Bible Study With Jairus Numbers 1

The first chapter of the book of Numbers seems to be very boring and difficult to read because it is the list of names of the different tribes of Israel and the number of Israelites they counted. But behind these boring numbers, there is profound meaning. It’s like someone who doesn’t understand advanced mathematics or physics; numbers and formulas may be very boring for them. But for those who understand the principles, it’s very simple, and may also be very interesting. The same is true when reading the Bible. Often, when we read a certain part of the Bible, we feel that it’s boring because we are not familiar with the "numbers and formulas" inside. But once we are familiar with these things, we may find it interesting. So, how many boring numbers recorded in the first chapter of the Book of Numbers are related to our actual life and the church today? These two are closely connected. But we need the illumination of the Holy Spirit to help us understand this relationship. I’ll use a historical story that the Chinese are familiar with to explain. Chinese legends always mention leaders who are good at commanding the army. For example, Zhuge Liang , who sets up an "Eight-Array Maze" when fighting the enemy. I won’t discuss how the “Eight Array Maze” works because I’m unsure of all the details. It involves divination in traditional Chinese culture (or something of that sort), so it is just a metaphor here. Usually, "Eight-Array Maze" refers to a complex and diverse military arrangement. If the soldiers follow the command according to this strategy, they will defeat the enemy. However, the enemy often thinks of ways to destroy this "Eight-Array Maze." We can think of the number of people who were counted in the Book of Numbers and the encampment later as an "Eight-Array Maze" or a complex battle structure established by God. If God's people embattle the army according to this "Eight-Array Maze," it will be very easy to defeat the enemy. And under the leadership of God's appointed leaders Moses and Joshua, many battles were won. But we all know that later, the descendants of Israel couldn’t drive out the enemies of Israel completely. So, in the end, they became thorns in their flesh, which made them fall. Therefore, Israel has suffered many defeats in its many years of war with neighboring countries. Why is it that under the leadership of people like Moses, Joshua, and even Caleb, Israel could win the battle, but later, the Israelites were repeatedly defeated? Generally speaking, many Christians regard the book of Numbers as a book of war, because after Jehovah led the Israelites out of Egypt, the Israelites were formed into an army and were brought by Jehovah to the Promised Land (Land of Israel) to drive the enemy away. The Bible calls God the "The Lord of Hosts" many times (1 Sam. 1: 3; Psalm 24:10; Isa. 1: 9; Ha 1: 2). So as the leader of hosts, God is a great military strategist and conductor.