The scriptures read are Numbers 21-23, Psalm 47, and Luke 5.
Numbers 21. Lots of military action. The other nations are the aggressors. Israel attacks when attacked. Still uncomfortable for modern Christians to read. But there's no U.N. to intervene, no peacekeepers to send in. That's why "the Lord of hosts" (ie, of armies) is a comforting image in the OT.
The fiery serpent on its pole is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ on the cross (John 3:14, 15).
Numbers 22-23. We get the first part of the bizarre tale of Balaam, a magician (?) or prophet, whom Balak the king of Moab engages to curse Israel. But Balaam will only say what God tells him to say, especially after the business with the angel and the sword and the talking donkey. BTW God doesn't continence beating animals.
Psalm 47. God as king over all the earth.
Luke 5. The calling of the Twelve begins. Jesus heals a guy lowered through the roof. He hangs around with the sinners. Hey, a doctor can always be found with sick people, right? A time to feast and a time to fast.
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