Numbers contains 36 chapters, 1,288 verses, and
32,902 words. When Numbers opens, it has been a year since the
Exodus out of Egypt and the people are still at Mt. Sinai. The
remainder of the book spans 39 years. It records the events of
the Israelites' wanderings from Mt. Sinai to the eastern bank
of the Jordan. The title "Numbers" (Greek, Arithmoi)
is so named because of the censuses that were taken at the beginning
and near the end of the book (chapter 1, the exodus generation,
and chapter 26, their children's generation). The Hebrew title,
Bemidhar, meaning In the Wilderness, describes the
contents of this book. The title, Marching and Murmuring,
describes the character of the people.
The first section, chapters 1:1-10:36, records
the events of the Preparation Period. The tribes were counted
and arranged (Levi separately). Purity of the camp is next discussed
in chapters 5-6 (i.e. Law of Jealousy and the Nazarite Vow). Chapter
7 records the offerings of the Leaders and the Dedication of the
Altar. In chapters 8 and 9, the Levites are pressed into service
and the 2nd Passover is observed, with exception. Chapter 10:1-11
records the Departure from Sinai, the Guiding cloud, and the Silver
Trumpets.
The second section records the events of the Punishment
Period (10:11-25:18). It begins with a three-day journey from
Sinai to Kadesh Barnea. At Kadesh Barnea, 12 spies were sent into
the land. The people followed the majority and did not enter Canaan.
The punishment: a plague that resulted in the death of the ten
unfaithful spies, Joshua and Caleb being spared. The rest of the
generation (those 20 years and older.) wandered 40 years (a year
for a day) in the wilderness and died. The journey from Egypt
to Canaan could have been completed in a matter of weeks, instead
it turned into a 40-year journey. The section includes the ordinance
of the Red Heifer and punishment for the Sabbath violator. The
murmuring of the people (11:1-3; 4-9; 10-30; 31-35; 12:1-3; 13-14;
16:1-50; 20:2-13; 21:4-10). The deaths of Miriam and Aaron are
recorded. On account of Moses' sin at Meribah, he did not lead
the Israelites into Canaan. Other events: Challenges of leadership
(12:1-3; 16:1-50; 17:1-13), Victories and defeat (14:40-45; 21:1-3;
21:21-35). Edom, Moab, and Midian cause problems. Notable characters:
Eleazar, Balaam, Balak, Korah, and Phinehas.
The third section, chapters 26:1-36:13, covers
the Prospective Period which includes a second census of Israel
(26:1-51) and fair methods of land division (26:57-62). Discussion:
Laws of inheritance, replacement of Moses by Joshua (27), rules
concerning sacrifices and vows (28-30), vengeance on the Midianites,
victory without loss (31:1-54), early settlement of Reuben, Gad,
and one-half tribe of Manasseh (32:1-42), and a history of their
journey (33:1-56). The borders of the Promised Land are outlined,
officials appointed for dividing the land (34:1-29), special cities
assigned 48 cities for Levites, and 6 cities of refuge (35:1-39.)
The book closes with the problem of female inheritance (36:1-12).
The book demonstrates the goodness (Deuteronomy
29:5 "And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your
clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen
old upon thy foot.") and severity (the carcasses fell in
the wilderness) of God (Rom. 11:22.). Murmuring is one of the
key terms of the book. The Israelites murmured against Moses and
Aaron (14:2), which was ultimately murmuring against God (14:27).
Murmuring is equal to rebellion (14:9); it reflects a despising
of the Lord (14:11,23). The New Testament writer calls it unbelief.
Let us use this book as a preventive of apostasy (1 Corinthians
10:1-12.). 90 Pleasants Ave., Shinnston, WV 26431. preacherforesha@aol.com