THE BOOK OF NUMBERS

INTRODUCTION:

1.NUMBERS: The history of Israel’s 40 years in the Wilderness.

2.NAME: A Census (“NUMBERS”) was taken twice (Ch 1, and Ch 26).

3.AUTHOR: MOSES (much internal and external evidence) - cf 33:2.

4.DATE: NUMBERS covers 39 years; from about 1444 BC to 1405 BC.

5.Israel, as a Nation, was in its infancy: They were still encamped at Sinai, only 13 months after the Exodus from Eqypt.

a.Note the date at the end of EXODUS - Ex 40:17.

b.And the date at the beginning of NUMBERS - Num 1:1.

c.The LEVITICUS instructions were given in the month between the two.

6.THEME: Consequence of disbelief in God and disobedience to God.

7.A PREVIEW OF THE BOOK OF NUMBERS:

a.The Book begins with THE OLD GENERATION, Ch 1-14.

b.Then moves through a tragic TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, Ch 15-20.

c.Ends with the NEW GENERATION at doorway to Canaan, Ch 21-36.

8.IMPORTANCE OF THE BOOK - 1Cor 10:1-12; Rom 15:4; Heb 3:7-4:6.

9.We under the New Covenant need these rich spiritual values so as to avoid making like serious mistakes.

1.THE OLD GENERATION: SINAI TO KADESH -- CHAPTERS 1-14.

A.THE NUMBERING: CHAPTERS 1-4.

COUNTING of the people:

(While they were still at Sinai, there was a COUNTING and an arranging of the people.)

1.Ch 1, Numbering of the adult males: Census showed 603,550 males above 20 (suggests a Nation of 2-3 million people). NOTE: For a good discussion of how 70 people (Gen 46:27) could grow to more than 2 million in Egyptian bondage, see the article by Dr. Thomas Whitelaw in PULPIT COMMENTARY on NUMBERS, Chapter One.

a.God was fulfilling His promise to Abraham - Gen 12:2.

b.1:2-3, Shows that the census was for a military purpose.

c.1:18, Only true Israelites could fight Israel’s battles; Might suggest none are to serve today unless “spiritual pedigree” is in order - cf Rom 8:16; Jn 3:5; 1Tim 3:10.

d.1:49-51, Levites not included in general census; They were chosen for special service pertaining to the Tabernacle.

2.Ch 2, Distribution of Tribes: The 2-3 million people were organized around the Tabernacle with military precision.

3.Ch 3, Numbering of the Levite males: Order of the people; Placing of the Levites.

a.3:12-13, The Levites to be God’s special possession, instead of the firstborn from all the other tribes.

b.3:15, Their census included all males from one month old.

4.Ch 4, Distribution of the Levite duties: Their service had to do with the erection of the Tabernacle, its transporta-tion, and related services, such as the tending and driving of animals for sacrifices, and the preparing of incense.

B.THE INSTRUCTING: CHAPTERS 5:1-10:10.

CLEANSING of the people:

1.First Four Chapters give the outward formation of the camp.

2.Next Five Chapters give the inward condition of the camp.

3.Ch 5, Laws about: Lepers; Restitution for dishonest gain; What to do about women suspected of adultery -- All of this emphasizing there must be purity, honesty, and truth.

4.Ch 6, Nazarite vow for a specially consecrated life. Note the well-known benediction of vv24-26 (Use it in a letter!)

5.Ch 7, Freewill Offerings made for the Tabernacle; The Dedication of the Tabernacle.

6.Ch 8, How the priests were separated, and consecrated, to their work.

7.Ch 9, The first Passover memorial observed (This was FELLOWSHIP with God); Information on the Guiding Cloud (This was GUIDANCE from God); vv16-18.

8.10:1-10, Silver trumpets were made to give guidance for the ear just as the pillar gave guidance for the eye.

C.THE JOURNEYING: 10:11-14:45.

COMPLAINTS and disbelief of the people:

1.10:11-13, After a year at Sinai, the Cloud moved and the March began away from Sinai.

2.Ch 10:14-35, Details of the march; Moses’ prayer for Israel.

