Old Testament 301 Day 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought: Glenn Pace “Spiritual Plateaus” In the mission field my missionary companion and I were teaching a Harvard University Student. After we told him the Joseph Smith story and bore our testimonies to him as we had done many times before he said, “Wait a minute. Your telling me that God and Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and told him that he was to set up a new church?” We said we did believe that. He continued the interrogation. “You also believe an angel gave plates to Joseph Smith who translated them into the Book of Mormon and that the Savior appeared to the people on this continent?” We said we did. “You also believe that the President of your church is a prophet who receives revelation from God as did Adam, Noah and Abraham?” We said we did. Getting more animated by the minute, the investigator said, “That is the most incredible story I have ever heard. If I really believed all of that I wouldn’t be able to sleep. I’d be running up and down the street screaming it to everybody. Why aren’t you more excited about it?”

Book of the Week- House of Glory-Finding Personal Meaning In The Temple- S. Michael Wilcox

Frankincense is an essential oil, usually very much diluted with something else, like coconut oil, because it is so costly.  Anciently it was use topically, therapeutically, and emotionally for many difference ailments.  The theory is that the essential oils can penetrate into your cells for the optimum value.  Myrrh is another more exotic oil, and there are dozens, all devised from natural plants.  You can appreciate what a treasured gifts to the Christ  child and were probably valued as medicinal applications and probably well-known to Mary. (Thanks to Marilyn Smolka)

 Book of Numbers- Begins & ends with a census. In Hebrew it is called מדבר‎, Bəmidbar, "In the desert or wilderness." It covers most of Israel's 40 years in the wilderness. It shows that God did not abandon His people in spite of their disobedience.

1 -  603,550 + Levites "See the Problems of Large Numbers in the Old Testament" OTSM p. 193-5

Vs. 1- There are 158 times recorded in the chapters from Ex. 4 through the Book of Numbers when the introductory phrase "and the Lord spoke/said" is used to introduce the Lord's instructions to the Israelites through the prophet Moses and/or his High Priest Aaron. (Poll p. 64)

Vs. 47-54- The Levites received religious exemptions from military service.

2- The order of the camp and of their marching.

3.  Israelites, First born, Priests, High Priests and Levites- 3 sons of Levi (Gershon-tabernacle-curtains, hangings) (Kohath-sanctuary proper- Ark etc. AND Moses and Aaron) (Merari-boards, bars, pillars)

4 & 8-The Teachers prepare, the Priests bless and the deacons pass. All Priests were Levites, but not all Levites were Priests. Vs. 3 The age to begin Priesthood duties was 25 for Levites (8:24)and 30 yrs. old for Priests(4:3), as with the Savior in Luke 3:22-23. Our Church did not ordain youth to the Aaronic Priesthood until 1854. Brigham and Heber C were never ordained High Priests. (Discourses of BY, p. 141) (2 Chronicles 31:17 & Ezra 3:8 it was 20)

5. Having those with contagious diseases be outside the camp. The Trial of Jealousy.

6- See "The Nazirite of Num., Chapter Six" Master's Thesis by Gary L. Poll-August 1990 (Hair, vine, dead) From Nazir=to separate (from the world-to the Lord) separation 14 times in this chapter.

Vs. 23-27-Priestly Benediction- Yahweh (he who exists) will kneel before you presenting gifts and will guard you with a hedge of protection, Yahweh (he who exists) will illuminate the wholeness of his being toward you bringing order and he will provide you with love, sustenance and friendship, Yahweh (he who exists) will lift up his wholeness of being and look upon you and he will set in place all you need to be whole and complete. This is the oldest known Biblical text that has been found; amulets with these verses written on them found in graves (1979)in dating from the First Temple Period, and are now in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Note vs. 27!

Other fragments of ancient poetry in Numbers: 10:35-36; 21:14-15, 17-18, 27-30וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם and give you peace

Shin also stands for the word Shaddai, a name for God. Because of this, a kohen (priest) forms the letter Shin with his hands as he recites the Priestly Blessing. In the mid 1960s, actor Leonard Nimoy used a single-handed version of this gesture to create the Vulcan hand salute for his character, Mr. Spock, on Star Trek.

