The Fiery Serpents

November 1, 2023

Deliverance From Sin “And Jehovah sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died” (Numbers 21:6, ASV unless otherwise indicated). The Canaanites had been watching the Israelites for decades. At the beginning of Israel’s wilderness journey, Amalek challenged Israel militarily, but was defeated (Exodus 17). Amalek even seemed to know about what Jehovah had done to the Egyptians. Perhaps they even knew about the 40-year curse. If so, it would explain the military aggression […]

Battles with the Amorites and the Moabites

November 1, 2023

“And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn aside into field, or into vineyard; we will not drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king’s highway, until we have passed thy border” (Numbers 21:21, 22, ASV used in this article). As he did with the King of Edom, Moses requested permission of the Amorite1 King to travel through the land and promised no damage […]

The Death of Moses

November 1, 2023

A Blessed Reward Pending “And there hath not arisen a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom Jehovah knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10, texts from ASV). Moses had served Jehovah faithfully for more than 40 years. His leadership of the nation was almost an impossible task. Yet he persevered through the people’s complaints, murmurings, and unbelief. Very few others could have borne the weight. For good reason, Jehovah chose the “meekest” man on the face of the earth! (Numbers 12:3). […]

The End of the Fortieth Year

November 1, 2023

Joshua Appointed “And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as Jehovah commanded Moses” (Deuteronomy 34:9). When Moses died the people mourned. But now it was time for the fulfillment of what Israel had long yearned for, entry into the Promised Land. The newly appointed leader, Joshua, was up to the job. In the book of Joshua, chapter one, […]

Settling Transjordan

November 1, 2023

Reuben, Gad, and Part of Manasseh “And they said, If we have found favor in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession; bring us not over the Jordan” (Numbers 32:5). In the 40th year of their national wandering, all of Israel was, no doubt, excited in anticipation of entering into the Promised Land. This new generation of those who were less than 20 years old at the outset of their journey, knew the judgment of Jehovah […]