Contemplative Bible Reading

Numbers 10:13-16 (New Living Translation)

13 When the people set out for the first time, following the instructions the Lord had given through Moses, 14 Judah’s troops led the way. They marched behind their banner, and their leader was Nahshon son of Amminadab. 15 They were joined by the troops of the tribe of Issachar, led by Nethanel son of Zuar, 16 and the troops of the tribe of Zebulun, led by Eliab son of Helon.

This is part of the (hi)story of the people traveling from Egypt to the land promised them by God. There were about a million people (maybe two million) in a camp. They would break camp and “set out” on their journey. Pack up all the stuff and walk. Mundane life.

Note who walked first: troops or soldiers or men armed for a fight.

This wasn’t just a walk through no man’s land. There were people in the areas surrounding the trail. Some of these people didn’t like visitors. Some of these people liked visitors as a source of poll tax. Some of these people liked visitors as the visitors were weakened by travel and could be killed and robbed, i.e., easy pick-ens.

This walk required armed protection. Who trained this army? Who armed this army? Who was in this army? This was a bunch of former brick layers, farmers, and herders turned into walkers. Army? Where?

Faith provided the army. Fear provided the army. Love provided the army. Those troops in the front protected their wives and children who walked behind. This was actual sacrifice for your family. This was not a picnic or a family hike.

And sometimes I worry if I have saved enough money to provide for my kids and grand kids. These guys were willing to be stabbed to death and lie dead in the desert.

Thank you God that I have such an easy and blessed life.