7. Dedication of Tabernacle

8. The Levites set apart for Service. They received initiatory ordinances, complete with ceremonial sprinkling, washing of clothes, laying on of hands and special sacrifices. (Ogden-p. 273)

9- "We can use the scriptures to help us practice symbols, language and ordinances. An excellent example is the book of Exodus. In a way, it is a Mosaic endowment. It is a small microcosm of life, just as the endowment is a microcosm of life. Almost everything that happens in it, from the freeing of the children of Israel to their entry into the promised land, can be symbolically applied to our own lives. For example, let us study the pillar of fire or cloud that guided the Israelites as they traveled through the wilderness. Paul tells us that the crossing of the Red Sea was a symbolic baptism for Israel. After baptism, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost, who serves as a guide throughout our lives. This gift remains with us as long as we are worthy.  The pillar of fire or cloud in Exodus suggests to our minds the Holy Ghost, who will guide us just as the pillar guided the Israelites across the wilderness. The wilderness suggests life on earth, and the promised land suggests the celestial kingdom. With this in mind, notice the powerful symbolic lesson this story teaches us. The attitude the children of Israel have toward the pillar of fire should also be our attitude toward the guidance of the Holy Ghost.  (Numbers 9:16-23) What a marvelous lesson is suggested by this story if we understand the symbolism of the pillar that rested over the tabernacle. In our own lives, we must never journey without the direction of the Spirit. We musts stay with the Spirit no matter when, where, or how long it journeys or rests. It controls the direction of our lives." (Wilcox p. 22-23)

Vs. 22 - It is clear from this verse that they were not continuously traveling.

Vs. 29 - Moses' father in law is called Jethro, Reuel, Hobab.

10:12-13:25 describe the journey from Sinai to the camp of Kadesh-barnea near the southernmost border of the promised land. (See map 2)

Vs. 35 & 36 - Prayers said before the ark moved or rested. - Read Bible Dictionary "Ark of Covenant"

11:1-17- Have you ever felt alone in leadership?

How long can you eat "what is it?" Remember the good old days in Egypt. "Here we see that the price of freedom is too great for those who love physical gratification more." (Ogden p. 274)

Vs. 16 - Later Jewish writers saw in this the beginning of their Sanhedrin.

Vs. 29- How many prophets are allowed? Eldad and Medad

How much meat can you eat? a homer is about 10 bushels

12:3 - Cross out Moses and insert Gary.  A serious sibling rivalry. Don't argue w/ me or you'll get leprosy!

13- 14- Kadesh Barnea - The main camp during their 40 year adventure.

13:23 - A pole full and A glass half empty or half full and the ministry of tourism. The Old Testament Men who might have been: David, Saul, Samson, The Israelites in Numbers 13. - DO NOT ENTER PROMISED LAND for 38 more years!

Vs. 25- They were gone for 40 days. 40  is often associated with a time of testing, trial, or preparation;

Jacob embalmed; Spies gone; Goliath presented self before Israelites; Ninevah to be overthrown after 40 days (Jonah 3:4); Mary-40 days of purification; Jesus returned after his Resurrection; Rain in flood; Moses on Sinai; Elijah fasted; Isaac got married; Moses a shepherd; Israelites in wilderness; David, Saul and Solomon each reigned; time to build Salt Lake Temple. (Sometimes figurative for a long period of time.)

15:37-41- Tzitzit are attached to the four corners of the tallit (prayer shawl) and tallit katan (everyday undergarment). Fringe benefits (Num. 15:38-39, Dt. 22:12).

16 - Ch. Heading - Some people just can't play follow the leader; JST 16:10; D&C 21; 28; 43 (Mrs. Hubble)

I will give you one of the Keys of the mysteries of the Kingdom. It is an eternal principle, that has existed with God from all eternity: That man who rises up to condemn others, finding fault with the Church, saying that they are out of the way, while he himself is righteous, then know assuredly, that that man is in the high road to apostasy; and if he does not repent, will apostatize, as God lives. (TPJS, p. 156-157.)