3.11:1-3, After only 3 days (10:33) they were complaining.

a.They had rest, comfort, provisions, God’s pledge of victory -- And Canaan just ahead. They should have been singing and rejoicing.

b.11:4-35, They had complained about God’s way; And now, they complained about the food He supplied. Even Moses was discouraged - vv10-15.

c.Consequences of their murmuring: God sent so much quail they were sick of it and while they were eating, God sent a very great plague on the people - vv19-20,33.

d.The name given this place (v34) means “Graves Of Lust.”

4.Ch 12, Aaron and Miriam complained about Moses’ leader-ship; For punishment, Miriam was made a leper.

a.Moses prayed for Miriam, and she was healed.

b.Notice how the people were gradually failing; Complaining more and more, because they were trusting less and less.

5.Ch 13, The twelve Spies were sent out: There were conflicting reports from the two spies and the ten spies.

a.13:27, All twelve agreed: “It is a good land!”

b.Ten Spies saw with the eye of flesh, and put the difficulty between themselves and God (as worriers do now).

c.Two Spies saw with the eye of faith, and put God between themselves and the difficulty (as those who trust do now) -- “If I trust, I do not worry; If I worry, I do not trust.” Note Psa 57:1 in this connection.

6.Ch 14, There was a rebellion by the people because the ten spies gave a discouraging report.

a.14:4, With their hand almost on the prize, the people wanted a new leader to take them back to Egypt.

b.14:10, They disbelieved, rebelled, and called for the stoning of Caleb and Joshua.

c.14:11-39, The intercession of Moses could not save these unbelievers destined to be destroyed by their unbelief.

d.The peoples’ rebellion is the pivotal point of the Book, and is the event which turned a triumphant march of a few weeks into a funeral march of 38 years. The Generation of the Exodus would not be the Generation of the Conquest.

e.14:40-45, Having been told what was going to happen, they were ashamed and decided to obey; But God was no longer with them. (Warning: Don’t decide TOO LATE to obey God).

f.Disbelief brings discipline and hinders God’s blessing: The old generation was doomed to wander for 38 years, and never see the Promised Land (only a short distance away!)

TEN men who failed to see God

Saw cities impregnably high;

TWO men, “looking off” unto God,

Saw doom for those cities draw nigh.

TEN men who failed to see God

Saw giants frightfully tall;

TWO men, “looking off” unto God,

Saw giants as grasshoppers small.

TEN men who failed to see God,

Reported, “We’re certain to fail”;

TWO men, “looking off” unto God,

Cried, “Up! For with God we prevail.”

TEN men who failed to see God

Discouraged their brother men;

TWO men perceived God everywhere;

Are WE of the TWO -- or the TEN?

2.WANDERING TRANSITION: IN THE WILDERNESS -- CHAPTERS 15-20.

A.This section covers 38 years of aimless wandering. It marks the transition from the old generation to the new generation.

1.The people were now to be judged by disinheritance and death as the journey changed from one of anticipation to one of aimlessness.

2.Very little is recorded about these empty years.

3.”It took only 40 hours to get Israel out of Egypt, but it took 40 years to get Egypt out of Israel!”

4.There is no indication they remained organized through the 38 years, or that the pillar guided them, or that the Tabernacle accompanied them. They may have just scattered over the area as a faithless, discouraged, and doomed generation.

B.Ch 15, Some additional laws about offerings and priests.

1.Note the first words of the Chapter (vv1-2...): The first revelation after their revolt was a reference to their eventual entering of the Land.

NOTE: (“Man’s delay does not mean God’s defeat”).

2.15:30-31, Disobedience brings sure penalty.

3.15:32-36, Presumption brings sure punishment.

4.15:38-40, The ribband (cord) of blue (the heavenly color) was to be a constant reminder of their heavenly calling, their separation unto God, and their duty to be holy.

5.Ch 16, Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; cf Jude 11.

a.God destroyed the 250 rebels by causing the earth to open and swallow them in an earthquake and a fire.

b.The people complained the punishment was too great! -- BBut it was not, for the rebels had made an attack against GOD’S PRIESTHOOD.

c.A plague came upon the complaining people, and 14,700 of them died!

d.Let’s be extremely careful concerning pronouncements about what God should or should not do; We do not abhor sin enough; WE HAVE NO BUSINESS QUESTIONING GOD - Rom 9:20; 11:22.

6.Ch 17, The rod that budded, blossomed, and bore fruit was God’s vindication to all rebels of Aaron’s high-priesthood.

