Continuing a plan to get through the entire Bible in a year, follow as I journal through the reading. I have chosen a straightforward approach that begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation. This will not be an in-depth study or a comprehensive commentary. There are plenty of sources for such material. This is stage one Bible reading, taking the text at face value and sharing impressions.
Today’s reading comes from the book of Numbers, chapter 7, listing the generous contributions made by the twelve tribes of Israel toward consecration of the tabernacle. Some impressions from the text:
- Since beginning this exercise in daily Bible reading, there have always been at least two chapters to cover, usually three. This is the first time one chapter is so big that it warrants lone consideration.
- Alas, the chapter is big because it lists the various offerings brought by the twelve tribes of Israel to consecrate the tabernacle. More of a record than a narrative, there isn’t much to analyze or provoke insight here.
- The overall point of the chapter is that the twelve tribes each gave generously, and no doubt cheerfully, to this initial offering. It might be viewed as a kind of marriage feast between God and his people. Marital imagery appears later in the New Testament, describing the relationship between Christ and his “bride,” the church.
Return soon as we continue our year-long journey through the text of the Bible.
Catch up on the previous entries:
Archived Genesis posts (scroll down in link).
Archived Exodus posts (scroll down in link) .
Archived Leviticus posts (scroll down in link).
The book of Numbers lives up to its name. – Numbers 1-2
The Levites take their place as ministers of the tabernacle. Numbers 3-4
Tests and tributes. – Numbers 5-6
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