Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness reminds us that God leads His people through seasons of movement and seasons of waiting. The cloud’s lifting signaled Israel to move, yet much of their time was spent in stillness. They often left one wilderness only to enter another, showing that progress is not always easy but always purposeful. We learn to trust God’s timing, follow His Spirit, honor godly leadership, and continue forward in faith, holiness, and praise.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Acts 8:14-17, Numbers 10:11-16, Numbers 10:17-20, Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 7:14, 1 Corinthians 7:34, Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 3:5, Ephesians 5:27, Colossians 1:22, Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:27, 1 Timothy 2:8, Hebrews 3:1, 1 Peter 1:15, 1 Peter 1:16, Numbers 10:21-27, Numbers 10:28, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11,
Acts 8:14-17
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Acts 8:14 shows the apostles in Jerusalem learning that the people of Samaria had accepted the message of God. They decided to send Peter and John to them. When the apostles arrived, they prayed for the new believers so they might receive the Holy Spirit.
Receiving the Holy Spirit
This passage points out a significant difference: the people in Samaria had already received the word of God, but they had not yet received the Holy Spirit. It suggests that accepting the word and receiving the Holy Spirit are two separate experiences. Even with many good things happening among the Samaritans, the church leaders saw that something was missing—the Holy Spirit was not present in them. This concern led Peter and John to visit Samaria specifically to address this need.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Subheading: Baptism vs. the Spirit
Verse 16 makes it clear that the Samaritans had only been baptized in the name of Jesus up to this point. After Peter and John laid their hands on them, the Samaritans did receive the Holy Spirit. The passage indicates that water baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit are distinct steps. There is a clear and recognizable experience described when individuals receive the Holy Spirit in these verses.
The Cloud and God’s Presence
Numbers 10:11-16
11 And it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony.
12 And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
13 And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
14 In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
15 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
16 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon.
In the middle of page 186 of your notes, the focus is on the cloud being taken up from the tabernacle of testimony. In scripture, the cloud represents the Holy Spirit and the presence of God. Numbers 10:11 states that on the twentieth day of the second month in the second year, the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle. This detail is significant and connects to previous discussions from Numbers 9, where the cloud was shown to lead, provide for, and speak to God’s people. Similarly, the Holy Spirit guides, provides for, and speaks to believers.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
The Cloud Represents the Spirit’s Leading
The cloud’s movement from the tabernacle is more than just a historical event—it carries spiritual meaning. Moses encountered God’s presence in the cloud on the mountain, where he received the law and experienced God’s glory. Ultimately, God’s intention is not just for us to seek Him but for Him to dwell with us. The purpose of the tabernacle was so that God could have a dwelling place among His people.
The lesson ends by emphasizing that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. God desires to make us a dwelling place for His presence. The Scripture encourages us to prepare ourselves so that God’s glory can live in us, guide us, and work through us. In this context, the cloud being taken up from the tabernacle points to God’s longing for a personal and ongoing relationship with each believer.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
This passage explains that the absence of God’s presence in a familiar way does not mean it is a dry or empty season. Instead, it may signify that God is preparing to move in a new direction. When the presence of God lifts or feels distant during times like worship or gathering, it is a signal—not just that something is wrong, but that it might be time for change. The pause or shift is an opportunity for believers to look for where God wants to lead next, rather than continue with routine.
Learning to Wait and Move with God
The people of Israel knew it was time to move when the cloud lifted from the tabernacle and when the trumpet sounded. In the same way, believers today should recognize the signs when God is moving or asking them to follow. This is not a time to feel abandoned, but rather a call to seek where God is leading, both individually and as a community. The encouragement is to take responsibility and not wait for leaders to act, but personally consider if God is asking for a response or a step forward.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
The key message is that transitions in God’s presence have a purpose—they call us to move with Him and participate in what He wants to do next. It is not about guessing but recognizing a clear and obvious prompting to move so we do not miss what God is doing.
Many denominations reach a point where they decide not to move any further in their beliefs or experiences. They set boundaries and choose not to go beyond specific teachings, like speaking in tongues. They declare, “This is it. We won’t accept anything else.” But that is not how we are. Each day may look different because we continually seek where God’s Spirit is leading us. We want to follow the cloud of His presence, not just repeat the same routines.
