In his commentary, Ronald Allen describes the Book of Numbers as a book of worship, with the presence of God as its focal point. The entire Israelite community encamps around the Tabernacle, which is at the center of their camp.
Rudy Ross has more interest in numbers than any human being ought to have, and yet his interest in numbers is very valuable for people like me. He plugged the numbers of Numbers chapter 2 into Gemini and discovered that the arrangement of the tents around the tabernacle formed a cross.
In today’s YouTube video, Rudy holds his phone in front of the camera and give us an image of what the picture looks like. Take a look and you will see God’s grace revealed in the arrangement of the clans of the Israelites.
Ronald Allen’s interpretation of Numbers 2 illuminates its true significance as a focal point of worship. Chapter 2 highlights a progression in God’s presence among the Israelites:
Initially, God’s presence was revealed on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19; Exodus 24). Next, He drew closer by meeting with Moses in his private tent of meeting, which was set up outside the camp.
Now, in Numbers 2, God’s presence is established even more intimately, residing in the very midst of the camp through the Tabernacle.
The ministry of Jesus takes us closer to God’s goal of full fellowship with humans.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only Son, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
The word lived in verse 14 is significant because the Greek word means “to pitch a tent” or “to tabernacle.”
Jesus “tabernacled” with humanity, just as God’s presence dwelt among the Israelites in the wilderness. Jesus, the Word made flesh, became the new dwelling place of God among humanity, much like the Tabernacle was in ancient times.
God’s ultimate plan is to dwell within us through the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.
This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you” (John 14:15-17).
The glory that so astounded the Israelites at Mount Sinai walked this earth through Jesus Christ—in His life, death, and resurrection. Yet, God wasn’t finished revealing His glory. He chose to place His presence, dare we say His very glory, within human beings.
The requirements are simple: we love Jesus, keep His commandments, and in turn, He gives us the Advocate, someone who stands beside us—the Holy Spirit.
We will know the Spirit because He dwells with us and lives within us.
Reflections
During college, I majored in marketing. Had God not called me to preach, I’d likely be selling something like cornflakes for a living. I’ve always been drawn to promoting products I genuinely believe in.
I recall giving a sales presentation once on devices that allowed tires to continue running even after going flat. My presentation was good enough that the professor used it as an example for other classes on how to sell products successfully.
The truth is, I couldn’t have sold that product if I hadn’t truly believed in its value.
When I consider what the Bible teaches about God’s immense love for us and His desire to be present in our lives, there’s truly no greater product to promote.
Of course, God isn’t a “product,” but the profound idea of knowing Him and experiencing His intimate presence as described in Scripture should inspire us to love Him, worship Him, and follow His guidance for our lives.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 