Read: Numbers 7
Focus Verse: “When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law. In this way the LORD spoke to him.” (7:89).
Devotion: The entirety of Ch. 7 is a repetitive ceremony telling the sacrifice of the 12 leaders to consecrate and dedicate the altar. All 12 leaders offer the same thing, day by day. I know in Hebrew there’s not actually verse numbers, those are added by the editors, but I want to know why verse 89 isn’t verse 1 of Ch. 8? Why after dedicating the altar are we given a brief story of the way the LORD spoke to Moses in the tent of meeting? I really don’t know, but suppose it’s because the LORD only spoke this way once the altar was dedicated? In reality, I really don’t know why God chooses to speak, or when, or how. That’s up to God. So, perhaps that’s it, it’s to remind us of the mystery, that is, not knowing why God chooses to speak to us.
Pray: LORD I’m listening, speak when You’re willing. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)