Numbers 19
If there is symbolism in this chapter, it's lost on me. I'm sure mixing water with a sacrificed heifer won't produce a sanitizing cleansing agent. I suppose it's because the heifer is "without blemish" that its purity symbolically cleanses those who are in the vicinity of the dead. As if saying, "this dead person's body is now redeemed."
Numbers 20
An eventful chapter in the life of Moses. First, he loses his sister Miriam. Then, he disobeys the LORD for striking a rock with his staff to yield water. The LORD tells Moses he won't lead the people into the promised land. Israel is turned away by the King of Edom. Finally, Moses loses his brother Aaron.
Ever since his contests with Egyptian sorcerers, it's been apparent that Moses was a wizard and had a magic staff. There were times when its power was displayed before the Israelites to keep them in line.
It probably wasn't in striking the rock that Moses disobeyed the LORD; he may have thought that was what the LORD meant. Rather, it is that Moses and Aaron acted out of personal anger. If you react emotionally according to present circumstances, your days are numbered.
I found it interesting that the Israelites were denied passage by the King of Edom. Edomites are descendants of Esau. Although Esau and Jacob had reconciled, Esau had chosen to mix with the Canaanites, descendants of Ham. The Israelites are the descendants of Shem.
Ham represents the base, material self. Shem represents spirit. Edom refused to let the "spirit" pass through, even temporarily.
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