"Members who have a testimony and who act upon it under the direction of their Church leaders are sometimes accused of blind obedience. Of course, we have leaders, and of course, we are subject to their decisions and directions in the operation of the Church and in the performance of needed priesthood ordinances. But when it comes to learning and knowing the truth of the gospel—our personal testimonies—we each have a direct relationship with God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, through the powerful witness of the Holy Ghost. This is what our critics fail to understand. It puzzles them that we can be united in following our leaders and yet independent in knowing for ourselves. Perhaps the puzzle some feel can be explained by the reality that each of us has two different channels to God. We have a channel of governance through our prophet and other leaders. This channel, which has to do with doctrine, ordinances, and commandments, results in obedience. We also have a channel of personal testimony, which is direct to God. This has to do with His existence, our relationship to Him, and the truth of His restored gospel. This channel results in knowledge. These two channels are mutually reinforcing: knowledge encourages obedience (see Deuteronomy 5:27; Moses 5:11), and obedience enhances knowledge (see John 7:17; D&C 93:1)." (DHOaks CR-Apr. 2008)

17- A rod with roses?  12 rods in the tabernacle overnight- See Hebrews 9:4

20- Miriam died (vs. 1) Water from rock at Meribah. It is not your priesthood even if your name is Moses.  (For your sakes - Dt. 3:26 & 4:21 also D&C 84:23-25) Aaron died at Mt. Hor (143)- Eleazar new High Priest.

Vs. 22-29- Transfer of authority a good or bad investment? placing holy clothing as a symbol of priesthood power.

21- So, a serpent good or bad? 1 Nephi 17:41; 2 Nephi 25:20; Alma 33:19-21; 2 Kings 18:4 (Hezekiah); John 3:14-15-"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

22-25 - Israel now getting close-they can see the promised land.(Balak-Moab; Balaam-Midian) See "The Story of a Prophet's Madness" New Era April 1972 by Pres. Bruce R. McConkie of the 70

              See also Jude 1:11; 2 Pet. 2:15-16; Rev. 2:14; D&C 3.

26 - And then there were 3- Moses, Joshua and Caleb who were over 20 when Israel left Egypt.

vs. 55-Land divided by lot-like the sons of Lehi deciding who would go talk to Laban about the plates.

27:12-23-A transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua.

34-35-Land division

36-Land not to pass from tribe to tribe.

Church History by the Decade

1910's

1910	Church Membership	398,478
1910	Deseret Gym opened.
1910-Apr. 7	Joseph Fielding Smith	Ordained an apostle by his father.
1910-June 23	Gordon Bitner Hinckley	born
1911	Intellectual crisis at BYU	I would rather be Moses on the Mt. than Aaron with the calf.
1911	Hotel Utah opened.	(D&C 124:60)
1912	1st Seminary class	Near Granite High in SLC
1913-May 21	Boy Scout program officially adopted by	Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association and became the activity program for boys of the Church.
1913	The Church established the Maori Agricultural	College in New Zealand. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and was never rebuilt.
1913	Missionaries forced to	Leave Mexico.
1914	World War I	Commenced in Europe
1915	Newlyweds Willard and	Rebecca Bean sent on mission to Palmyra-Stayed 24 years.
1915	"Jesus the Christ"	By James E. Talmage published
1915-Jan.	Relief Society Magazine	First published.
1915-Jan. 27	Family Home Evening	First introduced in the Church
1916	Doctrinal exposition on	The Father and the Son was given
1917	Church Administration	Building opened. Many complained it was too lavish.
1917-Apr. 6	USA entered WW I	24,382 enlist - Utah. 75 gave their lives fighting for Germany.
1918-Jan. 13	Hyrum M. Smith	Died.
1918-Oct. 31	Vision given to Pres. Joseph F. Smith In opening address at Gen. Conf. Oct. 4	declared that he had received several divine communications during past months. One of these, concerning the Savior's visit to the spirits of the dead while his body was in the tomb, he had received the previous day. It was written immediately following conference; on Oct. 31 submitted to the 1st Pres., Council of 12 & the Patriarch - unanimously accepted.
1918-Nov. 23	Heber J. Grant sustained as Pres. of Church (62)	after presiding at graveside services for Joseph F. Smith. No public funerals because of nationwide flu epidemic.
1919-Jun 1, 2, 3	General Conference	Held in June because of flu epidemic in April
1919-Nov. 27	Hawaiian Temple	Dedicated by President Grant