Module presentation 5 - The People of Israel on their way to the Promised Land

In this module, we will study two biblical books: Leviticus and Numbers.

The first deals more specifically with the religious obligations of the Israelites in the Old Testament, with great emphasis on the sacrifices offered to God and the role played by the members of the tribe of Levi, as they were linked to the activities of the cult, whether in the category of High Priest, Priest, or simple Levite.

The study of the types of sacrifices, the ritual and moral prescriptions, will help us to better understand the stories of the Old and New Testaments, since the religion of the Israelites prefigured the Divine Redeemer, as well as the Holy Roman Catholic Church.

We will also consider the exciting and dramatic book of Numbers, where we will be able to follow the Hebrews on their terrible journey towards the Land of Canaan, amidst miracles, the people's infidelities and punishments.

Once again, the central figure in all the episodes will be the prophet Moses, a man of the utmost humility and kindness. On the other hand, we will see the children of Israel, a people so loved despite their many crimes. 

How many lessons can we learn for our lives from these beautiful pages of Sacred History? A God who asks for faith and love from his creatures; the wickedness of man that takes his eyes off the great ideals and lofty panoramas to fix them on the small and ephemeral things of a comfortable and pleasant life; the prize destined for the few faithful souls; and finally, the tremendous punishments that fall on those who disobey the Ten Commandments and abuse the Creator's goodness.