Grade 12 - Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Sunday School Curriculum Grade 12
Balaam shocks the Moabite king by blessing Israel and cursing Moab. However, Balaam
advises the Moabite king to seduce the Israelites to have sexual relations with women and
thus incur the wrath of God. This happens and God responds by sending a plague that kills
thousands of Israelites.
God orders the immediate execution of all tribal leaders who have taken part in the orgy.
Phinehas the grandson of Aaron stabs an adulterous Israelite. In recognition of this act of zeal,
God lifts the plague.
Moses designates Joshua as the new leader who leads the Israelites to the Promised Land
where the Mediterranean marks the western boundary, the north, beyond the Sea of Galilee;
probably Damascus and the eastern follows The Jordan River to the Dead Sea.
Conclusion:
The Book of Numbers is the book of divine discipline; it becomes necessary for the nation of
Israel to go through the painful process of testing and maturation. God must teach His people the
consequences of irresponsible decisions. The forty years of wilderness experience transforms them
from a rabble of Exodus-slaves into a nation ready to take the Promised Land. The Book of Numbers
begins with the old generation moving through a tragic transitional period and ends with the new
generation reaching the doorway of the land of Canaan.
Applications:
Look for verses to indicate God‘s care for His people in the wilderness.
4 FILLER LESSONS