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"Battle Begins" February 9 Readings: Numbers 31-36

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Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Numbers 31-36 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     We wrap up our reading of Numbers today with another difficult reading. Chapter 31 tells of a war with Midian, and then the journeys of Israel are recounted in detail. The boundaries of the Promised Land are spelled out - far larger than modern Israel. Then we read of the founding of the cities of refuge, and the inheritance of Zelophehad's daughters is finally given. Israel did not have courts. When a crime was committed, the family of the victim exacted revenge. The cities of ref...
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"God, Numbers, and Blessing" February 8 Readings: Numbers 26-30

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Numbers 26-30 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Today's reading begins with the second census that takes place toward the end of the 40 years in the wilderness. In chapter 27, the i...
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"Seduced by Evil" February 7 Readings: Numbers 21-25

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Numbers 21-25 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     The first story we encounter here is that of the bronze serpent, which was lifted up to protect the Israelites from the poisonous serpents that were coming against them. The symbolism is strong there. The serpent attacking? Pretty obvious, isn't it? Satan's attacks are venomous. And as the serpent was lifted up for the salvation of the people. Christ was lifted up for us. The story of Balaam and his attempt to curse the Israelites covers chapters 22-24. In chapter 25, the Mo...
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"Betrayed" February 6 Readings: Numbers 15-20

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Numbers 15-20 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     There are several stories in today's reading, but the first few chapters focus on priestly issues. In chapter 16, the Levite Korah (along with Dathan and Abiram) incites a riot against Moses, claiming they don't need to submit to him. God responds with harsh judgment to uphold Moses' authority. Chapter 17 tells of the budding of the staff of Aaron, again demonstrating the blessing of God. This staff eventually ended up in the Ark of the Covenant. After chapters 18 and 19 giv...
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"False Humility of Doubt" February 5 Readings: Numbers`10-14

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Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Numbers 10-14 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     The dominant themes today are Israel's complaining and their lack of faith. Though God blessed Israel with manna - bread from heaven - they were not satisfied with his provision. They complained against him, and God reacted. In 11:1-2, it is shocking just how strongly he reacted. Evidently, complaining against God is no small crime! The well-known story of the 12 spies going into the land is found in chapters 13-14 (after the rebellion of Aaron and Miriam in chapter 12). Israel cho...
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"Led by God" February 4 Readings: Numbers 5-9

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Numbers 5-9 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  I promise you that today is the LAST of the intensely difficult readings (for now, at least). Numbers has some more interesting and moving stories that will start tomorrow. All Scripture is useful for our edification. Some of it is just more interesting than others! Background:     We continue to read texts that seem strange to us. Chapter 5 is one of the oddest passages in the Bible - a method for determining if a wife is actually unfaithful. It is one of those "passages we have trouble expl...
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"Bought with a Price" February 3 Readings: Numbers 1-4

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Numbers 1-4 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Congratulations! You made it through Leviticus! Numbers can be an equally difficult book at times, but it also has intriguing stories. Background:     These chapters, once again, are technical and filled with details that may be hard to figure out. But the whole point of the Book of Numbers is founded on the counting of the people here in chapter 1 and then later in the book. After 40 years, the people have not grown, but in fact, there has been a small decrease in God's people. When they cou...
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