Times of Stillness in God’s Plan
The children of Israel were at Sinai for about two years. They spent a considerable amount of time there, preparing and following God’s instructions. When the cloud finally lifted, and the trumpet sounded, they got to move—but it was only for three days. After that, they stopped again in another wilderness. This shows us that, most of the time, God’s people are still and waiting more than they are moving forward.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Often, we desire constant progress and movement; however, spiritually, long seasons of stillness are a regular part of the journey. During these times, our focus should be on doing what God asks of us right where we are. The stillness can be just as important as the times of action. We must learn to find excitement and purpose in being faithful in the waiting, not just in the moments of movement.
From One Wilderness to Another
The Israelites left the wilderness of Sinai, only to enter the wilderness of Paran. So, they moved from one tough place right into another. None of us wants to keep facing one wilderness after another, but before we ever reach the promised land, we often have to go through many of these difficult seasons. Still, at least there is movement, and sometimes that feels like progress, even if it means moving from one hard place to another. Life can be like that—when one challenge ends, another may begin. But at least we’re not stuck. We get to take action, even if it’s just for a short time.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
The main lesson here is that we spend much more time waiting or staying put than we do moving forward. And when we finally move, we may quickly find ourselves in a new wilderness. It won’t always be the same level of difficulty, but it will be another opportunity to grow and trust God.
Next, we see that Israel arrived at Sinai in the third month. The first month was Passover, followed by Pentecost in the third month, and then the Feast of Tabernacles. These special times show key steps in God’s plan. Pentecost is about preparing and being filled with God. That’s what happened in the upper room on Pentecost—people were filled with the Holy Spirit. The start of our walk with God is often about building a place for Him to fill. Being filled with the Spirit means allowing God’s presence and gifts to live within us. But what does it look like in daily life? It means letting the Spirit, along with His gifts, fill and influence everything we do.
The gifts of the Spirit are all different. Wisdom is one gift. When the Holy Spirit fills us, we should grow in wisdom and understanding. Knowledge is another gift. God wants us to become more knowledgeable and avoid mistakes. There are also gifts, such as prophecy, tongues, and interpretation. Sinai was special because during that time, God’s law was received. In the New Testament, God writes His laws on our hearts. If we are filled with God’s Spirit, we become places for Him to live and carry His presence everywhere.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
The Israelites then went to the wilderness of Paran. This journey took three days. Even though we want to keep moving forward, sometimes we go from one challenge to the next. There is always more growth and change to do before we see God’s full promise. Paran means “ornamental.” Sometimes we become overly focused on appearances and material things. It is normal to want beautiful things, whether in buildings or other aspects of life. However, God’s deeper work in us remains the most important thing.
We are always moving forward with God, even if it seems like we are just going from one type of wilderness to another. Sometimes, we might have nicer things, such as beautiful buildings or luxurious cars. Even then, we can still be in a spiritual wilderness. Outward things may look better, but that does not mean we have reached God’s promise. True freedom is not found in material things or ornaments but in deeper spiritual growth.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Individually, we all like nice things. Many people want attractive clothes or a nice car. However, enjoying these things is not the same as having genuine freedom, such as financial freedom or spiritual liberty. The wilderness of Paran, which means “ornamental,” is just another stage to pass through. That is still not the promised land. We all have to move past focusing on outward ornaments in life to find what God has in store for us.
When Israel moved, they did so in accordance with God’s command, given through Moses. Sometimes it is hard to apply these Old Testament stories today, especially since everyone wants to be independent. But God’s people still need leaders, just as Israel needed Moses. There must be direction for any journey, and sometimes that comes through someone God appoints. Accepting leadership and following God’s direction are essential for moving forward.
Leadership and Order in Moving with God
The Bible states that the Israelites moved at the command of the Lord, as given through Moses. This was a big responsibility for Moses as their leader. The main lesson is that our journey with God depends a lot on our leaders. Who we follow influences where we go spiritually. If leaders are not moving with God, neither are the people. If the leaders stray from God’s presence, the whole group can get off track. That is why it is so important to have leaders who hear from God and help the congregation move together.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
God gave the order to move, but it was up to the leaders to share that with everyone. There can be problems if leaders don’t listen to God’s timing. If a leader moves when God says wait, or waits when God says move, trouble follows. The safeguard in this story was that the command came from the Lord and then through Moses.