7.Ch 18, The Divine reaffirmation of the Aaronic Priesthood; The Duties and rights of priests and Levites.

8.Ch 19, Ordinance of a red heifer without spot (a type of Christ, dying to save others); And water of purification.

9.Ch 20, Death of Miriam; Sin of Moses; Death of Aaron.

a.20:1-6, Miriam died; People complained about no water.

b.Water came from a rock when Moses struck it with his rod.

1)20:7-12, His sin seems to have been his anger, and his failure to give God credit and glory for the miracle.

2)Also he struck the rock when authorized only to speak.

3)This tragic mistake barred him from the Land of Canaan.

c.20:14-21, Edomites refused passage through their land.

d.20:22-29, Israel moved southward; Aaron died at Mt. Hor.

C.Their Journey from Egypt to Canaan could have been completed in a few weeks.

1.But the unbelief of the people turned it into a forty-year aimless ordeal.

2.God waited for a whole generation to die before Israel was allowed to go in and possess the Land of Canaan.

3.Later, reading this Book would remind the younger generation of the unbelief of their fathers, and would call them to faithfulness in the New Land.

3.NEW GENERATION: KADESH TO PLAINS OF MOAB -- CHAPTERS 21-36.

A.THE NEW JOURNEYING: CHAPTERS 21-25.

1.Story of the serpent of brass, and the story of Balaam.

2.38 years earlier they had camped at Kadesh-Barnea, the gate of Canaan; Now, once more they are organized and prepared.

3.21:1-3, Canaanites attacked Israel; God gave the victory.

4.21:4-5, Israel had to go around Edom rather than through it; They murmured against God and Moses.

5.21:6-9, God sent fiery serpents; The Serpent of Brass was set up as the only God-given way of being healed - cf the only God-given way for us to be saved - Jn 3:14; Ac 4:12.

6.21:10-18, The people journeyed to the well of singing (This is the first record of their singing since they crossed the Red Sea 40 years earlier).

7.21:19-35, More battles and God-given victories for Israel.

8.Ch 22, Transition was complete; Finally to Plains of Moab, across from Jericho; Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel.

a.Note that Balaam had a knowledge of the true God; This may indicate that the original pure revelation had been passed down among the Gentiles with at least part of the truth intact.

b.There are three New Testament references to Balaam:

1)2Pet 2:15, “The WAY of Balaam.”

2)Jude 11, “The ERROR of Balaam.”

3)Rev 2:14, “The DOCTRINE of Balaam.”

9.Ch 23, God caused Balaam to bless Israel instead of cursing them as Balak desired.

10.Ch 24, Balaam foretold prosperity for Israel.

11.Ch 25, Israelites’ fornication with daughters of Moab; Their worship of Baal; 24,000 of them died in a plague.

B.THE NEW NUMBERING: CHAPTERS 26-27.

1.Ch 26, The Second Census (this is a counting of the new generation -- 601,730 men above 20); The Levites were counted separately (they were not to receive a land inheritance).

2.27:1-11, Some details about plan for dividing up the land.

3.27:12-14, Moses is told of his exclusion from Canaan.

4.27:15-17, Moses’ great heart is concerned first for God and for God’s people, rather than for himself.

5.27:18-23, Joshua is inducted into office as the new leader.

C.THE NEW INSTRUCTING: CHAPTERS 28-36.

1.Ch 28, Several laws about sacrifices and vows.

2.Ch 29, Instructions about: The Feast of Trumpets; The Feast of Tabernacles; And The Day of Atonement.

3.Ch 30, The Laws of Vows to God: Were not to be carelessly made; And they were not to be broken, see vv1-2.

4.Ch 31, Judgment and destruction of the Midianites. They deserved this punishment because they had led Israel into immorality and idolatry.

a.To see the FILTHY WAY OF LIFE of the Canaanite nations (Lev 18:20-25,27,30; Rom 1:18-32), and to see God’s command to destroy them (Ex 23:23-24), is to understand WHY they had to be exterminated.

b.God is the Sovereign Creator, The Almighty; He has absolute right to determine the means to this necessary end.

c.As to the destruction of women and children, remember it was the Midianite women who earlier had caused Israel to sin (vv15-16). The only way to prevent further ungodliness was to eliminate the problem entirely; and it was merciful to spare the children from having to be reared as unwanted orphans.

