The Book of Numbers

Fourth in the Books known as the Pentateuch stands the Book of Numbers.  The Book reveals the gradual fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham.  "The English title “Numbers” (Gk. Arithmoi) is borrowed from the name of the book in the Greek translation of the OT, the Septuagint. This title is based on the presence of census returns in chapters 1–4 and 26. The fifth word of the book in Hebrew, “in the wilderness” (Hb. bemidbar), constitutes its Hebrew title and perhaps gives a better summary of its contents." [1]

Numbers also is a biography of Moses as Israel wanders in the wilderness.  It reveals Moses' character and unique role as mediator. It also shows why Moses, himself, did not enter Canaan.

The key thought in this Book is this: “‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’” (Numbers 14:18, NIV)   "God chastens his disobedient people but reaffirms his intent to bring them into the Promised Land." [2]

The Gospel in Numbers: "Disobedience demands judgment, and everyone disobeys—except one. There is one person, the God-man Jesus Christ, who did not sin and yet paid the price for the disobedience and rebellion of all the rest of us schlubs." [3]   "Their trials greatly tended to distinguish the wicked and hypocrites from the faithful and true servants of God, who served him with a pure heart." [4]

 

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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 257). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
2. Williams, M. (2012). How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture (p. 25). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
3. Ibid,  (p. 27).
4. Henry, M., & Scott, T. (1997). Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary (Nu 1:1). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems.