The Descendents of Korah Live; Securing the Debt of Another

Today's Reading:

• Numbers 26:1 - 51
  
• Proverbs 11:15

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Numbers 26:1 - 51
Once again the Lord ordered a census of all the Israelites who were able to fight in a war.  The criteria criteria was the same as the first census -- all males 20 or older, who was not a Levite.  The original census tallied 603,550.  This second census showed a slightly lower number -- 601,730 (26:51).

These passages were all lineage lines and tallies of people.  But there was an interesting passage tucked away that answered a previous question I had about the descendants of Korah.  I have noted that I've read a few Psalms that were about the descendants of Korah, so when Korah's name came up in the story of his rebellion against Moses, my ears perked up. 

The story told us that Dathan and Abiram were swallowed alive by the earth, along with their descendants.  We were also told that Korah and 250 of his followers were blazed to death in a fire set by the Lord.  But those passages didn't tell us anything about the descendants of Korah, who I knew had to be alive because of the 42nd and 43rd Psalms that I had read. 

My question was answered was answered today, tucked away among lineage lines and tallies:

10  But the earth opened up its mouth and swallowed them with Korah, and fire devoured 250 of their followers.

11  However, the sons of Korah did not die that day.

 Question answered, as simple as that!  It's funny how I used to abhor lineage lines and the such, and now I can find little details preciously tucked away for the finding.  Even on days like today, where I see my entire reading is a lineage list, still I can find something of profound interest to me.  The bible is truly amazing!


Proverbs 11:15

There's danger in putting up security for a stranger's debt; it's safer not to guarantee a person's debt.

This is a very reassuring verse for me.  I have been asked in the past to co-sign on things, and as bad as I felt about not helping, I still have told those who ask that I will not do that.  I am willing to help a person in need, but putting my own security on the line is (as the verse says) not a very safe thing to do.  I'm glad that I don't have to feel like less of a Christian for saying no in this type of situation.  Now if this person needed a place to stay, I would gladly open my home to them.  But I wouldn't put up security on their debt so that they can live in a place that is out of their means.