Day 61, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Numbers 1–2, 9:15–10:36
Organizing a Defense
Before facing an enemy in war, a nation must organize a defense. If needed, the government authorizes a draft of men and sometimes women into their armed services. Following a draft, getting the troops organized, trained, and ready to obey orders is vital. When the commander issues the command to move, they must move in an orderly and efficient manner. When the commander says stay, they stay. Although he may be unseen, the commander is aware of where his troops are stationed, their condition, the situation, and the enemy. He makes the decisions, and his troops must trust him. This was like it was for Israel in Moses's day, and spiritually, this is how it is with us Christians today.
Spiritual Preparation
As Israel was about to leave the wilderness of Sinai, God spiritually prepared her for battle. No, he didn't give the Israelites a pep talk. They observed their second-year Passover. It commemorated the LORD's victory over the Egyptians and their “gods.” The Israelites remembered God's might and their miraculous deliverance from slavery. Then they sacrificed the prescribed animals for their sins. When they were clean, they felt the LORD's presence. The Israelites were confident in God and ready to engage in battle. Are we?
Military Draft
Two weeks after the Passover, the LORD told Moses to conduct another census, this time for a military draft (Numbers 1:1-3). Before the congregation set out to claim their inheritance in Canaan, they needed to be physically prepared to engage the enemy — they needed an army, and they needed to get organized! Male Israelites, twenty years of age and older, who were physically capable, served in the military (except for the Levites; the LORD assigned them to serve him in the tabernacle). The number registered for the army was 603,550 (Numbers1:46).
God is with the Israelites
After the census, the Israelite army was organized into divisions of three tribes each. They camped around the tribe of the Levites and their priests (some distance from them). The Levites were camped around the tabernacle. The army protected the Levites and the ark, both in the camp and when they marched out by their divisions under God’s command.
How were they to know when to move out and when to stay? How were they to know when to engage the enemy? There were two ways: the cloud and the trumpets. God’s presence was shown to them as a cloud by day and fire by night (also known as the Shekinah glory). “Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped” (Numbers 9:17, NIV). Sometimes the cloud settled for a long time, and sometimes it remained for a short time.
Have we recognized the LORD’s existence in our lives? Today, his presence is not in the form of a cloud, but if we are true believers, he’s the unseen Holy Spirit of God within us (Romans 8:6).
Do we follow his directives? To do that, first, we must obey his Word, the Bible (2Timothy 3:16-17); it is our manual. Then, knowing how God works, we must watch for his activity and be sensitive to his leading. It is a spiritual leading, but God finds ways to show us where to go and what to do.
The second way the Israelites knew when to move out by their divisions or when to go to war was by sounding silver trumpets (Numbers 10:1-9). The Israelites were to pay attention to the different trumpet calls which were signals for action (not all military actions, however: Numbers 10:10). Although we are technologically advanced, we still do this in some fashion in today’s military.
A trumpet blast in Moses and Joshua's day wasn't only a call to arms and action; sometimes, a meeting called for the elders to address some issue. Spiritually speaking, we may not hear a literal trumpet call. However, there are clarion calls to help the needy, share the gospel, defend the defenseless, or speak up for civil and religious rights. Will we answer the call?
Christian Spiritual battles
We Christians don't fight holy wars, but face spiritual battles.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. They have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2Corinthians 10:4-5, NIV)
How do we organize a defense?
Enlist others and become fellow soldiers
This is not a battle we should fight alone. Some whose hearts God has touched need to become soldiers, too. We need to invite them to experience forgiveness and join us. We also need to get the support of our fellow soldiers in Christ. To some, God has given pastoring and teaching gifts to care for and instruct us. Others may be encouragers or provide material help. Prayer warriors are also a line of defense to help us fight against the devil and his army. We need God’s people beside us.
Be ready
We must be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. We can’t fight spiritual battles without his help—our adversary is too strong. If we are weak, we will be intimidated and defeated. What can we do now to strengthen our relationship with him? To become a strong soldier, God must test us, and we must trust him.
But first, we must put our spiritual armor on—all of it. Putting on only some protection will leave us vulnerable.
- Put on righteousness as a breastpiece. Protect your heart.
- Buckle truth around your waist.
From the belt on a Roman uniform every weapon hung. The belt of truth refers not to the facts of the gospel but to subjective truth, a believer’s integrity and faithfulness. As a soldier’s belt or sash gave ease and freedom of movement, so truth gives freedom with self, others, and God.
- Have your feet firmly planted in the hope of the gospel. It will give you peace.
- Lift up the shield of faith (in God and his teachings), so you can extinguish all the fiery darts of doubt that the devil will shoot against you.
- Take the helmet of salvation with you at all times. Know what the Bible teaches. Be ready to protect your head from false messages.
- Take the sword of the Spirit with you. This is the Word of God that you can use like Jesus to fend off Satan’s temptations and lies. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
We must always pray and be alert for our enemy, the devil (Satan), but God can interrupt and help us defeat him. Let’s keep in contact with our commander.
Discussion
What kind of battles are Christians engaged in? How can they prepare for it?
Some insight was gained from The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the N.T. by Walvoord and Zuck ©1985, pp.643-644
Focus Verse
Psalm 115:11 (NIV) “You who fear him, trust in the LORD—he is their help and shield.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod Harrier, author, writer
Looking Ahead: Because soldiers are prepared for battle doesn't mean everything will be easy. They and we need help to Endure Hardships. Find out how to do that in our Next Lesson.
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