“The Apostasy of Israel”

 “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.” (Numbers 25:1)

Copyright CaptBlackEagle 2020

The Old Testament begins with the creation of the universe. The first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) are a history of the relationship between God and Man.

Genesis details the beginning journey that God leads Man. Each step in the journey is more detailed than the one before. God demonstrates how he loves us, even when we don’t love him.

The story of The Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph is about failing to follow God. Everyone in these stories sinned, to include the heroes and heroines. The whole point is to demonstrate to us what sin is, and what the consequences are for sinning.

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength”

(Deuteronomy 6:5)

The journey through Genesis brings us to the consequence of sin in Exodus.

In Exodus we see the consequence of sin with slavery in Egypt. The book begins with the story of the birth and rescue of Moses. Moses learns who God is, and what God expects. It is not just a lesson to Moses and Israel, but a lesson for everyone.

The books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy are more detailed descriptions of the incidents in Exodus after Israels rescue from Egypt. It goes beyond the 10 Commandments.

Leviticus goes into great detail on the consequence of sin. The first thing you will learn is that you can’t live a sinless life. We all know that we will physically die, it is our spiritual death that has the greatest consequence. Our souls are condemned to eternal misery separated from God’s love.

Numbers is a book of violence, deceit, and false prophets. The people of Canaan, God’s promised land for Israel, were worshiping every idol available. The people of Canaan believe Balaam could manipulate God. Balaam thought he could both appease God and get some money and political power at the same time. He couldn’t.

The people of Canaan entices and deceives Israel into the pleasures and promises of the world. God destroys not just the Canaanites, but Israelis as well.

Deuteronomy is a review of God’s law and total commitment to God.

Stay Tuned…