The Consequences of Anger

Your days will be numbered.

Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don’t know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it “really” means.. Let’s see where this takes us!

I’m reading Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Numbers 19

If there is symbolism in this chapter, it’s lost on me. I’m sure mixing water with a sacrificed heifer won’t produce a sanitizing cleansing agent. I suppose it’s because the heifer is “without blemish” that its purity symbolically cleanses those who are in the vicinity of the dead. As if saying, “this dead person’s body is now redeemed.”

Numbers 20

An eventful chapter in the life of Moses. First, he loses his sister Miriam. Then, he disobeys the LORD for striking a rock with his staff to yield water. The LORD tells Moses he won’t lead the people into the promised land. Israel is turned away by the King of Edom. Finally, Moses loses his brother Aaron.

I recall being taught that by striking the rock, Moses gave the appearance that he, not the LORD, unleashed the water. The odd thing is that Moses had previously struck a rock to yield water…