Numbers

Introduction

This fourth book of the Old Testament picks up the story of Israel’s origins. The descendants of Abraham, God’s man of faith, have been freed from slavery in Egypt. They have been guided to Sinai, where they were given a complex Law to live by and a tabernacle at which to worship. Now the Israelites are about to set out from Sinai on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Because of disobedience, that journey, which could have ended in rest for God’s people within a few short months, was extended to some 38 years. On it, the generation that began Israel’s pilgrimage died, to be replaced by a generation willing and eager to follow the Lord.

Numbers takes its name from the censuses which it records. The book is half narrative and half legislation. Its focus is the Promised Land toward which Israel journeys. Its stories and its laws are filled with lessons that we can apply on our own earthly pilgrimages toward heaven.

Outline of Contents

1. At Sinai— Num. 1-9
   1. Organizing the camp— Num. 1-4
   2. Cleansing and dedication— Num. 5-9
2. The Lost Generation— Num. 10-19
   1. The journey to Kadesh— Num. 10-12
   2. Israel’s disobedience— Num. 13-14
   3. Years of wandering— Num. 15-19
3. The New Generation— Num. 20-36
   1. Kadesh to Moab— Num. 20-21
   2. Balaam— Num. 22-25
   3. Preparation for victory— Num. 26-30
   4. Promises of victory— Num. 31-36

Reading Guide (6 Days)

If hurried, you may read only the “core passage” in your Bible and the Devotional in each chapter of this Commentary.