Read Numbers 24:17-19. As is often the case, this prophecy is multi-leveled. Speaking strictly from an earthly sense, it was fulfilled by King David (II Sam 8:2,14). However, on a Spiritual level, the nations mentioned in these verses represent sin and Jesus is the star (see also Revelation 22:16) that ultimately defeated that enemy on the cross. There is also a connection with the star of the Magi. Read Matthew 2:1-2. This connection may seem like a stretch to you, however, it is interesting to note that Herod was a descendent of Edom, one of the nations mentioned in the Numbers passage along with the "star of Jacob"!

1). There is a lesson to be learned here. Although David defeated the Edomites, they were allowed to fester in and around God’s people for hundreds of years, ultimately resulting in Herod’s unconscionable slaughter of thousands of children in an attempt to kill Jesus. Consider the physical/spiritual parallel (once again!) shown below:

Physical enemy in prophecy – Edomites Spiritual enemy - _____________________

Physical answer to prophecy – David Spiritual answer - _____________________

God’s people in Old Covenant – Israelites God’s people in New Cov - _____________

a). How do we as Christians often make the same mistake the Israelites made?

b). What are the consequences in our lives?

2). Read Numbers 27:15-17 and John 10:11. As far as I could find, this is the first Old Testament reference to the Messiah as a shepherd.

a). What does the Numbers passage say the role of the shepherd will be?

b). How does Jesus further illuminate what a shepherd’s role is in the John passage?

(Note: God’s immediate answer for Moses’ promise of a shepherd (to lead His people in to the promised land) was Joshua. We will be looking at Joshua in much more detail in a later study)

3). Numbers refers again to the cloud and fire that guided the Israelites through the wilderness (even though they had turned from God at the point of entering the promised land). Read Jude 5. (it is also interesting to note that some early manuscripts actually have the word "Jesus", not "the Lord" in this verse). Read Numbers 9:15-23. What does this teach us about looking to God for guidance and direction in our lives? About faith? About patience?

4). Read Numbers 16:46-50. This plague was the result of the Israelites sin. We have already seen that Aaron was a type of Christ. In what ways does the role he plays in these verses parallel Christ’s role in our lives?

5). In Numbers 19, the ceremonies surrounding the "water of separation" are described. In this ceremony, the water was mixed with the ashes of a red heifer – a symbol of Christ’s blood. This was meant specifically to purify people who had touched death (dead people or animals). Explain how Christ’s blood plays a similar role in our spiritual lives. (Rom 6:23)

6). a). Read Number 21:4-9. Explain any similarities between how people are physically saved in this situation and how we as Christians are spiritually saved.

a). Read his words in John 3:14-15. Jesus Himself made this connection – as I’m sure He did again three years later on the Road to Emmaus. Consider the following symbolism:

i). The pole symbolizes the __________________

ii). On the pole is the image of what was bringing a painful death to the people – a snake. On the cross, we see Jesus. Consider II Corinthians 5:21. What was Jesus made while on the cross?

iii). The people who were bitten "had death in them". When they looked at the pole, they received life (physical). Explain the spiritual parallel with us when we look to Christ.

b). Some may find this incident confusing because it almost seems like God condones one of the things He despises most – idol worship. How is this incident different than that of the Israelites creating a bronze calf in Exodus 32:7-8?