And Yet They Doubted...

These are the commands and regulations that the LORD gave to the people of Israel through Moses while they were camped on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho. [Numbers 36.13]

No doubt, God is a God of order.

The fact that God did not wait until Israel occupied the Promised Land to give them laws to live by speaks to the fact stated above: God is a God of order.

In today's OYCB reading, it is interesting that the boundaries of Israel were defined before the people even crossed over to Jericho to begin their conquest!

Provisions were also put in place regarding who would be responsible for dividing the land. Additionally, provision of land around the cities was designated for the Levites.

It was also obviously an important matter to provide refuge for those who accidentally killed another person (cities of refuge).

There was also policy defined for women who inherited land because no sons were born to the father (the daughters of Zelophehad in particular).

I am not sure why this all matters except to say that God had every intention of Israel occupying Canaan! One would think it might be better the think about all the rules after the land is acquired! But no, not God. So confident was He in His Promised of this land to Israel that He gave them law and order before it was needed.

The fact is, Israel had every reason to trust God. From the plagues upon Egypt to the miraculous provision in the wilderness, to the establishment of law and order even before they had a land in which to have law and order, God made His intentions clear: to deliver and establish Israel.

And yet they doubted...

Father, I see so much of myself in Israel. You have made so much provision for me - You have brought me to this place with testimony after testimony of Your goodness and provision, and yet, I doubt. Please forgive me for forgetting who and Whose I am.