Putting the Book of Numbers in Perspective

The Placement of the book of Numbers in the Old Testament. Numbers follows the book of Leviticus, a book which is largely filled with rules and regulations from God. In Numbers, we see how the people of Israel, now freed from Egyptian slavery, relate to God who has freed them, and how God responds to their faithlessness and rebellion. In addition to being a book in itself, Numbers is the fourth book of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament and the heart of the Jewish religion.

The Reason for the Name of the Book. The easiest part of getting some perspective on the Old Testament book of Numbers is to explain why it is called Numbers. The title is taken from the two countings or numberings of the Israelite men 20 years old and older that occur in the book. The first numbering takes place soon after the Israelites leave Egypt and are camped at Mt. Sinai where they had received the Ten Commandments, the rest of Law, and the plans for the Tabernacle, their traveling place of worship.

The first census reveals that there are 603,550 men 20 years old and older. The second census, taken after 40 years of wandering in the desert and the dying off of the older generation, reveals that there are 601,730 men 20 years old and older. When you add in women and children, you see that there was quite a crowd that left Egypt to journey to the Promised Land of Israel.

Applying An Old Book to Our Modern Lives.

Many Bible scholars agree that there are three major elements in studying the Bible:

Observation: What does the passage say?
Interpretation: What did the passage mean to the original readers?
Application: What does the passage mean to me?

Even though Numbers is a Jewish book, it has important lessons for Christian believers. I write from the context of a Christian who finds much of value in the Old Testament.

Partial List of Subjects Covered in Numbers. It's difficult to summarize easily the book of Numbers because of the wide variety of topics covered. Here are the highlights of the book:

The Two Numberings of the Israelites
The Arrangements of the Twelve Tribes when Camped and when Marching
Assignments of the Levites with Regard to the Tabernacle
Regulations for Offerings and Feasts
Spies in the Promised Land
The Punishment of 40 Years of Wandering
Rebellions against God and Moses
The Punishment of Moses for Disobedience
The Itinerary of the Travels and Battles of the Israelites
The Arrival at the Border of the Promised Land

Important Lessons for God's People In Every Age. When we look at broad categories in the book of Numbers, we can find lessons that apply to believers--whether Jewish or Christian--in every age. Here are some of the more important ones:

When We're God's People, We Need to Allow God to be In Charge. That should be obvious, but too often we say one thing and practice another. In the book of Numbers, God has told the Israelites that they are to wander for 40 years because of their lack of faith in God. The events of the 40 years vividly show the benefits of allowing God to rule and what happens when God's leadership is ignored.

The Place of God in Our Lives. When the Israelites were camped, the Tabernacle, representing the dwelling of God, was located right in the middle of the people. When the tribes traveled, the Ark, specifically representing God, was in the lead. This twofold picture shows us that God needs to be in us and leading us.

Rebellion against God has Consequences. The brother and sister of Moses questioned whether or not God had really chosen Moses to lead the Israelites. Miriam, apparently the primary spokesperson against her brother, is punished with a short-term case of leprosy. In another event, several men lead an uprising against Moses. Death is their punishment for opposing, in essence, the God who chose Moses.

Leadership Carries Not Only Authority, but Also Responsibility. In Numbers 20, Moses, in anger, strikes a rock to get water for the people, instead of speaking to it as God has ordered. As a result, Moses will not be allowed to enter the Promised Land. Harsh? It seems so, but as a leader-especially a leader representing God-Moses has a special responsibility to show what it means to be submitted to divine authority. The negative effects resulting from the scandals of many religious leaders today should alert us to the fact that religious leadership still carries a heavy responsibility. Leadership is not to be entered into lightly.

The Detailed Assignment of Duties and Explanations of Offerings and Feasts. Someone once asked a Christian leader what he thought about the detailed genealogies in the Bible. His reply, "I see that God is very orderly." The same applies to the listing of duties and explanations: God wants things done in a certain way. This should be a comfort to us when we wonder if our little lives count for much in the eyes of God.

Trust in the Lord, Not In Yourself. The sad truth that emerges from the episode of the spies entering the Promised Land to see what was there and how strong the inhabitants were is that most of the spies left God out of their report and said that there was no way the Israelites could conquer the land. Things are no different today when God's people excuse their lack of service and witness by saying that they are simply too weak or inadequate to do what God has commanded.

Even though the book of Numbers contains ancient history, it is still very much a relevant book for believers today. Read it and use it to see how God fits into your life.