Last week ended with a positive note: the love story outshines the dramas which entangled around. Ram could let go off his addiction without any swearing or imposition, but inspirational support from Priya. Priya had two natural ways to cure the migraine or headache: first, to take a walk barefoot in the garden and second, a good head massage. And Ram severe headache was gone. The next morning he wore a colourful tie to work. This is the positive note. And with this note, the week began when Priya convinced Ram to undergo all the required medical tests. She volunteered to undergo all the tests with him.

The starting episode of the week experimented on the vamp-o-meter of Mrs. Neharika Kapoor. The fuse around the medical check-ups of the couple, Ram and Priya, hassles about the house made her talk to herself, calling Ram “ram baby”. And by the end of the week, we saw her in her old avatar. The Mrs. Kapoor we are familiar with! Elaborately rich salwal, lipsocated liposuction which utter prideful commanding words and champagne glass in her hand: Mrs. Neharika Kapoor doesn’t need experimentation at the first place!

Priya & Ram at Doctor's clinic

Another fruitful development of the week is the unexpected medical test results of Priya. The doctor detected a tremor in her breast which they believe is cancer. Yes, breast cancer! Can we deal with that?

Given the background setting of the story, there is a place for breast cancer in the story developments. Taking on issues is a daily affairs of Indian Television, and it’s sooner the better for a breast-cancer. And that in a love story as in Bade appropriated the next step. Ram and Priya came together in arranged marriage; we’d driven along with them dealt with their individual’s past life. And they came closer, in other word, mature in their relationship with them. So, if the breast-cancer wrung into them, what better way to redeemed the vows, ‘in sickness and….’. But for now, we’ll have to wait for that!

The news surprised the couple. And the development was given an articulated treatment as the couple remained silent for the minutes running after the first commercial break. That strikes the core given the new development.

After they heard the news, both Priya and Ram couldn’t believe what they heard. The couple was at the doctor’s clinic for Ram’s report which came out okay. Ram was dismayed that a health conscious as Priya could have had any complication. And Priya withdrew to a point, hard-thinking about the news. That even a sidelong glance at the uncomfortable Ram richly attribute to treatment given to the development.

The medical tests and the results announcement lasted from the Monday’s episode to Thursday’s episode. You can say that it’s the main theme of the week. And before the week closes, the Thursday’s episode did have the Sharmas household. But we’ll keep that for the next time. For now, take your time to swallow the possibility of Pria having a breast-cancer.

Including the introductory of the epistle in the first chapter, and the sixteen chapters comprises the additional 32 lessons of the commentary. And each lesson has memory verse, full verses and questions.  The chapters of the epistle have been divided into more than one lesson which works to its significant. This provides a detailed analysis of the text with affirmative lesson title.

Paul entered Corinth during 49 AD and stayed for 18 months. The letter was written by Paul from Ephesa, and the time period was 50 AD. Corinth was the meeting point of many nationalities, centre for economic exchange. The Asia Minor state during the time have homogenous converts or believers mainly Greeks. The letter discusses problems of division in the church, Immorality, spiritual gifts and resurrection.

After brief salutations, Paul addressed the division within the church, called to used “the wisdom of God – that is our righteousness holiness and redemption”. Paul rebukes them of their pagan roots which lead to the division, and corrected that the collective church out weights any personal greed.  He confidently stated that he ‘fathered’ the Corinthians in Gospel. With that authority, Paul wrote about the prevailing immorality. In chapter 5, asked to ex-communicate the fellow member who had married his father’s wife from the church as step to safeguard from sexual immorality. He rallied against filling lawsuits against each other at the ‘unbelievers’ court’ and suggested to handle the matters inside the church. Further in the discussion on sexual immorality, Paul outline ten sins in chapter 6:9-20. Among other, he particularly urge to avoid immoral sexual behaviors stating that the body must be use to glorify God and not enslave to its desire.

