NUMBERS

What do you see in this book that tells you about the original readers?
The introduction to Numbers in Sourceview Bible (SVB) tells that this book is about the story of God's people wandering in the desert for almost 40 years. They have been wandering around in this fairly small area, waiting to enter the Promised land (14:34). Because of their time in Egypt and the mindset they have got there, they still need to be taught in details about God’s holiness (14:11).

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

It is still Moses that writes - about 40 years after the exit from Egypt. Although Israel continue to be in turmoil and complains a lot, he continues to carry the burden of being the nation's leader (11:11-15). The Lord uses him as a mediator for Israel, giving them laws and regulations, but they are stubborn and complain often – both about the life in general (20:2-3) and with Moses and Aaron (16:3).

Moses wrote down this story to document the people of Israel's past when it came to creating their future.

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “Main Idea”.

Numbers is divided in 3 main periods:
- The old generation (1.1-10:10). Tells about the preparation to go to the Promised land. The Levites were set apart from the community (3:7-8) for performing their sacred duties in and around the Tabernacle and Aaron and his sons were pointed out as priesthood (3:10).
- Transition time (10:11 – 25:18). Contains  the end of the old generation, because of their unwillingness to go into the Promised land after they heard the report from the scouts gave (13:27- 33 ). This period was characterized by an increasingly complaining of the Israelites.  The people began to complain to the Lord that they had so much pain. When the Lord heard it, his anger flared up (11:1)
- The new generation (ch 26-36). A period of one year, the people is challenged by the enemies living around them, as they went through the last preparations before the conquest of Canaan.

A one sentence summary of the Main idea: God wants to be in the center of their lives (just as the Tabernacle), but they don’t obey, so only the young people will enter the Promised land (14:29-31).

                                                   

What is the primary reason this book was written?
God had a fervent desire for fellowship and faithfulness between Him and His people. But this book tells about the lack of loyalty from the people's side. The story tells of Israel People's disobedience and rebellion, and God's punishment for sin in light of God's faithfulness and patience with his beloved people. (SVB, 170)

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Even if the Israelites have a lot of sins and complaints, God's treatment of his people during this period shows the goodness, patience and mercifulness of God. (21:4-9)

The Lord gets angry a lot of times, but also shows his mercy and justice (14:20-25). The Israelites must take the consequences of their sins.

Also in 16:24 we see God’s anger, where He is about to wipe out the whole people. But Moses and Aaron pleaded God only destroying the one man who sinned. God answered the prayer (16:21-24).

He wants to dwells within His people (9:15-23). I think this is a timeless truth (John 14:26).

Gods word comes true (11:23).

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

One thing in the Numbers that foreshadows Jesus is that in verse in 9:12 about the offering Lamb, “and they must not break any of its bones”. In John 19:36 we read about Jesus as the ultimate clean sacrifice, not any of His bones were broken even though it was a common thing to do.

Throughout the whole book we see as described above Gods grace and mercy, that foreshadows the divine grace we have in Jesus Christ. (Eph.1:7-9)

The way God provided for the people with manna we can also read about in John 6:33 where Jesus speaks about Himself as bread from Heaven.

Personal Application:

I am challenged by why the Israelites complaints after all they have seen of Gods faithfulness. But I can recognize this in my own life. Even if I have experienced so much of God’s love, his mercy, help and protection, I often can fair when I stand in front of new challenges/problems/situations.

My prayer to God is that I more can trust the Lord and rest in Him in every aspect of my life.

Point of passion:

Like the new generation of Israelites the Shan-people consists of many young christian boys and girls. This week-end I will pray especially for these people – that the Lord shall encourage them and lead them by walking in front of them.