Torah: Numbers 25:10–29:40 [30:1 TANACH]
PROPHETS: 1 Kings 18:46–19:21
APOSTOLIC WRITINGS: Revelation 19:11–21

The devotional below is designed to help you dive deeper into God’s heart by exploring Torah as the gateway into transformational Bible reading.

SUNDAY

Torah 1 & 2

Torah 1: 
Be Zealous for God!
Numbers 25:10–26:4  

Torah 2:
God Knows His People By Name
Numbers 26:5–51

Israel is still at Shittim, east of the Jordan, suffering from the consequences of idolatry. Pinchas (transliterated “Phinehas” and meaning “dark-skinned”) stands out as one who has intense zeal for God. More specifically, his zeal is for upholding God’s honor and holiness in the sight if others (v. 11, 13; cf. Leviticus 10:3). Are you zealous for your own comforts and pleasures? Are you zealous for upholding your own reputation in the eyes of others? What would it look like for you to be more zealous for God and upholding His honor in your heart and in the world?

Pinchas’ zealousness results in a covenant of peace that can be traced through the priestly household of Zadok (cf. 1 Chronicles 6:4,8 and Ezekiel 44:15–16). Chapter 26 begins the second Israelite census. The older generation had been counted at the foot of Mt. Sinai (Numbers 1). This new generation is being counted on the outskirts of the Promised Land in preparation for actually settling it. The two countings reveal that there has been a net loss during the wilderness wanderings of 1,820 (cf. 1:46; 26:51). Though individuals have died in the wilderness, God’s covenant faithfulness is on display as He fulfills covenant promises and shepherds His flock.

Application

In raising up Messiah Yeshua, God has given us a zealous Shepherd who will never let us down. Are you trusting in Him by being fully surrendered to His leading? What would it look like in your life to yield more? What would total surrender look like? Are you willing?

MONDAY

Torah 3 & 4

Torah 3: 
Inheriting the Promised Land
Numbers 26:52–27:5

26:53–56
Inheritance in the Promised Land is to be determined by both size and lot. The size of the clan most likely determined how much land they got (vv. 53–54), and lots were used to determine where the land would be within the tribal allocation (vv. 55–56).

26:57–62
Since Levites do not serve in the military, they are counted from a much earlier age. Whereas the military census counted Israelites beginning at age 20, this census counted the Levites beginning at one month of age. Levites were probably counted now in preparation for allocating them the 48 ‘Levitical’ cities (cf. 35:7), as well as assigning them their Tabernacle ministry duties (vv. 57–62).

26:63–65
How do these verses reveal the faithfulness of God based on His earlier words in 14:29–35? In what ways do you identify with the fallen generation in the desert? How can you be more like the two spies who overcame the fears and rebellion of their contemporaries through courageous obedience?

27:1–5
The program for allocating land through patrilineal succession (from father to son) was threatened by the case of Zelophehad who had five daughters, but no sons. 
 

Torah 4:
Preserving the Promised Inheritance
Numbers 27:6–27:23

If they got no land because their father had no sons, then their father’s name would vanish along with their inheritance. God’s solution preserves patrilineal descent by maintaining continuity of land transfer through any particular sonless generation (36:6–9 ensures that the family’s land will stay within that particular tribe). God goes to great length to preserve for us that which we need to glorify Him and testify to His covenant faithfulness.

application

How does this truth give you hope today? Though Moses was not happy about not entering the Promised Land, he kept the faith and maintained a lifestyle of courageous obedience. How does Matthew 17:3 fulfill Moses’ desire to make it into the Land? 

TUESDAY

torah 5 & 6

Torah 5: 
Setting Apart (Sanctifying) Time 
Numbers 28:1–15

Chapter 28 gives us supplemental information on how to observe His appointed times in Leviticus 23 and thus remember Him daily, weekly, monthly and annually. Each day is to be set apart with a sacrifice in the morning and in the evening (vv. 3–8). This sacrifice is called tamid, which means “continual.”

God’s instructions for daily sacrificial obedience remind us to walk continually in set apart holiness.

On Shabbat, there is a weekly “musaf” (“additional”) offering that is to accompany the daily offering. Consequently, there is an additional repetition of much of the synagogue service on Shabbat as a way to try to observe this “additional” Shabbat offering (after the Temple was destroyed, the rabbis transferred much of the sacrificial service “at the altar” to a service “at the synagogue,” with prayers replacing animal sacrifice).

Once a month, there is a special Rosh Chodesh (new moon) observance consisting of additional sacrifices including a Chattat (sin or purification offering)along with all of the many Olah offerings (whole burnt offerings) (vv. 11–15).  
 

Torah 6: 
Remembering God’s Faithfulness 
Numbers 28:16–29:11

The many annual reminders of God’s faithfulness begin with Pesach (Passover) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The offerings are the same as the ones for Rosh Chodesh. Shavuot (Pentacost), Yom T’ruah (Day of Blowing Trumpets, a.k.a. Rosh HaShanah), and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) stretch out across the year and help God’s people stay focused on Him and His saving acts.

application

As we approach the High Holy Days, be sure to be in prayer for yourself and the lost whom God wants to reach through us. May these days of remembrance be filled with God’s Presence among us as we celebrate His covenant faithfulness and His steadfast love.