Classes - Pentateuch - Numbers 1-10:10

Pentateuch: Numbers 1-10:10

A study on the book of Numbers

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Introduction to Numbers

The Book of Numbers begins with the people of Israel still encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai and follows their journey in the wilderness for almost forty years due to their refusal to trust in God’s promises. Why is it called Numbers? Because Israel was counted twice – in chapter 1 and 26. The book describes the wilderness wanderings of Israel because of unbelief. By the end of the story, the second generation of Israelites would have arisen to replace the first. However, Numbers shows us that the wilderness is not merely a physical setting of the story but represents the challenges of harsh reality faced by all readers of this book. The primary problems of our lives may not be external circumstances but our internal struggle to embrace God’s promises in the face of them.

Summary

Author: Moses

Date of writing: It is commonly believed that the Book of Leviticus was written at the foot of Mount Sinai, probably while or right after God gave instructions. Since the book of Numbers describes the people of Israel wandering in the wilderness until they reached the plains of Moab almost forty years later, it would naturally have been written after those forty years, while the people were encamped at the plains of Moab and preparing once again to enter the Promised Land. Since we have dated the exodus event to be between 1446 and 1437 BC, the Book of Numbers was probably written around 1446 and 1397 BC.

Purpose of writing: The theme of Numbers is the gradual fulfilment of the promises to Abraham that his descendants would be the people of God and would occupy the land of Canaan. The book shows God’s presence with Israel in the pillar of cloud and fire over the Tabernacle. It also shows how Israel’s unbelief delays the entry into Canaan and costs many lives. Nevertheless, by the end of the book, Israel is ready to enter the land.

Themes of Numbers

There were four elements to God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1–3, and they all play a role in Numbers.

The land. Numbers describes Israel’s journey toward the Promised Land.
Descendants. Abraham had been promised that his descendants would be as many as the stars of heaven (Genesis 15:5). Jacob’s family consisted of just 70 persons when he entered Egypt (Genesis 46:27). Now they have increased immensely. The first census (Numbers 1:1–46) 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?” (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 sceptre shall rise out of Israel” (24:17).
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 highlighted throughout the book of Numbers.
Blessing to the nations. This is the aspect of the promises to Abraham that is least apparent in Numbers. To a greater or lesser degree, the nations that Israel encounters are all hostile. Nevertheless, Balaam recalls the phrasing of Genesis 12:3 when he says, “Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you” (Numbers 24:9). Nations who treat Israel generously by blessing her will themselves be blessed.

Extracted from ESV Global Bible Study.

Sources:

Outline

Preparing to Leave the Mountain – Numbers 1:1-10:10
a. Census of the First Generation (1:1-4:49)
b. Consecration of the Community (5:1-6:27)
c. Consecration of the Tabernacle (7:1-10:10)
Wandering in the Wilderness – Numbers 10:11-19:22
a. Failures of the First Generation (10:11-15:41)
b. Rebellion in the Wilderness (16:1-19:22)
Emerging in the Wilderness – Numbers 20:1-25:18
a. Failures of the Second Generation (20:1-21:35)
b. Deliverance from the Moabites (22:1-25:18)
Preparing to Enter the Land – Numbers 26:1-36:13
a. Census of the Second Generation (26:1-65)
b. Consecration of the Second Generation (27:1-30:16)
c. Preparation to Inherit the Land (31:1-36:13)

Introduction to Numbers 1-10:10

The nation of Israel was encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai. The first section, Numbers 1-4, opens with a census where the people were numbered. The section continues with laws about how the tribes of Israel were to be arranged in their camp. The Tabernacle was at the centre, surrounded by the priests and Levites, and then the twelve tribes were neatly arranged with Judah at the head. The arrangement of the tribes surrounding the Tabernacle was an elaborate symbol of God’s holy presence at the centre of their existence as a people.

This is followed by a series of laws that further develop the ritual purity laws found in Leviticus. If God’s presence was in their midst, every effort should be made to keep the camp pure, a place that welcomes God’s holiness.

Pre-Video Reading

Read Numbers 1-10:10.

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Application Questions

Why did God order a census in Numbers 1 (refer to Numbers 1:45-46)?
The children of Israel obeyed what the Lord said. They followed his direction, even where they should be encamped (Numbers 2). What instruction/direction has God given you that may not seem important or make sense right now, but you must follow?
Numbers 4 spell out the duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. Sometimes, the task God calls us to do can be a burden. How have you obeyed God when the task seemed too much of a burden?
Read Numbers 8. The Levites had to keep themselves clean and set apart to minister to the Lord and be the intercessors for the people before God. 1 Peter 2:9, Peter calls all believers to a life set apart and holy, just as the priests who came before them lived set apart and holy lives. Now, every one of us represents God before humanity and can intercede for humanity before God. This is the ministry of the church.

Jesus’ blood cleanses us, but we must remain set apart daily. What steps do you take to ensure that you remain set apart from the world?
The people of Israel faithfully followed God’s guidance (Numbers 9:23). How are you following God’s guidance in your life right now?

Closing Reflection

Beyond what we can do for Him, God is far more concerned about His place in our lives. Amid our busy schedules and ministries, we may sometimes end up neglecting our relationship with God. Having God at the centre of our lives is not merely something we sing about in service; it is achieved through our intentional efforts to re-orientate our very being around Him and His Word.

Is God still the front and centre of your life? Who is deciding the direction of your life and your every action? Are there areas of your life simply off-limits to God’s Presence?

Who is the centre of your life?