brazen altar. The rest of the body was taken outside the camp to a clean
place and burned. At other times during the year, after the inwards were burned,
the carcass was given to the priest, who boiled it and ate it in the court of the
tabernacle (6:25, 26).
The sin offering is, of course, a type representing Christ, Who made atone-
ment for the guilt of sin. “By his own blood he entered in once into the holy
place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12). It was Christ
Who suffered without the gate that He might sanctify the people. “For the bodies
of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for
sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify
the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate” (Heb. 13:11, 12). The
book of Hebrews reveals that the Old Testament sacrifices could not make the of-
ferer perfect. It took the blood of Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God (John 1:29).
The Trespass Offering  5:14—6:7; 7:1-7
The trespass offering was distinct from the sin offering in that it was given
on account of an offense which involved personal injury in regard to holy things
8 ADULT
or injury to a person in regard to property. There was no graduation of acceptable
offerings dependent on the circumstances of the offerer. A ram without blemish
was required. In some cases there was also a restitution made equal to the value of
the loss, plus an additional fifth part. In these offerings the blood was sprinkled on
the brazen altar, but was not brought into the tabernacle.
The verses of 5:14-19 focus on a trespass “in the holy things of the LORD.”
This sin could be the failure in the payment of firstfruits, of tithes, or of fees con-
nected with worship. The offense could also be committed if a person took and ate
that which rightfully belonged to the priest. It involved the things which were con-
secrated to God and to holy uses, such as the requirement to offer the firstborn of
the cattle.
The trespass offering was provided for the individual who did not realize that
he was violating the laws of God. It was not provided for a person to presume
upon the mercy of God, do wrong, and then make a sacrifice later. Such a person
was to be “cut off from among his people.” (Read Numbers 15:29-31.) The tres-
pass offering was for those who had sinned “through ignorance”—“he wist it
not.” When the offerer realized his trespass, the priest was to make an estimation
of that which had been withheld from God. The offerer was required to make
restitution, and to add a “fifth part” to the estimation. Thereby the offerer learned
that there was no profit in taking or using what belonged to God.
The verses in chapter six relate to trespasses in common
things, such as a violation of another person’s property. However, No sin
this was also considered “a trespass against the LORD.” Ulti- will be
mately all sin is an affront to God’s authority, and no sin will be overlooked.
overlooked. There must be a sense of accountability to God for
our daily actions.
A trespass was committed when a person was deceitful about “that which
was delivered him to keep.” He might deny that he ever received the items, or in-
sist that he had already returned them. The words “in fellowship” mean “in
putting of the hand.” An individual has made an agreement with another and
sealed it with a handshake, but he failed to keep his word. It might have been a
partnership in which a person committed finances for the venture into the hand of
the other. However, the receiver kept and spent the money as his own. Perhaps the
sin was committed by a seller of goods who received payment but insists he was
never paid—or a purchaser who insists that he had paid when he had not. Other
trespasses were committed when something was taken by violence—without the
will or consent of the owner. To gain something by fraud, “deceitfully gotten,”
was also a trespass.
Who hasn’t found something laying along the side of the road? There should
be an honest effort to locate the owner of “the lost thing which he found.” An in-
dividual may be approached regarding the property of another, and he solemnly
January 6, 2019 9
affirms that he does not have it. If the item does turn up in his possession, he has
committed a trespass.
The individual who has been found guilty of any of the above—denying a
trust, defrauding a partner, disowning a manifest wrong, deceiving in commerce,
or detaining what is found—has committed a trespass. Convicted by his con-
science, he now comes forth and confesses his wrong. First he restores the proper-
ty with the additional 20 percent. Then he brings his trespass offering unto the
Lord. “Restitution to man must accompany repentance toward God” (John Wes-
ley). Jesus said, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remem-
berest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the
altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer
thy gift” (Matt. 5:23, 24).
The offerer who followed God’s directions found full pardon for his tres-
pass—“it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done.” All man-
ner of sin may be forgiven for Christ’s sake, He who made His soul an offering for
sin (Isa. 53:10). Repentance, restitution, reformation, and faith in the shed blood
of Christ bring a full pardon. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto
himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them” (2 Cor. 5:19).
The Old Testament worshipers, in their sacrifices, looked forward to the ful-
fillment in the sacrifice of Christ. Their offerings were accepted because of their
faith. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by
which he obtained witness that he was righteous” (Heb. 11:4). We look back to
the sacrifice of Christ. By faith in His atoning sacrifice, we are justified; and by
faith we are sanctified.
Golden Text
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).
The beginning of salvation is the acknowledgment of wickedness and the
need of pardon. Guilt, to be forgiven, must be confessed. To confess is to agree
with the verdict of God regarding our conduct, words, and thoughts. It is accom-
panied by a deep sense of guilt and a spirit of humility. “He that covereth his sins
shall not prosper” (Prov. 28:13). But “if we confess our sins” (acts of transgres-
sion), God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 Jn. 1:9).
God is faithful in dealing with the lost to rescue them from hell. He is faith-
ful in keeping His promises. He can be trusted. God is just (righteous) in that He
acts properly in regard to the circumstances of the case. He shows a proper regard
to the sacrifice which was made by His Son, and on that basis offers pardon to all.
Through the shed blood of the Saviour there is both remission of guilt and
cleansing. “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 Jn.
1:7). A person must be forgiven for the wicked deeds which he has done. Then
10 ADULT
God also has a solution for the evil nature within which caused the deeds to be
committed. God will cleanse the heart of all filthiness, everything that is contrary
to the nature of God. This is accomplished by an instantaneous work of grace
known as sanctification. “It is the birthright of every child of God to be cleansed
from all sin, to keep himself unspotted from the world, and so to live as never
more to offend his Maker” (Adam Clarke).

January 6, 2019 11
 Strange Fire
Lesson 2 for January 13, 2019
Golden Text: “God is greatly to be feared in the
assembly of the saints, and to be hand in reverence
of all them that are about him” (Psa. 89:7).
Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu,
the sons of Aaron, took either of them
his censer, and put fire therein, and put
incense thereon, and offered strange fire
before the LORD, which he commanded
them not.
2 And there went out fire from the
LORD, and devoured them, and they
died before the LORD.
3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is
it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be
sanctified in them that come nigh me,
and before all the people I will be glori-
fied. And Aaron held his peace.
4 And Moses called Mishael and Elza-
phan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of
Aaron, and said unto them, Come near,
carry your brethren from before the
sanctuary out of the camp.
5 So they went near, and carried them
in their coats out of the camp; as Moses
had said.
6 And Moses said unto Aaron, and
unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons,
Uncover not your heads, neither rend
Daily Devotional Readings
Sunday The Favored Sons
Monday A Father Warned
Tuesday Judgment on Deception
Wednesday An Undefiled Priesthood
Thursday Wrath Upon the People
Friday Give Glory to My Name
Saturday Cause To Understand
12
Leviticus
10:1-11
your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath
come upon all the people: but let your
brethren, the whole house of Israel, be-
wail the burning which the LORD hath
kindled.
7 And ye shall not go out from the
door of the tabernacle of the congrega-
tion, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of
the LORD is upon you. And they did ac-
cording to the word of Moses.
8 And the LORD spake unto Aaron,
saying,
9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink,
thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go
into the tabernacle of the congregation,
lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever
throughout your generations:
10 And that ye may put difference
between holy and unholy, and between
unclean and clean;
11 And that ye may teach the children
of Israel all the statutes which the LORD
hath spoken unto them by the hand of
Moses.
Exodus 24:1-11
1 Samuel 3:8-18
Acts 5:1-11
Leviticus 21:1-12
Numbers 16:39-50
Malachi 2:1-9
Nehemiah 8:1-8
ADULT
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
In the first seven chapters of Leviticus, God gave to Moses the instructions
regarding the sacrifices which were to be made in the tabernacle. Chapters eight
and nine record the consecration and inauguration of Aaron and his four sons into
the office of the priesthood. Aaron would be the officiating high priest. The time
of consecration lasted seven days; on the eighth day, Aaron assumed his priestly
responsibilities. All had been done accord-
ing to God’s directives, and God was The Lesson Outline
pleased. His glory “appeared unto all the Punished Presumption  vv. 1-3
people,” and fire came out from before Forlorn Funeral  vv. 4-7
the Lord and consumed the offerings upon Imperative Instructions  vv. 8-11
the brazen altar.
Nadab and Abihu were the two oldest sons of Aaron. They had received spe-
cial recognition when they were selected to accompany Moses, Aaron, and seven-
ty elders of Israel upon Mount Sinai. There they saw God, and ate and drank in
God’s presence (Ex. 24:9-11). Before the tabernacle had been erected, Aaron and
his four sons had been singled out to minister in the priest’s office (Ex. 28:1).
Punished Presumption  vv. 1-3
There have been many speculations as to why Nadab and Abihu were slain.
Some feel that it was because they failed to use the incense which God had pre-
scribed (Ex. 30:34-38). Perhaps it was because they failed to acquire the fire from
the “altar before the LORD” (Lev. 16:12). Could God have been displeased be-
cause they were offering incense at the wrong time, and intruding into a responsi-
bility that was their father’s (Ex. 30:7, 8)? Some writers, drawing an inference
from verse nine, have suggested that they were struck down for being intoxicated.
What can definitely be said is that they were attempting to perform priestly func-
tions contrary to the command of God. They were acting contrary to God’s will.
The word “strange” could also be translated as “unauthorized.” They acted in
the things of God without seeking the mind of God. It is likely that Nadab and Abihu
were feeling elated. This was the first day of the established priesthood. They were
the ones who had been favored to go up on Mount Sinai, and now they were the offi-
cial priests before the people. The people had just fallen on their faces as the fire of
God consumed the burnt offering. What better time for the priests to step forward? It
would certainly be noteworthy in the eyes of the people for these new priests to offer
incense to God. But this was an act which God “commanded them not.” This was a
self-willed act of worship. They were performing religious duties without due love
or regard for God. They lacked due respect for sacred things.
January 13, 2019 13
They did what looked good without God's direction / go ahead
What appears to be "good", is evil without God's Approval
I Cor. 13:2 - "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and
though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
It is easy to say God will approve when our minds are made up to do something

God did not need any human innovations in the manner of worship which He
had prescribed. The worship and the types of the Old Testament prefigured the
ministry of Christ. To add to or detract from them assumed God’s position, Who
alone determined their purpose and symbolism. Moses later cautioned the Is-
raelites, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye
diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your
God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2). To be careless, or to ignore God’s com-
mands, is to dishonor Him and exalts the human above Deity. Such action is to
presume upon the mercy of God. “But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously,
whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD;
and that soul shall be cut off from among his people” (Num. 15:30).
In chapters eight and nine, obedience to divine
Do Not Presume Upon directives ultimately led to fire from God consuming
God’s Commands the sacrifices in gracious approval. In chapter ten, ig-
norant or presumptive action without a divine direc-
tive resulted in fire from God consuming the violators in immediate judgment.
The fire, which had sanctified the ministry of Aaron, now destroyed his sons.
“I will be sanctified [reverenced as holy] in them that come nigh [approach
unto] me, and before all the people I will be glorified [honored].” There is need
for a cautious and reverent approach to the Divine Presence (Ex. 19:22). The Holy
God is not to be lightly esteemed or mocked. The priests were to manifest the fact
that God is holy and requires holiness in His people. He is to be held in highest re-
gard and meticulously obeyed. There is a proper way to approach God, and that
way brings blessing and happiness.
Aaron “held his peace.” He recognized the presumption of his sons, and he
submitted to the judgement of God without murmuring. As their father, he was
brokenhearted; but he would not honor his sons more than God. They had been cut
off for their misdeed. Aaron must not appear to countenance their sin. Acts of di-
vine justice are not to be complained of, but submitted to. Gal. 1:10 - "for if I yet pleased men, I should

What do you think?

not be the servant of Christ."
v.2 - that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between

Uzziah the king also presumed to offer incense (2 Chr. 26:16-21).

unclean and clean;

Those who have the privilege of being nearest to God must bear special re-
sponsibility to exemplify His holiness and glory.
The worship of God is not a “do as I please” or an “it doesn’t matter”
religion.
How can we, as priests of the most High God, bring honor unto Him?
Forlorn Funeral  vv. 4-7
Aaron and his two remaining sons had been consecrated as priests. As such,
they were not to contaminate themselves by contact with dead bodies. They still

14 ADULT
had the responsibility of officiating in the priests’ offices. Therefore, Moses called
on Mishael and Elzaphan to remove the bodies from the tabernacle area. These
men were Kohathites, cousins to Aaron and Moses. The fire which smote Nadab
and Abihu took their lives, but did not destroy their bodies or their garments. The
dead were buried outside of the camp so the people would not be defiled by touch-
ing the graves. How indicative of the fact that the God who put Spirits in man has the power to immediately take it out and cast into

Aaron and his two remaining sons were not allowed to mourn. They must not
hell and everlasting punishment

appear to countenance the sins of Nadab and Abihu. To do so could be considered

as accusing God of injustice. As priests, they must maintain the honor of Jehovah
and inspire the people to reverence God. However, the “whole house of Israel”
was permitted to mourn over the deaths. The Israelites needed to let the sobriety of
the situation settle in on them. God is to be reverenced; the worship of Him is to
be taken seriously. Aaron and his sons were not to leave the tabernacle area. The
anointing oil, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, was upon them; and they were under
obligation to continue in their sacred service.
What do you think?
The high priest could not defile himself for even the death of his father or
mother (Lev. 21:10-12).
Spiritual leaders have a responsibility to uphold the honor of God regardless
of the amount of personal suffering.
Imperative Instructions  vv. 8-11
The phrase, “the LORD spake unto Aaron,” is recorded only three times in
the entire Pentateuch (Lev. 10:8; Num. 18:8 and 20). In such an hour of grief and
emotional trauma, Aaron needed to hear from God. Yet God’s words were more
than comforting; they were instructive. Because of the wording of verse nine,
some Bible expositors speculate that Nadab and Abihu were intoxicated when they
came before the tabernacle. A similar injunction is recorded in Ezek. 44:21. One
commentator wrote, “Surely we ought to be above reproach at all times in this
matter. Social drinking is the allurement of Satan. The only option for a believer
who desires to maintain a good testimony is total abstinence.” There is no room in God's Kingdom
Nadab and Abihu lacked the clear, calm reflection which was necessary for
for a drunk priest

right action and understanding. The priests were to make the distinction between
the holy and profane, between the clean and the unclean. They were to discern and
make judgments regarding that which would cause defilement. The next chapters
in Leviticus deal with making judgments regarding persons, times, places, etc.
The priests were also to “teach the children of Israel all the statutes” of the
Lord. This not only entailed verbal instruction, but also personal example. It was
the duty of the priest to live a holy life before his people. It was the priest’s task to
teach the Israelites the way of holiness.
January 13, 2019 15
What do you think?
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit”
(Eph. 5:18).
“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22).
Our lives will either confirm or refute our testimony.
Golden Text
“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in
reverence of all them that are about him” (Psa. 89:7).
God should be approached with reverential awe. When we consider His infi-
nite power, unerring justice, resplendent holiness, gracious goodness, and extend-
ed mercy, our hearts should be filled with adoration and gratitude. As the saints
gather for worship, there is mutual encouragement and edification. But the focus
must be the united worship of a thrice Holy God. Be alert to undue commonness
or familiarity with the spiritual. Knowing that His eyes are upon us, how could we
trifle and be thoughtless? Our attitude will be manifested by our conduct. “In all
religious assemblies the deepest reverence for God should rest upon the people.
Where this does not prevail, there is no true worship” (A. Clarke).
The fear of God is not a dread, but a holy reverence which is also filled with
unutterable joy. The child of God experiences fulfillment and the sweetest peace in
the presence of the Father. From the heart of the child flows the prayer—“Hal-
lowed be thy name.” Matthew Henry states, “Those only serve God acceptably
who serve Him with reverence and godly fear (Heb. 12:28).”
Earthly Kings receive immense respect and reverence from the same knights who love them, stand by
them, protect their name, die for them.

