Book of Numbers

Chapters 25-26

Chapter 25 – The Corruption of Israel

1. Israel’s sinhappenedon the verge of victory – See Joshua 2:1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

2. Israel’s sin involved sexual immorality and idolatry – Our behavior and our beliefs go together. According to verse 3, Israel actually committed themselves to the false god, Baal. This was not just a superficial involvement, but a deep attachment. Baal was the most popular god in Canaan. He was represented as a bull, a symbol of strength and fertility. The Jews were constantly attracted to Baal worship, which included prostitution and gross immorality.

3. Israel’s sin broughtswift and severe judgment – Idolaters were taken and killed, and then their bodies were displayed in public. In addition to this, another 24,000 people were killed due to the plague (verses 8-9).

4. Israel’s sin caused some to sin boldly – A prominent Israelite man and a prominent Midianite woman sinned before the whole congregation. Open sin is like uncontrolled water. Once it is tolerated, the flood gates of sin open wide. The name of the man was Zimri and the name of the woman was Cozbi(verses 6-8, 14-15)

5. Israel’s sin called for courageous action – The people who carried out God’s judgment needed courage and commitment. Phinehas had great courage to kill the sinning couple, and God rewarded him for his action. Psalms 106:28-31 They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. There comes a time when we must be more concerned about doing what God wants, instead of thinking about our own safety and comfort. Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

6. Israel’s sin was due to evil deception – verses 16-18; Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD. This is called “the doctrine of Balaam” in Rev. 2:14. Balaam could not curse Israel, but he knew how to corrupt Israel with temptation. Satan is described as both a roaring lion and a deceptive serpent. The lion represents his power to destroy, and the serpent represents his power to deceive.

Chapter 26 – The Census of Israel

This is the second census or numbering of the people, hence it is called the book of “Numbers.” All men 20 years old and up were counted. The first census was taken 40 years earlier. The first census had a total of 603,550. This second census had a total of 601,730. All of those numbered in the first census, except Joshua and Caleb, have already died in the wilderness, just as God said they would. Numbers 14:29 Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,

All sin can be forgiven, but forgiveness doesn’t remove the consequences. The second census showed the people that they were poised to enter the Promised Land. God was giving them another chance.

1. Some were remembered for their sin -infamous people

  • The rebels - Dathan, Abiram, and Korah who were swallowed up in the earth

See Num. 16 – They despised God’s authority.

  • The wicked sons – Er and Onan whom the Lord slew

See Gen. 38 – They despised God’s will.

  • The irreverent priests – Nadab and Abihu who were consumed by fire

See Lev. 10 – They despised God’s worship.

2. Some were remembered for their service - famous people

  • The main leaders – Moses, Aaron, and Miriam
  • The faithful pair – Joshua and Caleb

How will you be remembered?

Book of Numbers

Chapters 25-26

Chapter 25 – The Corruption of Israel

1. Israel’s sin______

2. Israel’s sin______

3. Israel’s sin______

4. Israel’s sin______

5. Israel’s sin______

6. Israel’s sin______

Chapter 26 – The Census of Israel

1. Some were remembered for______

  • ______- Dathan, Abiram, and Korah
  • ______– Er and Onan
  • ______– Nadab and Abihu

2. Some were remembered for______

  • ______– Moses, Aaron, and Miriam
  • ______– Joshua and Caleb