In Numbers 4 we learn of the three major clans of the Levites: the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. We read of their duties, which are listed in great detail. At the end of the chapter God charges Moses to number or count the clans. In Numbers 5 we read a brief description of how the purity of the Israelite camp was to be maintained by sending any “unclean” persons out of the camp. Then follows a long explanation of how to test for an unfaithful wife. As 21st century readers, we might wonder why there was no test for an unfaithful husband. Remember, in this time women did not have many rights, while men held most of them. This was true in most cultures, and was true of the Israelites, as well. As we see in Numbers 6, though, a woman could take a Nazarite vow, and in other places we find they could take various types of vows. The difference between men and women in this case, was if a woman was not married, her father had to approve the vow, and if she was married her husband had to approve the for her to be able to follow through on it.
The description of the Nazarite vow is detailed extensively as we have come to expect with any command given by God. When we get to the book of Judges, we will meet one of the most famous or infamous Nazarites: Sampson. At the close of Numbers 6 we read what is often called the Aaronic blessing, which is used as a benediction at various types of worship services: 24“The LORD bless you and keep you; 25the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) Remember the blessing was given in the context of commands about purity, and making vows to the Lord. The people of Israel were a people “set apart,” collectively, within various clans, and even as individuals through their taking of vows. The result of their separateness, would be God’s blessing. While our goal is not to separate ourselves from others in an isolationist fashion, the idea of setting ourselves apart to serve God is common to every era in biblical history. It is a principle we all do well to adopt for ourselves. We live in the world, but we are not to be of it when it comes to following the ways that lead us to a deeper love for and obedience to God.
John 5 starts with Jesus healing a man near the Pool of Bethsaida. The man had been paralyzed for nearly four decades, which makes Jesus’ original question to him seem strange, “Do you want to get well?” The man answers with an excuse. He is paralyzed and he has no one to help him get to the pool. The people thought when the waters of the pool “stirred,” an angel was there and the first person in the pool at such times would be healed. Jesus wasn’t concerned with any of that. He wanted to know whether the man wanted healing. That question is so vital for all of us. Jesus offers us healing of body, soul, and spirit. The question is, “Do we want to be healed?” Jesus stands ready to work in our lives, but we must be ready to say, “Yes!” to Him.
After the healing, the religious leaders respond with typical disdain. This time, because Jesus has healed on the Sabbath. He seemed to have done that frequently. The resulting argument between Jesus and the religious leaders remind us religion never gets us into relationship with God. Even though the religious leaders of the Jews had the opportunity to know and serve the one, true, living God, and never more so than when Jesus was standing right in front of them, they preferred focusing on the rituals and traditions of the faith rather than knowing their God personally. This serves as an important warning for us, because no matter how close we are to God, the danger always exists that the relationship could degenerate into religion. The way to ensure that doesn’t happen is through daily interaction with Him through reading His word, prayer, and then applying what He tells us. After all, obedience is the kind of worship God affirms the most in His word.