5.Ch 32, The Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were given their share of land east of the Jordan River. This was done on the condition they would go over Jordan and help their brethren conquer the Land.

a.32:1-5, They walked by sight, and wanted to compromise.

b.They soon served the gods of the nearby people, and were the first to go away into the Captivity of later years.

c.Is this a type of lukewarm (“on the fringe”) Christians?

6.Ch 33, This is a summary of the people’s journey from Egypt to the Jordan River and a record of God’s order to drive out the Canaanites; see vv1-2,55-56.

7.Ch 34-36, Preparations completed for settling in Canaan.

a.Ch 34, Boundaries were set for Israel’s occupation of the Promised Land; and preparations were made for them to enter the Land.

b.Ch 35, Forty-eight Cities were to be for the Levites; Six of them were to be Cities of Refuge (for the safety of involuntary manslayers).

c.Ch 36, This chapter gives final instructions for dividing Canaan among the Tribes. It also gives assurance as to the security of each Tribe’s inheritance.

CONCLUSION:

1.SUMMARY of the Book of NUMBERS - 33:1.

2.The MESSAGE of the Book: A Call To Faithfulness.

3.NUMBERS is a Book of Divine Discipline.

a.It was necessary for the Nation of Israel to go through the painful process of growing up.

b.God had to teach them the error of irresponsible decisions.

4.NUMBERS closes with the people ready to take possession of the Land of Canaan in fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham - Gen 12:5-7 (“Unto thy seed will I give this land”).

5.After receiving Moses’ farewell instructions (given in the Book of Deuteronomy), they would finally enter the Promised Land.

CHRIST IN THE BOOK OF NUMBERS:

1.The bronze serpent on a pole was a picture of the crucifixion of the Son of God - 21:4-9; Jn 3:14-15; 12:32.

2.The manna pictured the Bread of Life from Heaven - Jn 6:31-35.

3.The Star of Jacob was a prophetic picture of the Rulership of Christ - 24:17,19; Rev 22:16.

4.The Guidance and Presence of Christ are seen in the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire.

5.The Cities of Refuge picture the sinner’s refuge in Christ.

6.The Sovereign Lord Who provided their needs is the same Lord Who provides our needs today - 1Cor 10:4.

CONTRIBUTION OF THE BOOK OF NUMBERS TO THE BIBLE:

1.The wilderness experience is used to illustrate spiritual truth to Christians - 1Cor 10:1-12.

2.The Book of NUMBERS teaches the danger of self-indulgence and immorality - cf Heb 3:7-4:6.

3.Another important lesson from Numbers is: FAITH SOMETIMES REQUIRES TRUSTING GOD AGAINST APPEARANCES.

4.In GENESIS God ELECTED a people;

In EXODUS He REDEEMED them;

In LEVITICUS He SANCTIFIED them;

In NUMBERS He DIRECTED them.

(Thus, we have 4 words for the first 4 Books!)

NOTE: We too can be ELECTED, 1Pet 1:2;

REDEEMED, 1Pet 1:18-19;

SANCTIFIED, 1Pet 1:2,15-16;

DIRECTED, 1Pet 1:22-23.

NUMBERS IN SIX WORDS:

Old Generation; Tragic Transition; New Generation.

OLD GENERATION (Chapters 1-14):

1.Preparation.

2.Waiting.

3.Sinai to Kadesh.

4.These Chapters cover about two months.

TRAGIC TRANSITION (Chapters 15-20):

1.Postponement.

2.Wandering.

3.In Wilderness.

4.These Chapters cover about thirty-eight years.

NEW GENERATION (Chapters 21-36):

1.Promise.

2.Waiting.

3.Kadesh To Moab.

4.These Chapters cover a few months.

NOTE: The Chart below provides a “Picture” as it were of the above six-word summary of the Book of Numbers.

CHAPTERS 1-14 | CHAPTERS 15-20 | CHAPTERS 21-36

OLD GENERATION | WANDERING TRANSITION | NEW GENERATION

Preparation | Postponement | Promise

Waiting | Wandering | Waiting

Sinai To Kadesh | In The Wilderness | Kadesh to Moab

2 Months | 38 Years | Few Months