In chapter 7, Paul talks about marriage. He stated that God establishes the first married couple and that one should enjoy the gift of God. A husband and wife must involve each other in their sexual behavior, fulfilling each other needs as marital obligations. And that this mutual understanding leads to healthy life as church. That it help wards off Satan and maintain a healthy prayer life. For those unmarried and engaged, Paul give the option to remain single stating that a single life give immense opportunities to serve the Lord.

In chapter 8, Paul answers the questions regarding food sacrificed to Idols. A believers sanctified in salvation and marked by the Holy Spirit realizes that eating any particular food doesn’t obligated him of anything. However, one should be aware of fellow churchmen and avoid to be judged for it. In chapter 9, Paul clarified his Apostleship: “You are the seal of my apostleship”. And that his occupation and marital status doesn’t come in the way of his work.

Paul re-takes the discussion on sacrificial ceremony of the Pagans in chapter 10. While he reaffirms that they meant nothing to a believers, he caution the ceremonials which are being held for demons’ appeasement. A Christian partakes in the Holy Communion with the blood of Christ which is opposite to that of the pagans’. Paul urges that one should use their conscience and eat and drink responsibly; avoid being a stumble block for other, or a tumor of the church.

In the first half of chapter 11, Paul discourse on the topic relating to appearance of men and women. He urges that propriety in worship relates to one’s appearance as men and women: a long hair for woman is a ‘glory’ for her and a man ‘is the image and glory of God’.  And in the later part, Paul caution about coming together for Holy Communion. He stated that one must examine themselves and remind them of ‘the Lord’s death until he comes’.

In chapter 12, Paul discusses the different spiritual gifts. While assuring that these gifts are of ‘the same spirit’, his discussion was based on that Christ is the head of the Church (Eph 5:22,23) and is the foundation stone of the church (2 Cor 3:11). The Holy Spirit lives within every Christians and that binds them to come together as one; a church which performs as one. Further to the discussion, Paul added that these gifts are ‘nothing’ comparing to Love: God is love. “But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears’, meant to said that with the vast circulations of the Bible, there’s no need of prophesy and tongues to know God’s word. Later in chapter 14, Paul urges the church to value the gift to prophesy. He talks down on Tongues because it’s not understandable to the congregation and the speaker. Paul defends that Tongues were used as sign for the unbelievers during the Pentecost. He forbids its use in unguarded manner and cause disturbance in the church.

The letter is notable for mentioning the role of women in the church in 11:2-16 and 14:34-35; that for instance, they should remain silent. In chapter 15, Paul discusses about the resurrection of the body. It’s resurrection which differentiate Christianity from others. The chapter outlines the second coming of the Christ where the dead will be waken with an imperishable bodies and those alive will be taken to the sky heaven bound, and the physical church will see the spiritual church. Finally, in the concluding chapter, Paul talks about the first day of the week as day of worship for Christians; His plans about visiting the church and reports about works being done by fellow Workers including Timothy. Then, Paul urges the church to stand firm, courageous and always live in love. He sends greetings to every members of the church and closed the letter with a benediction.

Korinth Laihah Khatna Hilchetna merited its exposition with the lesson-wise distributions of the chapters of the epistle. Though this blurred outline studying: Opening Salutation, topics discussed and closing remarks; it is a good Sunday school text book because the lesson’ topics act as Sundays’ sermon. Paul’s exhortation to the church in Corinth in the letter presenting solutions to their problems allows sharp analysis and exposition remarks in the commentary. Rev. Hangminthang, notably, uses it to greater detail.

We left at the 61^st episodes. Counting this Thursday’s episode we’ve missed a total of 76 episodes. Taking from where we’d left, shall we begin?

Siddarth and his mama team up to exposed Priya. They seek out Ashwin, her ex-fiancé. Both Siddarth and mama billed rally Aswin to win back Priya, his true love. And what followed was a weak story developments comparing to its preceeding story-line where Priya had exposed Siddarth for stealing the family traditional necklace. The mama was played by Deepak Qazir before the wedding took place. The alcoholic and mischievous mama came to light with Qazir, who had played the father in Balaji teleflims earlier Kasauti Zindagi Ki. The long running actions of the plot, in a way, aligned the mama to Qazir’s face.

