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Num. 26
At the start of this chapter of genealogies we get an extra little tidbit regarding the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. It tells us that the community chose Dathan and Abiram. Who doesn’t like to be chosen? It sets you apart, elevates you, and makes you feel special. It can really stroke your ego. So much so, actually, that it can override good discernment regarding the “by whom” and “for what” aspect.
Ps. 69
I couldn’t help but think of Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege on Jerusalem with this Psalm. I think the first verse did it for me. “Save me, God, for the water has risen to my neck.” (Ps. 69:1 CSB). That made me think of Isaiah’s prophecy, comparing Assyria to the Euphrates River. He said, “It will pour into Judah, flood over it, and sweep through, reaching up to the neck” (Is. 8:8a-b). Other parts of this Psalm made me think of the insults Sennacherib hurled at Hezekiah and God and Hezekiah’s humble plea for God’s help.
Still other parts of this Psalm clearly reference Jesus’ crucifixion. Which makes me wonder, what is the connection between the two? Come to think of it, Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the Assyrian invasion is also part of his well-known Immanuel prophecy. The next time I read about the Hezekiah incident, I need to take a deeper look into that connection.
Is. 16
“A throne will even be established in lovingkindness, and a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David” (Is. 16:5a). God’s promise of reconciliation through Christ is not for the Jews only.