Introduction to Numbers
The Greek and Latin title of this book is Numbers—based on the three censuses in chapters 1, 3–4, and 26. See also 23:10. In the Hebrew Bible, it is titled In the Wilderness—based on the opening words of the book. The word “wilderness” occurs 44 times in this book, so that is a fitting title as well.
Famous Stories in Numbers
Section titled “Famous Stories in Numbers”This book is filled with a number of famous incidents that occurred during Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the wilderness after coming up out of Egypt and before entering the promised land:
- Miriam and Aaron oppose Moses; Miriam’s leprosy (ch. 12)
- The twelve spies; grapes of Eshcol; the bad report, except from Joshua and Caleb (ch. 13)
- Rebellion of the people; punishment of forty years’ wandering (ch. 14)
- Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; the earth swallows them (ch. 16)
- Rebellion of the people; Aaron with a censer stands between the dead and the living (16:41–50)
- Aaron’s rod that budded (ch. 17)
- Waters of Meribah: Moses strikes the rock (ch. 20)
- The bronze serpent (ch. 21)
- Defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan (ch. 21)
- Balaam’s talking donkey (ch. 22)
- Balaam’s four oracles (chs. 23–24), including the “Star and Scepter” prophecy (24:17)
- Sexual immorality and Baal worship at Peor; the zeal of Phinehas (ch. 25)
Outline of Numbers
Section titled “Outline of Numbers”ESV Study Bible
| Section | Location / Chapters |
|---|---|
| Law-giving at Sinai | Exod. 19–Num. 10 |
| Travelogue: Journey from Sinai to Kadesh | Num. 10:11–12:16 |
| Law-giving at Kadesh | Num. 13–19 |
| Travelogue: Journey from Kadesh to the Plains of Moab | Num. 20–21 |
| Law-giving on the Plains of Moab | Num. 22–36 |
“The book begins with Israel’s making final preparations to leave Sinai. It then records their triumphal setting out, before relating a series of disasters in which the people grumbled about the difficulty of the journey and the impossibility of conquering Canaan. This response leads to God delaying the entry to Canaan by 40 years. The closing chapters of the book tell how the people at last set out again and reached the banks of the Jordan, poised to cross into the land promised to their forefathers.” — ESV Study Bible
Themes
Section titled “Themes”- Israel is on the verge of entering the promised land (ch. 13).
- Abraham’s countless seed (23:10).
- God’s unfailing covenant commitment (23:19–23).
- Cursing turned into blessing (23:11; Deut. 23:5).
- Messianic prophecy (24:17–19).
Israel in the Wilderness → Church
Section titled “Israel in the Wilderness → Church”The New Testament views Israel’s wilderness period as a type of the church before Christ’s second coming:
- 1 Cor. 10:1–13: “… they were overthrown in the wilderness.”
- Heb. 3:7–19: “… in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.”
Similarities Between Israel and the Church
Section titled “Similarities Between Israel and the Church”- Redemption is behind us (Exodus / cross); future inheritance is ahead (land / heaven).
- God’s presence is among his people, leading them to the promised land (cloud and rock / Spirit).
- Both are mixed covenant communities: elect and non-elect (1 Cor. 10:1–5).
- Both experience wilderness trials (Deut. 8:2–3).
Differences Between Israel and the Church
Section titled “Differences Between Israel and the Church”- The inheritance is not conditional on law-keeping, but guaranteed by Christ.
- Even Moses and Aaron sinned and were punished to die before entering the land. In this, they were types of Christ, who bears the sin of his people so that we may inherit.
- We have a greater redemption, a greater presence, and a greater inheritance.
- We enter God’s rest by faith (Heb. 4:1–3).