Then, Bade soon landed into its glory-stretch-way with the honeymoon of Priya and Ram in Australia. The doing round word “Aghe kap jaoge?” and Priya’s drank-avatar before the honeymoon provided a comedic relief in its unfruitful story developments.  From Priya’s uncomfortably wearing a nightgown to Ram’s uncontrollable eating habits, the honeymoon gave two significant developments: first, the couple realized that they could be friends and second, Apeksha showed up. The Apeksha bullets, as touted, caused huge into the blooming relationship of Priya and Ram. It hit right at the very attachment of the relationship as Priya started questioning about the alleged relationship of Apeksha and Ram. And Ram’s withdrawing response made the couple shortened their honeymoon and came home. The result: both fought endlessly!

On the other side, Natasha pregnancy which was disclosed before the wedding ran parallel with the honeymoon sequence. She had hidden her pregnancy. Her friend, Chaz, weighed on her woes with her still nascent career. Natasha pregnancy woes continue as the fights between Ram and Priya. Soon, Priya went back to work at the coaching classes. There she met a senior lecturer, Krishna Kapoor. Krishnaji advised her about the problems in her marriage and help her understand the feeling of Love. The the twist came: Krishnaji turns out to be Ram Kapoor’s mother!

When Mrs. Kapoor found out that Priya had been meeting Krishnaji, she told Ram to divorce Priya. After finding out the truth, Priya arrived home. Ram signed the divorce papers and handed to Priya. Priya tearfully confessed her feelings for him. And Ram told her the truth that Kristnaji had left his father and that Apeksha was his step-sister.

On the other side, Natasha had aborted her baby while on the trip to Goa. But through Ayesha, the Sharmas had known of the pregnancy and planned to throw a party to celebrate the good news together with Christmas. On arriving home and at the party, Naks chose to not disclose about the abortions. Natasha character had been well-crafted all along. The character took a transformation from a hot-headed and spoilt brat to an anguish girl in a hotel room after the abortion procedure. She’d called up her mother who’d wanted nothing to do with her and compare that to the love she got in her in-laws’ home. And in time, the character went through someone whom the viewers hated to pity.

Now, we come to this week’ episodes. And Priya and Ram’s relationship has taken a new turn. By new, we meant, closer. (So, read the following with a smile. Okay.)

Tablets are the hero this week. Seriously, Ram’s addiction to tablets has miffed Priya from before that she’d labeled him “tablet-kapoor”. It started with both playfully swearing to each other: Priya to stop meeting Krishnaji and Ram to stopped taking tablets. It’s smart to tackle the addictions as its main story developments the whole week. Natasha had carried out the plan to cover her abortion with a miscarriage. Ram, disturbed, open a tablet bottle, but remembers the promised he’d made and put down the bottle. He had headache the next day. Vikram teased him and he popped one tablet. And as Vikram had warned him Priya took no time to found out that. The results: she started avoiding him by walking out the bedroom and the next morning by letting him eat parantha and butter in breakfast. A Lohri celebration was ongoing at the Kapoors’ and both Priya and Ram share the problem to Neha and Vikram respectively.  As Vikram had advised him, Ram apologized to Priya. Ram admitted his addiction and confessed to Priya. He put her hand on his heart and told her that it’s fear of getting sick that he’d taken to pills/tablets. He said that he’s responsible for the family and company and couldn’t effort to get sick. And Priya, still putting her hand on Ram’s heart, told him that she would be there for him always. It’s quite an endearing moments. And after a long time, the male version of the title track was played. (I told you, the tablets were the hero!)

Based on the play Patrani by Imtiaz patel and screenplay by Dilip Jha and Archita Biswas Jha, Bade Achhe Lagte hain has finely calculated its love story amidst jewel heists, pregnancy woes and abortion lies.

