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Numbers-31

Victory Over Victory: A Devotional Study on Numbers 31​

Introduction​

The book of Numbers, while often overlooked, offers profound insights into the nature of God and His faithfulness to His people. In Numbers 31, we witness a significant event that took place during Moses' leadership. Let's delve into the narrative and extract spiritual truths.

Section 1: God's Plan (Numbers 31:1-11)​

Devotional Thought: The scene comes alive as we envision the unity and obedience of Gideon's army, allotted by God. They conquered the Midianites, delivering Israel from their oppression (Judges 7-8). We learn that God's plans are not carried out in a haphazard fashion. He chooses the most obscure and unlikely individuals to carry out His purposes. Rest in His plans, and you'll reap the fruits of His victory.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you surrender your plans to God's, trusting in His sovereignty and timing?
  • In what ways can you align yourself with God's will, acknowledging His choice of seemingly lesser individuals?

Section 2: Moses' Pursuit (Numbers 31:12-16)​

Devotional Thought: Moses takes swift action against the Midianites, whom he discovered were seducing Israelite women and rebelling against God's commandments (Numbers 25). The swift justice demonstrates God's jealousy and intolerance for religious compromise which would lead His people away from Him. Battle against religious compromise and stand firm to God's commands.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you resist religious compromise, choosing to obey God's rules over human preferences?
  • In what areas do you need to repent and redirect your life to God's commands?

Section 3: The Women and Children (Numbers 31:17-18)​

Devotional Thought: Moses required that all the women and children be put to death, eliminating the next generation of rebels. Here, we learn the importance of rooting out the resources and supporters of rebellion. We must understand that the abolition of rebellion starts with putting to death the ideologies and perspectives which sustain that rebellion.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you actively root out rebellion resources from your life?
  • What societal or religious perspectives keep you stuck in rebellion against God's commands?

Section 4: G riches (Numbers 31:21-24, 35, 47-50)​

Devotional Thought: Moses took the spoils of war as a form of recompense since the Midianites had committed crimes against Israel. Consider this a biblical example of the principle of Lawful Looting. Being a faithful Christian demands caution and discretion in using the treasures and spoils acquired to further our agendas.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you utilize your resources to advance God's kingdom and righteousness rather than personal interests, keeping in mind the principle of Lawful Looting?
  • In what ways can your spoils and mistreatment of resources be remedied through reparations or restitution?

Conclusion:​

In this devotional study, we've seen the back-story of Gideon's conquest and witnessed Moses' courageous actions against rebellion. Through Numbers 31's presentation, we learn lessons that equip us for today's God-centered life. May we reflect on our lives and take these lessons as a pathway to a faith-filled living.