16 ADULT
 The Great Day of Atonement
Lesson 3 for January 20, 2019
Golden Text: “How much more shall the blood of
Christ, who . . . offered himself without spot to God,
purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (Heb. 9:14).
Leviticus 16:2 And the LORD said unto
Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother,
that he come not at all times into the
holy place within the vail before the
mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that
he die not: for I will appear in the cloud
upon the mercy seat.
3 Thus shall Aaron come into the holy
place: with a young bullock for a sin of-
fering, and a ram for a burnt offering.
4 He shall put on the holy linen coat,
and he shall have the linen breeches
upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a
linen girdle, and with the linen mitre
shall he be attired: these are holy gar-
ments; therefore shall he wash his flesh
in water, and so put them on.
5 And he shall take of the congrega-
tion of the children of Israel two kids of
the goats for a sin offering, and one ram
for a burnt offering.
6 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of
the sin offering, which is for himself, and
make an atonement for himself, and for
his house.
7 And he shall take the two goats,
and present them before the LORD
Daily Devotional Readings
Sunday Christ Was Once Offered
Monday Redemption in Jesus
Tuesday He Ever Liveth
Wednesday A Sabbath of Rest
Thursday A Prayer for Restoration
Friday I Will Bless the Lord
Saturday He Humbled Himself
January 20, 2019
Leviticus
16:2-7, 29-33
at the door of the tabernacle of the
congregation.
29 And this shall be a statute for ever
unto you: that in the seventh month, on
the tenth day of the month, ye shall af-
flict your souls, and do no work at all,
whether it be one of your own country,
or a stranger that sojourneth among you:
30 For on that day shall the priest
make an atonement for you, to cleanse
you, that ye may be clean from all your
sins before the LORD.
31 It shall be a sabbath of rest unto
you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a
statute for ever.
32 And the priest, whom he shall
anoint, and whom he shall consecrate
to minister in the priest's office in his fa-
ther's stead, shall make the atonement,
and shall put on the linen clothes, even
the holy garments:
33 And he shall make an atonement
for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make
an atonement for the tabernacle of the
congregation, and for the altar, and he
shall make an atonement for the priests,
and for all the people of the congregation.
Hebrews 9:19-28
Romans 3:20-26
Hebrews 7:17-27
Leviticus 23:23-32
Psalm 51:1-13
Psalm 103:1-12
Philippians 2:5-11
17
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
The Great Day of Atonement was without doubt the most significant day in
the life of the Jewish people. It was on this day that the high priest entered into the
Holy of Holies to stand before the very presence of God. There he was to obtain
forgiveness, first for himself, and then for the children of Israel. The rituals which
he performed on this day foreshadowed the atonement which Christ made for all
mankind.
Nadab and Abihu had endeavored to draw near to God in an unauthorized
manner. Their deaths warned the people that God could not be approached in a
careless or irreverent way. Moses was now di-
rected to instruct Aaron so that he and his pos- The Lesson Outline
terity might know how they were to approach An Overview of the Day
God. Thus, if the high priest entered according The Significance of the Day
to God’s directives, he need not fear that he The Perpetuation of the Day
might be slain.
Common priests went into the holy place daily to tend the table of shew-
bread, the candlestick, and to burn incense on the altar. The Holy of Holies was to
be entered only by the high priest one time during the year. It was there in the
Holy of Holies that God was manifested in the cloud of His Shekinah glory. The
high priest’s coming into God’s presence was the nearest and most solemn ap-
proach to God made by man.
Through Christ, we, as believers, have access to God the Father every day.
We may confidently present our petitions before Him. “Let us therefore come
boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to
help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).
The early portion of chapter sixteen contains the initial instructions given to
Aaron. Then follow the details of the offerings. The chapter closes with directives
given to the Israelite nation concerning this sacred day.
An Overview of the Day
When a person considers the verses of this chapter, the following order of
events emerges. It is assumed by commentators that the high priest would first
offer up the usual daily sacrifices. After this he was to put aside the regal apparel
of the high priest, “wash his flesh in water,” and put on holy garments (v. 4).
These garments were made of white linen, and consisted of a coat, pants, waist-
band, and hat. These garments depicted the holiness which was required to enter
the presence of God. Aaron wore the regular attire of the high priest when he was

18 ADULT
ministering in behalf of others. On this day he must first make a sacrifice for him-
self; thus, he was to wear simple garments, denoting humility.
The words “holy place,” in verse three, actually refer to the sanctuary or the
tabernacle courtyard. Aaron was to come into the courtyard with “a young bullock
for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.” The offering of a ram signi-
fied an act of entire consecration to God. Also, two goats were to be brought for a
sin offering for the children of Israel, and a ram for a burnt offering. The first ani-
mal sacrificed was the bullock to “make an atonement for himself and for his
house.” Such were the imperfections of the Levitical priesthood that atonement
had to be made for them before they could make sacrifices for the people. The
body of the bullock was burned without the camp, and the body of the ram would
be burnt upon the brazen altar.
Next, Aaron was to take “a censer full of burning coals” from the brazen
altar, and handfuls of “sweet incense.” With these he was to enter behind the veil,
and place the incense upon the fire. The cloud of incense would fill the Holy of
Holies, and cover the mercy seat “that he die not.” After the cloud had covered
the mercy seat, Aaron took the blood of the bullock and, using his finger, sprin-
kled it upon and before the mercy seat. Returning to the courtyard, Aaron cast lots
upon the two goats. One would be slain, and the other would be the scapegoat.
The two goats (serving as one sacrifice) were needed to bring out the meaning.
The first would be a sacrifice for sin; the second would bear away the sins of the
people “into the wilderness.” Having made atonement for himself, he now makes
atonement for the people. Aaron was to kill the goat of the sin offering, and then
bring the blood within the veil. There he would sprinkle the blood upon and before
the mercy seat as he had done with the blood of the bullock.
Because of the sins of the people, God considered even the tabernacle to
have been defiled (15:31). Therefore, Aaron was to make an atonement for the
holy place, the tabernacle, and the altar. He did this with the blood of the bullock
and of the goat (vv. 16-19). No other man was to be in the tabernacle while the
sacrifices were slain and the blood was being sprinkled.
Aaron now placed his hands on the head of the live goat, and confessed “all
the iniquities of the children of Israel.” Upon this goat then rested the sins, trans-
gressions, and spiritual failures of the people. A “fit man,” a responsible man who
could be trusted, was then given the task of taking the goat out “unto a land not
inhabited.” This wilderness was a place of separation, a land of forgetfulness.
Sins had not only been atoned for by the death of the first goat, but Israel’s sins
had also been carried away and forgotten. “In those days, and in that time, saith
the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none;
and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found” (Jer. 50:20).
As the scapegoat is led away, Aaron turns and enters the holy place. There he
removes the linen garments, washes with water, and puts on the garments of the
January 20, 2019 19
high priest (vv. 23, 24). Attired now in his regal garments, he sacrifices the ram as
a burnt offering for himself, and the people’s ram as a burnt offering. The fat of
the sin offering is also consumed on the brazen altar.
The Significance of the Day
The events of the Great Day of Atonement prefigured the atoning ministry of
Jesus Christ for mankind. The Son of God laid aside His heavenly splendor, hum-
bled Himself, and took upon Him the form of common man. Jesus was the “mer-
ciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation
for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17).
Jesus lived a sinless, spotless life. He was holy, harmless, and undefiled
(Heb. 7:26). Therefore, He had no need to make an atonement for Himself. He be-
came the spotless Lamb of God who would give His life for the sins of mankind.
The blood of animal sacrifices could not make the offerers perfect before God. It
was the blood of Christ which “obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12).
The offering of the two goats also prefigured Christ’s act of redemption. He
who knew no sin became the Sin Offering for us. It was He who bore our sins on
the cross (1 Pet. 2:24). Isaiah recorded that the LORD laid on Christ “the iniquity
of us all,” and that Jesus bore “our griefs and carried
our sorrows.” John the Baptist declared that Jesus was The blood of Christ
“the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the cleanses from all sin.
world” (Jn. 1:29). Our sins have been buried in the sea
of God’s forgetfulness, never to be remembered against us anymore. They are sep-
arated from us as far as the east is from the west (Psa. 103:12).
Having made atonement for all mankind, Christ now sits at the right hand of
God the Father. He is again robed in eternal glory and splendor. The burnt offer-
ings of total consecration typify the intercession which He is making for a sancti-
fied, holy people.
The Perpetuation of the Day
In the last verses of chapter sixteen, God gives the children of Israel some in-
structions regarding this Great Day of Atonement. It is to be held annually on the
tenth day of their seventh month. In this month there were also two feasts. The
Feast of Trumpets was celebrated on the first day of this month, and the Feast of
Tabernacles on the fourteenth day of the month.
The Day of Atonement was to be observed as a sacred Sabbath. The people
were to “afflict your souls,” to humble themselves. This often involved fasting
(Psa. 35:13). Thus, this was the only public fast commanded by the law. No work
was to be done on this day (v. 29). These regulations were to apply to all the peo-
ple and to any stranger which was staying in the land. There was to be no excep-
tions, and no excuses were to be made. The observance of this day was to be “a
statute for ever.”

20 ADULT
 A phrase which appears six times in these last six verses is “make an atone-
ment.” The verses contain a summary of all that atonement was made for—the
holy sanctuary, the tabernacle, the altar, the priests, and all the people. The pur-
pose is stated in verse thirty: “that ye may be clean from all your sins.” However,
because the Day of Atonement was to be observed annually, it indicates the inade-
quacy to do away with sin. The power of sin in the lives of the people continued to
be manifest. They needed to be forgiven again and again. The types manifest in
the Day of Atonement had to be fulfilled in the atoning work of the Son of God.
The shedding of His blood provided the ultimate means to break sin’s hold on
mankind. Through the atonement which Christ provided, men are forgiven,
cleansed from sin, and live free from sin.
What do you think?
The mercy of God is obtained through the shed blood of Christ.
Christ was “delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justifica-
tion” (Rom. 4:25).
Golden Text
“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal
Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from
dead works to serve the living God?” (Heb. 9:14).
The blood of bulls and goats did not furnish a permanent relief from a guilty
conscience (Heb. 9:9). It took the blood of Christ, Who “offered himself without
spot to God.” The Jewish sacrifices had to be perfect to be acceptable to God.
Christ was without spot, sinless, for He had perfectly fulfilled the will of God. He
gave His life voluntarily; no man could take Christ’s life from Him.
It is the blood of Christ that can “purge your conscience from dead works.”
A mind disturbed by the recollection of guilt can be cleansed and set at ease by the
atoning grace of the Saviour. The fruitless life full of dead works can be trans-
formed into a life of joyful service to “the living God.” Now living a life of per-
fect love and spotless holiness, the individual is enabled to serve God acceptably.

January 20, 2019 21

 Ten Commandments Leviticus
Revisited 19:1-4, 11-18

Lesson 4 for January 27, 2019

Golden Text: “But as he which hath called you is
holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Pet. 1:15).

Leviticus 19:1 And the LORD spake
unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto all the congregation of
the children of Israel, and say unto them,
Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God
am holy.
3 Ye shall fear every man his mother,
and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I
am the LORD your God.
4 Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to
yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD
your God.
11 Ye shall not steal, neither deal
falsely, neither lie one to another.
12 And ye shall not swear by my
name falsely, neither shalt thou profane
the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
13 Thou shalt not defraud thy neigh-
bour, neither rob him: the wages of him
that is hired shall not abide with thee all
night until the morning.
14 Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor
put a stumblingblock before the blind,
but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.
15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in
judgment: thou shalt not respect the
person of the poor, nor honour the per-
son of the mighty: but in righteousness
shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
16 Thou shalt not go up and down as
a talebearer among thy people: neither
shalt thou stand against the blood of thy
neighbour: I am the LORD.
17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in
thine heart: thou shalt in any wise re-
buke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin
upon him.
18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear
any grudge against the children of thy
people, but thou shalt love thy neigh-
bour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Daily Devotional Readings

Sunday Keep the Sabbath Exodus 31:12-18
Monday Amend Your Ways Jeremiah 7:3-12
Tuesday Being a Stumbling Block 1 Corinthians 8:4-13
Wednesday A New Covenant 1 John 2:4-11
Thursday Love One Another 1 John 3:10-18
Friday Be Ye Perfect Matthew 5:38-48
Saturday The Greatest Commandments Mark 12:28-34
22 ADULT
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
Teachers know that one of the keys to learning is repetition. Can you recall
the many times you went over multiplication tables or spelling words in order to
learn them? The children of Israel had come out of four hundred years of living in
Egyptian culture. Now they were to learn a completely new lifestyle, a life that
would be pleasing to God. The time which they spent at Mount Sinai was part of
the training process. God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses while he was on
the mount. Moses then delivered God’s laws to the people. They solemnly af-
firmed that they would keep God’s commandments. Now the tabernacle has been
erected, an order of priesthood set up, and the
sacrifices established. It is time for the Is- The Lesson Outline
raelites to be reminded of the laws which Duties Toward God  vv. 1-4
they said they would keep. The Ten Com- Duties Toward Man  vv. 11-18
mandments appear in this passage in a differ-
ent order than presented in Exodus 20. The wording is slightly different, and there
are also some added explanations. However, the fundamental principles are un-
changed. God’s laws are once more brought to the attention of the people, and
more deeply ingrained in their minds.
Duties Toward God  vv. 1-4
Moses was instructed to “speak unto all the congregation of the children of
Israel.” All were to hear and be reminded. No one was excluded from the necessi-
ty of obedience. The old manners and practices of Egypt must be shed; God will
have a holy and a separated people.
The keynote of the book of Leviticus is “ye shall be holy.” (Read Leviticus
11:44, 45.) God is holy in His nature, in His laws, and in His dealings with man.
Thus, we also are to be holy—free from defilement and entirely consecrated to
God. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation” (1 Pet. 1:15). We are to be free from all sin and conformed to God’s
nature and to His will. It was for this cause that Christ gave His life—“Who gave
himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto him-
self a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14).
The basis of God’s laws for man is His own holy nature. Moral issues are not
subjective or changeable in relation to time and situation. There is an objective, un-
changing basis for truth and right. Human morality must be based on the unchang-
ing, holy nature of God. Otherwise, every man would do what was right in his own
eyes, and society would become chaotic. Moral relativism produces destruction.
January 27, 2019 23
 There are two positive commands in the Decalogue—remember the Sabbath
day, and honor thy father and thy mother (Ex. 20:8, 12). Both of these commands
are in verse three of our lesson. To “fear every man his mother and his father”
involves the attitudes of reverence (respect) and obedience. This is coupled with
love and affection. There is a necessity of children submitting to parental authority
and training (Eph. 6:1-3). Both parents are indicated to show that the duty is due
to both. The child who learns to respect (fear) his parents will grow up with an
inner inclination to reverence and obey God. It is also the responsibility of parents
to train their children to keep the Sabbath day holy (Ex. 20:10). This command
refers primarily to the weekly Sabbaths, but it also applies to various other Sab-
baths, such as the Great Day of Atonement.
The phrase, “I am the LORD,” appears at least fifteen times in this chapter.
It is also the opening words of the Decalogue (Ex. 20:2). In Leviticus 19, after
each command or set of commands, you will find the phrase repeated. The reason
the people are to obey is because the LORD (Jehovah) is their God. He is the Cre-
ator and Sustainer of mankind. Thus, He has the authority to determine the laws of
man’s existence. He knows what will result in man’s ultimate happiness and good.
Therefore, He gives us His laws for our benefit and because He loves us.
Read the second commandment of the Decalogue (Ex. 20:4-6), and compare
it to verse four of our lesson. The Hebrew word for idols can also be translated as
“nothings, or vanities.” The apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 8:4 also calls an idol a “noth-
ing.” Idols have no vital being or power to do good or evil (Isa. 41:23). Their rep-
resentations of hands, legs, eyes, and ears are nonfunctional. They are inanimate,
dead. The children of Israel were instructed, “Turn ye not unto idols.” Do not
look to them for guidance or assistance; they cannot give it. “I am the LORD
your God,” the true and living God, who only is to be worshiped. Only the true
God can deliver, sustain, and direct men.
Duties Toward Man  vv. 11-18
The second table of the Decalogue (commands 5-10) deals with our duties to
our fellowman. In Leviticus 19:11-18, some of these commands are unfolded and
clarified in meaning. The eighth commandment is “Thou shalt not steal” (Ex.
20:15). To steal is to take another’s belongings in a covert manner. Verse eleven of
our lesson deals with injury done to others by deceitfulness—to steal, to deceive,
to lie. A person “deals falsely” when he damages that which has been committed
to his care, and refuses to pay for the damage. To be dishonest in trading, or to de-
fraud another person, is also to deal falsely. “Lie not one to another” (Col. 3:9).
We are to be honest in all our dealings and conversation.
In relation to conversation, God reemphasizes the third commandment,
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Ex. 20:7). To
swear by His “name falsely” is to call upon Him as a witness of the truth when
24 ADULT
what has been stated is a falsehood. “In the name of Jehovah, this is the truth”—
but it is an untruth. In a more defined sense, it could also include the use of God’s
attributes to affirm an untrue statement—“By the goodness of God, I. . . .” To pro-
fane the name of God is to use it lightly or for an unholy use. Common cursing is
an example of profaning God’s name. We must reverence the name of God, be
careful in its usage. Again God seals this command with the words, “I am the
LORD.” He is the Almighty God, and His name is holy.
The subject returns to the dealings of men in the remaining verses. Verse thir-
teen deals with injury done by abuse of power—defraud (extort), rob, hold back
earned wages. We are not to defraud secretly or to rob openly, to take or to keep
that which belongs to another. The wages of a day laborer were to be paid each
evening at the completion of his work. The wages earned were for the sustenance
of the man and his family (Deut. 14:15, James 5:4). This commandment does not
apply to the individual who has agreed to be paid on a regular basis, such as week-
ly or monthly. Those wages are to be paid when the agreed-upon time arrives.
It is a heinous act to take advantage of, or to injure, the person who cannot
defend himself. To speak evil of the person who cannot hear gives him no oppor-
tunity to vindicate himself. The same is true of speaking in a derogatory manner of
a person who is not present. The “blind” not only refers to the
physically blind, but also to those who are ignorant or easily led Do unto
astray into error (Deut. 27:18, Rom. 14:13). “The spirit and de- others. . . .
sign of these precepts are, that no man shall in any case take ad-
vantage of the ignorance, simplicity, or inexperience of his neighbor” (A. Clarke).
A worthwhile guide is the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12). In all cases we are to “fear
thy God.” Though the deaf cannot hear the curses, nor the blind see the stumbling
block, God both hears and sees. “I am the LORD.” He is omniscient and om-
nipresent, and He will avenge the disadvantaged.
Every day we make judgments regarding events, items, and people. God
warns against “unrighteous” judgments. The evil deeds of a poor man are not to
be overlooked simply because he solicits pity because of his poverty (Ex. 23:3).
Neither is judgment to be perverted because an individual is “mighty”—a power-
ful person having riches, political standing, or social prestige. Judgment is to be
administered impartially (Prov. 18:5).
A “talebearer” is a trader or peddler of information. He delights in rumors
and scandal, and makes merchandise of it to gain the favor of others. “It is as bad
an office as a man can put himself into to be the publisher of every man’s faults,
divulging what was secret, aggravating crimes, and making the worst of every-
thing that was amiss, with design to blast and ruin men’s reputation, and to sow
discord among neighbors” (M. Henry). (Read Prov. 11:13 and 1 Tim. 5:13.) To
“stand against the blood of thy neighbour” is to cause the loss of another’s life,
either by being a false accuser, or by standing idle when he is threatened. We must
do all that is legitimate to preserve the life of a neighbor. “I am the LORD,” the
January 27, 2019 25
just and righteous God. “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto
death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it
not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy
soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his
works?” (Prov. 24:11, 12).
“Thou shalt not hate thy brother.” Hatred toward another person has in it
the essence of murder, and is a violation of the sixth commandment. Compare this
negative restriction with the positive commandment at the close of verse eighteen,
“thou shalt love thy neighbour.” A person whose heart is filled with hatred not
only may injure another, but the hatred ultimately destroys himself. Love for our
neighbor will help us to “rebuke,” reprove him when he goes astray (Lk. 17:3, 4).
To fail to reprove a person when he is in error is to allow him to go on in the path
of destruction. In a gentle and kind manner, he needs to be told his fault that he
may be delivered (Prov. 27:5, 6). A talebearer tells everyone about a person’s
faults, but will not face the individual. A true friend will help the individual over-
come his error, and will restore him. “Let him know, that he which converteth the
sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a
multitude of sins” (James 5:20). Cain asked the question, “Am I my brother’s
keeper?” The answer is “Yes!”
There are times when we will be wronged by others. When that happens, we
can choose between two options. We can take notice of it, and store it away in the
memory to get even later. Or we can put the situation into God’s hands, forgive the
offender, and, as much as possible, erase the offense from our memory. To retain
in our thinking the wrong done only brings trouble to the soul. Jesus admonished
us to “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you”
(Lk. 6:28). Also, note Matt. 6:14.
“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Christ confirmed this to be the
second of the greatest commandments (Matt. 22:37-39). Paul also testified that
love for our fellow man is the summary of the law (Rom. 13:9, 10). “For all the
law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy-
self” (Gal. 5:14). We are to love our fellowman because our Creator is a God of
infinite, sacrificial love. This divine love will fill the heart of the individual who is
sanctified holy.
Golden Text
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy
in all manner of conversation” (1 Pet. 1:15).
Both the Old and the New Testaments record God’s call to holiness of heart
and life. What God calls us to, He provides for. Christ gave His life in order to
“sanctify the people with his own blood.” God has given us “exceeding great
and precious promises: that by these [we] might be partakers of the divine na-
26 ADULT
ture” (2 Pet. 1:4). God is a holy God, and He will have a holy people. This is a
command; it is not a mere option.
Heathen gods and idols are the production of corrupt hearts, and have no
merit of being patterned after. Our God is holy, and has given us an excellent ex-
ample of holy living in His Son Jesus. However, living a holy life “in all manner
of conversation [conduct]” is more than setting our will and following an exam-
ple. A holy life is lived by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Filled with
God’s Spirit, we are enabled to manifest the holiness of God in our daily lives.
The internal nature will be revealed in the outward deportment.

