Numbers is a brash example of how God intends to make Israel into a great nation- at great expense. Despite raising the Isarelites out of their slavery in Egypt in Egypt they take it for granted, complaining before the Lord. Mundane aspects of everyday life, like eating manna, are despised. The people do not listen to the word of Moses and question his leadership, directly questioning God’s word. When God instructs Moses to speak to a rock and then hit it with his staff to produce water, he does so frustrated. That is why Moses, along with those he originally drew out of Egypt, must die before entering the Holy Land.
The whole of Israel must start a new through Joseph Only when God stops his wrath when people express their zeal, such as when Aaron runs into the crowd as penance. It is in God’s mercy that his love is shown. Moses has done what God required of him, and instructs the Israelites: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:6). Joshua, like Moses, must lead the people into the new land past other conquerors and hurdles. He carries on the Lord’s laws as a constant reminder to trust in the Lord. As Deuteronomy closes, it is said that no other prophet since had ever seen God “face-to-face.” The death of Moses is the death of the lineage of the original elected sons of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. Joshua will be different, fearing God in a way that is unlike his predecessors while Israel enters the Holy Land. While Israel will always remain God’s state, they will constantly struggle before finding His grace.
Kathleen's Theology Blog 