|
|
Numbers
|
Summary
|
|
The
title "Numbers" comes from the Greek translation
of the Old Testament, (the Septuagint) and refers to
the emphasis on population numbers in the early part
of the book. It is interesting that the Hebrew title
comes from 1:1 "In the wilderness" and probably
this is more appropriate because the book does describe
events of the Children of Israel in 38 of the 40 years
they spent moving from Egypt to the promised Land of
Canaan.
If the book was considered only as an historical record
of the wanderings then much of its message would be
missed. It has far more significance than this. It has
one major theme throughout. It reveals God's character
through His dealings with His people. For example, His
complete holiness is demonstrated in the incident of
Moses smiting of the Rock to reduce water (20:7 - 13).
His righteous jealousy is shown in 25:1 - 13. His justness
can be seen in these verses in the establishment of
the covenant of peace with Phinehas. His faithfulness
is shown in 23:19. He established a covenant with Israel
and the events of this book show His faithfulness to
that covenant even in the face of adversity from His
people.
In the book of Numbers we can see the first of many
instances in the Old Testament when God's people choose
to ignore Him and to worship other "gods".
This reveals that God will punish wrong doing but be
merciful to those who endeavour to follow His laws.
This can be seen, for example, in 16:1 - 50, the rebellion
of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, where God punished the
rebellious but accepted Moses' atoning intervention.
The message of Numbers is clear. God has established
high standards which He expects His people to follow.
At the same time He is just and merciful and He is faithful
to His covenant. He continually dwelt with His people
during their wilderness wanderings. The declaration
made in Exodus 29:45 - 46 is repeated in Numbers 35:34
- God dwells with His people. He leads them (9:15-23)
and He delivers them from adversity (21:1 - 54) . It
is only proper that He expects faithfulness in return.
|
|
 |
|
Outline
of Numbers
|
1:1
- 10:10 Practical instructions
for the wilderness journey.
1:1
- 54 The census
2:1 - 34 Positions of tribes during the journey
3:1 - 4:49 Duties of the priests
5:1 - 7:89 Various offerings
8:1 - 26 Consecration of the Levites
9:1 - 10; 10:10 The Passover and God's guidance
10:11 - 12:16 From Sinai to Paran
10:11
- 36 Moving camp
11:1 - 35 The people complain
12:1 - 16 Miriam and Aaron
13:1 - 20:13 At Kadesh
13:1-33
Spying out the land of Canaan
14:1 - 45 God's displeasure
15:1 - 41 Various laws
16:1 - 50 Korah, Dathan and Abiram
17:1 - 13 Aaron's rod
18:1 - 19:22 Duties of the priests, and various
laws
20:1 - 13 Moses' error
20:14 - 22:1 From Kadesh to Moab
20:14
- 21 King of Edom
20:22 - 29 Death of Aaron
21:1 - 22:1 Opposition to Israel
22:2 - 32:42 The Plains of Moab
22:2
- 24:25 Balak and Balaam
25:1 - 18 Punishment for sin
26:1 - 65 Another census
27:1 - 11 Further laws
27:12 - 23 Joshua - Moses' successor
28:1 - 30:16 Further laws
31:1 - 54 War against the Midianites
32:1 - 42 Some settlement
33:1 - 36:13 Sundry Matters
33:1-56
Summary of journeys
34:1 - 29 Settlement in the land
35:1 - 24 Cities of refuge
36:1 - 13 Concerning inheritance within the tribes
of Israel
|
|
|
Numbers
Author
– Moses
Time – 1,500 – 1,460 B.C.
Summary
– Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch. It is a historical
book, whose name refers to the two censuses which were taken to
number the people. However, it was known to the Jewish people as
"In the Wilderness", because it primarily tells of the rebellion
of the Israelites in the desert where they wandered after the Exodus
from their slavery in Egypt. Because of this rebellion, only 2 men
of the adults leaving Egypt were to enter into the land of Canaan
promised to Abraham in Genesis. The rest died in the desert. The
book covers a 38 year period.
|
Preparation
in the wilderness – Chapter 1 v 1 to 10 v 10
|
|
Passage
|
Subject
|
|
Chapter 1 |
Census of warriors |
|
Chapter 2 |
Order of worshippers |
|
Chapters 3 & 4 |
Service of workers |
|
Chapter 5 |
The camp cleansed from defilement |
|
Chapter 6 |
Separated to God |
|
Ch.7 v 1 to 88 |
Co–operating with God |
|
Ch. 7 v 89 to Ch.10 |
God with His people |
|
Provocation
in the wilderness – Chapter 10 v 11 to 19 v 22
|
|
Passage
|
Subject
|
|
Ch. 10 v 11 to 36 |
Journeying at God’s command |
|
Chapters 11 & 12 |
Murmuring and discontent |
|
Chapters 13 & 14 |
Lack of faith and rejection |
|
Chapter 15 |
Instructions for the next generation |
|
Chapters 16 to 19 |
Revolt against God’s appointments |
|
Vindication
in the wilderness – Chapter 20 v 1 to 36 v 13
|
|
Passage
|
Subject
|
|
Ch. 20 v 1 to 21 v 3 |
The fortieth year: From Kadesh to Hor |
|
Ch. 21 v 4 to 22 v 1 |
To Moab via Ezion–Geber |
|
Ch. 22 v 2 to 25 v 18 |
Balaam’s curse turned into a blessing |
|
Chapters 26 to 36 |
Preparations to enter the Land |
|