January 27, 2019 27

 The Year of Jubilee
Lesson 5 for February 3, 2019
Golden Text: “If the Son therefore shall make you
free, ye shall be free indeed” (Jn. 8:36).
Leviticus 25:8 And thou shalt number
seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven
times seven years; and the space of the
seven sabbaths of years shall be unto
thee forty and nine years.
9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet
of the jubile to sound on the tenth day
of the seventh month, in the day of
atonement shall ye make the trumpet
sound throughout all your land.
10 And ye shall hallow the fiftieth
year, and proclaim liberty throughout all
the land unto all the inhabitants thereof:
it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall
return every man unto his possession,
and ye shall return every man unto his
family.
11 A jubile shall that fiftieth year be
unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap
that which groweth of itself in it, nor
gather the grapes in it of thy vine un-
dressed.
12 For it is the jubile; it shall be holy
unto you: ye shall eat the increase there-
of out of the field.
13 In the year of this jubile ye shall
return every man unto his possession.
Daily Devotional Readings
Sunday The Acceptable Year of the Lord
Monday They Failed To Obey
Tuesday Shall Ye Possess the Land?
Wednesday They Shall Dwell Safely
Thursday Ye Shall Be My People
Friday Be Patient, Brethren
Saturday A New Day
28
Leviticus
25:8-19
14 And if thou sell ought unto thy
neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neigh-
bour's hand, ye shall not oppress one
another:
15 According to the number of years
after the jubile thou shalt buy of thy
neighbour, and according unto the num-
ber of years of the fruits he shall sell
unto thee:
16 According to the multitude of
years thou shalt increase the price there-
of, and according to the fewness of years
thou shalt diminish the price of it: for ac-
cording to the number of the years of the
fruits doth he sell unto thee.
17 Ye shall not therefore oppress one
another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for
I am the LORD your God.
18 Wherefore ye shall do my statutes,
and keep my judgments, and do them;
and ye shall dwell in the land in safety.
19 And the land shall yield her fruit,
and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell
therein in safety.
Isaiah 61:1-6
Jeremiah 34:10-17
Ezekiel 33:23-29
Ezekiel 34:22-30
Ezekiel 36:27-36
James 5:1-8
Isaiah 65:17-24
ADULT
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
The first seven verses of Leviticus 25 record the setting up of the Sabbatical
Year. When the Israelites took possession of the Promised Land, they were to sow
the land and reap the harvests for six years. However, in the seventh year they
were not to sow or reap. The land was to lay untilled. The edible vegetation which
grew of its own accord was to provide nourishment for the Israelites and anyone
who happened to sojourn in the land. All the people, rich and poor, had access to
the provisions, and no one was to
hoard the available food. This cycle The Lesson Outline
of seven years was to be perpetually It Is the Jubilee  vv. 8-13
repeated. The cycle helped to keep According to the Number  vv. 14-17
the people reminded that they were Dwell in Safety  vv. 18, 19
dependent on God for their suste-
nance. It also served to instill a sense
of social equality among the people.
God instructed the people to number “seven sabbaths of years,” a total of
forty-nine years. The next year, the fiftieth, was also to be observed as a Sabbath.
It was a special Sabbath called the Year of Jubilee. As in the other Sabbath years,
the land was to lie fallow during this fiftieth year. In this special year, debts were
cancelled, indentured servants were set free, property was restored, and the people
followed a simple lifestyle.
It Is the Jubilee  vv. 8-13
Listen! Can you hear it? It’s the blowing of the ram’s horn, the shofar,
heralding the Year of Jubilee. What a wonderful time of celebration this was in the
land of Palestine. It is significant that on the Great Day of Atonement of the forty-
ninth year, the ram’s horn was blown. The people’s sins had been forgiven, and
reconciliation made between them and their God. A people now in harmony with
their God were to manifest love and concern for one another. In Ezek. 46:17, this
year is also called “the year of liberty.” “Ye shall . . . proclaim liberty throughout
all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (v. 10). The word “jubilee” is men-
tioned twenty times in Scripture: fourteen in chapter 25, five in chapter 27, and
once in Num. 36:4. In the Hebrew, one meaning for “jubilee” was “to bring back
or recall.” At the start of the Year of Jubilee, everyman was to return unto his pos-
session and unto his family.
During the forty-nine years, if an individual fell into a difficult financial situ-
ation, he could become a hired servant of another Hebrew. He would work until
his debts were paid off, or until he was redeemed by one of his kinsmen. If the
February 3, 2019 29
man was still in debt and servitude when the fiftieth year arrived, he was to be re-
leased. Now free from debt, he could be reunited with his family. The man’s new-
found freedom was a reminder that it was God Who had delivered the Israelites
from Egyptian bondage.
The Day of Atonement was a fit day for the proclamation of liberty to those
who had been in servitude. The sinner labors under a load of guilt and debt. When
atonement has been made, sin’s debts have been cancelled. The sinner goes free
and becomes part of the family of God. The proclamation of the Jubilee also
looked forward to the final redemption and consummation of all things. Sin will
be done away with. The family of God, united with Christ, will rejoice throughout
eternity. Not only were those in servitude set free, but, also, property was restored
to the original and rightful owners. Thus, those who had been set free would have
land on which they could make a fresh start.
During the Year of Jubilee, like in each of the seventh years, the people were
not to sow or to reap “that which groweth of itself.” The land was to remain un-
tilled, and the “vine undressed.” They were not to hoard the food, but were to eat
that which was spontaneously produced on the land. God promised that He would
cause the land to be fruitful enough to sustain them. In the sixth year, He would
bless the harvest, giving them enough to last three years (Lev. 25:20-22). Normally,
each year’s harvest would provide the seed for the next year’s crop. But during the
Jubilee, God would miraculously sustain them. They would call to mind how God
had supplied the manna for their fathers in the wilderness. Now, God was meeting
their material needs. Obedience to these directions regarding their fields would help
them to remain dependent upon God and to strengthen their faith in His promises.
What do you think?
Isaiah may have referred to this year in the verse found in 61:1-3.
Jesus’ first coming was a proclamation of liberty to those in sin (Lk. 4:19).
Numbers are significant in Scripture. The fiftieth year was the Year of Ju-
bilee. Pentecost took place on the fiftieth day after Passover.
Are you “God dependent” or “self-reliant”?
According to the Number  vv. 14-17
God made a covenant with Abraham that his posterity would possess the land
of Canaan (Gen. 15:7, 18; 17:8; 24:7). Moses had told Pharaoh that “the earth is
the LORD’S” (Ex. 9:29). The psalmist David echoed Moses’ words: “The earth is
the LORD’S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein”
(Psa. 24:1). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul reaffirmed the truth (1 Cor.
10:26, 28). The land of Canaan actually belongs to God. He set it aside to be the
place where His people would dwell.
You will recall that, after the conquest of Canaan, the various Israelite tribes
were given a specific allotment of the land. These portions were subdivided to the
30 ADULT
families of the tribe. Fathers of the families passed their portion on as an inheri-
tance to their children. Parts of the land could be sold to others and redeemed at a
later time. (Naboth refused to sell his land to Ahab.) God required that in these
transactions the people were to “not oppress one another.” They were not to take
advantage of another’s ignorance or necessity.
Buying and selling of property was to be prorated according to the Year of
Jubilee. “According to the multitude of years thou shalt increase the price there-
of, and according to the fewness of years thou shalt diminish the price of it” (v.
16). If there were many years of harvest (“years of the fruits”) remaining before
the Year of Jubilee, the price of the sale would be higher. If there were few years
remaining, the price was to be reduced. The land was not to be sold for more than
it was worth, nor was the buyer to pay less than its worth. In the fiftieth year, the
land would return to its original owner. Thus, when a property was purchased, it
was basically a lease of the property until the Year of Jubilee. “The land shall not
be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with
me” (Lev. 25:23).
These God-given instructions concerning property prevented the excessive
acquisition of lands or wealth in the hands of the few, while the masses lived in
poverty (Isa. 5:8). In the fiftieth year, the land would return to its original order of
distribution, and families would be kept from living in perpetual poverty. A fresh
awareness of God’s overlordship would also be promoted: “Thou shalt fear thy
God: for I am the LORD your God” (v. 17).
What do you think?
God is the Avenger of such as take advantage (1 Thess. 4:6).
Dwell in Safety  vv. 18, 19
Obedience to God’s laws always results in security and satisfaction. While
the children of Israel walked with God, they had victory over their enemies and
dwelt safely. Since God was and is the ultimate Owner of the land, He secures it to
those who are living in harmony with His laws. When Israel
Accountable disregarded and broke God’s laws, they were overrun. (Consid-
Unto God er the events in the book of Judges.) Israel failed to keep the
Sabbaths of the seventh year and the Year of Jubilee. This was
one of the reasons they were taken into captivity—so the land could enjoy its Sab-
baths (Lev. 26:33-35; 2 Chr. 36:21). The people’s disobedience to God led to the
loss of their safety and their return to a state of slavery. They no longer enjoyed
the jubilee of being set free.
However, God promised that if they would obey, “the land shall yield her
fruit.” It would be productive. “Ye shall eat your fill”—they would be abundantly
satisfied, and they would “dwell therein in safety.” They would enjoy the security
provided by God’s presence.
February 3, 2019 31
 Some commentators feel that the Year of Jubilee is a type symbolizing the
millennial reign of Christ. Others hold that it looks ahead to life in the new heaven
and new earth, that it prefigures the restoration of all that was lost because of
man’s sin. J. Sidlow Baxter states, “The Jubilee looks on to the new heaven and
the new earth yet to be . . . during which all rule and authority shall have been
brought beneath Christ’s feet, and even death, the last enemy, shall have been
done away, the voice of God shall be heard saying: ‘Behold, I make all things
new!’ ”
“As the slave was freed in the Jubilee, and returned to his forfeited inheri-
tance, so shall it be in that consummating Jubilee of the future. Then shall we
know the prophetic meaning of our Lord’s word—‘The meek shall inherit the
earth.’ That inheritance of the earth which was forfeited through sin, this glorious
Jubilee of the ages shall bring back to us.”
What do you think?
Why is the source of national security found in obeying God’s laws?
There is contentment in the simple life of dependence on God, acknowledging
and being grateful for His provisions.
Golden Text
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (Jn. 8:36).
“Jesus Christ in the gospel offers us our freedom; He has authority and
power to make free. [1.] To discharge prisoners; this He does in justification, by
making satisfaction for our guilt . . . and for our debts, for which we were by the
law arrested and in execution. [2.] He has a power to rescue bondslaves, and this
He does in sanctification; by the powerful arguments of His gospel, and the pow-
erful operations of His Spirit, He breaks the power of corruption in the soul, rallies
the scattered forces of reason and virtue, and fortifies God’s interest against sin
and Satan, and so the soul is made free.
“Those whom Christ makes free are free indeed . . . The liberty which Christ
gives is a certain thing, it is real, and has real effects. The servants of sin promise
themselves liberty, and fancy themselves free, when they have broken religion’s
bands asunder; but they cheat themselves. None are free indeed but those whom
Christ makes free” (Matthew Henry).

