Numbers 6:21-7:89
Just as the Nazarite looked forward to the day when his Nazaiteship would end, so there is a day coming when the godly in Israel will enter into the full fruits of that worous work accomplished by the true Nazarite, the Lord Jesus, at the cross. What rejoicing will then be theirs when the Spirit is poured out upon them from on high. (Ezek. 39:29.) All blessing comes finally through Christ, and Christ alone, for both Israel and the Church have failed in their separation to God.
It is because of this truly faithful Nazarite, the Lord Jesus, that the blessings at the end of our chapter are brought in. How sweet and precious they are; His keeping, His grace shining upon. Israel and giving them peace, and then Jehovah’s name put upon them as the assurance of this blessing. These are the purposes of God for Israel, but how sadly they have failed to lay hold of them. He also has purposes of blessing for us (the Church) in this day, and may we all seek to walk in the sunshine of His face so that we may prove these blessings which are now ours in Christ. Truly He has put His name upon us—“And ye are complete in Him.” Col. 2:10.
It is beautiful, in the seventh chapter, to find each of the twelve tribes offering to the Lord. The offering of the oxen and carts for the Lord’s service was done together — that is, in groups of two tribes—and then all of them together came to present them to the Lord before the tabernacle. Moses, however, did not take them without first asking the Lord what he should do. The Lord then told him to accept them. It is beautiful to see this waiting on the Lord on the part of Moses, and this unity among the tribes too. How good it would be if there were more waiting on the Lord today, and also lona; “'striving togettir for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27), is happy service and submission to the Word of God. We are living in days of independency; each goes his own way, and too often does not stop to consider-what God has spoken in His Word. Let us see that our service flows from communion with the Lord at all times.
After this offering for the Lord’s service, each of the tribes offered their gifts for the dedication of the altar. It is lovely to see this happy unity displayed again, even in these gifts, for they all gave the same. How sweet it would be, in our worship, if each one rose up to the privileges that are his, to give to the Lord that which is really due to Him (1 Chron. 29:14). Too often everything is left to one or two, and so many are silent instead of praising. Things in Israel are seen here in their sweet freshness at the beginning, as they were seen in the Church on the day of Pentecost, but how soon departure came in. Before long, one wanted a place above another in Israel’s history, as well as in the Church’s history, for such is man! He always seeks a place for himself. It may be in business, or in education, or even among the people of God. Pride comes in so insidiously, seeking the place for self which belongs to Christ alone.
The Lord (Jehovah) then spoke to Moses, as He had promised, from above the mercy seat, between the cherubim. Through the blood of the sacrifices the way had been opened up for God to commune with His people and instruct them—not now the thunderings of the law, but just to speak to them as His people.
ML 08/05/1951