18

Numbers 13–36

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Numbers 13:1–15:31. Israel Showed Lack of Faith at the Borders of the Land of Promise Twelve men, one from each tribe, were sent to spy out the land of Canaan (see Numbers 13:1–25). Ten spies returned with an evil report, and only two with a good report (see Numbers 13:26–33). Israel believed the evil report (see Numbers 14:1–10). Moses interceded with the Lord in behalf of Israel (see Numbers 14:11–19). Rebellious Israel was punished for their disobedience and lack of faith (see Numbers 14:20–45). The sacrificial ordinances, which were to reconcile the Lord and Israel, were reiterated (see Numbers 15:1–31).	Religion 301 student manual, 18-2 through 18-5. Deuteronomy 1:19–24. Who determined that spies should be sent into the land of Canaan? Jude 1:5. What happened to Israel because they lacked the faith to enter the land of Canaan? GD, p. I55. What qualities should leaders in the Lord’s kingdom possess?
Numbers 15:32–17:13. Disobedience and Rebellion against Authority Brought Punishment A man was stoned to death for gathering sticks on the Sabbath day (see Numbers 15:32–36). Fringes were to be put on the borders of garments as a reminder of the Lord’s commandments (see Numbers 15:37–41). Priesthood holders and others rebelled against the Lord’s chosen leaders and were destroyed (see Numbers 16:1–40; JST, Numbers 16:10). Complaints about the death of the rebellious leaders resulted in a plague from the Lord (see Numbers 16:41–50). The Lord visibly demonstrated that he had chosen Aaron by causing his rod to bud (see Numbers 17).	Religion 301 student manual, 18-6 through 18-10. 1 Samuel 15:23. What is rebellion compared to? Hebrews 9:3–5. Where was Aaron’s rod kept? D&C 121:16. What has the Lord said about those who speak against his chosen servants? MF, pp. 42–45. How serious is rebellion against the Lord’s leaders? Why? History of the Church, 7:232. What did Brigham Young say would happen to those who refused to support the Lord’s leaders?
Numbers 18:1–19:22. Aaron’s Family and the Levites Were Given Priesthood Responsibilities and Blessings A distinction was made between the Aaronic and Levitical orders of the priesthood (see Numbers 18:1–7). Levites were to be supported by the tithes of the people (see Numbers 18:8–24). Levites were to pay tithing on what they received (see Numbers 18:25–32). Directions were given for ceremonial purification (see Numbers 19).	Religion 301 student manual, 18-11 through 18-12. DS, 3:83–86. To what extent were the people in the days of Moses allowed to hold the priesthood? DS, 3:112–14. What were the responsibilities of those who held the Levitical Priesthood? AF, p. 205. Do we have the Levitical Priesthood today? Where?
Numbers 20:1–22:1. Israel Marched from Kadesh to the Plains of Moab Through Moses, the Lord brought forth water from a rock at Kadesh (see Numbers 20:1–13). The Israelites destroyed the Canaanites who fought against them (see Numbers 21:1–3) Israel, after being denied direct passage through Edom, went around the land of Edom (see Numbers 20:14–21; 21:4). Aaron’s authority was given to his son Eleazar before Aaron’s death (see Numbers 20:22–29). Fiery serpents were sent among the people for speaking against God and Moses (see Numbers 21:5–9). Moses began the conquest of the territory east of the River Jordan (see Numbers 21:10–22:1).	Religion 301 student manual, 18-13 through 18-17; 18-26. 1 Nephi 17:41. Why did many Israelites perish from snakebite? John 3:14–15. Of what was the brazen serpent a type? (see also Alma 33:18–22; 2 Nephi 25:20; Helaman 8:14–15). John 4:1–14; 1 Corinthians 10:1–4. What did the water from the rock represent spiritually?
Numbers 22:2–36:13. Events That Happened While the Children of Israel Were on the Plains of Moab Were Recorded Balaak sought out Balaam to prophesy against Israel (see Numbers 22:2–24:25; JST, Numbers 22:20). Israel committed wickedness with the Moabites and Midianites (see Numbers 25). A second census of the house of Israel was taken (see Numbers 26). Laws concerning inheritances of sons, daughters, and other kinsmen were given (see Numbers 27:1–11; 36). Joshua was called to succeed Moses (see Numbers 27:12–23). Israelite warriors destroyed the Midianites, and the spoils were divided in Israel (see Numbers 31). Moses established regulations for public worship and the taking of vows (see Numbers 28–30). Two and a half tribes received inheritances east of the River Jordan (see Numbers 32). Israel’s journeys were reviewed (see Numbers 33:1–49). Moses gave instructions about inheritances in the promised land, including Levite cities and cities of refuge (see Numbers 33:50–35:34).	Religion 301 student manual, 18-18 through 18-25. 2 Peter 2:15–16. What problem did Balaam have? (see also Jude 1:8, 10–11). Revelation 2:14. What did Balaam teach Balaak? Numbers 31:8. How did Balaam’s life end? Bruce R. McConkie, “The Story of a Prophet’s Madness,” New Era, Apr. 1972, pp. 4–7. The story of Balaam is reviewed.

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

The Lord’s People Should Be Full of Faith and Thus Optimistic (Section A)

The readings in this lesson show how the Lord rewards faith and is displeased with those who lack faith. Contrast the report of the ten spies who brought an evil report with the report of the two spies, Joshua and Caleb, who brought a faithful report. Discuss why the Lord punished the spies who reported evil. Point out that a leader’s responsibility in Israel is to be optimistic (see Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 155).

Rebellion of Israel (Sections A–D)

The following question could be put on the chalkboard and discussed with students: “Which was hardest—getting Israel out of Egypt, or getting Egypt out of Israel?” Ask students to explain what this statement means to them, and then discuss incidents that show the difficulty Moses had in making his people committed to the Lord. Each of the following references deals with Israel’s murmuring against their God: Exodus 14:11–12; 15:23–24; 16:2–3; 17:1–3; Numbers 11; 14; 16; 20–21; Deuteronomy 9.

Prepare your students for discussion by dividing the class into two or three groups. Assign each group to review several of the scriptures listed and record a specific, rebellious reaction or remark in each passage. Ask the students to report their findings, and then discuss the challenge Moses faced. The class could review Deuteronomy 9, which summarizes Israel’s rebellion. Point out that in most cases Israel’s rebellions were precipitated by their physical needs. Ask your students why this was the case and what parallels can be drawn between ancient Israel and modern Israel.

The Brass Serpent (Section C)

Review with the students Numbers 20:14–21:9 so that they will understand the historical setting for the story of the brass serpent. Point out that the brass serpent was a type of Jesus Christ. The following chain of scriptures adds insight to the story of the brass serpent: John 3:14–15; 1 Nephi 17:41; 2 Nephi 25:20; Alma 33:18–22; Helaman 8:14.

Ask various students to read each reference aloud, and then discuss each one with the class.