32 ADULT
 Blessings for Obedience
Lesson 6 for February 10, 2019
Golden Text: “But whoso hearkeneth unto me
shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of
evil” (Prov. 1:33).
Leviticus 26:1 Ye shall make you no
idols nor graven image, neither rear you
up a standing image, neither shall ye set
up any image of stone in your land, to
bow down unto it: for I am the LORD
your God.
2 Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and rev-
erence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.
3 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep
my commandments, and do them;
4 Then I will give you rain in due sea-
son, and the land shall yield her increase,
and the trees of the field shall yield
their fruit.
5 And your threshing shall reach unto
the vintage, and the vintage shall reach
unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat
your bread to the full, and dwell in your
land safely.
6 And I will give peace in the land,
and ye shall lie down, and none shall
make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts
out of the land, neither shall the sword
go through your land.
Daily Devotional Readings
Sunday Trust in the Lord
Monday The True God
Tuesday The Wisdom of Obedience
Wednesday God’s Rain
Thursday God Our Refuge
Friday In Him Will I Trust
Saturday In the Midst of Them
February 10, 2019
Leviticus
26:1-13
7 And ye shall chase your enemies,
and they shall fall before you by the
sword.
8 And five of you shall chase an hun-
dred, and an hundred of you shall put
ten thousand to flight: and your ene-
mies shall fall before you by the sword.
9 For I will have respect unto you, and
make you fruitful, and multiply you, and
establish my covenant with you.
10 And ye shall eat old store, and
bring forth the old because of the new.
11 And I will set my tabernacle among
you: and my soul shall not abhor you.
12 And I will walk among you, and
will be your God, and ye shall be my
people.
13 I am the LORD your God, which
brought you forth out of the land of
Egypt, that ye should not be their bond-
men; and I have broken the bands of
your yoke, and made you go upright.
Psalm 115:1-13
Jeremiah 10:1-10
Matthew 7:21-29
Joel 2:23-29
Psalm 46:1-11
Psalm 91:1-14
Ezekiel 37:21-28
33
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
There are several places in the Old Testament where God promised to bless
the children of Israel if they would be obedient to His commands. This was often
followed by warnings of dire consequences
if they turned from Him and disobeyed. The Lesson Outline
(See Ex. 23:20-33 and Deut. 28:1-68.) God Worship and Reverence  vv. 1, 2
is sovereign in the affairs of men, and He Rain and Harvest  vv. 3-5
will not overlook iniquity. National obedi- Peace and Victory  vv. 6-8
ence will bring national prosperity and God and His People  vv. 9-13
peace.
Worship and Reverence  vv. 1, 2
Israel’s history exposes their two greatest areas of spiritual failure—idolatry
and Sabbath desecration. Before they left Mount Sinai, God reemphasized His
commands regarding these areas. It is interesting that in the original Decalogue
(Exodus 20), these two areas received the most attention. In verse one of our les-
son, God addresses four types of idolatry which the people were to avoid—idols,
graven images, standing images, and images of stone. The Israelites were not to
make any visible symbols of deity, nor were they to give reverence to any idola-
trous objects.
Idols were used in the worship of false gods, which were considered to be
“nothings.” Graven images were fashioned from wood or stone, or they could be
of molten metal and then engraved. The golden calf, which was fashioned while
they were still at Mount Sinai, is an example. Graven images were often in the
form of a human or of an animal. Standing images were upright pillars; they were
not in the form of an animate object. An example would be the obelisks which
were common in Egyptian worship. To worship before a stone covered with
carved representations was to worship an image of stone. All of these forms of
idolatry were forbidden.
Jesus told the woman at the well, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship
him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). To give worship to a vis-
ible representation of Him is derogatory, and instills a misconception of His true
being. The worship of the Israelites was a stark contrast to the idolatry of their
heathen neighbors. “I am the LORD your God”—the only true Object of worship.
God also had a specific day and place set aside for worship. The fourth com-
mandment directed the people to hallow the seventh day of each week. Obser-
vance of the Sabbath is a memorial of creation and redemption. It also looks for-
34 ADULT
ward to the time of eternal rest in heaven. The place of worship was to be held in
highest regard. The tabernacle, and later the temple, was the place where God met
with His people. They were to worship in the manner prescribed by God. The
sanctuary was to be kept clean and used only for holy purposes. Care to keep the
Sabbaths and to reverence the sanctuary were antidotes to idolatry.
What do you think?
God made man, but men make their false gods.
Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together.
Characteristics of the righteous—they make no idols, they reverence God,
they keep His Sabbaths, and they reverence His sanctuary.
What should characterize our conduct in the house of God?
Rain and Harvests  vv. 3-5
“If ye walk in my statutes”—Man has free moral agency, the power of
choice. God had given them His laws; now, it was up to them to obey. To keep
God’s commands implies the necessity of studying the Word of God to discern His
will. Grace and strength to obey are obtained through prayer. We need divine guid-
ance to know how we ought to live. The wisdom of our Creator is revealed in the
laws He has given for us to live a happy and fulfilling life.
God encourages obedience by rewards. The land of Palestine was not like the
land of Egypt. It did not have a flooding Nile river to bring fertility and moisture
to the soil. Palestine was dependent on rain for the growth of its crops. If the peo-
ple would keep the commandments of God, He promised to give them the neces-
sary rain. Two seasons of rain were very important—the early rain and the latter
rain. These were necessary for the germination of the seed, the growth of the
plants, and the maturing of the grain to be harvested. God would give the rain, and
the “land shall yield her increase.”
The threshing of the grain in late spring would continue until it was time to
harvest the grapes. The vintage would be so great that it would continue until time
to sow. An abundant harvest would keep them busy and blessed. (Compare Amos
9:13.) They would have “bread to the full,” adequate and satisfying provisions. In
verse ten we read that the people would have provisions of food which had been
laid back for several years. The supply was large and unexhausted. The new crop
was so abundant that the “old store” had to be cleared out in order to make room
for the new.
However, to have plenty of food without security from an enemy invasion
would be of no benefit. The verses in Judges 6 tell how the Midianites would in-
vade the land and devour the crops, leaving the Israelites destitute. Thus, God
promises that He will not only bless Israel with fruitful fields, but that they would
also dwell in the “land safely,” secure from enemy invasions.
February 10, 2019 35
What do you think?
Consider Psalm 19 and the psalmist’s estimation of God’s laws.
God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
Earthly blessings should encourage consideration of the spiritual blessings.
Do you recall the promise found in Malachi 3:10?
Peace and Victory  vv. 6-8
God promises to “give peace in the land.” The nation would be free from in-
ternal strife, riots, and contentions. The people could rest and not be afraid. “I will
both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in
safety” (Psa. 4:8). Wild beasts (such as lions, bears, and wolves) would be driven
out of the land. Even the sword, the instrument of war, would not pass over into
their land.
The promises of tranquility at home are followed by promises of success in
wars abroad. For five to “chase an hundred” would certainly be a feat of military
skill. For a hundred to pursue ten thousand would be even more astounding. These
promises were not necessarily to be taken literally, more so in a proverbial sense.
They indicate that the Israelites would have the superiority in military power.
However, there were times when God literally fulfilled the promise. Think of
Gideon’s three hundred who defeated the multitude of the Midianites, or of Jona-
than and his armor bearer whose valor launched the overthrow of the Philistine
host. Jonathan’s own words proved true, “For there is no restraint to the LORD
to save by many or by few” (1 Sam. 14:6).
God and His People  vv. 9-13
There are passages in the Scriptures which picture God as either turning to-
ward or turning away from His people. In verse nine, the words “I will have re-
spect unto you” could also be translated as “I will turn toward you.” God would
look at them with delight and pleasure. He would watch over them for good, pro-
tect them, and care for them. Under God’s watchful eye, they would grow to be-
come a mighty nation. God declares, “I will establish my covenant with you.”
God had made covenants with Abraham (Gen. 15:5; 17:4-8), and He will bring to
pass all that He has promised.
In the Old Testament, the tabernacle was the place where God met with His
people. The cloud over the tabernacle confirmed that His presence was among
them. In the New Testament, we are told that our bodies are to be the temples of
God, and that we are to be indwelt by His Spirit. Jesus told His disciples, “I will
pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide
with you forever” (Jn. 14:16). God will dwell among His people, and He will not
“abhor” them. Through the power of Christ’s atoning blood, the corruption of sin
will be removed.
36 ADULT
 God told the Israelites, “I will walk among you.” Today we know that where
two or three are gathered in His name, He is in the midst. How comforting to
know He is there to protect, guide, and instruct. We have communion with God
Himself, even as Adam had in the Garden of Eden. There is a covenant relation-
ship established—I “will be your God, and ye shall be my people.” The apostle
Paul quotes this verse in 2 Cor. 6:16, and follows it by emphasizing the necessity
of a life free from sin. This is typified by God delivering the Israelites from Egyp-
tian slavery, breaking the yokes of bondage, and causing them to walk uprightly
(Lev. 26:13). Their relationship with God was grounded upon their redemption.
God had delivered them, and He would own them as His own. “That we being de-
livered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness
and righteousness before him, all the days of our life” (Luke 1:74, 75).
What do you think?
Great peace have they that love thy law.
“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall
have no pleasure in him” (Heb. 10:38).
In the blessings promised, we see both God’s power to provide and His good
will to do so.
“The Word was made flesh, and [tabernacled] dwelt among us” (Jn. 1:14).
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and
they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be
their God” (Rev. 21:3).
Golden Text
“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely,
and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (Prov. 1:33).
God concludes the first chapter of Proverbs with “an assurance of safety and
happiness to all those that submit to the instructions of wisdom—Whoso hear-
keneth unto me, and will be ruled by me, he shall: (1.) Be safe; he shall dwell
under the special protection of Heaven, so that nothing shall do him any real hurt.
(2.) He shall be easy, and have no disquieting apprehensions of danger; he shall
not only be safe from evil, but quiet from the fear of it. Though the earth be re-
moved, yet shall not they fear. Would we be safe from evil, and quiet from the fear
of it? Let religion always rule us, and the word of God be our counselor. That is
the way to dwell safely in this world, and to be quiet from the fear of evil in the
other world” (Matthew Henry).

February 10, 2019 37

 Introduction to Numbers
Without question, Moses was the author of the book of Numbers. In nearly
every chapter, there are verses which contain the phrase “the LORD spake unto
Moses.” The bulk of the book covers a period of about thirty-eight years, from the
time the Israelites left Mount Sinai to the time when they arrived at the Jordan
River. Numbers is the record of God’s faithfulness and of man’s unfaithfulness. It
records the complaints of the people regarding manna, their failure to enter the
promised land at Kadesh-barnea, Moses smiting the rock instead of speaking to it,
the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, etc. We learn how God dealt with
them after each of these failures. The Apostle Paul wrote that “all these things
happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition” (1
Cor. 10:11).
However, there are also encouraging passages as well—The Aaronic Bene-
diction (6:24-27), Aaron’s rod that budded, and the account of the brazen serpent
(a type of Christ’s redemption, Jn. 3:14). Twice the camp of the Israelites is num-
bered. Chapter one records the census of the first generation as they are about to
leave Mount Sinai. Chapter twenty-six records the census of the second generation
prior to their entering the Promised Land. The first generation was the generation
of the Exodus. But because they refused to enter the land, they would perish in the
wilderness. The second generation would conquer and possess the land of Canaan.

Outline of the Book of Numbers

Preparing for the Journey—1:1—10:10
Marching to Kadesh-Barnea—10:11—12:16
Failing To Enter—13:1—20:13
Marching to Moab—20:14—21:35
Preparing To Possess—22:1—36:13

Geographic Outline
Chs.  1-12—From Sinai to Kadesh-barnea
Chs. 13-19—From Kadesh, through the Wilderness, back to Kadesh
Chs. 20-36—From Kadesh to Jordan

Historical Outline
Chs. 1-10—Census and Preparation To March (20 days)
Chs. 11-14—Journey to Kadesh, and Spies (70 days)
Chs. 15-20—Wandering in the Wilderness (38 years, 1 month)
Chs. 21-36—Journey to the Plains of Moab (5 months)

39
 Being Led of God Numbers
9:15-23
Lesson 7 for February 17, 2019
Golden Text: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in
the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with
mine eye” (Psa. 32:8).

Numbers 9:15 And on the day that
the tabernacle was reared up the cloud
covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent
of the testimony: and at even there was
upon the tabernacle as it were the ap-
pearance of fire, until the morning.
16 So it was alway: the cloud covered
it by day, and the appearance of fire by
night.
17 And when the cloud was taken up
from the tabernacle, then after that the
children of Israel journeyed: and in the
place where the cloud abode, there the
children of Israel pitched their tents.
18 At the commandment of the
LORD the children of Israel journeyed,
and at the commandment of the LORD
they pitched: as long as the cloud abode
upon the tabernacle they rested in their
tents.
19 And when the cloud tarried long
upon the tabernacle many days, then the
children of Israel kept the charge of the
LORD, and journeyed not.
20 And so it was, when the cloud
was a few days upon the tabernacle; ac-
cording to the commandment of the
LORD they abode in their tents, and ac-
cording to the commandment of the
LORD they journeyed.
21 And so it was, when the cloud
abode from even unto the morning, and
that the cloud was taken up in the morn-
ing, then they journeyed: whether it was
by day or by night that the cloud was
taken up, they journeyed.
22 Or whether it were two days, or a
month, or a year, that the cloud tarried
upon the tabernacle, remaining there-
on, the children of Israel abode in their
tents, and journeyed not: but when it
was taken up, they journeyed.
23 At the commandment of the LORD
they rested in the tents, and at the com-
mandment of the LORD they journeyed:
they kept the charge of the LORD, at the
commandment of the LORD by the hand
of Moses.

Daily Devotional Readings

Sunday God Guides His People Joshua 24:1-8
Monday God Will Bring Them In Deuteronomy 8:1-9
Tuesday God’s Mercy in the Wilderness Nehemiah 9:12-19
Wednesday A Prayer for Guidance Psalm 25:1-10
Thursday Instructions for Guidance Proverbs 3:1-10
Friday Guidance in Personal Evangelism Acts 8:26-40
Saturday The Holy Spirit, Our Guide John 16:7-14
February 17, 2019 41
 The Lesson Exposition
By Rev. H. A. Erdmann

Introduction
The giving of the ceremonial law was completed. The new nation of He-
brews was about to start again on their journey through the wilderness to the
Promised Land. The covering cloud was over the tabernacle when it was first
erected. Now the account of the cloud is repeated because of the removal of the
tabernacle as the people begin their journey.
Here was a host of nearly three million people (men, women, and children)
traveling through a trackless wilderness. All was a dreary waste, a great sandy
desert. They possessed no compass, and had little knowledge of the route they
were to travel. They were as completely dependent on God for direction as for
food. They were indeed a thoroughly helpless people. “When encamped they
knew not when to travel, and when on the march they knew not when or where
they were to halt. Theirs was a life of daily and hourly dependence” (Macken-
tosh). They would encounter enemies of which they knew almost nothing, and
many dangers from hunger, thirst, wandering
tribes, and serpents. The people knew not The Lesson Outline
what was best for them to get them ready for A Visible Symbol  vv. 15, 16
the conquest of the Promised Land. Neither An Obedient People  vv. 18-23
did they know how to make the best use of
the land when they obtained it.
Is that not a picture of our pilgrimage as Christians to our heavenly inheri-
tance? We are in constant need of a guide. Life to us is an unknown trackless re-
gion of country. The future is hidden by an impenetrable veil. We do not know
what will befall us before we reach the end of the day. We may be in entirely new
and strange circumstances in but an hour’s time. New and strange tests or tempta-
tions may confront us at any moment. We do not know what labor we will have to
do before we go much farther, nor what dangers we may face. Truly, we need a
guide. Such a Guide was promised two thousand years ago. Jesus said that He
would send the Comforter, and “when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will
guide you into all truth.” Thank God! That Comforter has come, and He is anx-
ious to guide whosoever will follow.
A Visible Symbol  vv. 15, 16
“On the day that the tabernacle was reared up”—That was nearly a year
after the Exodus from Egypt. It was set up on the first day of the first month of the
second year (Ex. 40:2). “The cloud covered the tabernacle”—Not the entire
courtyard, but only the tent in which the tabernacle proper was placed. This was a
42 ADULT
visible pillar of cloud, a marvelous sign of the divine presence. It could be seen by
all the people, even as they fed their flocks and followed afar off.
This pillar of cloud was a symbol of God. (1) It was real, yet it assumed no
definite form lest a material likeness should be made of it and lead to idolatry.
(2) The cloud hid but also revealed. Though clouds hid God’s throne from view,
they confirmed that God’s presence was there. “At even there was upon the taber-
nacle the appearance of fire, until the morning.” It did shine in the darkness,
when a natural cloud would not be visible. The pillar of fire was also a symbol of
God’s presence. It was indescribably glorious and unapproachable. It was mysteri-
ous in its nature. It was undefiled and absolutely pure. It was powerful as a de-
structive agent against impurity. Yet it gave warmth, cheer, and health to all who
were God’s people.
What do you think?
Why was the pillar of cloud and of fire so needful at this time?
Of what was the cloud a symbol?
We are on a journey to heaven. The way may often lead through a wilderness.
In ourselves, we do not know the way. We cannot perceive the future. Thus,
we must have a Guide who knows the future as well as the present.
Many unknown enemies, dangers, and temptations are on every hand. Our
guide must also be a strong Protector.
Such a Guide is our God. The Holy Spirit was given to be our strong and lov-
ing Guide. He gives light. He cheers and gladdens the heart.
An Obedient People  vv. 18-23
“And when the cloud was taken up”—It rose to a higher elevation so that it
could be seen from the farthest extremity of the camp. It is difficult to picture an
encampment of three million people, their cattle, and the wide-open space for the
tabernacle. The camp must have been five or six miles square. “And in the place
where the cloud abode”—When the cloud settled down again, the people would
immediately perceive the signal it was intended to give. In this way it made
known “the commandment of the LORD.”
“When the cloud tarried long” – At one time they rested for eighteen
months in one place. At other times they camped for only one day and sometimes
for only one night. All this was done by Divine direction. The Israelites’ journeys
were undoubtedly governed by reasons of infinite wisdom, though the people
were not told the reasons. We don’t always understand God’s leadership and deal-
ings with us. However, if we will faithfully follow Him, everything will work out
for our best interests.
The children of Israel “kept the charge of the LORD.” This undoubtedly
meant that they patiently and faithfully observed all the prescribed rites and cere-
monies. They “kept the charge of the LORD” by observing His will as to their
February 17, 2019 43
movements, “whether it was by day or by night.” If God signaled for them to
move in the night, they moved. This may have been directed by God because of
the heat during the day which sometimes is very severe in a desert region.
God was leading and guiding the people to the Promised Land. Perhaps
many of them thought, “Now that God guides us, we will be led only in pleasant
places and in pleasant ways. We will be led in green pastures and beside still wa-
ters; we will not encounter any danger or enemies. He will lead us away from ser-
pents, away from hunger, and away from thirst. We will reach the Promised Land
by the shortest and easiest route.” But they soon found themselves mistaken.
They were led into a dry and thirsty desert where there was no water. He led
them at times where they suffered from hunger and thirst, and where enemies were
waiting to attack them. It was God Himself Who did this by His guiding pillar. But
He also led them by way of wells and springs of water. He fed them with manna,
and provided drink by bringing water out of a rock. He delivered them from all
their enemies. By leading them thus, He prepared them to conquer their foes and
to equip them to be a prosperous and holy nation. God sometimes leads us in
strange ways. Life is not a bed of roses. There are battles to fight, enemies to be
defeated, and burdens to carry. But there are also many joys and pleasant things
along as well. God will always go before us and lead the way. Then it is not mine
to question the leading of the Lord. It is up to me to follow.
Christ Our Light and Guide
Jesus Christ is our Pillar of Cloud and Fire. He lights the way to heaven, for
He is the “light of the world.” He is our Strength. He knows all things, the end
from the beginning, what is best for us, and where to lead us safely. The gospel of
our Lord gives light in the darkness to enable men to see the way. He abides in the
temple of each devoted and loving heart. He leads His children by His providence,
by His Spirit, and by His Word. All who follow Him will reach the Promised Land
of holiness of heart and life, and eventually reach heaven in the end.
What do you think?
How does God lead His people in our day?
The strange paths in which we are sometimes led help to prepare us for what
lies farther ahead.
So long as we submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will be led in the
right way. Submitting to His leadership relieves us of a thousand anxious
cares which would possess us if we tried to order our own paths. Com-
plete submission to Him gives us the assurance that all things are work-
ing together for our good.
Is there any similarity in the way God led Israel from Egypt to Canaan, and
the way He leads us? Explain.
44 ADULT
 Golden Text
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go:
I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psa. 32:8).
In the early verses of this psalm, we read of how David was under conviction
for his sins, how he humbled himself before God, and trusted for mercy. Verse
eight could be understood as David’s admonition to his servants and children. As a
forgiven man, he desired to show the right way to those under his care. (Compare
Psa. 51:12, 13.)
The other interpretation of verse eight is to consider it as God’s response to
David’s prayer. David is assured of God’s pardon and leadership. God says, “I will
instruct thee [cause thee to understand] and teach thee in [point out] the way
[manner of life] which thou shalt go [walk in].” After an individual has been par-
doned, it is God’s design for that individual to live a life pleasing unto God and in
harmony with God’s will. God uses various means to instruct His children. They
are taught through His word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteous-
ness” (2 Tim. 3:16). They are taught through God’s providence. “And we know
that all things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28). They
are taught through godly council and anointed preaching.
God has promised that He would “guide thee with mine eye.” We will be
under God’s continual observation. “The eyes of the LORD are upon the right-
eous, and his ears are open unto their cry” (Psa. 34:15). A servant is quick to
pick up on the facial expressions of his master. He responds to the movements of
his master’s eyes and the nod of his head. Even so, we need to be quick to pick up
on the leadership of God. He need not overpower us to get us to understand what
He desires. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would “guide us into all truth.” If we
will pay close attention to the checks of the Spirit, we will walk well pleasing unto
God. God will give us all the necessary directives to live a victorious life, and will
shield us from all harm.

