Compare God's communication in Numbers 12:6 with Hebrews 1:1-2. Setting the Stage: Two Snapshots of Divine Speech • Numbers 12:6 — “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will make Myself known to him in a vision; I will speak with him in a dream.” • Hebrews 1:1-2 — “On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.” What Numbers 12:6 Reveals about God’s Approach • Personal initiative — “I, the LORD, will make Myself known.” • Prophetic mediation — communication flows through appointed prophets. • Variety of media — visions and dreams (cf. Genesis 46:2; Daniel 7:1). • Faith-building intimacy — God’s willingness to enter the human sphere and reveal Himself directly. What Hebrews 1:1-2 Reveals about God’s Ultimate Word • Historical breadth — “many past occasions and in many different ways.” • Progressive revelation — the prophets laid groundwork; the Son is the climax. • Finality and fullness — “In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son” (cf. John 1:14; Matthew 17:5). • Christ’s supremacy — heir of all things, Creator of the universe (cf. Colossians 1:15-17; John 1:3). Continuity and Development: How the Two Passages Fit Together • Same speaking God — Yahweh in Numbers; the same God now speaks in the Son (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). • Same commitment to revelation — He still “makes Himself known,” now with unmistakable clarity (John 14:9). • Shift from fragmentary to comprehensive — dreams and visions offered pieces; Jesus embodies the whole message (Colossians 2:9). • Prophets anticipated; Christ fulfills — what was promised in shadows is delivered in substance (Luke 24:25-27). Implications for Today’s Believer • Treasure the written record — the inspired prophets and Gospels harmonize (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Look to Jesus for God’s definitive word — every promise finds its “Yes” in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Expect God still to guide, but always in alignment with the completed revelation in Christ (1 John 4:1; Revelation 22:18-19). • Respond with obedient faith — the God who spoke in visions now calls us through His Son: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8). |
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