RTW 2024

They marched for three days after leaving the mountain of the LORD, with the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant moving ahead of them to show them where to stop and rest. As they moved on each day, the cloud of the LORD hovered over them. And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, “Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!” And when the Ark was set down, he would say, “Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel!”‍

Numbers 10:33-36

In the second year after Israel’s departure from Egypt—on the twentieth day of the second month—the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle of the Covenant. So the Israelites set out from the wilderness of Sinai and traveled on from place to place until the cloud stopped in the wilderness of Paran.
Numbers 10:11-12

• After a year at Mt. Sinai, it was time to move on toward the Promised Land. 
• They departed in an orderly manner, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD in front. 
• They were given a visible representation of the LORD’s presence as He guided, protected, and illuminated the camp. 
• Moses cried out a request. 
• He asked the LORD to defend His people. 
• He proclaimed that then the enemies would be scattered. 
• He wished for those who hate the LORD to flee. 
• This is also foreshadowing of things to come. 
• Moses was also asking the LORD to dwell among His people through the night. 
• Moses is asking the LORD to maintain His presence with them day and night..all the time!
• This prayer is what Moses wants for the people. 
• By no mistake, it is right before Numbers 11. 
• It is a stark contrast to what Israel shows themselves to be. 
• The people’s actions will show themselves to believe that God isn’t doing enough for them. 
• Their theology and their apologetic do not match. 
• And that is still the issue. 

My theology is what I believe about God. My apologetic is how my life defends my belief. Do my theology and apologetic match?