Apart from the rest, its song selections of bringing together popular choir songs, lengkhawm and hymns is worth mentioning. The songs selection includes: Zou much loved congregational songs like Lei Manglukhute khu (Damsung in Mang nna I sem ding) and Hundamna Khantanhoi (Shina lim nei a touin mipi sangtampi mang zing), popular choir songs like HP Runremthang’s Nuom In Ka Puong Zel Ding, Lalsangzuali Sailo’s Tamtan Dong and T. Pumkhothang’s Hing Domsaang, Hymns songs like Phamaw Lou (Simlei tuonsuoh nanlei, Mang Jesu banga pha) and Jesu Itna Hoi Sengsang E, and the title track, which is also a new translation, Patea’s Guol Hing Zawl and Pastor Ngamlalchawl’s Mangpa Lemguot Dan (Ka Mangpa lemguotdan koiin athei zou diei?) among its lengkhawm songs selections.

The album has fault in not crediting the songs composers, camera and editing and music composer. And the videos are presentable.

SONGS SELECT:

The title track Patea’s Guol Hing Zawl, as I’ve mentioned is a new translations. The song was included in one of Lalruotmawi’s Christmas album in its original version. Below is the song and  full lyric: (1) Guol hing zawl diing in,/Vankhuo in vai a hawm;/Eden kotkhah kihong kiata,/Lut un Zion khuo a vaht.|Thunawn: Nuom un, Nuom un, Hing Tanpa Belamnou ahing pei;/Phat un Halleluiah, Amen Halleluiah,/Hing tan diing in ahing pei.|2) Zaila ngai ging khun, Leitung a suling a;/Eden a kimu thoukiata, Hei e! Sun Alsi a chi uh.|3) Mangpente Mangpen, Leh Zion Vaihawmtu;/Bangchia um thei e mihing ah, A lungsietna kidang sengsang.|4) A phat laa non un, Van mipi Serafte;/Tui suogiet leh khovel zousien, Zailan dim hen Halleluiah.

Also, the closing track Kross Silbawltheina is a surprise. The Vanlaisailova’s number has been ripped off of his signature style. However, the selection is a good one for its rich lyrical tone saying Kross silbawltheina salvah a,/Ka diing ngamlou ka muolphouta;/Kalvari Kross pul ka douna,/A tuisuoh jel ka lei hinkhuo.|Hing jelsuohta ka lei hinkhuo,/Thomhau kikou thawm ka zah khun;/Vankhuo leh tui aw hing tangsahtu,/Ka phat chim theilou ka Hundampa.

We will always feel we’re Nagas. There’s a huge cultural difference. But we are able to embrace India, understand Indian culture…only if you’re a Naga, you will understand. You have a sense of belonging to a smaller degree to India. Your identity is always as a Naga…you can have a sense of belonging to India.

Easterine Angami, Writer, in an interview with The Times of India.

While Zami tried to cover the best of power-classic and Ncy Doungel’s lunglen songs; these selections alone could have proven disastrous without Muan Hangzo’s Cell Phone and Zolei and Khupkhenthang’s Sinzawl Vangkhua. Like the duet with Hatbawi in Nanglou In, Muan Hangzo (though he still haven’t been kuddo-ed by this blog for that breezy Simte Love duet) has a fresher take in composition. Both his tracks accomplished much of what this music album is capable of. It could have been confident with its selection instead of marrying every other genre.

Zami Hauzel appeared in most of the videos. The director, James Thangluai cast himself opposite Zami in Muikhozing. The video sequence has a storyline with a mature narration. Chiching in Tullel Lawkta and Rebecca in Cell Phone deserve to be mentioned. And the camera and editing have done their job right.

