May 10 Readings

Try the Three Years in the Bible: Year 1 Law and History; Year 2 Poetry and Prophecy and Year 3 New Testament. You can start with any of the three years and finsh the Bible at a slower pace in three years

You can also check out all these Reading Plans Blogs to go through the Bible in a year from Back to the Bible Reading Lists:the Chronological Reading Plan blog; OT and NT Together blog; Historical Readings blog; Blended Readings blog and Beginning to End blog In addition, there is the Theophilus1 blog in the One Year Bible format and The Daily Bible in Chronological Order

Blended Reading Plan from Back to the Bible

Index to Blended Readings

Today's Readings Numbers 35-36; Matthew 5:1-26

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia links: Numbers 35; Numbers 36; Matthew 5

In Num 35.1-5, the tribes of Israel had land assigned to them as an inheritance. The Levites were to get towns to live in from the tribes (of the land they would possess). They were to get pasturelands around the towns and have towns to live in. God does not forget those who are serving him. He provide for them and their family. Let us not be neglectful in supporting our churches and missionaries.

In Numbers 35, murder is a very serious matter to God, especially when the life of the body is in the blood.(Lev 17.11), and the blood has been shed. The tragedy is you cannot undo murder, you cannot bring this person back alive.

Six of the towns that the Israelites gave to the Levites (35.6-34) were to be Cities of Refuge. These were cities where refuge will be given to those who kill someone accidentally. God was concerned that an accused get a fair trial. If an accused murdered intentionally (v. 16-21) then they will not be allowed in the cities of refuge and shall be put to death. The person who killed accidentally would be allowed in the city of refuge. However if the person leaves the city of refuge, the avenger of the blood may kill the accused without being guilty of murder. Some other laws elaborated on ransom (31-32) and murder.

It is interesting how God views pollution! Pollution had to do with bloodshed and not hazardous waste!! Atonement cannot be made for the land on which the blood was shed, except for the blood if the one who shed it. The land has to be atoned for or else it would be polluted.
Numbers 36 discusses the issue of Zelophedad's daughters. The Lord had instructed Moses that women may inherit their father's land. New issues came up. What happen if the daughters marry another tribe. The decision was that the daughters must be married in the same tribe so that the family allotment passes from one tribe to another.

Numbers 35 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Numbers 36 with Commentaries, verse by verse


Matthew 5 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Jesus spoke about the Beatitudes (Matthew 5.4-12; Luke 6.20-23) Note the types of people that we need to be and if we achieve to be that type of person, then we will be blessed (Greek word, makarios which means blessed and is NOT happiness which cannot be affected by outward circumstance. This is similar to joy.
We are to be SALT and LIGHT v. 13-16. Jesus's teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is IMPOSSIBLE for any of us to do on our own. We need supernatural power to achieve what he taught.
He said that He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. This is true, that all the prophecies and types are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The Ten Commandments are based on the actions done against God and man when a sin is commited. Jesus took this one step further he looked at the intent or the motive which when fully developed lead into sin. For example when he spoke about being angry with your brother, Jesus is looking at the intent. The anger which is conceived will lead finally to murder! See James 1.13-15
Guzik on Matthew
IVP Commentary on Matthew

Links to Commentaries and other References - Matthew

Bible Study Tools
Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.