Reading 1 - Numbers 20 & 21

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20 v.1 The last year of the wilderness journey 'Kadesh' means 'holy' 38 years earlier this is the place where NUM 14 the evil report of the spies was received the 'first month' is the first month of the fortieth year.

21 v.10 - 21 This area provides us with a very detailed account of the final journeys of the children of Israel, all around the border of the land of Canaan. It is as if the final trials for these 'little ones', as Numbers 14 calls those who were to go into the land, should be recorded to show why Yahweh dealt with the surrounding nations during the history of Israel in the land.
Peter Forbes

20:11 So when Moses struck the rock twice and was barred from entry into the land of Canaan it was at the end of the wilderness journey. As Moses had not been among the rebels at the beginning of the journey he might well have expected that he would enter the land with Joshua and Caleb. If this is so then being barred from the land at this point in time must have been a very bitter blow.

The issues relating to Israel pitching by Arnon are utilised by Jeremiah when speaking of the overthrow of Moab.
21:13 Arnon Jeremiah 48:20
21:28 fire out of Heshbon Jeremiah 48:45
21:29 Chemosh Jeremiah 48:29
21:30 Dibon Jeremiah 48:18,22

This is one of the many occasions in the Old Testament where the events of the wilderness Journey are used to teach lessons.
Peter Forbes

20:12 In being reminded by God that he had failed to sanctify God he was being reminded of what he had to tell Aaron 38 years earlier (Leviticus 10:3).

21:9 Do we think that the serpent that was made was a beautiful detailed model of the serpents that were biting the Israelites? I think not. As people were dying from the bites there would have been a great concern to get the serpent onto the pole. It would have looked rough and ready - though it was of God's provision. Likewise 'he hath no form nor comeliness …' (Isaiah 53:2)
Peter Forbes

Reading 2 - Proverbs 15

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This is because all he does is a show. He offers the sacrifice but his heart is far from God. Hence everything he does is abominable to God. We must be careful that we don't just do things so that men can see whilst having hearts far from God.
Peter Forbes

Reading 3 - Ephesians 1 & 2

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Introductory Note to Ephesians
We have information about the ecclesia at Ephesus over a very long time.
We learn of it's formation [Acts 19:19]
A visit to the elders of the ecclesia Acts 20:17
The letter to the Ephesians
The two letters to Timothy
Jesus final message Revelation 2:1
Information covering such a long time provides a valuable insight into the rise and fall of a first century ecclesia.

1v.6 'grace is a repeating idea in Ephesians 1:2,6,7 2:5.7.8 4:7,29 6:24 The Greek translated 'made us accepted' 5487 only occurs one other time in the New Testament Luke 1:28 where it is translated 'highly favoured' Our position is exalted, just as was Mary's.

2 v.1 Being 'quickened' - made alive - means that we have risen to a new life in Christ. The obligation is to give ourselves in service to our Father.
Peter Forbes

We should expect to see links between the Acts of the Apostles where it speaks of the work at Ephesus and this letter. Here are some of the links.

Parallels with Acts 19 & 20
1:7 his blood Acts 20:28
1:11 inheritance Acts 20:32
1:11 counsel Acts 20:27
1:14 purchased Acts 20:28
1:18 inheritance Acts 20:32
4:2 with all lowliness Acts 20:19
6:21 Tychicus Acts 20:4

2:1-7 contrast between being in Adam and in Christ is presented so that the Ephesians might appreciate the great change that has taken place in their lives.
Peter Forbes

1:10 In saying that God has gathered together in one Paul is quoting the words of the gospel (John 11:52) - Paul is saying that the work that Jesus would accomplish have been fulfilled in the call of the gentiles.

2:5 We do well to realise that Christ died for us 'when we were dead in sins' not when we were His children. The same point is made (Romans 5:10-12).
Peter Forbes