Tracks selected:

Sinzawl Vangkhua:

1) Vangkhua tembang ka deih leh ngaihhuaipen,/Ngailou bang tuang nungsiah san ing;/Lungin gel veng taangin zaitha nemlawh!/Sinkhual zin hilou kumsawt tham dih hi’ng|Sen-a-gual ngaihte liavang ngaih teng,/Sakmel mulou guabang hing zou diam?/Keibang lungzuan sial ding a taang sanggah;/Sian in hon bawl hiam zin daw-ai hiam?|2) Lenna taang kitoi leh liavang ngaih teng,/Chikleh donbang ka hon tuah diam?/Nunlui thelbang thousak aw Tuisial Mual,/Naubang paha min ka lawh uh Mau Jaang.|3) Lai-ah tangbang nahlua sang e thuaklai!/Lungin gel veng Sinzawl Vangkhua;/Lia-leh-tang teng nuam ngabang leng nuchia,/Nuihmel siausiau in nunnuam hei nuchia!|3)I Vangkhua khaikhawm heina gam minte,/Theibang lou in zailan kon awi;/Lengtong, Tuisial Mual, Lianga Tang, Maujang, Pumbung, Mualkawi, Zoudang aw hon ngai veng!/I Vangkhua siktui damdial a luangte,/A sialhen lui, Pantuk, Thilsan,/Zongte Lui, Vangmi, Gammang Lui, Tuijiat,/Singthupi Lui tuite hon dawn nuam veng!

Vangkhua Khatlou:

Vangkhua khatlou tomkal melmu,/Gibang khen zel ding a maw?/I kholkhawm lai nuam aih ni aw!/Lungsit ken vangngaih Lianu.

Tullel Lawkta:

Tullel lawkta tau aw! Keibang vualngai na hiam?/Keibang a vualngai taan na hiam, lungzuang na hiam?/Keibang vualngaih taan aw na hihleh, Hong leeng in,/Siang ah deihthu sut in ngaih siang ngabang leeng ni;/Deihgel lungzuan sial aw, Hual khaubang sut nuam veng!

Cell Phone:

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 8,500 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 3 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Thanks to all readers for a wonderful year. God bless…

The fourth among Moses’ Pentateuch, the book of Numbers was known as ‘Numberi’ in the Vulgate, the first Latin Bible, following which the English translations called Numbers. In the Hebrews Bible, it appears as ‘Bemidbar’ meaning ‘wilderness’. The book is called Numbers because the first chapters 1 to 4 and chapter 26 recorded general census of the Israelites. The time period of the book of Numbers was known to covered 1444 to 1405 B.C. which recorded 39 years of the journey of the Israelites in the ‘wilderness’: Numbers started while the Israelites were at Mount Sinai, the second month and second year after Israel’s exodus from Aigupta (The exodus recorded in Exo. 12:3 was the first month) and ended at Kadesh-Barnea. At Kadesh Barnea, the border of Canaan, they rebel against God refusing to entered the Promised Land and God condemn to “wander” in the wilderness, passing through plains of Moab, Edom, and finally at Bethjesimoth, near Jordan.

The author divides the commentary into five main units: The Israel at Mount Sinai (1:1 – 10:10); The jouney from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea (10:11 – 12:16); The Israelites at Kadesh-Barnea (13:1 – 19:22); The journey from Kadesh-Barnea to Moab (20:1 – 21:35); The Isrealites at Moab (22:1 – 36:13). The book of Numbers recorded ‘the Lord spoke to Moses’ about 150 times, in about 20 different ways. God ordered the census of Israelites, recorded in Chapters 1:1 – 4:49, to number all the men above 20 years, ‘able to serve in the army’. A man ‘choosen’ from each tribes helped the process and the tribes of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, the sons of Joseph – Ephriam and Manasse, Benzamin, Dan, Asher and Naphtali were found to be 6,03,550. The choosen men from each tribes were later designated as leaders during the arrangement of the Tribal camps (2:1-34), the offerings made in ‘the name of heads of each families’ (7:1-78) and when the Israel advanced from Mount Sinai (10:11 – 36). The Levi tribe was not counted in the census. They were given “wholly” to Aaron for performing duties at the Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle. Levi and its clans – Gerson, Kohath and Merari – were numbered, every male amonth old or more, totaling 22, 000 in Chapter 3.

