Numbers 4-7
Completing the head-count of the Children of Israel taken in the Sinai Desert, a total of 8,580 Levite men between the ages of 30 and 50 are counted in a tally of those who will be doing the actual work of transporting the Tabernacle.
God communicates to Moses the law of the wayward wife suspected of unfaithfulness to her husband. Also given is the law of the Nazarite who forswears wine, lets his or her hair grow long, and is forbidden to become contaminated through contact with a dead body. Aaron and his descendents the priets are instructed on how to bless the people of Israel.
The leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel each bring their offerings for the inauguration of the altar. Although their gifts are identical, each is brought on a different day and is individually described by the Scripture.
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The Influence of Good and Evil
As nothing in Scripture is seen as random or coincidental, many take note of the juxtaposition of subjects raised. In this passage we see an interesting juxtaposition of abstinence and adultery in the laws and the the wayward wife.
This offers an insight into human nature. When one witnesses the effects of sin – in this case the punishment and degradation of an adulterous wife – and the tragic results of wrong choices in life, one can hopefully be influenced to turn away from sin. On the other hand, a display of evil, in whatever form, can be a catalyst for the spectator himself to turn to evil. The dark side of a human being, the iniquitous nature that remains concealed within the innermost recesses of one’s mind, can apparently be aroused to sin. It is the nature of man to gravitate towards and be influenced by the philosophies and behavior of those around him. We all know the power of “peer pressure” and how we can be victimized by our environment.
“He who performs a sin is guilty not only of his own sin, but also of influencing others to follow suit.”
The effect of one’s sin not only harms oneself but has inevitable, sometimes invisible, repercussions in the lives of those around us, for which we also are held accountable. The damage reaches further than we realize, indeed sometimes from generation to generation. The negative effects of the sin of adultery are obvious – the deep hurt of the spouse and any children who are involved; also the demeaning of covenant relationship and the resulting influence in the minds of others. It causes the destruction and degrading of all that God designed and intended to be “lifted up” and holy. All sin can thus be seen as adultery towards God. The most serious effect of any sin is that it separates us from God’s Presence; and His Name, rather than being exalted and sanctified in our lives, is dishonored and shamed.
The antidote for ‘adultery’ towards God, in whatever form, is offered in the example of the Nazir. The Nazirite, by making a vow of abstinence for a set period of time, chose to disassociate him or herself from the society around them in specific ways. They separated themselves from the non-essentials of enjoyment of ‘wine and fine dining’ and grooming – “no razor shall come upon the head” (6:5). They also avoided a dead body; and did not attend funerals. The main focus was not self-denial or weakening of the body as food and water were allowed. Rather it was to recognize one’s limitations and weaknesses and to draw closer to God. They were separated unto the LORD.
“All their days as nazirites they are holy to the LORD” (6:8).
At the conclusion of the set period of abstinence the Nazir brings a sin offering to the Temple, in recognition (a) of the fact that he has refrained from the blessings of good things that God has given to be enjoyed and (b) of any inherent sin within himself that might cause separation from God, resulting in death rather than life.
As His set apart people, and sanctified in Jesus, all our words and actions reflect upon our Father and His Word. The Name of God is profaned by one’s sin and anger instead of being sanctified by the love, grace and humility one expresses. We are ambassadors of the LORD. Wherever we are and whatever we do, may we glorify His precious Name and not diminish it.
“When a man or a woman commits any wrong toward a fellow man, thus breaking faith with the LORD, and that person realizes his guilt, he shall confess the wrong that he has done. He shall make restitution…” (5:5-7).
When he answers the question regarding the most important commandment, Jesus clearly connects the attitude one holds toward one’s fellow human beings, and the resulting actions towards them, with one’s attitude toward God Himself. He highlights the connection by saying, in effect, that the love you demonstrate toward your neighbor illustrates your love for God (Matthew 22:36-40).
The Scripture verse above emphasizes the importance of recognizing the wrong when one fails to act in a loving manner towards another, which is inevitable as we strive for healing of our broken human condition. One needs also to recognize that any unloving act against another, in thought, word or deed, is a “breaking of faith with the LORD”. As our negative act diminishes the image of God in the other person, so it affects the One in whose image they are made. In His mercy, God offers us, as His redeemed people, a means of repentance – a way to turn from the wrong we recognize. By confession and restitution we can be restored in relationship with Him and, hopefully then, with one another.
There is a collection that tells of four people were tested by the LORD to determine whether they had truly recognized and repented of their sin and could therefore receive pardon. All four failed the initial test.
The first was Adam.
God asked him: “Have you eaten of the tree?” (Genesis 3:11).
Adam replied: “The woman You gave me, she gave me from the tree.”
By this answer he evidenced no sign of remorse or personal accountability; rather he blamed God and Eve.
The second was Cain.
God asked: “Where is Abel your brother?” (Genesis 4:9).
Cain replied: “I do not know, am I my brother’s keeper?”
He lied to God, and also refused accountability and responsibility for his brother.
The third was the evil prophet Balaam.
God asked him: “Who are these men with you?” (Numbers 22:9).
He replied, “Balak, son of Tzipor, king of Moab, has sent to me.”
Balaam knew it was his decision to go against the will of God to serve a worldly king, but he attempted to shift the responsibility onto Balak.
The fourth was King Hezekiah.
When the king proudly shows the messengers of the Babylonian king all the sacred treasures in the Temple, God asks a similar question through the prophet Isaiah: “Who are these men, and from where do they come?” (Isaiah 39:3). Hezekiah replies with some conceit, “They come to me from a distant country, from Bavel – Babylonia.” Isaiah then prophesies the invasion of the Babylonian army, the looting of the Temple, the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people.
In the inestimable love of our Creator, God extends His grace and mercy towards us along with every breath we are granted. We are extended renewed opportunity to repent of every transgression that separates us and we are enabled to draw close to His Presence once again.