Suggestive Notes by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 17, 1909

Suggestive Notes

By Editor

We begin a new book in our Old Testament readings, that of Numbers, so named because of the two numberings of Israel; one in the early part of the book and the other near its close. The first four chapters deal exclusively with the numbering of the people, the numbering of the tribe of Levi, and the office of the various families of Levi.

Chapters 5 and 6 include, among other instructions, the laws concerning jealousy and the Nazarites, closing with the blessing which the priests were instructed to place upon the children of Israel. Chapter 7 is the oblation which the princes brought for the services of the sanctuary. Chapters 8 and 9 give the laws for the purification of the Levites, and instructions concerning the passovers. Chapters 10 to 16 give instructions concerning marching, the murmuring of the children of Israel, the appointment of the seventy elders, the quails and the plague sent, God's approval of Moses, sending out of the spies into Canaan, the rebellion of the people, the wonderful instruction of Moses, showing laws concerning meal offerings, drink offerings, offerings for sins of ignorance, etc., closing the week's lesson with chapter 16, Korah's fearful rebellion and God's punishment upon the rebels.

Our New Testament lessons begin with Mark 3 and close with the 29th verse of Mark 6. It is needless to recount the many miracles recorded in these chapters, the wonderful teaching of our Lord, choosing of the disciples, the sad account of the death of John the Baptist. All these are told with marvelous simplicity and wonderful interest. They are the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ and His work for the children of men.