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Numbers 33:1-49 – Remembering God’s Mercy

This review of the travels of the children of Israel is a memorable history and worth preserving, to the honour of God that leads them and for the encouragement of the generations that follow. It can be helpful for us to put in writing an account of the providences of God towards us, the constant series of mercies we have experienced, especially those turns and changes which make some days of our lives more remarkable. Our memories are deceitful and need this help, that we may remember all the ways which the Lord our God has led us.

The people are reminded of their departure out of Egypt, as a work of wonder never to be forgotten. Notice that they are continually on the move as they travel toward Canaan. Such is our life in this world; we have no eternal home here. Notice that most of their way lay through a wilderness, uninhabited, untracked, without even the necessities of human life, which magnifies the wisdom and power of God, by whose wonderful care the thousands of Israel not only survived for forty years in that desolate place, but came out as numerous and energetic as they went in. At first they camp on the edge of the wilderness, but afterwards in the heart of it; by small difficulties God prepares his people for greater. Our journeys in this world are but from one wilderness to another. Notice that they are led to and fro, forward and backward, as in a maze, and yet are all the time under the direction of the pillar of cloud and fire. The way which God takes in bringing His people to Himself is always the best way, though it does not always seem to us the shortest way. We ought to remember the providences of God concerning us and our families, and the many instances of God’s care which has led us, and fed us, and kept us, all our days.

Question

  1. Why can it be helpful to keep track of the things God has done for us?
  2. Who led the Israelites in the wilderness?

Prayer Points

  1. Give thanks for all the ways God has taken care of you.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters.