M. Distribution
of land (chapter 13).
1. Distribution
of land by faith.
a.
The land promised by God to the Israelites
stretches from the river of Egypt
unto the river Euphrates (Gen ). A fertile land full of resources (Deut 8:7-10).
However, until today, the Israelites have not obtained all the promised lands.
b.
There remains more land to be possessed (1-4).
(a)
The promises of God are bountiful (Josh 1:3, 4).
The people have to battle by faith in order to gain more land.
(b)
Similarly, the promised spiritual blessings of
God shall be obtained by faith (Eph 1:4-8, 17-18; Phil 3:12-15). Forget what is
behind but strive after the goal.
c.
Distribution of land to the Israelites as
commanded (6, 7).
(a)
The promises are real and bountiful (2 Cor ; Col
2:2-3, 9-10).
d.
The characteristic of Canaan.
(a)
Centre of world (Ps 122:2-5; Isa
2:2-4): Christ is King and the believers are His citizens.
(b)
Foundation of the holy temple (2 Chr -39). Temple
of prayers for all men (Heb -28).
(c)
Bountiful resources (Deut 8:7-9; Joel -24, 29).
(d)
A place of the crucifixion (Mt 26:33-35; Jn -35; 1 Jn 5:6-8).
2.
The land on the eastern side of river (8-12, 15-21).
a.
Originally it belonged to Sihon,
king of Heshbon and Og, king of Bashan.
The Israelites under the leadership of Moses fought and gained it (Deut ).
b.
According to the request of the people, Moses
gave the land to Reubentes, Gadites
and the half tribe of Manasseh (Deut 3:12-19; Num 6:32).
c.
The inferior land
(a)
The lands on the western side of the river are
the true promised land (cf. Num 32:7-9).
(b)
The holy temple and the tabernacle were at the
western side of the river. Eastern side is far from the tent of meeting.
(c)
There were more enemies on the eastern side of
the river. As there were little shelters there the residents could be easily
attacked.
(d)
The soldiers of the two and a half tribes
thought about erecting a high place because they afraid that their descendants
might leave God after some time.
d.
The reasons they asked for the land at the
eastern side of river.
(a)
More wealth more burden (Num 32:1-5).
(b)
The priority is their wives and children (Num
32: 16-19).
(c)
Succumbed to physical need.
e.
*Moses obliged by giving them two pieces of
land. However, the soldiers still have to cross over the river to involve in
battles and their wives and children lost the opportunity to experience the
beautiful works of God.
3.
The Levites did not possess any land (14, 33, 14:3, 4; Num 18:20-33).
f.
Levites were the “special people” among the
chosen people. They had to serve God wholeheartedly. God was their possession.
g.
However, they were given cities for their
dwelling and the wilderness of the cities for them to pasture their flocks and
to house their belongings.
h.
One tenth of the produces of Israelites shall be
offered as the heave offerings to God and these offerings shall be inherited by
the Levites (Num -32)
i.
They shall serve as fulltime workers without
carrier but to serve God wholeheartedly. By the offerings of all believers,
their dairy need were met (1 Cor
9:7-14).
4.
The soothsayer Balaam was killed (; Num 31:8,16; 2
Pet ; Jude 11, ).
j.
Balaam loved unrighteous money. In order to gain
silver, gold, and power from the king of Moab,
he cursed the Israelites. However, God changed it to become blessings. Later,
he caused the Moabite women to tempt the Israelites to commit adultery. He died
in a pestilence.
k.
The end of Balaam serves as a good warning.