February 17, 2019 45

 Unbridled Desires
Lesson 8 for February 24, 2019
Golden Text: “Then when lust hath conceived, it
bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished,
bringeth forth death” (James 1:15).
Printed Portion: vv. 4-6, 10-15, 31-33
Numbers 11:4 And the mixt multitude
that was among them fell a lusting: and the
children of Israel also wept again, and said,
Who shall give us flesh to eat?
5 We remember the fish, which we did
eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and
the melons, and the leeks, and the onions,
and the garlick:
6 But now our soul is dried away: there
is nothing at all, beside this manna, before
our eyes.
10 Then Moses heard the people weep
throughout their families, every man in
the door of his tent: and the anger of the
LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was
displeased.
11 And Moses said unto the LORD,
Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant?
and wherefore have I not found favour in
thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all
this people upon me?
12 Have I conceived all this people?
have I begotten them, that thou shouldest
say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as
a nursing father beareth the sucking child,
unto the land which thou swarest unto
their fathers?
Daily Devotional Readings
Sunday He Brought Forth His People
Monday God Sustains His People
Tuesday They Believed Not God
Wednesday Moses Intercedes
Thursday Their Heart Was Not Right
Friday Bread From Heaven
Saturday The Bread of Life
46
Numbers
11:4-33
13 Whence should I have flesh to give
unto all this people? for they weep unto
me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.
14 I am not able to bear all this people
alone, because it is too heavy for me.
15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill
me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found
favour in thy sight; and let me not see my
wretchedness.
31 And there went forth a wind from
the LORD, and brought quails from the
sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it
were a day's journey on this side, and as it
were a day's journey on the other side,
round about the camp, and as it were two
cubits high upon the face of the earth.
32 And the people stood up all that day,
and all that night, and all the next day, and
they gathered the quails: he that gathered
least gathered ten homers: and they
spread them all abroad for themselves
round about the camp.
33 And while the flesh was yet be-
tween their teeth, ere it was chewed, the
wrath of the LORD was kindled against the
people, and the LORD smote the people
with a very great plague.
Psalm 105:26-45
Exodus 16:4-15
Psalm 78:9-22
Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 78:23-37
John 6:30-40
John 6:48-58
ADULT
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
The children of Israel departed from Mount Sinai “on the twentieth day of
the second month in the second year” (Lev. 10:11). After three days of marching,
the cloud of the Lord led them into the wilderness of Paran (10:12, 33). Here the
people began to complain (11:1). The
Scripture does not tell us the cause of their The Lesson Outline
complaints, but it does inform us of God’s Manna Despised  vv. 4-6
anger. The fire of the Lord consumed Moses Despairs  vv. 10-15
those that were “in the uttermost parts of Murmurers Destroyed  vv. 31-33
the camp.” In response to the people’s
distress, Moses prayed unto the Lord, and the fire was quenched. The account
found in today’s lesson immediately follows this manifestation of God’s displeas-
ure with murmuring and complaining.
Manna Despised  vv. 4-6
When the Israelites escaped from Egyptian bondage, a mixed multitude fol-
lowed along with them (Ex. 12:38). This mixed multitude probably included other
people who had been held as slaves, and who saw in the Exodus an opportunity
for freedom. In liberating the Israelites from slavery, God had manifested His
might and miraculous power. The people were impressed with the reality of Is-
rael’s God. Since the land of Egypt was destroyed, it appeared to be time to launch
out on a new venture. “Let’s follow this new God, and see what happens.”
The mixed multitude was curious, but not committed; happy to be out of
Egypt, but unhappy with God’s methods of forming the Israelites into His holy
people. Canaan Land had not been promised to them, but they expected to “cash
in” on the promises made to the Israelites. However, they did not anticipate the
long and difficult journey of getting to Canaan. They wanted a short route. They
were the first to complain about the difficulties of the journey, and they had a neg-
ative influence on others.
The Scripture says that this mixed multitude “fell a lusting,” or “lusted with a
great lust.” They were tired of eating manna, and wanted “flesh to eat.” Soon the
children of Israel were joining in the murmuring. They should have stood up
against the complaining, and given glory to God for supplying their needs. Instead,
they “wept again” like spoiled children who cannot have their way or obtain what
they want. The Israelites had complained before because of their lack of bread (Ex.
16:3) and a lack of water (Ex. 17:1). God had never failed to supply their needs.
Why couldn’t they learn to trust in God? It appears that they despised His provi-
dence and provisions. Prior to giving the people the manna for their daily suste-
February 24, 2019 47
nance, God had sent quail to satisfy their hunger (Ex. 16:13). They failed to re-
member God’s past blessings. Their minds turned back to the food which they had
in Egypt. Fish were readily available from the Nile River. Cucumbers, melons, and
spicy delicacies had been a part of their diet. There is an aspect of the human mind
which tends to recall the favorable and forget the undesirable. The Israelites forgot
the taskmasters, the brick kilns, the long hours of toil, and the lash of the whips.
Satan uses the same tactic today to entice individuals to return to sin. He paints the
glamourous picture while hiding the painful consequences and bondage.
“But now our soul is dried away,” withered up. Discontent and inordinate
appetite destroy the soul. Depravity cries out for gratification. “It is an evidence of
the dominion of the carnal mind when we are solicitous to have all the delights
and satisfactions of sense wound up to the height of pleasurableness” (M. Henry).
Those who are not spiritual are always clamoring for something new, something
exciting, a change. They are never content with standard fare. The carnal man
lusts after the fruits of this world (the Egyptian diet). The spiritual man desires
Christ (the Manna from heaven) (Jn. 6:32-35).
You can hear the disdain in their words, “There is nothing at all, beside this
manna, before our eyes.” They had no expectation of anything else. “This is all
we can expect from God.” They charged God with being unfeeling, unkind, hard,
unloving. Should it be a surprise to us that those who hang around the church but
do not get sanctified, eventually begin to complain about the “manna” ? Studying
the Bible and listening to Biblical preaching is boring to them unless something
exciting or entertaining can be mixed in with it. They tend to choke on the “strong
meat” of the Word, but they delight in novels, science fiction, and mysteries.
What were they complaining about? A description of the manna was then
given. It was in a round, small form “as coriander seed,” and had the luster of a
white pearl. It fell round about the camp, and could be easily gathered by the peo-
ple. It was freely provided at no cost to them. It could be prepared in a variety of
ways—ground in mills, beaten in a mortar, baked in pans, and made into cakes. Its
taste was as the “taste of fresh oil.” Exodus 16:31 states: “The taste of it was like
wafers made with honey.” It was provided fresh every morning, except on the
Sabbath, when the sixth day’s gathering was preserved through the seventh day.
Each day they had a new supply; they never had to eat “stale bread.”
What do you think?
“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (1 Cor. 5:6).
There is a price to be paid for an individual to break with the world and to go
with God. There is no such thing as “cheap grace.”
“We should not indulge ourselves in any desire which we cannot in faith turn
into prayer” (M. Henry).
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh [the carnal mind] with
the affections and lusts” (Gal. 5:24).
48 ADULT
 Moses Despairs  vv. 10-15
God had called Moses to bring the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage
and to lead them to the Promised Land. Yet it seemed that, every time a difficulty
arose, the people began to complain instead of trusting God. Now the murmuring
seems to have spread throughout the entire camp. “Every man in the door of his
tent” was weeping over the lack of meat to eat. Their discontent was manifest
publicly.
Moses, in his despair over the situation, asks God why “the burden of all
this people” rested upon his shoulders. It seemed that God had withdrawn and left
Moses with the problem. Moses felt overwhelmed with the multitude under his
care, and with no way to satisfy their demands. “Wherefore have I not found
favour in thy sight?” How have I displeased Thee?
“Have I conceived all this people? Have I begotten them?” In a sense,
Moses was saying, “God, You are the Father of this nation (Ex. 4:22). They are
Your responsibility, not mine.” Moses was trusting God to resolve this problem
which was too large for Moses to handle. “Lord, it was You who promised to
bring them ‘unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers.’ ”
Moses confesses his own inability to “bear all this people . . . it is too heavy
for me.” He was weary with people who kept dishonoring God by their unbelief
and complaining. He experienced mental and emotional anguish over those who
were constantly going astray and being punished. He had come to a point where
he preferred to die rather than to continue seeing his misery daily increased by
their rebellion.
What do you think?
Moses took the matter to God in prayer; the people did not pray, but con-
fronted their temporal leader.
God calls men to a work which is beyond their natural ability, that they may
draw from God the strength to fulfill His will.
Don’t be tempted to “check out” when you are most needed.
Murmurers Destroyed  vv. 31-33
God answered Moses’ prayer by instructing him to assemble seventy elders
of the people. God would put the spirit that was upon Moses upon those seventy
that they may help Moses bear the spiritual burden of the people. Next, God
promised Moses that on the next day the people would have flesh to eat. The sup-
ply would be so much that they would have meat to eat for a whole month (vv. 19,
20).
The next morning a “wind from the LORD,” an uncommon, southeast wind,
“brought quail from the sea.” It was common in the region about the Red Sea for
there to be masses of quail. God simply caused these thousands of birds to be car-
February 24, 2019 49
ried by the wind to the camp of the Israelites. There the birds fell from the sky
about the camp. John Wesley states that the birds fell in piles which were about two
cubits high, and not that the entire ground was covered with birds to that depth.
The birds were so plentiful that the people were engaged in gathering them
for two days and a night—approximately thirty-six hours. As men were gathering
the birds, others were busy cleaning them and spreading them to dry in the sun.
“He that gathered least” gathered about fifty-five bushels. A person can almost
visualize the mass hysteria as the people glutted themselves with the meat. There
was no conscious awareness of God or gratitude expressed, only a mad rush to
gratify their fleshly desires.
“While the flesh was yet between their teeth,” before they were done eating
quail, “the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people.” The gluttonous
gratification of their desires made them sick; they were struck with a “very great
plague.” Thousands perished that day. They were buried and the place was named
Kibroth-hattaavah, the graves of lust. “Those that are under the power of a carnal
mind will have their lusts fulfilled, though it be to the certain damage and ruin of
their precious souls” (M. Henry). They found their graves while giving vent to
their greed.
“Let us settle it in our minds as an indisputable truth, that God is better ac-
quainted with our wants than we are ourselves; that He knows infinitely better
what we need; and that He is ever more ready to hear than we are to pray, and is
wont to give more than we can desire or deserve” (A. Clarke).
What do you think?
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after
evil things, as they also lusted” (1 Cor. 10:6).
“Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6).
Do you pray, “Thy will be done,” and then complain about your lot in life?
“He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul” (Psa. 106:15).
God does not violate the free moral agency of man.
Golden Text
“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15).
“Lust hath conceived” when the will gives consent to gratify a desire in a
wrong way, apart from God’s will. Temptations are not intrinsically evil. We can
endure and overcome temptation (1:12). If we cave in to temptation and sin, the
end result is death—spiritually, mentally, physically, and eternally. The power of
choice rests with us. God will make a “way of escape” and give us power to over-
come temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). If we are victorious in temptation, we are assured
of receiving the crown of life.
50 ADULT
 Miriam and Aaron Numbers
12:4-14
Lesson 9 for March 3, 2019
Golden Text: “Let nothing be done through strife
or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each es-
teem other better than themselves” (Phil. 2:3).

Numbers 12:4 And the LORD spake
suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron,
and unto Miriam, Come out ye three
unto the tabernacle of the congregation.
And they three came out.
5 And the LORD came down in the
pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door
of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and
Miriam: and they both came forth.
6 And he said, Hear now my words: If
there be a prophet among you, I the
LORD will make myself known unto him
in a vision, and will speak unto him in a
dream.
7 My servant Moses is not so, who is
faithful in all mine house.
8 With him will I speak mouth to
mouth, even apparently, and not in dark
speeches; and the similitude of the LORD
shall he behold: wherefore then were ye
not afraid to speak against my servant
Moses?
9 And the anger of the LORD was kin-
dled against them; and he departed.
10 And the cloud departed from off
the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam be-
came leprous, white as snow: and Aaron
looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she
was leprous.
11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas,
my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin
upon us, wherein we have done foolish-
ly, and wherein we have sinned.
12 Let her not be as one dead, of
whom the flesh is half consumed when
he cometh out of his mother's womb.
13 And Moses cried unto the LORD,
saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech
thee.
14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If
her father had but spit in her face, should
she not be ashamed seven days? let her
be shut out from the camp seven days,
and after that let her be received in again.

