Justin Houtz

Numbers 5-6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

DateVersionReading Plan
February 19, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Numbers 5-6

Observation & Interpretation

In chapter five of the Book of Numbers, the LORD spoke to Moses to command and speak to the people about conduct regarding unclean people, how sin among the people was to be confessed and restitution made and the handling of cases of adultery. The clear pattern throughout these discourses is the seriousness of sin and its consequences. The people who had defiled themselves were to be put outside of the camp (5:3), the breaking of faith with the LORD required full restitution for the wrong plus one fifth (5:7) and the adulterous woman would be unable to bear children and be a curse among her people (5:27).

In chapter six, the LORD spoke to Moses about the vow of the Nazarite as well as “procedures for rectifying defilement caused by contact with a corpse (vv. 9–12) and gives instructions about how to properly terminate the vow (vv. 13–21).” (FSB) The Nazarite vow was primarily recognized as temporary, however, in “some rare cases, people were Nazirites for life—e.g., Samuel, Samson, John the Baptist.” (BBC) The chapter closes with the LORD speaking to Moses on how he was to bless the people, being given the words of this blessing, that they were to put His name upon the people and He would bless them.

Cumulatively, these chapters express both the gravity of sin and the love of God to bless His people. It is by the grace of God that He gave His people the means by which they could live in obedience and devotion to Him. Nothing in themselves and, by extension, nothing in us deems us worthy of such favor. With what gratitude should we respond and live in complete surrender to our Lord of all glory.

Acts 26

Observation & Interpretation

King Agrippa told Paul that he had permission to speak and Paul proceeded to make his defense, recounting his testimony of conversion and proclaiming boldly such that the king would come to believe as well as all who heard Paul. In Agrippa’s questioning of Paul following his speech, Paul is clear in his aim to convince the king and all those hearing, whether it takes a long time or short. This should also be for us that we not be hidden in our desires for others to come to saving faith of Christ. There is to be no division between our profession of faith, walk in obedience and mission to bring the gospel to the nations.

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