Numbers 10 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Aaron Shust – My Hope Is In You (Lyrics)
• See A Victory/You Go Before Us (Spontaneous) (Live)
• Our God Will Go Before Us (Lyric Video) – Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa

Resources for Family Worship (with Children)

• The Israelites Begin Their Journey | Bible Story for Kids and Families | Numbers 10 – Lesson for Kids
• God Will Guide Us | HLA Wilderness Escape VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• “That’s Who I Praise” Motions Video (chooselife YOUTH) – Song for Kids
• Every Move I Make – Hillsong Kids (Dance Cover) by Piumrak Kids – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Before the Israelites began their full-scale march, God told Moses to make two silver trumpets and use them as tools to guide the congregation of Israel (vv. 1–10). At that time, this was the best way to communicate quickly. Only the priests descended from Aaron were allowed to blow the trumpets, and they had to produce different sounds depending on the situation. The congregation of Israel had to know what each trumpet sound meant.

After celebrating the second Passover in the wilderness, about a month passed, and then the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle. The Israelites broke camp, left the wilderness of Sinai, and began their march. When they reached the wilderness of Paran, the cloud settled there, and the Israelites set up camp (vv. 11–12). Their order of march followed exactly what God had told Moses: they moved forward by tribes, beginning with the tribe of Judah (vv. 13–27).

When they left Mount Sinai, Moses said to Hobab, “The Lord has promised to be good to Israel,” and asked him to guide Israel on their wilderness journey (v. 29). Hobab was the son of Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, who was also called Reuel, making Hobab Moses’ brother-in-law. In the phrase “he was Moses’ father-in-law,” “he” refers not to Hobab but to Reuel. When Hobab refused Moses’ request, Moses pleaded with him again (vv. 30–32). Hobab’s answer is not recorded, but in Judges 1:16 and 4:11, we see that people from Midian were among the settlers in Canaan. This may be evidence that Hobab accepted Moses’ request.

While the people were marching, the cloud covered them during the day and protected them from the scorching sun (v. 33). Whenever they set out after taking down the tents, Moses prayed before the ark of the covenant, asking the Lord to go ahead of them and drive out their enemies. Whenever they set up camp, he prayed before the ark of the covenant, asking the Lord to return to the people of Israel (vv. 34–36).

Meditation:

Moses says to Hobab, “The Lord has promised to be good to Israel” (v. 29). Whenever they set out, Moses prayed before the ark of the covenant, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you” (v. 35). Whenever they stopped marching, he prayed before the ark of the covenant, “Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel” (v. 36).

The words “The Lord will be good to us” do not mean that there will be no problems. It seems intentional that, beginning in the next chapter, the writer records Israel’s complaints and rebellion. Just because the Lord is good to us does not mean everything will go smoothly. The words “The Lord fights for me” do not mean that I can simply stay still and do nothing. As we walk the journey of life, there are hardships and obstacles that everyone must face. Sometimes the Lord even leads us into suffering and hardship. There are times when we must carry suffering for the sake of the Lord’s will.

The words “The Lord is good to us” mean that we overcome suffering and hardship, and through that suffering and hardship, we receive a good result. No one wants to go through suffering and hardship, but there are many things we cannot gain without them. In particular, the best things can only be gained through suffering. That is why the apostle Paul considered suffering something to boast about. It is because “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3–4).

Key Verses: Verses 35–36

Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” Whenever it came to rest, he said, “Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.”

Prayer:

Lord, even though we have experienced that You are with us in suffering, and even though we have seen our faith grow through suffering, this is the level of our spirituality: whenever we stand before suffering, we shrink back again. Loss, suffering, and obstacles are things everyone faces on life’s journey, yet we want to be the only ones who avoid them. Have mercy on us. When we suffer, help us to rejoice, expecting to be refined like pure gold. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God goes before us and stays with us, even when the journey is hard.

For Preschool-Elementary:

• The Israelites followed God’s cloud in the wilderness. What are some ways God helps us know what is right?
• Moses prayed before the people started moving. What is one thing you can pray before school, bedtime, or a new day?
• When you feel scared or unsure, what helps you remember that God is with you?
  
  Youth:

• Moses prays, “Rise up, Lord,” when the ark sets out, and “Return, Lord,” when it rests. What does this rhythm teach us about beginning and ending each season with prayer?
• The devotional says God may even lead us into hardship for His will. How can we tell the difference between meaningless suffering and suffering that forms our faith?
• In our community, many students feel pressure to succeed, perform, and stay in control. What would it look like to trust that God goes before you in school, family, college planning, friendships, or uncertainty?