Daily Devotional Readings

Sunday The Lord Knoweth Psalm 94:1-11
Monday The Tongue James 3:1-10
Tuesday Korah Condemned Numbers 16:23-32
Wednesday He Beheld God Exodus 33:13-23
Thursday Leprosy Leviticus 13:1-8
Friday You Hath He Quickened Ephesians 2:1-9
Saturday Be Kindly Affectioned Romans 12:3-10
March 3, 2019 51
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
In all probability it was Miriam who watched over the ark of bulrushes which
contained her baby brother. Thus, she was older than Moses. She had enough wis-
dom to suggest finding a Hebrew nurse maid for the infant (Ex. 2:4-8). The Scrip-
tures do not indicate that she ever married. We hear nothing of Miriam until eighty
years later when she leads the women of Israel in a song of victory after they
crossed through the Red Sea (Ex. 15:20, 21). In that passage she is identified as a
“prophetess,” the first woman prophetess recorded in Scripture. The Lord, speak-
ing through the prophet Micah (6:4), identified her with Moses and Aaron as in-
strumental in bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt. Miriam occupied an in-
fluential position among the Israelites. Our lesson today records the only negative
event in Miriam’s life. Numbers 20:1 tells us that when she died she was buried in
Kadesh.
Our lesson last Sunday dealt with
the sending of quail to gratify the desires The Lesson Outline
of the Israelites for meat. It was during Evil Speaking Heard  vv. 1-3
this incident that Moses told the Lord, “I Evil Speaking Condemned  vv. 4-9
am not able to bear all this people Evil Speaking Punished  vv. 10-14
alone.” God instructed him to gather
seventy elders of the people whom God would enable to “bear the burden of the
people with thee.” Moses did so, and gathered the men to the tabernacle. Howev-
er, two men, Eldad and Medad, were still in the camp when the Lord came upon
the elders, and they prophesied. Joshua reported to Moses that those two men were
prophesying in the midst of the camp. Moses’ response is significant: “Enviest
thou for my sake? Would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and
that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!”
Evil Speaking Heard  vv. 1-3
Exodus 2:16-21 relates how, when Moses first left Egypt, he came to live
with a priest of Midian. Here he married one of the priest’s daughters, Zipporah.
The word “Ethiopian” in the first verse should actually be translated as “Cushite,”
which was an Arab tribe living in Midian. Thus, Zipporah was of similar nationali-
ty as Moses. After the Israelites had arrived at Mount Sinai, Moses’ father-in-law
brought his wife and two sons to Moses (Ex. 18:5).
Miriam and Aaron were criticizing Moses regarding his companion. They
were using their public positions to spread dissatisfaction among the Israelite peo-
ple. But the real issue begins to surface in verse two. “Hath the LORD indeed
spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us?” Jealousy was probably
52 ADULT
the real cause of their complaint. Aaron and Miriam had not been consulted in the
selection of the seventy elders to assist Moses. They envied Moses’ position.
Some people want the glory of a position, but do not consider the burdens thereof.
Inasmuch as Miriam’s name is stated first, and that she alone was struck with
leprosy, this would seem to indicate that she was the instigator in this attempt to
undermine Moses. By joining in with her, Aaron also would become an object of
God’s disfavor. He was just a couple of years older than Moses, but younger than
his domineering sister, so he went along with her. Miriam was not motivated by
love and concern for Moses, nor for the good of the people. The actions of Miriam
and Aaron endangered the unity and future of the entire nation.
“And the LORD heard it.” God is omnipresent and omniscient. Moses was
God’s appointed leader, and to endeavor to undermine his leadership was in reality
rebellion against God’s plan. Complaints against Moses were complaints against
God. Apparently, Moses took no notice of their complaints against him. He left his
cause in the hands of God. He displayed no self-defense, no resentment, and no re-
taliation. Sometimes “meekness” is regarded as “weakness,” but superior strength
and self-control is manifested by the individual who will not strike back. “The
more we are silent in our own cause, the more is God engaged to plead it”
(Matthew Henry).
What do you think?
People will usually find something overt to criticize, which serves as a cover
for their real complaint.
The disciples envied James and John for desiring the place of prominence.
Both groups were wrong.
Some people think they can “fill the shoes” of the leader, but they do not
know the ground over which the leader must walk.
Evil Speaking Condemned  vv. 4-9
“The LORD spake suddenly.” Sometimes He does not, and the saint is al-
lowed to silently suffer. In this case God took immediate steps to set the matter
aright. No time was given for it to be spread further among the people. The three
people involved were summoned to meet God at the Tabernacle, a place away
from the rest of the Israelites. At the door of the Tabernacle, God addressed Miri-
am and Aaron. “Hear now my words.” God’s perception of a matter supersedes
human rational and misconceptions.
God sets forth the differences between prophets and His servant Moses. In
regard to prophets, God said He would communicate with them in visions and
dreams. Through these they would discern His message and will. This would be
His usual manner of communicating with a prophet. However, God would com-
municate with Moses “mouth to mouth, even apparently.” Moses had proved to
be “faithful in all mine house.” God had called Moses to be the leader of the chil-
March 3, 2019 53
dren of Israel, to serve as the founder of the theocracy and as a mediator between
God and His people. As an obedient servant, Moses had proved “faithful.” He
was not partial in his administration, but had followed the leadership of God.
Therefore, Moses was favored with direct and clear manifestations of the presence
and will of God. He received detailed and explicit directives concerning Israel’s
government, their worship of God, and the moral and ceremonial Law. As great as
Miriam and Aaron were, they were not equal to Moses. “Wherefore then were ye
not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”
With the utterance of that question, the case was closed. The “Judge” left the
courtroom. God did not linger to hear what they had to say for themselves; their
guilt was apparent. Man’s rebellion against God’s will and God’s order will cause
the glory to depart. God will not countenance evil. “The removal of God’s pres-
ence from us, is the saddest token of His displeasure. And He never departs, till
we by our sin and folly drive Him from us” (John Wesley).
What do you think?
Designated authority merits respect.
“Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of digni-
ties” (2 Pet. 2:10).
Evil Speaking Punished  vv. 10-14
God’s judgment regarding the case now becomes apparent to all of Israel.
The cloud of God’s presence “departed from off the tabernacle,” and Miriam is
stricken with leprosy. One of the duties of the priests was to examine individuals
to determine if they were leprous. When Aaron “looked upon Miriam,” there was
no question regarding her condition. He also was painfully aware of his identifica-
tion with her failure and punishment. Turning to Moses, Aaron pleads, “I beseech
thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we
have sinned.” Aaron addresses Moses as “My lord.” Miriam and Aaron had once
claimed equality, but now Aaron confesses his inferiority. Aaron humbly admits
that they were in the wrong, and begs Moses to do something regarding Miriam’s
dreadful condition. Leprosy was an incurable disease which resulted in the corrup-
tion and deterioration of the physical body. The person who contracted leprosy
had the sentence of death upon him, and was excluded from society.
Moses manifested Godlike compassion for those who had wronged him.
Realizing that nothing humanly possible could be done for Miriam, Moses “cried
unto the LORD.” He entreats God to “heal her now.” Moses’s prayer is heard,
but Miriam must needs be humbled. “If her father had but spit in her face,
should she not be ashamed seven days?” A child experiencing such an expression
of displeasure would for a period of time be separated from the family. Some par-
ents today use the discipline of sending a child to his room when he misbehaves.
Miriam is to be “shut out from the camp seven days.” This was standard proce-
54 ADULT
dure for those who had come to the priest to be examined for leprosy (Lev. 13). So
Miriam would be separated from public discourse and from tabernacle worship.
Her condition would be publicly apparent. Because of her self-assertion, pride,
and disregard for God’s leader, she would now be brought low before the eyes of
the people. Once she led the people in praises to God (Ex. 15:20); now she was
debased as a leper. The seven days would give her time to think about her attitude
and to reflect upon her sin. After seven days she could be “received in again,” al-
lowed back into society. “She could only be received back again after she had
been healed, and by a rite of formal purification” (Keil & Delitzsch). Her public
example was to be a warning to others who would criticize leadership (Deut. 24:8,
9). Verse fifteen tells us that Miriam’s failure delayed the progress of the entire
camp. No man sinneth unto himself.
What do you think?
Beware of murmuring, complaining, criticizing. These are actually directed
against the sovereignty of God.
Leaders may err, but there is a way to approach them in humility and peti-
tion. We should not undermine their authority by highlighting their
faults and failures.
“Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use
you, and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44).
God has ways of humbling the proud. Consider Nebuchadnezzar.
Golden Text
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem other better than themselves” (Phil. 2:3).
“There is no greater enemy to Christian love than pride and passion. If we do
things in contradiction to our brethren, this is doing them through strife; if we do
them through ostentation of ourselves, this is doing them through vainglory: both
are destructive of Christian love, and kindle unchristian heats. Christ came to slay
all enmities; therefore let there not be among Christians a spirit of opposition.
“Christ came to humble us, and therefore let there not be among us a spirit of
pride. We must esteem others in lowliness of mind better than ourselves, be severe
upon our own faults and charitable in our judgments of others, be quick in observ-
ing our own defects and infirmities, but ready to overlook and make favorable al-
lowances for the defects of others. We must esteem the good which is in others
above that which is in ourselves; for we best know our own unworthiness and im-
perfections” (Matthew Henry).

March 3, 2019 55
 Moses’ Intercession
Lesson 10 for March 10, 2018
Golden Text: “But he, being full of compassion,
forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not” (Psa. 78:38).
Numbers 14:19 Pardon, I beseech
thee, the iniquity of this people accord-
ing unto the greatness of thy mercy, and
as thou hast forgiven this people, from
Egypt even until now.
20 And the LORD said, I have par-
doned according to thy word:
21 But as truly as I live, all the earth
shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.
22 Because all those men which have
seen my glory, and my miracles, which I
did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and
have tempted me now these ten times,
and have not hearkened to my voice;
23 Surely they shall not see the land
which I sware unto their fathers, neither
shall any of them that provoked me see
it:
24 But my servant Caleb, because he
had another spirit with him, and hath
followed me fully, him will I bring into
the land whereinto he went; and his
seed shall possess it.
25 (Now the Amalekites and the Ca-
naanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow
Daily Devotional Readings
Sunday They Despised the Pleasant Land
Monday Harden Not Your Heart
Tuesday Ye Did Not Believe
Wednesday Caleb’s Reward
Thursday Because of Unbelief
Friday According to His Mercy
Saturday We Have an Inheritance
56
Numbers
14:19-31
turn you, and get you into the wilderness
by the way of the Red sea.
26 And the LORD spake unto Moses
and unto Aaron, saying,
27 How long shall I bear with this evil
congregation, which murmur against
me? I have heard the murmurings of the
children of Israel, which they murmur
against me.
28 Say unto them, As truly as I live,
saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in
mine ears, so will I do to you:
29 Your carcases shall fall in this wil-
derness; and all that were numbered of
you, according to your whole number,
from twenty years old and upward, which
have murmured against me,
30 Doubtless ye shall not come into
the land, concerning which I sware to
make you dwell therein, save Caleb the
son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son
of Nun.
31 But your little ones, which ye said
should be a prey, them will I bring in, and
they shall know the land which ye have
despised.
Psalm 106:13-25
Psalm 95:1-11
Deuteronomy 1:21-32
Joshua 14:6-14
Hebrews 3:12—4:2
Titus 3:1-7
Ephesians 1:1-12
ADULT
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
Less than two years had passed since the children of Israel had been deliv-
ered from Egyptian bondage. God had led them to Mount Sinai, formed them into
a nation, and given them His law and
system of worship. From Sinai they had The Lesson Outline
marched northward to the southern bor-
der of Canaan. Time after time they had Pardon, I Beseech Thee  vv. 18, 19
doubted God’s love and rebelled against They Shall Not  vv. 20-25
So Will I Do  vv. 26-31
His authority. God had disciplined them
and shown them mercy. Now the people
were within sight of the Promised Land.
Twelve spies had been sent to investigate the land of Canaan. Upon their re-
turn, ten of the men gave an evil report. When the people believed this report, they
began to mourn. Joshua and Caleb endeavored to still the people, who then wanted
to stone these two faithful men. God declared that He would smite the people with
a pestilence.
In verse thirteen Moses begins his intercession. He approaches God from
three different perspectives. First he pleads that if God destroys the people, the
heathen will hear of it, and God’s name will be dishonored. Next he prays on the
basis of God’s character (v. 18). Then he intercedes from the standpoint of the
mercy which God had shown previously (v. 19). These verses are the start of our
lesson’s Scripture portion.
Pardon, I Beseech Thee  vv. 18, 19
When God said that He would destroy the Israelites, He told Moses that He
would “make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.” Moses did not
even consider the offer, but immediately began to intercede for God to show
mercy to the Israelites. The description of God, which Moses prays in verse eigh-
teen, is a restatement of God’s own words to Moses when he was on Mt. Sinai
(Ex. 34:6, 7). Notice the list of God’s attributes: longsuffering, merciful, forgiving,
just. Moses is reasoning with God that it would not be consistent with His charac-
ter to destroy the Israelites. The last half of verse eighteen could be read as: “and
will by no means make quite desolate, in visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon
the children.” Moses was praying with confidence that God would not destroy the
entire nation of Israel (including the children) because of the sins of the fathers.
Surely God would not “kill all this people as one man” (v. 15).
In the months following Israel’s departure from Egypt, God had shown them
“the greatness of [His] mercy.” And though the present sin of the people was
March 10, 2019 57
great, Moses believed that God’s mercy was greater. So Moses pleads that God
would deal with them in mercy, and not according to justice. Though Israel had
sinned many times, God had “forgiven this people . . . even until now.” Matthew
Henry wrote that Moses’ intercession was based on the goodness of God’s nature,
His willingness to forgive, and His unwillingness to proceed to extremity.
What do you think?
While in prayer, it is good to recount the wonderful attributes of our God.
God’s former mercies are the basis for hope of present mercies.
“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not con-
sumed” (Mal. 3:6).
They Shall Not  vv. 20-25
God responds to Moses’ prayer, and addresses him personally, “I have par-
doned according to thy word.” Here we see the power of intercessory prayer—
God would not utterly destroy the nation. “As truly as I live” are the opening
words of a solemn oath. (You will find the same phrase in verse twenty-eight.)
God was saying that as surely as He was the eternal, everlasting God, He was
making a proclamation that was unalterable. He follows these opening words by
declaring, “all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.” God will ul-
timately triumph over all evil.
God identifies those who will not enter the land. These individuals had seen
the glory of God manifested in His mighty acts and resting upon the tabernacle.
They were eyewitnesses to the miracles which He had performed in “Egypt and in
the wilderness.” They had no reason to doubt God’s power or His willingness to
bring them into the Promised Land. He had not brought them thus far to fail to
bring them into the inheritance. But instead of trusting God, they “tempted” Him.
Not being truly repentant for their waywardness, they “tested” God’s mercy
by their careless and indifferent behavior. Time after time they put Him to the test,
doubting His ability and promises. Their rebellion was a direct affront to God’s
authority and character. The words “ten times” are not to be taken in a literal
sense. Ten is the number which signifies completeness. The people had so often
rebelled and doubted God that their cup of iniquity was full. There would be no
withdrawing of their punishment. Whether God gave them His commands or His
promises, they did not take heed. “They have not hearkened to my voice.” These
were the people that God said would “not see the land.”
In contrast to “them that provoked,” stood the man named Caleb. God said
that Caleb had “another spirit with him.” He was courageous, noble, and heroic.
When others were filled with unbelief, cowardice, and disobedience, Caleb wholly
followed the Lord. He and Joshua gave the “minority” report and were even
threatened for their lives, but they kept their faith in God and did not waver. They
did not ignore the difficulties. With a steadfast faith in God, they saw the possibili-
58 ADULT
ties. God testified of Caleb that he was “fully following me.” Through difficulties,
dangers, dreary days, and disappointments, Caleb brought glory to God by his
steadfast obedience and faith. Thus, he obtained God’s promise that he would
enter Canaan land, and “his seed shall possess it.” The same promises had been
given to the others, but their disobedience and unbelief closed the door of opportu-
nity. “Those that follow God fully in times of general apostasy, God will own and
honor by singular preservation in times of general calamity. The heavenly Canaan
shall be the everlasting inheritance of those that follow the Lord fully” (M.
Henry).
Verse twenty-five contains the sad decree. Israel is to turn and go back into the
wilderness. The Amalekites and Canaanites dwelt in the valley. They knew of the
advance of Israel, and were now encamped and ready for war. The report of the ten
spies included a list of those who inhabited the land (Num. 13:29), and the spies ex-
pressed their fear of these warlike people. Because of Israel’s unbelief and disobe-
dience, God would not fight for them. Therefore, they should retreat, rather than
endanger their families. (Read what happened the next day when Israel presumed to
go up on their own—vv. 40-45.) When God had told them to go forward and pos-
sess the land, they would not, but wanted to turn back. When God said to turn back,
they decided they would go forward. How foolish is self-willed carnality!
What do you think?
“To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart” (Psa. 95:7, 8).
“Disbelief of the promise is a forfeiture of the benefit of it” (M. Henry).
God’s faithful few have often been in the minority.
We can stand against the spirit of this age if we have God’s Spirit within us.
So Will I Do  vv. 26-31
God addresses Moses and Aaron, “How long shall I bear with this evil con-
gregation?” God was not asking their advice; rather, He was expressing His disfa-
vor with this murmuring people. They were not submissive to divine providence,
and were filled with unbelief. “How long shall I put up with their fretting and
faultfinding, and continue to spare them?” Many of their complaints were directed
at Moses and Aaron, but these were actually affronts to God’s authority.
Moses is instructed to tell the people that they will have exactly what they re-
quested. (Read 14:2.) “As ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you.” All
those who were “twenty years old and upward” would die in the wilderness (vv.
29, 35). Numbers 1:45, 46 states that this was 603,550 men, “all that were able to
go forth to war.” These were the men who were to fight the battles for the Lord,
but instead their dead bodies would “fall in the wilderness.” How sad! God had
told these people that He would bring them into the land of promise (Ex. 6:8), but
their unbelief disqualified them from obtaining the blessing. However, God would
still be faithful and keep His promise to Abraham: his seed would inherit the land.
March 10, 2019 59
“Your little ones . . . them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye
have despised.” The adult generation had charged God with an evil purpose of
bringing the nation to Canaan to destroy their wives and children (Num. 14:3). It
would be these very children that would inhabit the land after their unbelieving
parents were destroyed. These children could have been brought up in the land of
Canaan, enjoying its beauty and fruitfulness. But because of their parents’ disobe-
dience, they would have to wander for another thirty-eight years in the wilderness.
The word “wander” in verse thirty-three could also be rendered as “pasture.” Here
was a consolation for the children. God would be their Shepherd while the older
generation passed away.
What do you think?
God takes personally the attacks which are directed toward His children. Re-
member Christ’s words to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:4, 5).
The people’s unbelief did not nullify the faithfulness of God; God keeps His
word.
“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God” (Rom. 11:22).
Sinners should consider how their sins affect others and succeeding genera-
tions.
“Only such men as Joshua and Caleb, who take God at His word, and who
know that against His wisdom no cunning can stand, and against His
might no strength can prevail, are likely to follow God fully, and receive
the heights, lengths, breadths, and depths of the salvation of God”
(Adam Clarke).
Golden Text
“But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity,
and destroyed them not” (Psa. 78:38).
God’s longsuffering and mercifulness are graphically illustrated in His deal-
ings with the children of Israel. Over and over they were murmuring and com-
plaining, failing to believe God and to obey Him. Yet, He “destroyed them not,”
but “forgave their iniquity.” The phrase has the sense of “made atonement for.”
The atonement made by Christ is the basis for God to manifest His mercy to men.
God did not permit the sins of the Israelites to overcome His mercy. Many times
Moses interceded when judgment was about to fall, and the threatened judgment
was averted. If it were not for the intercession of Christ, God’s wrath would be
poured out upon humanity. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not con-
sumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is
thy faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22, 23).

60 ADULT
 Moses’ Failure Numbers
20:2-12
Lesson 11 for March 17, 2019
Golden Text: “Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself,
and let him be your fear, and let him be your
dread” (Isa. 8:13).

