Day 31

Numbers 7; Numbers 8; Numbers 9; Numbers 10; Numbers 11

The princes of Israel make offerings for the tabernacle at its dedication. The Lord speaks to Moses from the mercy seat, between the cherubim, upon the ark. The Levites are washed, consecrated, and set apart by the laying on of hands. They are the Lord’s in place of the firstborn of every family. They are a gift to Aaron and his sons to do the service of the tabernacle. Israel is again commanded to keep the Passover. A cloud rests upon the tabernacle by day and by night, plus a fire by night. When the cloud rests, Israel camps; when it lifts, they journey. Silver trumpets are used to call assemblies and to blow alarms. The cloud is taken from the tabernacle, and the children of Israel march forth in their prescribed order. The ark of the covenant goes before them in their journeyings. Fire from the Lord consumes the rebels in Israel. Israel murmurs and lusts for meat instead of manna. Moses complains that he cannot bear the burden alone. He is commanded to choose seventy elders to assist him. The Lord promises meat until Israel is satisfied. The seventy elders are chosen, they prophesy, the Lord comes down, and Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp. Israel is provided with quail. The people lust, a great plague follows, and many die.