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The Book of Numbers

… B u t i f y o u w i l l n o t d o s o , b e h o l d , y o u h a ve s i n n e d a g a i n s t t h e L O R D , a n d
be sure your sin will find you out.
Nu m b e r s 3 2 :2 3

Timeline and Torah:

 Genesis  covers the origins of the cosmos, all of humanity, and God’s covenant community, i.e., the descendants of Abraham
 Exodus 1  Joseph to Moses
 Exodus 2  Moses’ life up to age 80(ish)
 Exodus 3 through Leviticus and much of Numbers  takes place during (approx. ) a one year period, the time at Mt. Sinai
(specifically, Ex. 19 – Numbers 10).
 Numbers 14  introduces a 40 year period of wandering
 Numbers 20 and Deuteronomy through to Joshua 1  takes place during (approx.) another one year period

An Overview of Numbers:
General Info about Title, Authorship, and Original Audience:
The book of Numbers cannot be discussed or understood properly just on its own, as it is an integral part of the Torah (i.e., Pentateuch –
Genesis through Deuteronomy). For the Hebrew, the Torah was to be much more than 613 laws to obey and their story of origin. The actual
laws, along with the worship/sacrificial rituals within them, were very important; but the essence (that to which the Torah points) and “heart” of
the law was always most important and it was to dominate one’s passions, working its way into every category of life.

The English title “Numbers” (Gk. Arithmoi) comes from the name of the book in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old. This title is
based on the presence of census returns in chapters 1–4 and 26. Its Hebrew title, bemidbar , comes from the fifth word of the book, translated
“in the wilderness,” and gives a better summary of its contents.

The Outline and Structure of Numbers: *from The ESV Study Bible
Numbers consists of three major blocks of material describing the events and laws associated with three centers where Israel encamped for a
significant time. These centers are Sinai (chs. 1–10), Kadesh (chs. 13–19), and the plains of Moab (chs. 22–36). They are linked by two short
travelogues recording what occurred as Israel journeyed from one camp to the next.
Recommended Resources:
Ch. 1-10  God Prepared the People to Enter the Promised Land: Good books for our series:
God prepared the people by focusing on Purity in chapters 5 & 6  How to Read the Bible Book by
 In ch. 6 the Nazirites are mentioned – a walking, talking reminder that God’s People were to be Book by Douglas Stuart and
set apart. (“Be holy as I am holy.” ~ Leviticus) Gordon Fee
 How to Read the Bible For All Its
Worth by Douglas Stuart and
God prepared the people by giving them priests, focused on chapters 3 & 4 – the tribe of the Levites. Gordon Fee

Most important, God prepared his people by allowing his presence to descend upon them.
 This is what having the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting) was all about and ch. 7 & 8 recount the Good Bible study tools:
 Zondervan’s Handbook to the Bible
sacrifice and gift offerings required to build the Tabernacle.  The ESV Study Bible
 The Aaronic Blessing in Numbers 6 was to be a constant reminder that God was with them.  New Bible Commentary –21st
 Ch. 9 & 10 recount God’s blessings and presence – Passover, the cloud and fire (signs of his Century Edition
presence), and even the trumpets were a reminder of God’s favor and victory (past and  Zondervan Illustrated Bible
future) Backgrounds Commentary

Ch. 11-16  But the People did not Trust in the Lord’s Preparation Helping you see the Bible’s “big
Ch. 11 They finally leave Sinai picture” (metanarrative):
 From Eden to the New Jerusalem:
Ch. 11-12 – The people were (still) complaining An Introduction to Biblical
 “And now the people complained” – Num. 11:1 Theology by T. Desmond Alexander
 Even Aaron and Miriam complained against Moses and God – ch. 12  According to Plan: The Unfolding
Revelation of God in the Bible by
Graeme Goldsworthy
Ch. 13 & 14 – The rebellion against all of God’s preparations
 14:21 – the death sentence is implemented upon the rebellious generation
 So…the bad reporting spies die at the end Ch. 14, the Sabbath breaker in chapter 15, Korah and those in the rebellion in the first half in
Ch. 16 and then the remaining the remaining people in opposition to Moses and Aaron at the end of Ch. 16, all die in the wilderness
and mark the demise of the current Hebrew generation.

