Author : Keith Sharp
AuthorMoses wrote the book of Numbers (1:1).
NameThe book receives its name from the “numberings” (censuses) of Israel recorded in the book. The first census was of the original generation which left Egypt, who perished in the wilderness (chapters 1 – 4). The second census was of their children, the succeeding generation, which took Canaan (chapter 26).
AudienceNumbers was primarily written to Israel (15:1-2).
ThemeThe theme of the book of Numbers is
The Wilderness Wanderingsof Israel (14:26-35).
PurposeThe primary purpose of Numbers was to prepare Israel for the conquest of Canaan (14:31). However, the events recorded therein are a solemn warning to God’s people in every generation of the danger of falling away (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Hebrews 3:7-19). Of 603,550 men, “from twenty years old and above – all … able to go to war in Israel,”except from the tribe of Levi (1:2-3; 2:32-33), only two men, Joshua and Caleb, were allowed to enter Canaan (26:64-65). The overthrow of Israel in the wilderness stands as a mute but emphatic warning of the possibility of apostasy.
Outline1. Preparation for the Journey (at Mt. Sinai) – 1:1 – 10:10
a. The First Census – chapter 1
b. Organization for the Journey – chapters 2 – 4
c. Laws of Purity & Vows – chapters 5 – 6
d. Offerings for the Leaders – chapter 7
e. Service at the Tabernacle – chapter 8
f. The Supplementary Passover – 9:1-14
g. Cloud & Trumpets for the Journey – 9:15 – 10:10
2. Journeys (Mt. Sinai to the Plains of Moab, the Wilderness Wanderings) – 10:11 – 21:35
a. Departure – 10:11-36
b. The Failure of a Generation – chapters 11-14
c. The Death of a Generation (38 years of wandering) – chapters 15 – 21
3. Preparation for Conquest (in the Plains of Moab) – chapters 22 – 36
a. Baalam & Balak – chapters 22 – 25
b. The Second Census – chapter 26
c. Additional Laws – chapters 27 – 30
d. Final Preparation – chapters 31 – 36
