For a full description of the (Y4) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Num. 1
I had two quick thoughts from reading this chapter this morning. The first is that God’s blessing on the tribe of Judah is already evident. Judah’s tribe had more military aged men than any of his brothers. This even includes Joseph, if you combine the tribes of his two sons. The second thought is that the twelve numbered tribes (ten of Jacob’s sons plus the two of Joseph’s that he claimed for himself) constituted Israel’s armies. The Levites, on the other hand, did not fight for Israel. Instead ,God put them in charge of the temple. This is because the Levites belonged to God. Thus, you could say that the Levites were God’s army, of a sort. I believe those Levites represent the Church of Christ. We, too, are God’s army, set apart to tend to the things of God.
Ps. 35
I love David’s faith in God! Besides praising God for deliverance yet to be, he asks bold things of God. At the start of his plea for help, David says, “Take hold of buckler and shield and rise up for my help.” (Ps. 35:2). The NASB notes a buckler as being a small shield. My mind, being what it is, thought, “That’s two shields; that would require both hands.” So I see David as asking for God’s protection, here – a defensive rather than offensive position.
But then I read on…,”Draw also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me; Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation.’” (Ps. 35:3). That’s two offensive weapons, also requiring two hands! David fully recognized in his request that God is far bigger than him and could do what David could not. Two weapons and two shields? Nothing to it. Offense and defense at the same time? Not a problem. Carrying the entire fight Himself? Truly, God alone is our salvation.
Ecc. 11
Perhaps I hear what I want to hear. But I think the rest of the Bible supports the advice I see in the Preacher’s words. Be generous. Live by faith, trusting in God rather than human reasoning. Don’t pursue success, simply do what God puts before you to do. Enjoy the life God gives, but live it for Him and not yourself.