Friday, October 3, 2014

Numbers, Day 5 Readings

The Prophet Balaam and Joshua Appointed Moses' Successor

Today's first reading tells how a foreign prophet refuses to foretell his king about the demise of the Hebrews; he knows that they will not be defeated, despite the king's desire.  Instead, this is one of his prophetic responses -- one of the few non-Hebrew prophecies preserved in the Bible.  Before this is the famous story of how Balaam learned to fear the Hebrews, due to the odd behavior of his donkey.

Read Numbers 22:36-23:11  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection describes how Joshua was appointed by God to succeed Moses as the leader of the Hebrews.  Ultimately he is the one who will lead God's people into the Promised Land.

Read Numbers 27:12-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Numbers 29-36 today.