The Book of Numbers

The books title, "Numbers", first occurs in the Greek and Latin versions. It is a reference to the two censuses, or "numberings" taken of the Israelite men. Most of the book, however, describes Israel's experiences while wandering in the desert. Because of this, the book is known in the Hebrew Old Testament as "In the Desert".


Numbers is a sequel to the history recorded in the book of Exodus. Shortly before leaving Mount Sinai, God directed Moses to take a census of all the Israelite men who met the requirements necessary to go to war. Nineteen days later, the nation departed for a brief journey to Kadesh. While at Kadesh, Israel rebelled against God and His plan for them to take possession of the land. As a result, God judged the people of that generation by allowing them to wander in the desert for another 39 years. At the end of that time, God brought an entirely new generation of Israelites to the plains of Moab, which was across the Jordan River from Jericho and the promised land.


Numbers was written to explain why Israel did not enter the promised land immediately after leaving Mount Sinai. It explains how God requires His people to have faith in order to fulfill His plans and promises. It reveals the results and judgments for rebellion. It also shows how God's ongoing purposes will always come to pass.


The primary message of Numbers is clear: God's people made progress only by depending on Him, trusting His promises and obeying His Word. Passing through the desert was a necessary test of faith on the way to the promised land. However, it was not God's original intention for a whole generation to die there. The journey became a 39 year trial because of the unbelief of the people. Israel as a whole rebelled against God. Moses was so frustrated with this ungrateful and rebellious people that he offended God and died before he crossed over to the promised land.


Six major features characterize Numbers: 1. It is the Book of Desert Wanderings". It tells why Israel did not enter the promised land directly after leaving Mount Sinai, but had to continue wandering aimlessly for 39 more years. 2. It is the "Book of Murmurings", revealing the repeated grumbling and complaining of the people and how God responded. 3. The book illustrates the principle that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Only when people depended completely on God and took Him at His Word did they make progress. 4. Numbers teaches the principle that if one generation fails, God will raise up another one to fulfill His promises and carry out His mission. 5. The slight difference in the number of men available for war that we find from the two censuses reveals that it was not the size of Israel's army that kept the people out of Canaan the first time. It was a lack of faith and obedience that caused them to lose out on God's promise. 6. It is the "Book of Divine Discipline", showing that God will exercise correction and judgment against His own people when they continue to doubt and complain.


Israel's complaining and unfaithfulness in the desert are pointed out as warnings for followers of Jesus under the new covenant (1 Co. 10:5-11; Hebrews :16, 4:6).