If you were living then, you could look outside your tent and see the cloud lift. That would be a clear sign it was time to move. But if Moses said it wasn’t time, you would know something wasn’t right. Most people can sense when it’s time for something new, even if they don’t know the details. Here, we try always to be ready to adapt and move when God leads, and we aren’t satisfied with just staying the same. The people of Israel were like that, too—watching each day to see if God wanted them to move. But even if we want to move, it isn’t always the right time. Sometimes, we must wait for God’s signal.
The main point is that your journey with God and your progress in life depend a lot on who your leaders are. Leaders have a significant influence on whether you reach the promises God has for you. But leadership is not just about official titles. True leaders are the people you spend the most time with and listen to the most in your daily life.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
For example, a child hears more from their teachers than from their parents each week. That teacher likely has more influence than the parent. The same is true for the people we see most often or give our attention to, such as friends or media characters. The voices we listen to the most are the ones truly leading us.
It is essential to be careful about who you let lead and influence you. I make sure I am around godly people because the people you spend time with shape your direction. If you are listening to people who are not following God, you are likely to get off track as well. To move forward in God’s kingdom, surround yourself with those who are listening to God and desire to advance spiritually. Your leaders are really those who guide your thinking and choices, so choose wisely.
Judah Leads Through Praise
When the people of Israel moved, the tribe of Judah always led the way. Many know that Judah means “praise,” but it also means “celebrated” and to “use the hand to revere or worship.” So when we lift our hands and worship God, we are acting in the spirit of Judah. Those who celebrate and praise God are the ones who move first with Him.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Judah goes first because that is God’s order. Worshippers and praisers are the first to notice when God is moving and are ready to follow. If you are a worshipper, you are quick to move with God. Praisers do not focus on problems or complain—they keep their eyes on God. People who are always praising give fewer problems in the church because they are looking for what God is doing, rather than finding things to grumble about.
After Judah, the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun would follow. Issachar means “he will bring a reward,” and Zebulun means “habitation.” These tribes proceeded in a specific order, then the people dismantled the tabernacle and continued their journey. Each tribe and their names have meanings, but the main point is that God wants those who are praisers, who worship Him with their whole hearts, to move first and be closest to His presence.
Numbers 10:17-20
17 And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.
18 And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur.
19 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
20 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
The Sanctuary and the People of God
The tabernacle was dismantled by the families of Gershon and Merari, two groups from the tribe of Levi. Each group had its own specific job, although the Bible does not always list which parts they handled. In our studies, we learned there were three main sections in the tabernacle, but only two sections are being moved first at this point.
First, all the linens were packed and loaded onto ox carts. These included the seven-foot linen fence around the tabernacle, the coverings of goat hair, badger skin, and red-dyed ram skins. Not all parts of the tabernacle could be carried on ox carts, but these linens could.
Next, all the pillars, along with the silver and brass bases, were taken down and loaded onto the carts. These included the pillars around the outer court and those inside that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
As these parts went ahead, three more tribes followed: Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. This was the order God designed for their journey. After them came the Kohathites, another family from the tribe of Levi.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
The only pieces left at this stage were the furnishings of the sanctuary. The Kohathites were responsible for carrying these sacred items. These included the lampstand, the altar of incense, the table of showbread, the basin for washing, and the altars for sacrifices. The Bible refers to these pieces as “the sanctuary.”
The True Sanctuary is in Us
The main point is that the true sanctuary is not made up of wood, pillars, paint, or buildings. The real sanctuary is not about the shrubberies or outbuildings either. The sanctuary is us, the people. Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world.’ We lift up prayers to God like incense. We are the sanctuary because God’s presence lives in us.
