Day 78: Be Strong and Courageous

Today we read Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 31, and Psalm 117. This story is interesting. It’s a story about two and a half of the twelve tribes who want to settle outside the Promised Land, but are willing to help in the mission for the Promised Land. Biblical scholars debate whether this request was accommodated for by God or allowed by God, as in respecting the choice of these tribes to self-exile. Most biblical scholars view it as an accommodation based on the agreement between Moses and the tribes. The story in Deuteronomy is a clear signaling of the people making the choice we’ve seen modeled in many stories so far, rebellion and disobedience. It is also a story of God retelling His commitment as He has shown all along, to rescue, restore, and redeem when the people’s hearts are ready to make the change. God keeps His promises. He is just, merciful, and full of grace. This is told in a sermon and song at the same time that the leadership is being transitioned from Moses to Joshua.

Resources:

Dr. Millar, Gary (2023) A Deuteronomy Commentary, The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/commentary/deuteronomy/

Adrian Reynolds (2023) A Numbers Commentary, The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/commentary/numbers/#section-14 

Credits:

Podcast music by Stockaudios from Pixabay. Speaker, Dr. Rachel Bodell. Podcast Sound Engineer, Alan Darling. Podcast Artwork, Will Gerard.