The Book of Numbers In the Wilderness The Book of Numbers In
the Wilderness
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The Book of Numbers In Hebrew this book is called Bemidbar,
which means In the wilderness. The Book of Numbers In Hebrew this
book is called Bemidbar, which means In the wilderness.
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Why is it called the book of Numbers? Numbers 1:2 Census #1:
Israel is about to go to war (to fight their way into the promised
land). How many potential warriors do we have? Numbers 3:11-13
Census #2: How many Levites are there? They are to become the
substitutes for each of the firstborn sons of all Israelite
families.
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The Setting Israel has been at Sinai for 11 months. They are
about to leave toward the promised land. Numbers covers about 40
years of history. The Setting Israel has been at Sinai for 11
months. They are about to leave toward the promised land. Numbers
covers about 40 years of history.
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Numbers 1-10 Numbers 1-10. Preparations to leave Sinai and
instructions about how to move the tabernacle, how to march, and
how to camp. Numbers 10-36 Numbers 10-36. A record of their journey
through the wilderness to the borders of the Promised Land.
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Numbers 2
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Numbers 3:11-13 Numbers 3:11-13. The ransoming of the
Firstborn. The Levites are substitutes for the firstborn in all
Israel. Numbers 3
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Commandments regarding the purity of the people. Purity of the
camp (vs. 1-4) Personal purity through repentance (vs. 6-8) Purity
within marriage (vs. 12-31) Numbers 5
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Numbers 6:1-6 The Vow of the Nazarite Nazarite comes from the
Hebrew nazir which means consecrated or devoted. A voluntary
(temporary) higher commitment of separation and consecration to the
Lord. Diet (vs. 3-4). Abstain from these foods Appearance (vs. 5).
Dont shave your head Associations(vs. 6). Dont touch dead bodies
Numbers 6
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Numbers 11 Numbers 11-36 Numbers 11-36 contains many relevant
lessons for us today as we journey toward the promised land of the
Celestial Kingdom. Note: Most of these lessons will be learned by
sad experience.
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The Book of Numbers: A Wilderness Survival Guide for Your
Journey to the Promised Land
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Wilderness Survival Guide Lesson #1. Numbers 11:1
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Numbers 11:1 Who got burnt? Main Camp
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Lesson #1 Stay in the main camp of the church. Lesson #1 Stay
in the main camp of the church.
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Please do not put too much stock in some of the current views
and vagaries that are afloat, but rather, turn to the revealed
word, get a sound understanding of the doctrines, and keep
yourselves in the mainstream of the Church. The proper course for
all of us is to stay in the mainstream of the Church. Bruce R.
McConkie Quorum of the Twelve (Brigham Young University, March
1982)
The Lord blesses us with what we need, not always with what we
want. Craving more while failing to appreciate what we have is
dangerous. Lesson #2 Be Content with Gods daily gifts Lesson #2 Be
Content with Gods daily gifts
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Being content means acceptance without self-pity. Thus, within
our allotments we see how the saintly display kindness even within
barbed- wire circumstances, yet others have barbed attitudes even
within opulence. Meanwhile, the discontented continue to build
their own pools of self- pity, some Olympic size. Neal A. Maxwell
Quorum of the Twelve (Ensign, May 2000)
Lesson #3 Educate your desires! Lesson #3 Educate your
desires!
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Alma 29:4 I know that [God] granteth unto men according to
their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know
that he allotteth unto men according to their wills, whether they
be unto salvation or unto destruction. Jacob 4:14 God hath taken
away his plainness from [the Jews], and delivered unto them many
things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And
because they desired it God hath done it, that they may
stumble.
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Lesson #3 Educate your desires! Lesson #3 Educate your desires!
Avoid the if only game If only we had some quail, then we would be
happy! If only I had _______, then I would be happy.
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President Joseph F. Smith declared, the education then of our
desires is one of far-reaching importance to our happiness in life.
Such education can lead to sanctification until, said President
Brigham Young, holy desires produce corresponding outward works.
