Numbers 33:1-10 – God is faithful

A quick scan of Numbers 33 gives us a sense that this chapter is just a random recollection of the journey of the children of Israel. If we do not take time to reflect on it, we may get away with the impression that nothing significant could be learned from this chapter. However, if we take time and dwell on them, we will see that there are lessons that can be gleaned from the description of what took place in those places.

Firstly we will see from the recollection of the places at the start of their journey was essentially a recollection of God’s faithfulness. The journey began with the sons of Israel leaving Egypt under Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership. At the Lord’s command, Moses recorded the starting places of their journey. At Rameses, they started off in the full sight of the Egyptians. Here their oppressors were dealt with a severe blow. They were left mourning and burying all their firstborn, slain by the angel of death. Whereas the sons of Israel with heads held high, boldly walked out of the crutches of their bondage. God had indeed dealt a severe blow on the gods of Egypt. In His faithfulness, He delivered them from their years of heavy bondage.  

Verse 8 mentioned their passing through the midst of the Red Sea. It was an allusion to how a way was opened for them when they seemed to be at a dead-end street. We remember that they were sandwiched between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army hot on their heels. This brief reference again pointed to God’s faithfulness in seeing them through what seemed like a sticky situation. There they safely passed through the sea into the wilderness.

The next place God’s faithfulness was clearly visible was when they journeyed to Elim where they found twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees and camped there. Here again, God’s faithfulness was obvious in providing them the oasis in the thirsty desert. This provision again highlighted the faithfulness of God.  

The recollection of these different places where God had shown faithfulness was to help them remember they had a faithful God and so to live their lives gratefully for Him. Like it or not, as the sons of Israel, we are a forgetful people. We often forget the good things God has done for us in the past. Jesus knew that so well when He instituted the communion. It was to be regularly conducted to recall that He died for us. He explicitly said that we are to do this in remembrance of Him. What are we doing to help us recollect the faithfulness of God in our lives? Journaling the goodness of God in our lives will be one certain way. However, whatever we do to recollect His faithfulness in our lives, it is needful to help us stay grateful to Him. Why don’t we start journaling our life experiences with God daily!