It is well to remember the fact that Israel was surrounded by nations sunken in the grossest idolatry. Many of the degenerate Canaanites remained in the land. Various prohibitions and laws given to Israel can be better understood in the light of these facts. Some of these idolatrous religions taught unlawful intercourse between the sexes as the highest acts of devotion. It was a woman devoted to corrupt worship, that Judah supposed Tamar to be. Gen. 38: 21. The heathen priests shaved their heads and trimmed the corners of their beards; God's priests were forbidden to do this lest they should seem to be like them. Many other customs were prohibited for the sole reason that they were heathen customs.
While Israel abode at Kadesh, Miriam died (Numbers 20), and was there buried, like the hopes of the people. There they stood on the very borders of the land of Canaan, and all that prevented their entering was unbelief. Then comes the murmuring for water, provoking Moses for their sake till he spake rashly with his mouth and took glory to himself rather than giving glory to God; the heartless refusal of the Edomites of a passage to Israel thru their land; and the death of Aaron at Mount Hor. A fruitful chapter for thought and meditation.
In chapter 21 are the stories of Israel's victory over the king of Arad, the deaths by fiery serpents and God's means of healing by faith; several interesting stages in their journey; the victories over Sihon, the Amorite king, and Og, the king of Bashan. Fragments of poetry also enliven the chapter.
Chapters 22 to 24 are of wonderful interest. Balak, the idolatrous king of Moab, together with the Midianites, endeavors to hire an apostate, but, evidently, a once-famous prophet, Balaam, to curse Israel. They send 400 miles to the land of their forefathers to secure Balaam, who, like many later examples, is willing to prostitute his high office for gain. God finally permits him to go, but on condition that he speak the truth as revealed. Three times does Balak seek to secure a curse; three times God turns it into a blessing, delivering most beautiful prophecies of Israel and God's dealings with His children. The next chapter shows how Balak brought the curse upon Israel in inducing them to sin after the counsel of Balaam, who was afterward slain. Chapter 31: 8. How unlike the character of Phinehas!
Chapter 26 records the second census of Israel. It would be well to compare this chapter with chapter 1, and note how some tribes gained and some lost during the wilderness journeying. Chapters 27 to 30 relate to various laws and ceremonies which may be quite readily understood. Note how the rights of women are guarded in the 27th chapter.
Chapter 31 is an account of war with the Midianites and regulations regarding the division of spoil. Chapter 32 relates to the settlement of the two and one-half tribes beyond the Jordan. Chapters 33 and 34 tell us of the many journeys, and directions for the boundaries of Israel.
Psalms 62 to 68 are especially rich in supplication, in praise, in exaltation of the power and goodness of God. The last of these recalls God's coming again, and in connection with the preparation for that event recounts God's power and work in mighty movements of the past.