Only by educating and training our desires can they become our
allies instead of our enemies! Neal A. Maxwell Quorum of the Twelve
(Ensign, November 1996, 21)
Lesson #4 Become a prophet! Lesson #4 Become a prophet!
Revelation 19:10 the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of
prophecy.
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The Prophet Joseph Smith has declared that every man who has
come into this Church; and every woman, for that matter, who has
received the testimony of the Spirit of the Lord, is a prophet or a
prophetess; that every man should be a prophet, because every man
in the Church should have the testimony of Jesus which is the
spirit of prophecy; and he should declare the truth, teach the
principles of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, call upon the
people to repent of their sins, and instruct them in the things of
the kingdom. Joseph F. Smith President (CR, April 1918, 159)
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What will protect you from the sin and evil around you? I
maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior and of His gospel
will help see you through to safety. It is essential for you to
have your own testimony, for the testimonies of others will carry
you only so far. Thomas S. Monson President (Ensign, May 2011)
Lesson #5 Never speak evil of the Lords anointed Lesson #5
Never speak evil of the Lords anointed
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I will give you one of the Keys of the mysteries of the
Kingdom. It is an eternal principle, that has existed with God from
all eternity: That man who rises up to condemn others, finding
fault with the Church, saying that they are out of the way, while
he himself is righteous, then know assuredly, that that man is in
the high road to apostasy; and if he does not repent, will
apostatize, as God lives. Joseph Smith President (Teachings of the
Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 15657)
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I repented of my unbelief, and that too, very suddenly; I
repented about as quickly as I committed the error. It was not for
me to question whether Joseph was dictated by the Lord at all times
and under all circumstances or not. He was called of God; God
dictated him, and if He had a mind to leave him to himself and let
him commit an error, that was no business of mine.... It was not my
prerogative to call him in question with regard to any act of his
life. He was God's servant, and not mine. Brigham Young President
(Journal of Discourses, 4:297-298)
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[T]he officers of this Church are responsible to God. God chose
and nominated [them], and it is for him to straighten [them] out if
[they] do wrong. George Q. Cannon Quorum of the Twelve (Deseret
Weekly, May 21, 1898, p. 708; We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,
Ensign, Jan. 1973, p.33)
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An example of God correcting His prophet Numbers 20:3-12;
27:12-14
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At a place called Meribah, one of the greatest ever, Moses, was
fatigued by people clamoring for water. Momentarily, Moses spake
unadvisedly, saying, Must we fetch you water? (Ps. 106:33; Num.
20:10; see also Deut. 4:21). The Lord mentored remarkable Moses
through the pronoun problem and further magnified him. Neal A.
Maxwell Quorum of the Twelve (Ensign, May 2002)
The Spies Report They all agree that the land is amazing ! They
all agree that the children of Anak are humongous ! 10 But 10 react
with fear and 2 only 2 react with faith.
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Numbers 14:6-10
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Numbers 14:36-37 Numbers 14:36-37. How did the Lord react to
the 10 fearful spies? Numbers 14:29-33 Numbers 14:29-33. How did
the Lord handle the murmuring masses? Numbers 32:10-12 Numbers
32:10-12. How did he respond to faithful Joshua and Caleb? Holy
lands are for those who wholly follow the Lord. Can you hear the
echoes of Jackson Country, Missouri (see D&C 101:1-8)?
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Lesson #6 The Lord rewards faith and despises fear. As you look
toward your future, respond with faith, not paralyzing fear. Lesson
#6 The Lord rewards faith and despises fear. As you look toward
your future, respond with faith, not paralyzing fear.
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The offering of the red heifer was introduced as an ordinance
for cleansing an area. The ash of the completely burnt red heifer
is to be used to cleans the area. Numbers 19
What are some of the snake bites today? How are people poisoned
by poor choices, or bit by unfortunate circumstances today?
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Whats the solution? What solutions to snake bites does the
world have to offer? Whats the Lords solution?
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Why did some people not look? Alma 33:20 Now the reason they
would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal
them.
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The solutions to life's problems are always gospel solutions.
Jeffrey R. Holland Quorum of the Twelve (BYU Devotional, 15
February 2000)
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[T]he gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our
problems. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not
someones theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all.
