Scott Allen begins a study of the book of Numbers with chapter 9 verses 15-23. Numbers is the story of two generations in the wilderness journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. As God provides protection and guidance through a cloud representing his presence, the Israelites begin their journey with a positive example of careful obedience. As believers, we also have reason to carefully obey God's leading through His Word and His Spirit. For us, obedience is part of discipleship. For Israel, a lack of continued obedience would be the difference between conquering the promised land and wandering the wilderness for nearly 40 additional years.