Old-Testament Survey: Books of Numbers (2) and Deuteronomy A Talking Donkey and Second Giving of the Law

Moabites in the Wilderness After Israel defeats the Amorites and the Bashanites, Moab becomes concerned. Balak, ruler of Moab, sends for a Midianite prophet named Balaam to curse Israel. –Moab could defeat Israel if God was against them. God tells Balaam not to have anything to do with the Moabites. Balak sends a larger group of representatives to persuade Balaam to curse Israel.

Balaam and the Donkey God later agrees to send Balaam if he will only speak what God commands. God becomes angry with the prophet. Balaam’s donkey turns aside twice because he sees the angel of the Lord, whom his master cannot see. Balaam beats the donkey twice and is about to a third time when the donkey speaks to him!

God allows Balaam to see the angel. Balak takes the prophet to the high places of Baal; Balaam then blesses Israel! Balak takes Balaam to the top of Mount Pisgah; again, he blesses Israel. Next, Balak takes Balaam to the top of Mount Peror where he can see all of Israel; Balaam blesses Israel and those who bless her and curses those who curse her! Finally, Balaam utters a Messianic prophecy. (24) Balaam and the Donkey

Balak and Balaam Defeated Balaam later counsels Balak to use harlots to lead Israel away from God. Israel falls to the temptation. They even commit fornication in sight of the congregation! Phinehas, Aaron’s grandson, uses a spear to kill both the man and the woman. (25:7,8) 24,000 died at Baal-peror because of this great sin!

The Second Census God again instructs Moses to number those who are over 20 years of age. 601,730 men are available for war. Of those who left Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb remain. God tells Moses to select Joshua to be his successor. Israel slaughters the Midianites, including Balak and Balaam. (31) Reuben, Gad, and ½ tribe of Manasseh request the lands taken as their inheritance. (32)

Deuteronomy Last of five books written by Moses. The name means second law. A re-statement, to the 2 nd generation, of the Mosaical covenant received on Mt. Sinai. Moses gathers the people on the east of the Jordan River. He knows he will not lead them over. The last revelation God gave Moses to give to Israel. Reminded them of the law and their need to keep it faithfully. (4:1-8)

First part of the book Moses reminds them of their history during the past 39 years. (1:1 -4:49) Reminds them of the laws, mixed with some new ones (Levirate marriage). Warns of danger of prosperity causing them to forget God. (6:10-15) They must have God’s word before them at all times. Gives them commands regarding what to do after they conquer Canaan. Deuteronomy

Appoints six cities of refuge for those who accidentally kill others. (19) Commanded to gather at Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim to hear the blessings and cursings afforded by their actions toward the law. (28) Moses admonishes Israel to choose which course they will follow. (30:15-20) God renews His covenant with Israel. Moses, at age 120, chooses Joshua to be his successor. (31) Deuteronomy

God instructs Moses to write a song rehearsing His grace. (32) Moses gives Israel one final blessing. He prophesied about each tribe’s future. (33) God takes Moses to top of Mt. Nebo and allows him to see the land. (34) Moses dies and God buries him. (34) Following 30 days of mourning, Joshua and Israel prepare to take the land. Deuteronomy