Numbers 20:2 And there was no
water for the congregation: and they
gathered themselves together against
Moses and against Aaron.
3 And the people chode with Moses,
and spake, saying, Would God that we
had died when our brethren died before
the LORD!
4 And why have ye brought up the
congregation of the LORD into this wil-
derness, that we and our cattle should
die there?
5 And wherefore have ye made us to
come up out of Egypt, to bring us in
unto this evil place? it is no place of
seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pome-
granates; neither is there any water to
drink.
6 And Moses and Aaron went from
the presence of the assembly unto the
door of the tabernacle of the congrega-
tion, and they fell upon their faces: and
the glory of the LORD appeared unto
them.
7 And the LORD spake unto Moses,
saying,
8 Take the rod, and gather thou the
assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy
brother, and speak ye unto the rock be-
fore their eyes; and it shall give forth his
water, and thou shalt bring forth to them
water out of the rock: so thou shalt give
the congregation and their beasts drink.
9 And Moses took the rod from be-
fore the LORD, as he commanded him.
10 And Moses and Aaron gathered
the congregation together before the
rock, and he said unto them, Hear now,
ye rebels; must we fetch you water out
of this rock?
11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and
with his rod he smote the rock twice:
and the water came out abundantly,
and the congregation drank, and their
beasts also.
12 And the LORD spake unto Moses
and Aaron, Because ye believed me not,
to sanctify me in the eyes of the children
of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this
congregation into the land which I have
given them.

Daily Devotional Readings

Sunday Murmurings Against the Lord Exodus 16:2-8
Monday Thirsty for Water Exodus 17:1-7
Tuesday Saul’s Disobedience 1 Samuel 15:16-23
Wednesday Because of Unbelief Matthew 17:14-20
Thursday Giving God the Glory Acts 3:11-16
Friday Speaking From Experience Deuteronomy 32:45-52
Saturday God’s Promised Care Isaiah 41:13-20
March 17, 2019 61
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
After thirty-eight years of wandering in the wilderness, the children of Israel
found themselves again encamped at Kadesh in the desert of Zin. This was the
first month of their fortieth year following their deliverance from Egyptian
bondage. The first generation had passed
away, and the second generation was nearing The Lesson Outline
the time when they would enter the Promised
Land. While they were camped here, Miriam Words of Complaint  vv. 1-5
died and was buried. She died about four Words of Instruction  vv. 6-8
Words of Unbelief  vv. 9-12
months before Aaron (Num. 33:38). Moses
died while Israel was camped on the plains of
Moab. Thus these three died in the space of one year.
Words of Complaint  vv. 1-5
In the desert region of Zin, water was in short supply; and soon “there was
no water for the congregation.” This was an occasion to test the Israelites’ faith
in God to supply their needs. God had proved faithful time and time again. Instead
of trusting, they blamed Moses and Aaron for their difficulties. Soon harsh words
were being hurled at Moses. Murmuring and complaining were filling the camp.
“Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!” They
were identifying themselves with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. You can read the
account of their destruction in Numbers chapter 16. The next day, after these men
were swallowed alive by a crevasse of the earth, the Israelites accused Moses and
Aaron saying, “Ye have killed the people of the LORD” (Num. 16:41). God, in
His displeasure, struck the complaining people with a plague, and 14,700 died
(16:49). How ironic that these who are complaining about a lack of water would
identify themselves with those who had previously perished for complaining! Why
did they not take warning from what had happened rather than following the evil
example of their “brethren”?
“Why have ye brought” us into this wilderness? They accused Moses of
being without Divine guidance, that God had nothing to do with them being there.
It was all the scheme of Moses “that we and our cattle should die there.” Their
words are almost identical to those of their parents at the waters of Rephidim (Ex-
odus 17:3). How readily the carnal mind assumes the worst! They were always an-
ticipating defeat rather than victory, death in the wilderness rather than life in the
Promised Land.
You “made us to come up out of Egypt.” They forgot the bitter bondage, and
how their parents cried to God for deliverance. They accused Moses of purposely
62 ADULT
bringing them into “this evil place.” But whose fault was it that they were not in
the Promised Land? God’s planned destination for them was Canaan, not the
wilderness. The wilderness was a barren land not fit to plant seed, vines, or trees.
The Promised Land was full of fruit and water.
What do you think?
We should work together to solve problems, not divide over problems.
Instead of facing the facts, people will often blame others for their situation.
Words of Instruction  vv. 6-8
Moses and Aaron did not try to defend themselves or to argue with the peo-
ple. Instead, they went to the Tabernacle to get in the presence of God. It is always
best to let God fight our battles. As they “fell upon their faces” at the door of the
Tabernacle, the “glory of the LORD appeared unto them.” In God’s presence
they were able to seek for His guidance and to entreat for His mercy upon the
people.
It is amazing how problems are resolved when the glory of God is manifest-
ed. Moses received clear directions on how to proceed. “Take the rod, and gather
thou the assembly together.” This was the rod that had been used to perform the
miracles in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and to obtain water at Rephidim (Ex. 17). The
rod would serve as a reminder of the miracle-working power of God. All the peo-
ple were to be gathered that they might see and acknowledge God’s mercy and
bountiful care. At the waters of Rephidim, God told Moses to strike the rock, and
water would issue forth. This time God told Moses “speak to the rock before their
eyes, and it shall give forth his water.” Very little human effort was to be in-
volved in this miracle. Moses was to trust God’s word that there would be water.
God’s power would supply the water so that Moses could “give the congregation
and their beasts drink.”
What do you think?
Jesus said we are to “pray for them which despitefully use you” (Matt. 5:44).
God deigns to utilize human instrumentality; we share in the labors and the
glories of God’s work.
Words of Unbelief  vv. 9-12
Moses “took the rod from before the LORD” where it was laid up in the
Tabernacle, and the congregation was gathered “together before the rock.” But
there seems to be something wrong in Moses’ spirit. Listen to his words, “Hear
now, ye rebels.” Had forty years of dealing with these murmuring, accusing peo-
ple finally broken his spirit? (Read Psa. 106:32, 33.) “Instead of speaking to the
rock, he spoke to the people in a fury” (J.F.B. Commentary). God responded in pa-
tience and love to the needs of the people, but Moses struck out verbally at the
March 17, 2019 63
people. “Must we fetch you water out of this rock?” Here was a wrong emphasis.
Moses’ words were exalting the human rather than directing the people’s attention
Godward. He failed to exalt God before the people. “Self-confidence was in ex-
cess, and humble reliance on Jehovah was deficient” (D. D. Whedon). The people
should have been encouraged to trust in God’s goodness, not Moses’ ability.
A wrong spirit clouds our thinking, and often leads to hasty, ill-advised ac-
tions. “Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice,” as if
the accomplishment of the miracle depended upon human exertion. He did not ex-
plicitly obey the command of God. While calling the people rebels, he himself
was not obeying God. God in His mercy caused the “water to come out abun-
dantly, and the congregation drank and their beasts also.”
So the need for water had been met, and now everything was fine. Right?
Not so. “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron.” Moses may have wanted
to dust off his hands and go on down the road, but God does not and will not over-
look disobedience. And He will deal with those who take the glory to themselves
for that which should have brought glory to God. “Ye believed me not, to sanctify
me in the eyes of the children of Israel. Failure to follow God’s commands evi-
denced Moses’ lack of faith. Unbelief was the root cause of his disobedience. God
had promised that when Moses spoke to the rock, water would come forth. Moses
resorted to striking the rock. His actions exhibited self-will, and set the wrong ex-
ample before the people.
Moses did not exalt God as worthy of worship and obedience. He should
have caused the people to acknowledge God’s power and to honor Him. It was
God who did the miracle. It was God who was faithful to keep His promise. It was
God who in mercy supplied the needs of a perverse and complaining people.
Aaron did not rebuke Moses for his words and attitude, and therefore Aaron be-
came an accomplice in Moses’ failure. Moses and Aaron should have been exam-
ples of faith, hope, and meekness. They failed to bring honor to God “in the eyes
of the children of Israel”; their failure was public. “Therefore, ye shall not bring
this congregation into the land which I have given them.” “Moses and Aaron did
not sanctify God as they ought in the eyes of Israel, but God was sanctified in
them; for He will not be a loser in His honor by any man. If He be not glorified by
us, He will be glorified upon us” (M. Henry).
Moses’ failure may be summarized as follows: 1. He became provoked at the
people and spoke unadvisedly. 2. He disobeyed when he smote the rock instead of
speaking to it. 3. He did not acknowledge that it was God who would provide, but
took the honor himself.
This place were God gave the Israelites water received the name of “Merib-
ah,” which means “strife.” Complaining is an affront to God. Instead of trusting in
God’s goodness and providence, the people rose up against the men whom God
had appointed as their leaders, thus creating contention and strife in the camp.
64 ADULT
However, regardless of man’s failure or rebellion, God will ultimately triumph and
be glorified. God will be exalted in the eyes of the people. “He put their unbelief
to shame by the miraculous gift of water, and on the other hand punished Moses
and Aaron for the weakness of their faith” (Keil & Delitzsch). Moses, as the au-
thor of this book, did not omit the account of his failure. He brought honor to God
in showing that God is faithful and just in all His ways. Moses acknowledged that
God’s sentence forbidding him to enter the Promised Land was justly deserved.
What do you think?
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind.
In 1 Cor. 10:4, Christ is identified as the “spiritual Rock that followed” the
children of Israel in the wilderness. From Him flows the living water
which slacks the spiritual thirst. “Whosoever drinketh of the water that
I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him
shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (Jn.
4:14).
Faithfulness must be thorough and complete, reaching to the end of life.
Golden Text
“Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear,
and let him be your dread” (Isa. 8:13).
The psalmist admonishes the people to “sanctify the LORD of hosts him-
self.” God must be exalted and reverenced as the only true and holy God. He is to
be honored and trusted. As the Lord of hosts, He has power and can utilize any re-
source in the defense and aid of His people. John Wesley states that we are to give
God the “glory of his power, and goodness, and faithfulness, by trusting to His
promises.” We must keep up a reverence of His providence, and stand in awe of
His sovereignty.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an
answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meek-
ness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).

March 17, 2019 65

 Balaam Disobeys Numbers
22:10-22a
Lesson 12 for March 24, 2019
Golden Text: “Which have forsaken the right way,
and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam
the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Pet. 2:15).

Numbers 22:10 And Balaam said unto
God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of
Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,
11 Behold, there is a people come
out of Egypt, which covereth the face of
the earth: come now, curse me them;
peradventure I shall be able to over-
come them, and drive them out.
12 And God said unto Balaam, Thou
shalt not go with them; thou shalt not
curse the people: for they are blessed.
13 And Balaam rose up in the morn-
ing, and said unto the princes of Balak,
Get you into your land: for the LORD re-
fuseth to give me leave to go with you.
14 And the princes of Moab rose up,
and they went unto Balak, and said, Bal-
aam refuseth to come with us.
15 And Balak sent yet again princes,
more, and more honourable than they.
16 And they came to Balaam, and said
to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zip-
por, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee
from coming unto me:
17 For I will promote thee unto very
great honour, and I will do whatsoever
thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I
pray thee, curse me this people.
18 And Balaam answered and said
unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would
give me his house full of silver and gold, I
cannot go beyond the word of the LORD
my God, to do less or more.
19 Now therefore, I pray you, tarry
ye also here this night, that I may know
what the LORD will say unto me more.
20 And God came unto Balaam at
night, and said unto him, If the men
come to call thee, rise up, and go with
them; but yet the word which I shall say
unto thee, that shalt thou do.
21 And Balaam rose up in the morn-
ing, and saddled his ass, and went with
the princes of Moab.
22a And God's anger was kindled be-
cause he went: and the angel of the
LORD stood in the way for an adversary
against him.

Daily Devotional Readings

Sunday Sihon and Og Numbers 21:23-35
Monday Moab Shall Tremble Exodus 15:11-18
Tuesday He Loved Cursing Psalm 109:15-31
Wednesday Whence Are These Men? 2 Kings 20:12-18
Thursday I Will Bless Thee Genesis 22:9-19
Friday The Love of Money 1 Timothy 6:6-11
Saturday Consent Thou Not Proverbs 1:10-19
66 ADULT
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
As Israel advanced to the eastern side of the Jordan River valley, they con-
quered three kingdoms and possessed their lands. The first kingdom to fall was
that of Arad (Num. 21:1-3), which was the territory to the south of Hebron. The
next foe was Sihon, king of the Amorites (21:21-31). Once he was defeated, Israel
controlled the territory between the river Arnon and the brook Jabbok. Then Israel
pushed further northward and defeated Og, king of Bashan. Such swift and deci-
sive victories caused the people of Moab to be filled with fear. Thus, their king,
Balak, met with the elders of Midian, and decided to obtain the help of a soothsay-
er by the name of Balaam.
Such was a common practice in an-
cient times. It was thought that if a nation’s The Lesson Outline
gods could be persuaded to forsake them, or I Cannot Come  vv. 10-14
to turn against them, then the people could You Must Come  vv. 15-17
be easily overcome. Or if a higher deity I Cannot, But I Will  vv. 18-22
could be persuaded to curse the enemy, it
would also assure victory (Num. 22:6). Balak knew that his forces were no match
for the Israelites, whose fighting men numbered 601,730. But if he could get the
“gods” on his side, then he could drive the Israelites out of the land. Balaam was
supposed to be able to do more by his curses than Balak could do with his armies.
Balaam lived in Mesopotamia near the Euphrates River. In Joshua 13:22,
Balaam is identified as a soothsayer. People who practiced such arts were con-
demned by God (Deut. 18:10-12). We find in 2 Peter 2:15 that Balaam was called
a prophet. Balaam’s standing with God was certainly questionable. He obviously
heard from God, yet he also instructed Balak to offer sacrifices on the altars of
Baal (22:41—23:2). But Balak believed that Balaam had great power—“He
whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.”
I Cannot Come  vv. 10-14
Balak sent the princes of Moab and Midian to find Balaam. They brought
with them “the rewards of divination,” payments to obtain Balaam’s services.
When the messengers arrived at Balaam’s house, he told them to stay the night.
He would bring them word again “as the LORD shall speak unto me.” It appears
that Balaam knew Who the true God was, and that he was accustomed to receiving
messages from Him. That night God visited Balaam. “What men are these with
thee?” God did not ask this question because He did not know, for God knows all
things. Rather, the question was asked to draw Balaam out, to help him realize
March 24, 2019 67
what he was being drawn into. Balaam related to God the request made by Balak
to come and to curse “a people come out of Egypt” (vv. 10, 11).
Balak’s first request was for Balaam to come. God said, “Thou shalt not go
with them.” Balak’s second request was that Balaam would curse the Israelites.
God said, “Thou shalt not curse the people.” Balaam was not at liberty to curse
the Israelites, for “they are blessed.”
The next morning, Balaam told the princes of Balak to return to their own
land. “There is no purpose for you to stay here. God will not allow me to go with
you.” But Balaam only told them part of the truth. He should have continued by
saying, “I cannot curse this people. It is impossible for me to curse those whom
God has already blessed.” He concealed the real reason why he was not to go.
Have you ever heard someone being asked why they dressed modestly or why
they did not watch television? Instead of taking a stand for truth, or testifying of
God’s grace in his heart, he replied, “It’s just the way our church believes.” That
sounds a lot like Balaam.
The fact is that Balaam was giving consideration to the “rewards of divina-
tion” which the princes had in their saddlebags. There was a desire to go with
them so he could gain that wealth. Perhaps he was having a difficult time finan-
cially, which made the temptation all the more appealing. Satan knows how to
strike at his most advantageous time. But “the LORD refuseth to give me leave to
go with you.” Balaam was tampering with temptation. “I really would kind of like
to go, but God won’t let me.”
When the princes returned to Balak’s palace, they had a disappointing word
for the king: “Balaam refuseth to come with us.” The princes did not tell the king
what Balaam had told them, “The Lord refuseth to let me go.” Thus, Balak as-
sumed that there was still the possibility of Balaam coming. It appeared as if Ba-
laam was only being obstinate. Notice that what God had said was diminished
each time it was told. God’s word became less and less important.
What do you think?
Why did God ask Adam, “Where art thou?”
“When we enter into a parley with temptations, we are in great danger of
being overcome by them” (M. Henry).
It is important to be specific when conveying to others what God has said.
You Must Come  vv. 15-17
Balak was desperate. He believed that the Moabite kingdom would soon be
destroyed. Since Balaam refused Balak’s initial offer, Balak would make a second
offer which would be more appealing. He would send a large delegation com-
posed of “more honourable” princes. Balaam’s response in verse eighteen indi-
cates that a larger amount of money was also sent along this second time.
If Balaam and the princes had stated clearly why he would not come the first
time, there would have been no second attempt. Now Balak will intensify his offer
68 ADULT
in order to persuade Balaam. “Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming
unto me.” To the possibility of riches, Balak adds the possibility of being promot-
ed to “very great honour.” The appeal is now made, not only to covetousness, but
also to the gratification of pride and ambition. “If you will come, I will do all thou
sayest unto me. Just do my bidding, and you can have all. Think of the authority
and power you will have.” Does the reader remember when Satan showed Christ
all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them? Satan offered them to Christ
if He would simply fall down and worship the devil. Jesus adamantly refused,
“Get thou hence Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,
and him only shalt thou serve.”
Balak was persistent: “Come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.”
Balaam knew exactly what Balak wanted, and he also knew that it was contrary to
God’s will. To even consider Balak’s offer should have been totally out of the
question.
What do you think?
The earlier that temptation is clearly and adamantly resisted, the easier it is
to obtain the victory.
When Satan’s offers appear to be “too good to be true,” it is because his of-
fers are “too good to be true.”
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants
ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto
righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16).
I Cannot, But I Will  vv. 18-22
When the second delegation arrives at Balaam’s house, he is very bold in his
declaration: “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot
go beyond the word of the LORD my God.” He claims to be a worshiper of the
one true God. His words sound so pious, but they are only a cover-up for a corrupt
heart. Our Golden Text reveals that Balaam’s heart affections were set on material
gain. One commentator wrote, “They pretend they would not do anything against
the word of God for a house full of gold, and yet will do it for a handful!” If Ba-
laam had been truly sincere in obeying God, he would not have invited the mes-
sengers to stay the night. By allowing them to stay the night, he only gave them
hope that they would succeed.
But Balaam was hoping that God would change His mind—“that I may know
what the LORD will say unto me more.” When an individual’s affections are set
on doing the forbidden, God will eventually step aside and allow the person to do
what he wants to do. God came to Balaam that night and told him, “If the men
come to call thee, rise up, and go with them.” However, Balaam would not be able
to curse the people of God. “The word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou
do.” It was to no avail that Balaam would go. He could not fulfill Balak’s desire to
March 24, 2019 69
curse the Israelites; thus, he would not receive the riches and honor which he de-
sired to have. Sin always takes an individual down a path of unfulfilled desires.
The next morning, Balaam did not wait for the men to call him. He was up
early and preparing for the journey. In the epistle of Jude, false teachers are de-
scribed as men who “ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward.” The
soothsayer was wasting no time. He thought he had talked God into allowing him
to go, and maybe he could talk God into allowing him to at least pronounce a little
curse on the Israelites.
However, “God’s anger was kindled [glowed] because he went.” Balaam
went motivated by his covetousness rather than a desire to obey God. He went
presumptuously—thinking that God would change His mind about cursing Israel.
He went under false pretense—letting the princes think he would curse Israel. He
went of his own accord—he did not wait for the men to call him, but he arose
early and prepared to depart. Three times the angel of the Lord, with a drawn
sword, stood in his way. Balaam’s life was spared only because the donkey on
which he rode avoided the angel. Even when the donkey spoke to Balaam, he still
did not catch on. Finally, God had to open Balaam’s eyes, and when He did, Ba-
laam fell “flat on his face.” Now he confesses, “I have sinned . . . now therefore,
if it displease thee, I will get me back.” What could be more obvious than that
God was displeased! Balaam’s heart and his will were still bent on material gain.
Sin blinds the heart and mind. Sin causes men to pursue a course which is totally
irrational and eventually ends in total ruin (Num. 31:8).
What do you think?
The true character of a man is revealed more by his actions than by his
words.
“God often gives up men to follow the impulse of their own lusts” (J.F.B.
Commentary).
“The love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10).
Golden Text
“Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way
of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness”
(2 Pet. 2:15).
“The inordinate love of the good things of this world turns men out of the
way which leads to the unspeakably better things of another life; the love of riches
and honor turned Balaam out of the way of his duty, although he knew that the
way he took displeased the Lord.
“Those who from the same principle are guilty of the same practices with no-
torious sinners are, in the judgment of God, the followers of such vile offenders.
Therefore they must reckon upon being at last where the vile are: they shall have
their portion with those in another world whom they imitated in this” (M. Henry).
70 ADULT
 Joshua Appointed
Lesson 13 for March 31, 2019
Golden Text: “Be strong and of a good courage;
be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the
LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9b).
Numbers 27:12 And the LORD said
unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount
Abarim, and see the land which I have
given unto the children of Israel.
13 And when thou hast seen it, thou
also shalt be gathered unto thy people,
as Aaron thy brother was gathered.
14 For ye rebelled against my com-
mandment in the desert of Zin, in the
strife of the congregation, to sanctify me
at the water before their eyes: that is the
water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wil-
derness of Zin.
15 And Moses spake unto the LORD,
saying,
16 Let the LORD, the God of the spir-
its of all flesh, set a man over the congre-
gation,
17 Which may go out before them,
and which may go in before them, and
which may lead them out, and which
may bring them in; that the congrega-
tion of the LORD be not as sheep which
have no shepherd.
Numbers
27:12-23
18 And the LORD said unto Moses,
Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man
in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand
upon him;
19 And set him before Eleazar the
priest, and before all the congregation;
and give him a charge in their sight.
20 And thou shalt put some of thine
honour upon him, that all the congrega-
tion of the children of Israel may be obe-
dient.
21 And he shall stand before Eleazar
the priest, who shall ask counsel for him
after the judgment of Urim before the
LORD: at his word shall they go out, and
at his word they shall come in, both he,
and all the children of Israel with him,
even all the congregation.
22 And Moses did as the LORD com-
manded him: and he took Joshua, and
set him before Eleazar the priest, and be-
fore all the congregation:
23 And he laid his hands upon him,
and gave him a charge, as the LORD
commanded by the hand of Moses.

