Justin Houtz

Numbers 34, 2 Corinthians 2

DateVersionReading Plan
May 31, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 34

Observation & Interpretation

The LORD spoke to Moses and provided the borders of the land the people were to inherit. The order of the borders given were:

  1. Southern
  2. Western
  3. Northern
  4. Eastern

For the tribes of Reuben and Gad along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, they had received their inheritance beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, toward the sunrise (Num. 34:14-15).

The LORD also gave Moses the names of the men who would divide the land for inheritance, on chief for each tribe. The naming begins with the tribe of Judah and its chief, Caleb, the son of Jephunneh (Num. 34:19). The ESVSB makes note that “The chiefs are mentioned in order of the lands they eventually received from south to north. On this principle, Simeon, the southernmost tribe, ought to precede Judah. But Judah, being the foremost tribe in the book of Numbers (see 2:2-9), actually leads the list.”

Application

Reading of the boundaries established by the LORD, we see the fulfillment of His promise to give the people the land for inheritance, the parameters by which they were to dwell and the appointment of leaders who were to divide the land. It is a blessing to receive such clear instruction from the LORD and to know that it blesses Him to respond in faithful obedience. We see so much of God’s abundant provision for His people in these chapters. He is faithful to supply our every need and, as an outpouring of His grace, do so despite our unfaithfulness.

2 Corinthians 2

Observation & Interpretation

Paul continues in his explanation of not visiting the church in Corinth. He wrote to them as he did so that when he came to them he might not suffer the pain from those who should have made him rejoice (2 Cor. 2:3). Paul wrote to them out of much affliction and anguish to let them know of the abundant love he had for them (2 Cor. 2:4).

Paul addresses an incident that had caused difficulty among the church. “The expression ‘if anyone has caused grief’ may refer to the incestuous man of 1 Corinthians 5:1, or to someone else who had caused trouble in the assembly…It had caused grief to all the believers to some extent.” (BBC) Paul encouraged believers to turn and forgive this individual, “to follow his own Christlike example toward them by extending mercy to the offender, lest Satan have his way once again in the church.” (ESVSB)

Paul described his arrival at Troas and that his spirit was not at rest because he did not find his brother Titus there. Thus, he left and went on to Macedonia (2 Cor. 2:12-13). Paul thanks God, who in Christ, always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere (2 Cor. 2:14). He speaks of how we are the aroma to Christ to God among those being saved and those perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death and to the other a fragrance from life to life (2 Cor. 2:15). The ESVSB explains the fragrance of death and life, saying that “Some encounter Paul’s life and message and dislike it, leading to their own condemnation. Others are attracted by the Christlike beauty seen in Paul and his message, and they accept it, leading to their own eternal life.” Paul asks who is sufficient for such things and states that he and his company are not peddlers of God’s Word like so many, but instead are men of sincerity, commissioned by God, speaking in Christ in the sight of God (2 Cor. 2:17).

Application

Paul asking who is sufficient for the carrying of the gospel implies an answer of “No one.” The ESVSB says that “The work of the gospel (and the Christian life as a whole) can never be carried out on the basis of human ability or by human means.” Only by God’s Spirit are we empowered to be ambassadors of His gospel that results in fruitful evangelistic ministry. This is important to grasp in this moment as my motivation of sharing the gospel can so easily become corrupted, desiring more to win the argument than to help them to see and savor Christ. How crucial it is for me to read this today and be reminded that any such selfish efforts will be carried out in futility.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so gracious to provide, most of all for the greatest gift we could ever receive in Your Son. Father, help me by Your Spirit to grow ever deeper in my understanding, grateful for what You have done, faithful and compassionate in my heralding of the gospel, to be the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

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