Ch. 17 - 36  Yet God Perseveres the Younger Generation, in the Wilderness, all the Way to Promised Land
In Ch. 17 the people were still complaining and rebelled (17:12); but by ch. 26, most of the older generation had been killed and there is a new
census of the people
 Even Moses and Aaron (in Ch. 20) sinned and was included in the older generation who would die in the wilderness (outside of the
Promised Land)
 The people still speak out against Moses in ch. 21 (the venomous snakes)
 Ch. 25 the people worship Baal and have sex with Moabite women

Ch. 17-36 – God still provided direction and care for the people; and the next generation gets a second chance.
 Ch. 18 is filled with special duties of the priests
  Ch. 19 he continues to teach them about purity
 In ch. 20 they move out from Kadesh to the plains (a new hope)
 In ch. 21 Israel fights the Canaanites (for the first time, more to come!) and win.
 In ch. 22-24 Balak and Balaam (Moabites) are used to bless God’s people.
 In ch. 27 the new leader, for the next generation, in appointed - Joshua
 Ch. 28 - 29 he gives all the times details about daily offerings and festivals
 In ch. 31 Israel wins another battle over the Midianites.
 In the remaining chapters so much is focused on the land – the instruction about the land is meant to be hopeful. Despite the people’s
sin, God’s people are receiving the promise to Abraham in Gen. 12 and 17.

Things to Keep in Mind When Reading Genesis:

Literary Genre: When reading Scripture, taking time to understand the genre of the particular passage and/or book is vital to understanding the
text properly. Why is this so important? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Themes in Torah, Numbers, and How Numbers Fits Into The Story:
Torah & Numbers: *from The ESV Study Bible
The theme of the Torah is the gradual fulfillment of the promises to the patriarchs, and Numbers makes its contribution to the exposition of that
theme. There are four elements to the patriarchal promise set out first in Genesis 12:1–3: (1) land, (2) many descendants, (3) covenant relationship
with God, and (4) blessing to the nations. These four aspects of the promise all play a role in Numbers.

1. The land. The land of Canaan is the goal of the book of Numbers. It is broached in the first chapter, where a census is taken of all the men
who are able to go to war. Israel is being prepared to fight for the land. Chapter 10 sees them setting out from Sinai, led by the fire of God's
presence. Chapter 13 relates their arrival at the southern border of the land and the mission of the spies. The spies' gloomy report causes
Israel to lose heart about the land, and God sentences them to wander for 40 years in the wilderness. But the second half of the book shows
the people again on the move toward the land, overcoming opposition and reaching the eastern border of Canaan, marked by the
Jordan River (ch. 34). The last word from God in the book is both a command and a promise: each of the tribes of the people of Israel shall
hold on to its own inheritance (36:9).

2. Descendants. Abraham had been promised that his descendants would be as many as the stars of heaven (Gen. 15:5). Jacob's family
consisted of just 70 persons when he entered Egypt (Gen. 46:27). Now they have increased immensely. The first census showed that the
fighting men numbered 603,550. That did not include women and children. Surveying their camp from a hilltop, Balaam declared, “Who
can count the dust of Jacob or number the fourth part of Israel?” (Num. 23:10). Balaam went on to predict that Israel would become a
powerful kingdom in its own right: “a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel”(24:17).

3. Covenant relationship with God. The essence of the covenant was, “You shall be my people, and I will be your God.” The Lord's presence
with Israel is constantly brought out in the book of Numbers. There are the dramatic manifestations of his presence in the cloud that guided
them or that appeared at moments of crisis (e.g., 9:15–23; 14:10). Then the design of the tabernacle and the harsh measures to be taken
against intruders all emphasized the reality of God's holy presence (3:38). On the other hand, Israel was expected to trust God's promises
and obey his laws. Failure to do so resulted in death for the individual and sometimes for large groups (e.g., 15:32–36; 25:6–9). Even Moses
forfeited his right to enter the land because of disobedience (20:10–13). But despite Israel's persistent failure to keep to the law, God never
forsakes them or goes back on his promises. They may have to wait an extra 40 years to enter the land, but eventually they do reach it. “The
Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (14:18).

4. Blessing to the nations. This is the aspect of the promises that is least apparent in Numbers. To a greater or lesser degree, the nations that
Israel encounters are all hostile: the Edomites refuse Israel passage; the Moabites try to have Israel cursed; Sihon and Og attack them and
are defeated (chs. 21–22) and so on…. Nevertheless Balaam recalls Genesis 12:3 when he says, “Blessed are those who bless you, and
cursed are those who curse you” (24:9). The implication is that nations who treat Israel generously by blessing her will themselves be blessed.

Numbers:
The Lord’s Heart to Prepare His People for His Call: __________________________________________________________________________________
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The Presence of God: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Sin and Punishment: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Numbers and The Story:

The Metanarrative of the Bible: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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The metanarrative of the Hebrew People: __________________________________________________________________________________________

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The metanarrative of the exodus and wilderness: ___________________________________________________________________________________

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