Numbers

Purpose
The book of Numbers highlights the grace and faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, despite Israels faithlessness.

Authorship & Genre

Numbers is the fourth volume of the Pentateuch, which was authored primarily by Moses. Its genre is primarily narrative, along with significant portions law and historiography (historical facts and figures in the form of census data).

Key Verse
Numbers 14:22-33 Surely all the men who have seen My glory and My signs which I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who spurned Me see it.

Structure
1 9 10-12 Journey to Kadesh-Barnea 13 19 20-21 Journey to Plains of Moab 22 36

Israel camped at Mt. Sinai

Israel camped at Kadesh-Barnea

Israel camped on the Plains of Moab

The First Generation

The Second Generation

Theological Themes
Testing: Numbers recounts both Israels testing of God and Gods subsequent testing of Israel. When humans test the Lord, it demonstrates lack of faith. Conversely, God tests His people to build their faith. Balaams Prophecies: Even after Israels repeated failures, God demonstrates His commitment to His covenant with Abraham by promising prosperity to Israel and ultimately a King from Israel who would bring justice to the entire world! Inadequacy of the Law: Even though the Law had just been given, Numbers hints that it would ultimately be insufficient to truly change the hearts of men and women. The trajectory set in Numbers is not a positive one for humanitys ability to keep the Law. Grace and Mercy: Despite the peoples inability to keep the Law, God responds by repeatedly providing means for their relationship to be mended. The story of the bronze serpent, for example, provides a powerful foreshadow of the salvation offered to us today through Jesus Christ.