introducing NUMBERS

Numbers

The book of Numbers is an interesting book to read despite the numerical listings recorded in its pages. Incidentally, the book’s name is derived from the Greek name of the book Arithmoi which was translated in Vulgate as Numeri probably based on the censuses conducted from the moment Moses gathered the Hebrew people at the foot of Mt Sinai up to the time they were about to settle in the promised land.

Beyond the numerical listings, Numbers tells the story of the experiences of the Hebrew people as they journeyed for nearly forty years in the desert on their way to the land promised to them by God, thirteen months after they left slavery in Egypt. This is the reason why the Hebrew name for the book is bemidbar which means, “In the Desert.”

Numbers, Israel was a young nation going through the painful process of growth as God led the people to trust Him as their leader and provider. What makes Numbers remarkable is that the book establishes God’s faithfulness despite the people’s unfaithfulness, impatience, murmurings and outright rebellion.

The book also provides us with a dramatic portrait of God, Moses and the people as they struggle to turn the disasters in their wilderness journey into a success and blessing. The book tells of how the Hebrew people learned the bitter consequence of unbelief and unfaithfulness.

Numbers also contains materials for the worship patterns of Israel. It contains the Aaronic Benediction, instructions on Passover and instructions for worship. At the end, the pulse of the book is worship, as it challenges us to worship God, trust his plans and promises for us.

Other interesting stories in Numbers:
a. The story of the 12 spies
b. The water from the rock
c. The story of the Bronze Snake
d. Balaam and the Talking Donkey
e. The claim of women for inheritance