10:11-36
(For v.1-10 see Numbers 9)
Observations and Interpretation:
(1) The first leg of the journey from Sinai lasted three days. The travel was undertaken only in the daylight hours; at night the cloud and the ark rested along with the people.v.33-36
A. (NET) [In v.35-36] These two formulaic prayers were offered by Moses at the beginning and at the end of the journeys. They prayed for the LORD to fight ahead of the nation when it was on the move, and to protect them when they camped...The prayers reflect the true mentality of holy war, that it was the LORD who fought for Israel and defended her.
B. Moses asked Hobab, his brother-in-law, to join the journey v.29-32 because he was familiar with the desert routes.
The journey was not a simple camping trip. It was full of potential dangers, and a war-like atmosphere was surrounded them.
Application: The emphasis of worship in the midst of the journey was not an easy task. The Israelites needed to trust God and let the ark led the way v.33. It will affect their safety and their battle with other nations. Can we still trust God in the face of danger and in the face of turmoil of wars? Do we still worship God when our lives turn upside down?
(2) In Moses' persuade to HObab, he was very sure that what God had promised He would deliver v.29, 32.
“We are journeying to the place about which the LORD said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things for Israel.”
32 And if you come with us, it is certain that whatever good things the LORD will favor us with, we will share with you as well.”
(BKC) Later accounts suggest that Hobab was persuaded to go and that he became an ancestor of certain Israelite tribal units (Jud. 1:16; 4:11).
Application: Do we have that confidence in God's words and God's promise like Moses? Even if we were just a group of former slaves going out in the wilderness, we have not been in the Promised Land, we know we would get there because the Lord promises and we know that we would enjoy good things because that was also promised by God. We are so certain that we can promise to share some with you. If yes, are we going to tell others about God's promises to us?
Audrey
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