Name - This fourth book of the Pentateuch, written by Moses, takes its name from the
enumerations of Israel at Sinai and at Moab.
Relation to Former Books - Historically, the book takes up the story of Israel's journey from
Egypt to the border of Canaan where they deflected at Kadesh-barnea and refused to enter the
Land of Promise. It then continues with their wanderings in the wilderness for thirty-eight (some
say forty) years under the judgement of God, until all the nation twenty years of age and older had
died, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, and a new generation grew up and was developed.
While the book is a history of more than thirty-eight years, comparatively little is recorded of
those weary, disciplinary wanderings; the greater portion of the record deals with the happenings
of the last year. It brings Israel to Kadesh-barnea for the second time, thence to Moab east of the
Jordan.
Subject - The central idea of the book is service; associated with this thought is that of walk,
involved in journeyings. The whole purpose of the enumerations is that of service in the wars
ahead. The key phrase, "all that are able to go forth to war," appears fourteen times in the first
chapter. In the incidents recorded, emphasis is placed upon the disciplinary judgements of God
for Israel's lack of faith and courage and for violations of His laws. It was a period when Israel
learned the lessons that were calculated to have a steadying influence upon the future life of the
nation. The book is of superlative value in illustrations and types that refer to Christ and the
Christian experience, and is rich in Messianic material.
Outline - Numbers may be advantageously considered under five chief divisions: I. Preparations
for Departure from Sinai (1:1-10:10) II. Journey from Sinai to Kadesh-barnea (10:11-12:16)
III. The Sojourn at Kadesh-barnea (13:1-19:22) IV. Wilderness Wanderings (20:1-33:49) V.
Closing Instructions (33:50-36:13)
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