Israel has been in Mount Sinai for a year. The people have received the Law and the assurance of the presence of God in their midst, enthroned on the Ark of the Covenant. Now they are preparing to depart for Canaan.
a. Read Numbers 1-2. What did God have Moses do before setting out, and for what purpose?
God instructs Moses to organize all the tribes, number them and I believe they can be called for war. He instructs Moses to to set apart Levites. They were set apart to attend to the Tabernacle. God gives pretty detailed instructions to protect the Tabernacle. This helps me appreciate how our Church protects the Eucharist placed in the Tabernacle. Levites, after the golden calf incident, proved themselves to be obedient to Moses and God. Another point that strikes me as I read Num 1-2 is, the importance God gives to holiness. Why does He demand such purity. He instructs Moses that if any other tribesmen approach the Tabernacle they are to be put to death. The need for Purgatory is highlighted here. Purgatory, though temporary, may not be a pretty place (or state). I also came across a statement while I was looking around for any additional information online about this question. This 40 year journey by Israelites can be compared to our earthly life. They were towards their permanent home (the promised land). we are headed towards our permanent home Heaven (the promised land). Along the way they encounter so many difficulties. They sometimes despair. They fall away. God allows them to suffer. They turn around and come back to God. Don't we do the same?