You can’t put yourself on a cart or carry your spirit around like an object, because your light and your prayers come from inside you. Everything the sanctuary in the Old Testament showed—like the lampstand, the altar, and the table for communion—is now inside each believer. We are the ones who pour out our praise and our joy to God. We eat the bread of life and become the place where God’s spirit meets us. God has made us holy through the blood of Jesus, not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done for us.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
So, the sanctuary is not the chairs, the carpet, or the structure—it simply provides a place for us to gather. We are the church, and we are God’s sanctuary. Each of us is a holy object, made so by God. Saying “I am a holy object” may feel unusual, but it is a truth given to us by what Jesus did. God calls us holy, and that is something to be grateful and joyful about.
We often think of the ark, lamp stand, table of showbread, and altar of incense as very holy objects. But you and I are even more sacred and valuable to God than any physical item made of wood or gold. God sees each of us as His holy objects. It’s essential to realize and say, “I am holy.” Not because of what we have done, but because God has made us holy through Jesus.
In the New Testament, two distinct words are used to refer to the temple. Hieron refers to the outer parts, like the courts and the physical structure. Naos refers to the inner sanctuary, the sacred space where God’s presence is believed to reside. When Jesus said, “I will raise this temple in three days,” He used the word naos, meaning the inner sanctuary. Paul also says that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, using the same word. We are God’s inner sanctuary. No matter what your past looks like or what mistakes you have made, you are still holy in God’s eyes because of the blood of Jesus.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
To help us understand, think of it like this: How many grasshoppers would equal the value of a human life? Of course, there is no comparison. Now, how many human lives would it take to equal the value of Jesus’ life? There is no way to compare. Jesus gave His life for us—something worth far more than all of us combined. His sacrifice makes us holy and shows how precious we are to God. You are far more valuable to God than anything made of gold or wood, even the sacred ark or lampstand from the tabernacle.
Declared Holy Through Christ
We are the real holy objects, declared holy not by our actions, but because Jesus’ sacrifice was more than enough. Just as God calls you holy, you should believe and say, “I am holy.” This truth holds no matter your past or future, because Christ’s blood covers everything.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
There is no sin you could commit that could ever outweigh what Christ has done for you. Your sin has been dealt with—past, present, and future. That does not mean sin is unimportant; God still calls us to live holy lives. But the main point is not sin itself—it is about overcoming, fulfilling God’s will, and walking in holiness. Because of Christ, you are sanctified, set apart, and made holy for His use.
We must see ourselves as holy, not because of our own righteousness, but through the blood of Jesus. Just as the Kohathites carried the sanctuary of God, we now carry His presence within us. It cannot move on its own; it moves when we move it. We may watch for signs, see others moving, or even build impressive buildings, but without our willingness to move with God’s Spirit, nothing will happen. You and I are holy, made for God’s work, and called to carry His presence into the world.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Now I know that nearly sounds blasphemous, and I’m going to end this with that thought. I’ve already got into it a little bit.
Holiness Through Christ
Romans 12:1
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
That you present your bodies as what? Living sacrifice, holy and acceptable.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
1 Corinthians 3:17
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Which temple? You are. Are you a holy temple?
1 Corinthians 7:34
34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
When we care for the things of the Lord, we are holy.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Ephesians 1:4;
1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
And without what? Blame. Not faultless, but blameless. Why? Because of the blood of Jesus.
Ephesians 3:5
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Ephesians 5:27
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Are you the church? Will you be presented to him?
Colossians 1:22
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
See, what makes us holy is that we come through his body, through his death.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Colossians 3:12
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
You’re the elect of God, holy and beloved.
1 Thessalonians 5:27
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
This means they’re righteous before God through Jesus Christ. We are the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. You’re holy, a sanctified sanctuary, and you’re something he wants to move into, lift up prayers through, be a light through, commune through, and have the oracles of God written upon your heart. You are the sanctuary of God. You’re not the tapestries. You’re not just the pillars. I can show you where you are, but you’re not only that. What you really, really, really are is the sanctuary, the holy objects of God.
1 Timothy 2:8
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Not only is your spirit and your body holy, but your hands are holy. What kind of hands? Holy hands.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Titus 1:8
8 but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate. This is the qualifications of an overseer.
