Once again God's orderliness is seen in how once the silver trumpets blasted the marching orders, all the Israelites set out according to how God commanded Moses, as seen in this tenth chapter of Numbers.
As they set out from Mount Sinai for this very first time, after Moses had gotten so many instructions from the Lord: the Ten Commandments and for construction of the Tabernacle and so much more. After events such as even before they received the Ten Commandments regarding having no other gods before Me (said God), they'd already had Aaron make them a golden calf to worship and then the consequences of that! Eventful place, to say the least.
I'm just trying to imagine the feelings of all those millions of people. What would it have been like to be in their shoes!? Euphoric to hear the trumpets' blast marching signals and perhaps see the cloud or fire lift from the tent of meeting, as they scrambled to fold up their own tents, gather their possessions and children and join the queue according to their prescribed positions of march.
What were the thoughts racing through their minds? Nervous excitement akin to the first day of a new school year? Excitement to see friends again, nervousness to learn which class you'd be in, curiosity to know if there would be any new students and even some trepidition as to which teacher you'd have? After all, the Israelites hadn't marched to such a programmed order before but we know how that God was on their side and He was going with them, or rather leading them wherever they went. What was there to fear?
This is why the interchange between Moses and his brother-in-law Hobab son of Reuel is so curious. If God was leading, guiding and directing their way through the wilderness, why would Moses' point of persuasion for Hobab to accompany them be,
"you know where we should camp in the desert, and you can be our eyes..." (Numbers 10:31).
Respect and acknowledgment of his brother-in-law, I feel Moses' really cared for him especially when he tacked on, in confidence of knowing His caring, loving Heavenly Father, said,
"If you come with us, we will share with your whatever good things the LORD gives us" (Numbers 10:32).
I get this part. But the "be our eyes" bit I'm not so sure. Actually, one online commentary The Bible Says, explained that Hobab was more likely to be Moses' brother-in-law as Reuel (aka Jethro), was actually the father-in-law, which explains that quandary.
Secondly, it was God leading to the encamping location. However, once their tents were pitched and they'd settled in, they'd need to know where to go and where not to go to look for water and/or to avoid hostile enemy encounters. So Hobab would act as desert guide. This makes sense to me. Moses does seem to have successfully persuaded the at first, reluctant Hobab.
Speaking of hostile enemies, how do you like Moses' mini-prayers whenever the ark of the covenant set out and came to rest? Again, Moses' converstation with the LORD is noted. The LORD had already indicated "It's time to move on" by lifting up the cloud or fire yet Moses is in tune with the LORD, like inseparable best friends. He is inviting the LORD to come along and to settle, return to not just him but to the whole congregation of Israelites.
Furthermore, for the scattering of their enemies, Moses saw God as his true protector. We have the same God who is the same for us today. This is heady stuff!
For the LORD to
"return to the countless thousands of Israel" (vs 36),
feels like Moses is saying. "We need you and we can't rest without you. Come, stay, rest, and be with us. All will be right with our desert world with You in it." This too, is the same for us. Even though we know our Lord is with us and will never leave us, we can let Him know we truly want Him and all will be right when He is there.
Did you catch the "countless thousands" bit? It's significant. Recall way back to God's promise to Abraham (see Genesis 15:1-6 NIV). God had promised him countless descendants more than the number of stars in the sky and grains of sand on the seashore. We see His promise to Abraham fulfilled here. Moses was alluding to this promise reminding God of it. Like persuading God to be with them. We know further that God did travel with them and not reluctantly. So the two R's transpired countless times, the "Rise Up" and the "Return".
We often do similar when we set off on a journey be it by car, bus, or plane. It would be good by foot too. Or whatever mode of travel to wherever in our daily lives.
Heavenly Father, we appreciate You and are glad You are with us wherever we are and with whatever we are doing. Always rise up with us as we go about our daily journeys whether far or near and return with us at day's end wherever we settle. We believe in You and have confidence that faith affords us, much like Moses had but then, perhaps to a lesser degree. We are learning though, Father. Thank You for Your patience with us. In Jesus' name, amen.
~ ERC April 2024 ~
Based on Numbers 10:11-36 NIV.
Sing, God of All My Days, along with Casting Crowns and God is For Us, along with City Alight.
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