| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| February 21, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Numbers 8-9
Observation & Interpretation
Chapter eight of the Book of Numbers contains a short section on the lamps to be setup to give light followed by description of the Levites; the procedure for their cleansing and being offered as a wave offering as well as their retirement once they reach the age of fifty. The LORD took the Levites rather than the firstborn sons of Israel (v. 18) and gave them as a gift to Aaron and his sons to do the service for the people Israel at the tent of meeting, making atonement for the people, that there would be no plague among them as they come near the sanctuary (v. 19).
It was a profound expression of the LORD’s grace and provision that He took the Levites instead of the firstborn among the people and assigned the Levites the responsibilities of the tent of meeting. By this we see demonstrated the LORD’s steadfast love for His people and faithfulness to His promises to show such favor to His people.
In chapter nine, we read that the LORD spoke to Moses to speak to the people regarding the time and keeping of the Passover, to be kept on fourteenth day of the first month at twilight. As the FSB points out, “In some ancient calendars, sundown marked the beginning of a new day. In honor of this ancient custom, Jewish holidays, including the Sabbath, begin and end at sundown.” This was to be the day of observance of the Passover, but a case arose in which men were not allowed to being the LORD’s offering at the appointed time because they had touched a dead body (v. 6-7). Moses told them to wait until he heard what the LORD would command concerning this situation (v. 8).
The LORD told Moses that those who were unclean at the Passover still had to keep it, but they were to observe it in the second month on the same day and time (v. 11). This again displays the LORD’s grace in giving His people a way to keep the Passover and the means to celebrate in remembrance what He had done in bringing them out of the land of Egypt.
Acts 28
Observation & Interpretation
The Book of Acts concludes with Paul and his accompaniment on the island of Malta, the encounter with the snake, Paul’s arrival at Rome and his ministering of the gospel to the people there. Paul remained in Rome two years in Rome on his own expense, boldly proclaiming the kingdom of God. It is compelling to reflect on Paul’s consistent, unwavering witness to others in answer to the Lord’s calling on His life. May it be for us to proceed in like faithfulness in whatever context we are placed, sharing the good news that, despite our sin and utter lostness, salvation is granted to those who will repent of their sin and turn toward Christ in faith.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