Hebrews 3:1
1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
1 Peter 1:15
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Just as Jesus is holy, we’ve been made holy. Do we understand that? Is that what that says? But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy. Can you be as holy as Jesus? Is that blasphemous, or is that the word of God? Be the same holiness that he’s holy. You are because of him. We can’t do it on our own, but through his blood, it’s done. It’s a done deal.
1 Peter 1:16
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 Peter 2:5
5 ye also as lively stones were built upon a spiritual house and holy priesthood.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
1 Peter 2:9
9 but ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.
1 Peter 3:5
5 for after this manner, in the old time, the holy women,
Revelation 20:6
6 blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
How many are going in the first resurrection? How many are going in the first resurrection? Raise your hand if you want to go in the first resurrection.
Revelation 21:2
2 and I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down.
The New Jerusalem: A Holy People
The Scripture says in that chapter, verse nine, that the New Jerusalem is the Lamb’s bride. That holy city that comes down from heaven is not just about streets, gates, or gold. It does not describe physical things, such as buildings or treasure. That gold is so pure it looks like glass, and no earthly jeweler would value it.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Subheading: A People, Not a City
What it is really talking about is the people of God. The New Jerusalem represents a holy people who descend from heavenly places. They are called to rule and reign on the earth with Christ. That is the true meaning—you are the holy people of God. You are holy!
Revelation 22:11
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still, and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still, and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still, and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
When you move toward the personal promises of God in your life, it is the holy part of you that is moving. It is not just you in your strength, but the holiness within you. This is the sanctuary of God inside of you, rising up to follow Him.
You must find your place and pursue Him. Wherever God leads, the holy part of you must respond. Holy objects, holy vessels, and holy people are meant to move with Him and enter where He goes.
Every church has a standard, which means a sign. Just like each tribe of Israel had its own standard around the tabernacle, churches today have theirs. A Baptist church has its name on a sign, a Methodist church has its name, and so on. That is their standard. Each group views God from its own unique perspective. One may see Him from one side of the street, while another sees Him from the other side. Each one has a view, but none sees the whole picture from the ground.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
God wants us to rise higher, to be caught up into heavenly places. From there, we can see Him more completely and have the mind of Christ. It is not about one perspective or denomination. It is about learning to see through His eyes and His way.
The tribes of Israel could not move until God told them to move. They moved only when the cloud moved and only in the order that God set. If they moved too early, they were out of order. If they moved too late, they missed Him. They had to move on time. God gave structure—three tribes, then the coverings and sanctuary pieces, then more tribes, all in exact order.
In the same way, God places us where He wants us and allows us to see from that position until He changes it. One group may not see what another sees because of where God has placed them. That does not make one better than the other. We are all part of the same family, with the same Father. We should be thankful for what God has shown us while remembering we are all His children.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Numbers 10:28
28 Thus were the journeyings of the children of Israel according to their armies, when they set forward.
Thus were their journeys for the children of Israel.
Why the book of numbers? Why do we study the book of numbers? I want to read the first several verses here.
1 Corinthians 10:1-11
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
He loved the people of God in the wilderness, but many still displeased Him. They were scattered and laid low in the desert. They died without receiving His promises. This shows us that it is possible to be holy, saved, and loved, yet still miss what God has prepared if we do not please Him.
These events are examples for us. Scripture warns not to lust after evil things as they did. We must not become idolaters, setting anything above God. An idol is not only a carved image but anything we love or desire more than Him. If we do, we risk being laid low spiritually, just as they were in the wilderness.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
We are also warned against fornication, against tempting Christ, and against murmuring. These sins destroyed thousands of God’s people, even though they were chosen. These stories are written so we may avoid their mistakes. They are reminders that we must walk carefully. “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
God’s Timing and Our Response
God saved His people to bring them into His promise, not just to deliver them from Egypt. But many never made it in because they lived in disobedience. That does not mean we must live a life of perfection, but we must choose the right way. Holiness is not just a word in a church’s name—it is a call to obedience.
We are the sanctuary of God. His presence is within us, but it will not move unless we move with Him. Our response matters. So let us promise God that when it is our turn, we will step forward in faith. Like Judah in the wilderness, we will move when He moves, praising Him with lifted hands and rejoicing with holy praise.
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
Book of Numbers 10:11-28 – How to Travel Through Wilderness
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