It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of
the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend.
And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospela divine gift,
the ultimate formula for happiness and success. Dieter F. Uchtdorf
First Presidency (Ensign, May 2009, 7578)
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Lesson #7 Healing and wholeness come as we truly apply Christs
Gospel to our lives. Lesson #7 Healing and wholeness come as we
truly apply Christs Gospel to our lives.
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The Error of Balaam (Jude 1:11) The Madness of the Prophet (2
Pet. 2:16) The Doctrine of Balaam (Rev. 2:14) Numbers 22-24
Sometimes were the donkey We see the danger in a loved ones
decision We try to turn them from it They resent and ill-treat us
for doing so
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Sometimes were the donkey We see the danger in a loved ones
decision We try to turn them from it They resent and ill-treat us
for doing so Sometimes were Balaam We move toward the allure of the
world (sometimes under a pretense of righteousness) We ignore or
resent those who try to warn us away from dangerous
situations.
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Robert D. Hales Quorum of the Twelve (Ensign, May 1990, 39) A
true friend makes it easier for us to live the gospel. Lesson
#8
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But cant you have the best of both worlds? (No man can serve
two masters)
What exactly did Balaam do that was wrong? Revelation 2:14 But
I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that
hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a
stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things
sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
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If purity of life is neglected, all other dangers set in upon
us like the rivers of waters when the flood gates are opened.
Joseph F. Smith President (Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the
Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith, p.312-313)
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The plaguing sin of this generation is sexual immorality. This,
the Prophet Joseph said, would be the source of more temptations,
more buffetings, and more difficulties for the elders of Israel
than any other (see J of D, 8:55). Ezra Taft Benson President
(Ensign, May 1986, p.4)
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When the Quorum of the Twelve was first organized, Joseph said
that the Elders of Israel, and particularly the Twelve Apostles,
would receive more temptations, be more buffeted, and have greater
difficulty to escape the evil thrown in their way by females than
by any other means. This is one of Satan's most powerful
auxiliaries with which to weaken the influence of the ministers of
Christ, and bring them down from their high position and calling
into darkness, shame, and disgrace. Brigham Young President (J of
D, 8:55-56)
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You will have to guard more strictly against that than against
any other evil that may beset you. Make up your minds not to yield,
for one moment, to the subtle insinuations of the animal
propensities of your natures. Rather, suffer your heads to be taken
from your shoulders than to sacrifice your honor, violate your
covenants, and forfeit the sacred trust reposed in you. Brigham
Young President (J of D, 8:55-56)
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The Phineas Approach Numbers 25:10-13 Numbers 25:10-13. How did
the Lord feel about Phineas drastic actions?
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Lesson #9 Fight for and protect the chastity of those you love.
Lesson #9 Fight for and protect the chastity of those you
love.
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An Example from the Eyring Home Henry J. EyringHenry B.
Eyring
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Sister Kathleen Eyring
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My brother and I were in front of the TV one Saturday night
around midnight, says Henry J. A tawdry comedy show that we
shouldnt have been watching was on. The basement room was dark
except for the light from the television. Without warning, Mother
walked in. She was wearing a white, flowing nightgown and carrying
a pair of shears. Making no sound, she reached behind the set,
grabbed the cord, and gathered it into a loop. She then inserted
the shears and cut the cord with a single stroke. Sparks flew and
the set went dead, but not before Mother had turned and glided out
of the room. Unnerved, Henry J. headed to bed. His innovative
brother, however, cut a cord from a broken vacuum and connected it
to the television. Soon the boys had plopped back down in front of
the television, hardly missing any of their show. Mother, however,
got the last laugh, Henry J. says. When we came home from school
the next Monday, we found the television set in the middle of the
floor with a huge crack through the thick glass screen. We
immediately suspected Mother. When confronted, she responded with a
perfectly straight face: I was dusting under the TV, and it
slipped. President Eyring honored his wifes wishes, the children
honored their mothers desires, and that was the end of television
in the Eyring home.
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Moses will see but not enter the promised land. Joshua ordained
as Moses successor Numbers 27
