Introduction to Numbers

Name

The English title “Numbers” is derived from the Septuagint name “Arithmoi” because of the two military censuses (chapters 1 & 26). The Hebrew title, Bemidbar, means “In the Wilderness” and describes the geographical setting for much of the book.

Author

The book of Numbers does not explicitly say that Moses is the author. However, scholars have traditionally held that Moses is the author. We know that Moses kept a journal (33:2), and the phrase “The Lord spoke to Moses” is used 31 times.

Genre

Law

Literary Form

Historical Narrative

Time Frame

Numbers continues the Exodus story. It begins about one month after the close of Exodus or about a year since the Israelite’s departure from Egypt. It covers nearly 39 years of the Israelite’s wanderings from Mt Sinai to the plains on the eastern side of the Jordan River.

Emphasis

The book of Numbers emphasizes five major themes about God and the relationship between God and the people of Israel:

  1. The holiness of God
  2. The sinfulness of mankind
  3. The requirement of obedience to God
  4. The tragic result of disobedience to God
  5. The faithfulness of God to His covenant with Israel

 Outline

  1. Preparation for travel (1:1-10:10)
  2. Journey to Kadesh Barnea (10:11-14:45)
  3. Journey to the plains of Moab (15:1-22:1)
  4. The Moabites and Balaam (22:2-25:18)
  5. Preparations for entering the Promised Land (26-36)

 

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