While it seems to me Leviticus was marked with joy in working towards God's plan, Numbers starts off with an underlying sense of excitement just beyond the written word. Having prepared themselves and been found to be pleasing in the Lord's eyes, only now is it time to look outwards. The census marks the beginnings of the conquest that will give them a home. They're ready to be on the move at last, there had to be a sense of building excitement as they continued to draw closer to the end of their journey and the fulfillment of the promise they've heard all their lives.
The immediate response of the Lord when questions arise in Num 9:8 is remarkable. I had to stop and reflect on how awesome that sort of instant answers from God would be. Just imagine, everything from abortion and homosexuality to the perils of dancing, at this point in establishing the law, whatever wasn't clear was solved really, really easily.
"Hold on, let me just go ask God real quick."
How I wish we had that same sort of clarity now! Or...I don't know. With that sort of clarity there is absolutely no room for yourself and your opinions. I'm rather fond of my opinions most days. No justification of interpretations, it is what it is and thus carried an absolute mandate to do the right thing. There is no ignorance is bliss excuse for doing your own thing. I expect it would keep us out of a lot of trouble. They had such an immediate dependence upon the will of God that I know I lack in my life.
It is exemplified for me in Number 9:22-23, and just as in Leviticus continues to speak to me of waiting for God's timing and seeking his will before trying to move on our own. What we do on our own will surely fail, but what we do in his power will surely succeed.
"Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the clouds continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses."
I do envy the clear, unarguable and physically manifested presence of God. As we continue to seek out what our own futures hold I could wish we each got a cloud telling us exactly where to find employment. Or a neon sign. A neon sign would also be nice.
Lastly, how beautiful are the words given to Aaron to bless the Israelites? I'm sure in my mind it's tranquility comes not only from the inspired words themselves, but is combined with the childhood memories of hearing these same words spoken in benedictions past.
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."
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