Numbers 32-33 & Acts 24

As we near the end of Numbers, yes that is right just a few more chapters, we encounter really just a lot of housekeeping. the authors need to just clean up the story and set the scene for the next step of the journey. In the 32nd chapter, we find that a couple of the tribes really enjoy the lands to the east of the Jordan River and decide that they would like to settle in it.

The tribes of Reuben and Gad, who are evidently herdsmen, see that the land is perfect of keeping cattle and other livestock. They seek the advice of Moses who at first takes their request as Israelites again refusing to go into the Promised Land. After some discussion, they make a deal where the Reubenites and Gadites will establish their homesteads but their warriors will continue with the rest of Israel into the Promised Land to help defeat the peoples residing in Canaan.

Moses passes word onto Eleazar, the chief priest, and the rest of the tribal leaders about the deal, who evidently have no issues with it. So the land that the Israelites took from the defeated Amorites and King Og of Bashan are turned over to the Reubenites and the Gadites.

Israel's route from Egypt to the Promised Land is the subject of Numbers 33. If you click on the link, it will take you to a map that gives you a general idea of this journey. Along with the locations along the way, Numbers 33 recite some important events such as the death of Aaron on Mt. Hor.

The end of the chapter offers the stern instruction given to Israel that they must not just defeat the inhabitants but drive them completely out of the land. God's warning is that if they do not drive them out of the land, the inhabitants will be a thorn in Israel's side for years to come. Truer words were not spoken as the Book of Judges will remind us, but that is a future story.

Acts 24

Paul prepares for his trial in front of Felix, but really it seems as if Tertullus and Paul are more interesting in flattery as they describe all the wonderful things that Felix has done for the region. Once again Tertullus attempts to lay out the charges of the Jewish authorities that Paul is preaching sedition against the empire, which is the only charge that really Felix would care about. Paul on the contrary establishes the argument as a theological one, which Felix would not care about at all.

It would seem that Paul's argument seems to win the day, but Felix, being corrupt, decides to hold onto Paul hoping that someone will pay Felix to release Paul. Two years go by, no payment, Paul's still in jail. Felix is replaced by Festus.