Episode Overview
Podcast: A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace
Episode: S5: Day 50 – Numbers 34–36
Host(s): Shelby and Scott
Date: February 19, 2026
In this episode, Shelby and Scott conclude their journey through the Book of Numbers, focusing on chapters 34–36. They discuss the Israelites’ final preparations before entering the Promised Land, highlighting the division of land among tribes, the role of the cities of refuge, and the recurring theme of God’s justice and mercy. The conversation draws connections between Old Testament law and the work of Jesus, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and the significance of seemingly small details in Scripture.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Setting: Israel on the Verge of the Promised Land
[00:17]
- The final chapters of Numbers prepare the Israelites for entering Canaan.
- Scott: “These last several chapters are really preparatory material for once they enter the promised Land...we’re really just talking about the lands as we close out the Book of Numbers.”
- The issue of specific tribal land allotments is revisited, referencing the daughters of Zelophehad from earlier chapters.
2. Boundaries and Leadership Assignments
[00:17]
- In Chapter 34, God sets the physical boundaries of the Promised Land.
- Leaders are appointed to oversee the future distribution of inherited land, a process that will be detailed in the Book of Joshua.
3. The Cities of Refuge & the Problem of Bloodshed
[00:55]–[02:44]
- Chapter 35 focuses intensely on laws concerning murder, atonement, and sanctuary.
- Shelby: “So we’re talking about murder a lot in chapter 35. Can you help us understand that?”
- Scott: Highlights the theological basis for these laws by referencing Genesis 4, noting that spilled blood ‘cries out’ for justice.
- Intentional murder requires the blood of the offender to atone for the land’s defilement, but accidental killing involves cities of refuge—a revolutionary mercy concept in ancient Israel.
- Scott (on cities of refuge): “If you unintentionally killed someone, God allowed the high priest’s death to be a substitute for the person who accidentally killed someone.”
- The accidental killer remained in sanctuary until the high priest’s death, which then served as atonement.
- Strong connection is made to the role of Jesus:
- Scott (memorable connection): “Whenever the high priest of Israel would die, his death would provide atonement for people who are in these cities of refuge, which sounds a lot like someone else I read about in the Bible once. Jesus, whose death atones for our sins and allows us to enjoy the promised land to come, which is a whole new earth.” [02:30]
4. Reflections on the Entire Book of Numbers
[02:44]–[03:57]
- Shelby: Prompts final thoughts on the journey through Numbers.
- Scott: Summarizes the overall storyline:
- The Israelites went from leaving Sinai to standing ready to enter Canaan—a journey spanning forty years, marked by rebellion and repeated divine mercy.
- Scott: “God has still been faithful to them... And I was reminded of Ezekiel 18:23, where God says, ‘Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Instead, don’t I take pleasure when he turns from his ways and lives?’...God is just so faithful and patient in Numbers, and he treats the Israelites way better than they deserve. And as someone who just continues to sin daily, I need that reminder that God's arms are open to me. He takes pleasure in forgiving a repentant heart.” [03:25]
5. The Value of Scriptural Detail
[03:57]
- Shelby: “The details of scripture are there for a reason.” She appreciates how many seemingly minor details tie into larger biblical themes and narratives, both Old and New Testament.
- She expresses gratitude for the way Scott has drawn these connections, reinforcing the importance and perfection of God’s word—even when its meaning is not immediately clear.
- Shelby: “I’m reminded of the perfection of God’s Word. I’m reminded of the weight of God’s Word. And I’m reminded it that it’s good even when I’m having a hard time understanding it or even when it takes a little work to make sense of it.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Scott [01:03]: “The reason for all this stuff about blood and murder is found… at the last two verses of Numbers 35, because what ultimately makes this land so good is that God will dwell with the Israelites in this land… and so they need to avoid defiling the land which bloodshed would do.”
- Scott [02:15]: “If you unintentionally killed someone, God allowed the high priest’s death to be a substitute for the person… Whenever the high priest of Israel would die, his death would provide atonement for people who are in these cities of refuge, which sounds a lot like someone else I read about in the Bible once. Jesus, whose death atones for our sins and allows us to enjoy the promised land to come, which is a whole new earth.”
- Scott [03:25]: “God is just so faithful and patient in Numbers, and he treats the Israelites way better than they deserve… I need that reminder that God's arms are open to me. He takes pleasure in forgiving a repentant heart.”
- Shelby [03:57]: “The details of scripture are there for a reason… I’m reminded of the perfection of God’s Word… and that it’s good even when I’m having a hard time understanding it.”
Key Timestamps
- [00:17] – Overview of Numbers 34–36 and allocation of land
- [00:55] – Laws regarding murder, bloodshed, and the concept of atonement
- [01:03] – The theological roots of blood crying out and God’s justice
- [02:15] – Explanation of the cities of refuge and the role of the high priest
- [02:44] – Reflections on God’s faithfulness throughout the book
- [03:25] – The heart of God toward repentance and forgiveness
- [03:57] – The value of scriptural detail and encouragement to keep reading
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
The episode closes with encouragement to continue reading the Bible daily, assuring listeners that the journey through Deuteronomy will build on these themes of promise, faithfulness, and the depth of God’s word.
Shelby: “We’re going to be in Deuteronomy tomorrow, and we’re excited to jump into that book with all of you.”