Numbers

Every parent knows the shrill whine of a young child – a slow high-pitched complaint that grates on the eardrums and aggravates the soul. The tone of voice is difficult to bear but the real irritation is the underlying cause – discontentment and disobedience. As the “children” of Israel journeyed from the foot of Mount Sinai to the land of Canaan, they grumbled, whined, and complained at every turn. They focused on their present discomforts. Faith had fled, and they added an extra 40 years to their trip.

Numbers, which records the tragic story of Israel’s unbelief, should serve as a dramatic lesson for all God’s people. God loves us, and wants the very best for us. He can and should be trusted. Numbers also gives a clear portrayal of God’s patience. Again and again he withholds judgment and preserves the nation. But his patience must not be taken for granted. His judgment will come. We must obey.

As Numbers begins, the nation of Israel was camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. The people had received God’s laws and were preparing to move. A census was taken to determine the number of men fit for military service. Next, the people were set apart for God. God was making the people both spiritually and physically, ready to receive their inheritance.

But then the complaining soon began. First, the people complained about food. Next, it was over Moses’ authority. God punished some people but spared the nation because of Moses’ prayers. The nation then arrived at Kadesh, and spies were sent into Canaan to assess its strength. Ten returned with fearful stories of giants. Only Caleb and Joshua encouraged the nation to “go up and take possession of the land” (13:30). The minority report fell on deaf ears full of the ominous message of the majority. Because of their unbelief, God declared that the present generation would not live to see the promise land. Thus, the “wanderings” began. These desert wanderings featured a continuous pattern of grumbling, defiance, discipline and death. How much better it would have been to have trusted God and entered his land! Then the terrible waiting began – waiting for the old generation to die off and waiting to see if the new generation could faithfully obey God.

Numbers ends as it begins, with preparation. This new generation of Israelites was numbered and sanctified. After defeating numerous armies, they settled on the east side of the Jordan River. Then they faced their greatest test: to cross the river and possess the beautiful land God had promised them.

The lesson is clear. God’s people must trust him, moving ahead by faith if they are to claim his promised land.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To tell the story of how Israel prepared to enter the promised land, how they sinned and were punished, and how they prepared to try again.

Author: Moses

Original Audience: The people of Israel

Date Written: 1450 -1410 B.C.

Where Written: In the desert during Israel’s wanderings, somewhere in the Sinai peninsula

Setting: The vast desert of the Sinai region, as well as lands just south and east of Canaan

Key Verses: “not one of the men who saw my glory and miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times – not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it (14: 22, 23)

Key People: Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb, Eleazar, Korah, Balaam

Key Places: Mount Sinai, promised land (Canaan), Kadesh, Mount Hor, plains of Moab

MEGA THEMES:

Themes	Explanation	Importance
Census	Moses counted the Israelites twice. The first census organized the people into marching units to better defend themselves. The second prepared them to conquer the country east of the Jordan River	People have to be organized, trained, and led to be effective in great movements. It is always wise to count the cost before setting out on some great undertaking. When we are aware of the obstacles before us, we can more easily avoid them. In God’s work, we must remove barriers in our relationships with others so that our effectiveness is not diminished.
Rebellion	At Kadesh, 12 spies were sent out into the land if Canaan to report on the fortifications of the enemies. When the spies returned, 10 said they should give up and go back to Egypt. As a result, the people refused to enter the land. Faced with a choice, Israel rebelled against God. Rebellion did not start with an uprising but with griping and murmuring against Moses and God	Rebellion against God is always a serious matter. It is not something to take lightly, for God’s punishment for sin is often very severe. Our rebellion does not usually begin with all-out warfare but in subtle ways – with griping and criticizing. Make sure your negative comments are not the product of a rebellious spirit.
Wandering	Because they rebelled, the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert. This shows how severely God can punish sin. Forty years was enough time for all those who held on to Egypt’s customs and values to die off. It gave time to train up a new generation in the ways of God.	God judges sin harshly because he is holy. The wanderings in the desert demonstrate how serious God considers flagrant disobedience of his commands. Purging our lives of sin is vital to God’s purpose.
Canaan	Canaan is the promised land. It was the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – the land of the covenant. Canaan was to be the dwelling place of God’s people, those set apart for true spiritual worship.	Although God’s punishment for sin is often severe, he offers reconciliation and hope – his love is truly amazing. Just as God’s love and law led Israel to the promised land, God desires to give purpose and destiny to our lives.