Daily Devotional Readings

Sunday Aaron’s Death Numbers 20:23-29
Monday Parting Admonitions Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Tuesday Moses Views the Land Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Wednesday A Charge to Joshua Joshua 1:1-8
Thursday The Good Shepherd John 10:7-18
Friday Different Gifts, Same Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Saturday A Charge to Timothy 2 Timothy 4:1-8
March 31, 2019 71
 The Lesson Exposition
By Kenneth Wize

Introduction
The long wilderness journey was over, and the nation of Israel would soon
cross the Jordan to take possession of the land which had been promised to their
fathers. From the time of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage until now,
Moses had been their leader. God had used him to perform tremendous miracles—
the plagues of Egypt, parting the Red Sea, supplying water, defeating enemy
forces. Many times Moses had
made intercession when these peo- The Lesson Outline
ple had gone astray. He prevailed A Leader Rewarded  vv. 12-14
in prayer for the fulfillment of A Commander Commissioned  vv. 15-23
God’s promises. It was Moses
who had ascended Mount Sinai to talk with God face to face. There he received
the Ten Commandments, the pattern for the Tabernacle and its furniture, and the
details regarding the Levitical priesthood. He had patiently led as a murmuring,
unbelieving first generation passed away and a second generation arose. One third
of his life span of 120 years had been devoted to bringing these people to this time
and place. Canaan land lay before them just across the river. A new era in their
history was about to unfold. It was a time of transition.
A Leader Rewarded  vv. 12-14
As Moses was resting in his tent one afternoon, he heard God’s voice: “Get
thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the
children of Israel.” Abarim was the mountain range which ran parallel to the Jor-
dan River and the Dead Sea. Pisgah was a particular peak in that range, and the
summit of that peak was called Nebo. From this lofty height, Moses was to view
the land which the Israelites would soon possess. Moses would not be allowed to
enter Canaan because of his failure at the waters of strife in Kadesh-barnea. How-
ever, he would be allowed to preview the land and be assured of the fulfillment of
God’s promise to the Israelites. What Moses saw was not to tantalize him nor to
upbraid him for his failure. Rather, it would engender a sense of accomplishment
for his faithfulness. The end for which he had labored would be achieved; God’s
people would dwell in the Promised Land.
From his advantage point, Moses could also see the Israelite camp spread out
below him. There were the tents in neat order surrounding the Tabernacle of wor-
ship. Smoke rose from the burnt altar as a sacrifice was being made. He could see
the priests in their glistening white robes. Perhaps he saw clusters of young sol-
diers clad in their armor. Moses had a sense of satisfaction and joy over what God
72 ADULT
had been able to accomplish during his leadership of the Israelites. God had used
Moses to lay the spiritual, political, and social foundation of this new nation.
There is no remorse in Moses’ heart as God speaks, “Thou shalt be gathered
unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.” His mind goes back to the
day when he, Aaron, and Eleazar climbed Mount Hor. There Aaron took off his
priestly robes, and Moses placed them upon Eleazar. “And Aaron died there in
the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount”
(Num. 20:23-29). Moses is aware that his time to depart has also come. Like Abra-
ham of old (Gen. 25:8), he will also be gathered unto his people. Death would not
end his existence. He would be brought into the presence of the patriarchs and
those who had passed on before him. Though he had not seen the final fruition of
his endeavors, he had invested his life in God’s service. He could say that he had
finished his course with joy.
What do you think?
The advance of God’s kingdom is not dependent on one individual.
We need not think of death with terror, for Christ has taken the sting out of
death.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Tim. 4:17, 18).
A Commander Commissioned  vv. 15-23
The announcement that Moses was to die caused him to become concerned
regarding the future leadership of the Israelites. Thus, he asks the Lord to “set a
man over the congregation.” Moses was more worried about the continued ad-
vance of God’s purpose through His people than he was about the loss of his posi-
tion as a leader. The new generation would need spiritual leadership; therefore,
Moses asks for God to select the new leader. Though Moses may have had his
preferences, he would not choose. Neither would the man be chosen through the
process of a popular election. Let the “God of the spirits of all flesh” appoint the
leader.
The “spirit” of a man is the immaterial portion which resides in the physical
body. It is God who gives this “life breath” to mankind. The apostle Paul said, “In
him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). We are dependent
upon God for life; we owe our existence to the Creator. Men look on the outward
appearance, but God looks upon the heart, the inner man. He knows who is fit to
be used for a particular task. God knows whom He has gifted with grace, talents,
and abilities to fill an office.
The new leader would have many responsibilities. He must be a personal ex-
ample of holiness and integrity, knowing how to “go out” and to “come in” be-
March 31, 2019 73
fore the people. As the people’s leader, he would set the example in worshiping
God and being courageous in conflict. In time of peace, he would show fidelity to
God, and keep the people from forsaking the Lord.
Moses wanted someone who would be a shepherd to the people. Having been
a shepherd for forty years, Moses knew the similarities of men and sheep. Sheep
without a shepherd will tend to wander and become scattered. They will lack prop-
er nourishment, and be subject to sickness and accidents. A more serious conse-
quence is that they easily fall prey to their enemies. Jesus often compared men to
sheep, and expressed concern for their well-being (Matt. 9:36). Moses wanted
God to provide a good shepherd for His people.
The Lord already had a man in mind: “Take thee Joshua the son of Nun.”
Joshua did not seek this office. However, God had been preparing Moses’ succes-
sor all along. God had provided opportunities for the development of Joshua’s per-
sonality and character. Joshua had faithfully served the people and Moses across
the years. It was Joshua who led the armies of Israel against the Amalekites (Ex.
17)—he exhibited courage. He ministered to Moses’ needs (Ex. 24:13)—he had a
servant’s attitude. Joshua accompanied Moses upon Mount Sinai (Ex. 24 and
33)—he had been in God’s presence. He spent time alone with God in the Taber-
nacle (Ex. 33)—he was a man of prayer. He and Caleb had returned the good re-
port of the Promised Land (Num. 14)—Joshua believed God would give them the
victory. In every situation his response furthered to strengthen him and develop
him for larger responsibilities. The traits which he developed would be essential in
the role of leadership which he would soon assume. “God never chooses a man to
accomplish his designs but that one whom He Himself has qualified for the work”
(A. Clarke).
However, the most important qualification was that Joshua was “a man in
whom is the spirit.” The Holy Ghost is the Power which quickens the moral and
spiritual life. Jesus told His followers that it was “expedient” for Him to go away
so that He could send them the Comforter. They were to tarry until they were en-
dued with power from on high. When the early church selected men to serve as
deacons, they chose men who were “of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and
wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Joshua was such a man.
Joshua’s appointment is the earliest record of the rite of investiture, laying on
of hands. This rite was commonly practiced in the New Testament church. For ex-
ample—the placing of the deacons in their offices, and the sending forth of Paul
and Barnabas as missionaries. When Paul wrote to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:14), he
mentioned “the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” This rite typically sym-
bolized acceptance by the church, or the granting of authority to fill an office.
Joshua’s induction into the position as the leader was to be held publicly “be-
fore all the congregation.” There he was to stand before Eleazar the high priest,
and receive a solemn charge from Moses. Joshua must be aware of the solemn re-
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sponsibility to govern himself in his office. He would also be responsible for the
well-being of the people socially and spiritually. One day he would give an ac-
count to God for the fulfilling of these duties.
Since the congregation would witness this conferring of leadership, there
would be no question of who was now in charge. Moses was to “put some of
thine honour upon him.” Joshua was to be commended to the people. He would
be a co-leader while Moses remained alive so that the transition of authority
would be seamless. The people, having been under this joint leadership, would
come to trust Joshua when he became the sole leader. However, Joshua would
never rise to the same level of honor as Moses, who had been the deliverer from
Egypt and the lawgiver at Sinai.
Moses spoke with God face to face, and there would be times when Joshua
would hear directly from God (Joshua 4:1; 6:2; 7:10). But Joshua was also in-
structed to be advised by the high priest who would “ask counsel for him after
the judgment of Urim before the LORD.” Joshua was to seek God’s will, and not
to lean to his own understanding. To govern Israel and to conquer Canaan would
be major responsibilities. It would be reassuring to know he could obtain direction
from God.
What do you think?
Moses was not envious or jealous of his successor. He was content to see oth-
ers reap where he had sown.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own under-
standing. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy
paths” (Prov. 3:5, 6).
The future of a nation depends on its leaders getting direction from God.
Moses, as a type of the law, could not lead the people into the Promised Land.
It took Joshua (Jehovah saves), a type of grace, to bring them in and to
give them victory.
Golden Text
“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:
for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9b).
After the death of Moses, the full weight of the leadership responsibility now
rested upon Joshua. He would direct the Israelites in their entering and possessing
Canaan land. He was also aware of the possibility of the people complaining and
becoming ungovernable. While he was facing these responsibilities, God spoke re-
assuring words to him. He told Joshua to “be strong and of a good courage.” As
the leader of the Israelite armies, he must exhibit fortitude and valor. His men
must see an example of one who has confidence in God and is relying on His
promises (Deut. 31:6-8).
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 Joshua must not be afraid of the power of the enemies, nor dismayed by their
fortified cities. Neither should he allow his thoughts to dwell on his own sense of
weakness, because “the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
God’s presence would always be with Him, and God would empower him to ac-
complish the divine purposes. Awareness of one’s weakness, and the need to rely
on God, are keys to success. Joshua could well remember his own words, “The
LORD is with us, fear them not” (Num. 14:9).

76 ADULT
 Through the Bible in One Year
Day by Day
January February March
01 Gen. 1-3 Psa. 1 01 Ex. 35-37 Psa. 32 01 Num. 34-36 Psa. 60
02 Gen. 4-7 2 02 Ex. 38-40 33 02 Deut. 1, 2 61
03 Gen. 8, 9 3 03 Lev. 1-3 34 03 Deut. 3, 4 62
04 Gen. 10-14 4 04 Lev. 4, 5 35 04 Deut. 5, 6 63
05 Gen. 15-17 5 05 Lev. 6-8 36 05 Deut. 7-9 64
06 Gen. 18-20 6 06 Lev. 9-11 37 06 Deut. 10, 11 65
07 Gen. 21-23 7 07 Lev. 12, 13 38 07 Deut. 12-14 66
08 Gen. 24, 25 8 08 Lev. 14, 15 39 08 Deut. 15-17 67
09 Gen. 26, 27 9 09 Lev. 16, 17 40 09 Deut. 18-21 68
10 Gen. 28-30 10 10 Lev. 18-20 41 10 Deut. 22-24 69
11 Gen. 31, 32 11 11 Lev. 21, 22 42 11 Deut. 25-27 70
12 Gen. 33-35 12 12 Lev. 23-25 43 12 Deut. 28 71
13 Gen. 36, 37 13 13 Lev. 26, 27 44 13 Deut. 29-31 72
14 Gen. 38-40 14 14 Num. 1 45 14 Deut. 32-34 73
15 Gen. 41, 42 15 15 Num. 2, 3 46 15 Joshua 1-3 74
16 Gen. 43, 44 16 16 Num. 4, 5 47 16 Joshua 4-6 75
17 Gen. 45-47 17 17 Num. 6, 7 48 17 Joshua 7, 8 76
18 Gen. 48-50 18 18 Num. 8, 9 49 18 Joshua 9, 10 77
19 Ex. 1-3 19 19 Num. 10, 11 50 19 Joshua 11-13 78
20 Ex. 4-6 20 20 Num. 12-14 51 20 Joshua 14-16 79
21 Ex. 7, 8 21 21 Num. 15, 16 52 21 Joshua 17-19 80
22 Ex. 9-11 22 22 Num. 17-19 53 22 Joshua 20, 21 81
23 Ex. 12, 13 23 23 Num. 20, 21 54 23 Joshua 22-24 82
24 Ex. 14-16 24 24 Num. 22, 23 55 24 Judg. 1, 2 83
25 Ex. 17-19 25 25 Num. 24-26 56 25 Judg. 3, 4 84
26 Ex. 20-22 26 26 Num. 27-29 57 26 Judg. 5, 6 85
27 Ex. 23-25 27 27 Num. 30, 31 58 27 Judg. 7, 8 86
28 Ex. 26-28 28 28 Num. 32, 33 59 28 Judg. 9, 10 87
29 Ex. 29, 30 29 29 Judg. 11-13 88
30 Ex. 31, 32 30 30 Judg. 14-16 89
31 Ex. 33, 34 31 31 Judg. 17-19 90

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