“And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and continues the historical account of the Israelites after their deliverance from Egypt. It covers a period of about 40 years, from their departure from Mount Sinai to their arrival at the border of the Promised Land. The book gets its name from the numerous censuses and counting of the people that are recorded in its pages.
Historical Background:
- The Israelites had been in Egypt for about 400 years and were enslaved by the Egyptians. God raised up Moses as their deliverer and led them out of Egypt through miraculous signs and wonders.
- The Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai approximately three months after leaving Egypt. It was at Mount Sinai that God made a covenant with them and gave them the Ten Commandments.
- The events of Numbers 1:1 take place in the wilderness of Sinai, where the Israelites had encamped after their deliverance from Egypt.
The Divine Encounter:
- In this verse, we see that the Lord spoke to Moses. Throughout the book of Numbers, Moses serves as the mediator between God and the people of Israel. God frequently communicates His instructions, laws, and guidance to Moses, who then conveys them to the people.
- The location of the divine encounter is significant. God spoke to Moses in the tabernacle of the congregation, which was the portable sanctuary that the Israelites built according to God’s instructions. It was the central place of worship and the meeting point between God and His people.
- God chose to communicate with Moses on the first day of the second month, in the second year after the Israelites left Egypt. This timing indicates that the events recorded in Numbers take place approximately one year after the Israelites’ departure from Egypt and around one year after they received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.
Key Lessons:
- God is a God of order and organization. The counting and census of the people in the book of Numbers demonstrate God’s concern for the details and His desire to establish order among His people.
- The tabernacle of the congregation was a physical representation of God’s presence among His people. It served as a place of worship and a reminder of their covenant relationship with God.
- The verse highlights the ongoing communication between God and Moses. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and direction in our lives through prayer and communion with Him.
Application:
- Just as God spoke to Moses and guided the Israelites in the wilderness, He desires to speak to us and guide us in our journey of faith. We should seek His presence, spend time in prayer, and study His Word to discern His will for our lives.
- God’s desire for order and organization reminds us of the importance of discipline and structure in our lives. We should strive to maintain order in our relationships, responsibilities, and spiritual practices.
- The tabernacle of the congregation reminds us of the significance of gathering together as believers in worship and fellowship. We should value and participate in community, recognizing the importance of the local church and the body of Christ.
Remember, this Bible study provides an overview and some key insights into Numbers 1:1. Further study and exploration of the book of Numbers will reveal additional valuable lessons and truths from God’s Word.
