Justin Houtz

Numbers 6, Psalms 40-41, Song of Songs 4, Hebrews 4

DateVersionReading Plan
@April 29, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

Numbers 6

Numbers 6:22–26 (ESV) 22 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, 24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

The blessing the LORD gave to Moses—though originally for the Israelites—is wonderful to receive and speak over others today. In the midst of this very difficult season, these words bring such warmth and joy. LORD, keep me close to You. Shine your face upon me and be gracious to me. Lift up your countenance upon me, help me to see You through my regret and bring peace to this weary heart.

Psalms 40-41

Psalm 40:1 (ESV) 1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

David waited patiently for the LORD and acknowledged that His ear was inclined to hear his cry. What a great model this is for us as we go to the LORD in prayer. He is near and grants us an invitation to come to Him with every praise and plea. How patiently we are to wait for Him and know that He is listening.

Song of Songs 4

Song of Solomon 4:1 (ESV) 4 Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead.

Solomon speaks of his bride with great adornment, describing her attributes in poetic form to give a sense of her surpassing beauty. To look upon your wife in this way is a joyous thing and all the more that this regard would remain through the many years of trial and triumph. May it be for the husbands that “your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth”. (Prov. 5:18)

Hebrews 4

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV) 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The confidence with which we are to draw to the throne of grace is striking. As sons and daughters of the King, we can approach the throne without doubt or anxiety. As we come before Him to lay our sins bare in contrite confession, He is merciful to forgive and gracious to help in our time of need.

Carson on Numbers 6

The Nazirite Vow (Num. 6) could be taken by any man or woman (i.e., not just a Levite) and was entirely voluntary. It was normally undertaken for an extended period of time, and culminated in certain prescribed offerings and sacrifices (6:13-21).

Carson details here the Nazarite Vow and provides helpful context to the chapter. The vow was largely marked by three abstinences: 1) hair not to be cut for its duration and burned at the end as a sacrifice, 2) no contact with corpses and 3) no alcohol consumption. These were respectively symbolic of 1) exclusive dedication to the Lord, 2) the belonging of all things to the living God who has no association with sin, death or decay and 3) the delight in God that removes any need for alcohol as an artificial “high”.

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