The normal post I will be writing this week isn't related to this "Bonus Post", but I just couldn't resist sharing the amazing picture from the Lord found in Numbers 2. As the children of Israel journey into the wilderness, God gives them specific instructions about how to organize their camps. It brings to my mind the verse in I Corinthians that says, "Let all things be done decently in order." God is definitely a God of order, and we see that demonstrated so clearly in all of the instructions given to Israel in Leviticus and Numbers.
If you could have gotten an ariel view of the children of Israel settled around the tabernacle you would have seen a cross. Their camps were to be organized with the tabernacle, the place where God's presence manifested, in the middle of all the tribes. Yahweh desired to dwell at the center of His people.
If you do a quick count, you will find 13 names, but there were only 12 tribes, right? Something every interesting happens with the various accounts of the 12 tribes. Throughout the Bible, the list gets mixed up a bit depending on what God is wanting to communicate with us. Everything is important!! The Levites, who performed the ritual sacrifices, were not to inherit land, but rather receive of the offerings made to the Lord, were situated in the middle of the camp.
But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of tabernacle of testimony. Numbers 1:53
Recall from our reading in Genesis that Abraham adopted Joseph's two sons: Ephraim and Manasseh. "Joseph" does not get his name represented here on the cross, but rather his double portion of the inheritance is displayed here by both the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh getting a position around the tabernacle.
Do you recall the blessings that Jacob gave to his sons in Genesis? Remember that there was seemingly some overlap/confusion to us readers about how things would play out between Judah and Joseph. There are future kings and rulers coming through both sons when the nation of Israel splits in the future. God positioned Judah and Ephraim to his left and right hands. Keep these tribes and positions in mind as we continue reading in the future. As with so many other things that we have looked at before, there is symbolism regarding the right hand and left hand. The right hand often is portrayed as strength and honor and the left hand is associated with riches and honor. (Proverbs 3:16)
The last tidbit that I want to mention is a connection to the camp layout in next week's reading. In Numbers 24:14 God has Balaam tell Balak, "I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days." Balaam, who doesn't appear to be a godly prophet, is used by God to deliver a message to US in the latter days. Keep that in mind as you read Numbers 24.
However, lets back up a few verses and see what else Balaam experiences. V 4 God puts Balaam in a trance and opens his eyes to spiritual things. V 5 First thing he utters is "How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and they tabernacles, O Israel?" Maybe he was just saying, "Great construction job, you Israelites. You sure know how to pick quality animal skins and make great tents." But I'm pretty sure God didn't work this miracle for a foreign prophet so he could commend Israel on her construction abilities. Balaam saw the cross portrayed through their encampment. Yahweh opened his eyes to see a glimpse of the plan for the coming Messiah's sacrifice. V 6 Israel's fruitfulness is described as gardens and trees flourishing by waters. V 7 Poetically describes how God will spread His (spiritual) seed among many waters (peoples/nations) and that His kingdom will be exalted, and the King will be higher than Agag. (I won't try to give all of the possibilities for the explanation of Agag. However, it is clear that this was meant to represent an enemy of Israel, likely tied to the Amalakites and possibly representing a spiritual foe due to the Amalekite's connection to the Nephilim.)
The Lord is so faithful to give us pictures within pictures buried in His Word to help us understand His plan for humanity. I pray He gives each of us wisdom understand all that He wants us to know.
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