The events recorded in 1:1-10:1 did not follow a regular time-wrap: Israel celebrated its first Passover in Aigupta at the start of the first month and year; (a) In Exo. 40:1-33, the Lord told Moses to set up the Tebernacle on the first day of the first month in the second year. The dedication of the Tabernacle in 7:1-89 took place at the same time; (b) Then, the Israelites celebrated their second Passover at the fourteenth day of the first month in the second year (9:1-15); (c) The census in the first chapter took place at the first day of the second month of the second year; (d) Finally, the day the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle to set off Israel from the Mount of Sinai (10:11) was on the twentieth day of the second month of the second year.

Namber Hrilfiena-excerpt

During the time Israel set off from Sinai to the desert of Paran in 10:11-12:16, the people complained and rebel against the Lord and Miriam and Aaron talk against Moses’ leadership. The significant feature of the period is Moses’ chracter testimonial by God who declared him greater than other prophets. God speaks to Moses ‘face to face’. And God help him unburdened him by bestowing the spirit on the seventy leaders chosen from the people.

Then, Israel moved toward Canaan, the Promised Land. They encamped at Kadesh-Barnea, which was called En-Mishpat in Gen 14:7. During the period in 13:1 – 20:13, Israel ‘refuse’ the Lord’s commands to enter Canaan, the land of abundant and ‘flowing milk and honey’.  Twelve men from each Tribe were sent to explore Canaan during July – ‘It was the season for the first ripe grapes’.  The spies explored Canaan for forty days and came back to report to the people. Except Joshua and Caleb, the other spies reported back that the land was inhabitated by giants – the Nephilin and the neighbouring occupants were ‘stronger’ than them. The Lord was furious and many people died. Then, the Lord designated Aaron and the tribe of Levi to work at the Tabernacle.

In 20:1 – 21:35, Israel set off from Kadesh-Barnea to Moab. The days of Moses came to a closer end, and the encounters he faced seem to bother him hard. While his sister Miriam died (20:1) and the people gathered to opposed him and Aaron (20:2-5).  The Lord announced that he and Aaron will not enter Canaan for Moses ‘did not trust’ the Lord ‘enough to honor him as holy in the sights of the Israelites’. Then, Edom raised refusing Israel to pass through its land (20:14-21). And Aaron died on Mount Hor (20:29).

In the last unit, Isael were at the plains of Moab (22:1 – 36:13). Israel with the lord’s assistance wages war against its enemies and raise above them. As they entered Canaaan, the inhabitants were terrified. While others fought to destroy them, other tried to curse them. At their last journey Israel encamped along Jordan. They defeated the Canaanite king of Arad (21:21-25), the Amalekites (Exo 17:8-16), Sihon king of Amorites (21:33-35) and Og king of Bashan (21:33-35). Balak, son of Zippor, summon Balaam to curse Israel who blessed them instead (22:1 – 24:25). But Israel was seduced by Baal of Peor which brought the fury of God upon them. From chapter 26, Numbers took a turned into a new theme which saw new generation of Israel. They were about to occupied the Promised Land. And in chapter 31, the vengeance on Moab happened, the last war Israel fought in the presence of Moses.

The mission of the book of Numbers is to show “God’s people should walk in faith relaying in His words”. To enlarge this mission, Israel rebel against God, not trusting Him enough. They complained about ‘their hardships in the hearing of the Lord’; Miriam and Aaron talk against Moses; Israel rebel against entering Canaan in Kadesh-Barnea; Moses’ sinned; and Israel worshipped Baal of Peor. However, God remains faithful in his promised to Israel despite their rebellious and lacking trust, forsake his name. He guided them with power and miracles and led them to the Promised Land.

Dr. Lalhmuoklien’s Namber Hrilfiena expolored its textual reference with significance and relevance, its credential lies in the fact that despite the demand historical background in the critical discipline, to engage its core audience intercepted the text analysis to its strength . It approaches the exposition with depth and accurate reference to detailed commentary and personal emphasis and finely executes its language usages.

Below are some of its textual commentaries:

• The cloud above the Tabernacle in 9:15 was the same cloud which led them from Aigupta. In Hebrews, it was called ‘Kebod YHWH’, which means God’s glory. At times, it was refer as ‘sekinah’, meaning ‘the Lord who live among His people’ (Exo 24:16;40:34,35,38). After the Taberbacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it. The cloud above the Tabernacle looks like fire by the evening. The cloud stays with Israel at all time, and this set Israel apart from the rest of the people on the earth. And this was the reason the Apostle Paul, in the letter to Romans, greatly emphasies on this signbificant: “The people of Israel, theirs is the adoption as sons; theres the devine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the Law, the temple worship and the promises (Rom 9:4). Israel is the only one to witness the physical present of God among them. In the same way, today, the believers’ Church has God, the Lord Immanuel and Holy Spirit dwells in them.
• In chapter 8:20-24, the High Priest and the Levi tribe were not included in the land shares or inheritance (Deut 10:9; 12:12, 14:27,29; 18:1; Jos 14:4; 18:7). The Lord was their shars and inheritance. God had called them for His work and he arranged their needs. The Levi tribe had been called to work at the Tent of Meeting, ‘a lasting ordinace for generations to come’. They will be responsible for Israel’ offences against the Tent of Meeting. God has given them all the tithe and offerings by the people. When the lands of Canaan were allotted, the Levi tribe was not assigned any. And they were not allotted even after Israel had entered Canaan. Instead, each Tibes gave towns to them, as seen in Joshua 21. The same principle is applicable in today Church settings. The Church workers must not participate in other activities other than the Church’. Society, politics, businesses, etc must not deter them from their sole responsibility in the Church. The Church must also see through this and not neglect them. It’s the Church responsibility to provide for them.
• Joshua and Caleb, two of the twelve spies, tell of Canaan as land of abundance and was indeed ‘flowing with milk and honey’. However, the other spies reported of its ‘gaint’ inhabitants – the Nephilin, and its ‘strong’ neighbouring occupants. Then, Israel refuses to enter the land. The reason for their rebellion was their loss of faith in God as the writer of Hebrews had said: “And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief: (Heb 3:17-19). God punished those who lost their faith to wander in the wilderness.
• 21:8-9: Moses made a bronze snake…..when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived. Jesus used this bronze snake to emphasis his death on the Cross (John 3:14). Moses’ bronze snake and Jesus’ Cross were meant to symbolizes God’s love. Everyone has sinned and we’ll died and meet God for judgement one day (Heb 9:27). If we look at Christ who died on the Cross for us we’ll be save, and we’ll lived. The one who look at the bronze snake were healed from the snake bite but the believers of Jesus Christ got eternal Salvation.
• The cities of refuge mentioned in 35:22-28 were ‘city of refuge for one accused of murder’ (Jos 21:13,21,27,32,38). These cities were for the Israelites and ‘the other people living among them’, for anyone who had accidentally committed murder. The accused murderer will face trails at the gate, and until proven guilty, it’s not legal to kill them. If the murder was found unintentional and ‘without malice aforethought’, he is to stay in that city until the death of the high priest who was serving at that time (Jos 20:4,6). The cities of refuge and its purpose also gave a clear picture of Christ’ salvation, the gospel truth. That is: “…we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encourage” (Heb 6:18). Anyone who accidentally killed someone could ‘flee’ to any of these cities. And in the same way, there’s no condemnation in Christ Jesus and Christ’s our refuge and comfort (Rom 8:1). These cities were designated not just for Israel but to everyone – foriengers and travelers. Likewise, Christ’s salvation didn’t differentiate people, it’s for everyone. Whoever flee to these cites were protected and saved, in the same way, the leaf of Christ’s clothe is free for anyone who want to be heal and need peaceful comfort.

Page 2: Excerpt of the first chapter (Pages 2-12)

Filed under: Books Tagged: adult sunday school, Bible, commentary, Dr. Lalhmuoklien, Hmar, israelites in the wilderness, Nambar Hrilfiena, numbers ]]>