As it does for the rest of the pentateuch, universal jewish and christian tradition attributes the authorship of the book of numbers to moses. Numbers chronicles the experiences of two generations of the nation of israel. The connections and patterns of numerals, when we search them out and understand them, reveal the handiwork of god. Numbers with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. The book of numbers derives its name from the account of the two censuses taken of the hebrew people, one near the beginning and the other toward the end of the journey in the wilderness chaps.
Moses is the central figure within the book, and in at least two instances numbers mentions him recording events by the lords commands numbers 33. Learning contentment in a culture of more is a theme that resonates with each of us the message and lessons contained within this study could not be more timely or relevant. The book has a long and complex history, but its final form is. The count began with the family of reuben, and simeon, gad, judah, issachar, zebulun, manasseh, ephraim joseph, benjamin, dan, asher, and naphtali. Numbers in the picture study bible the book of numbers. It continues the story of that journey begun in exodus, and describes briefly the experiences of the israelites for a period of thirtyeight. There are numerous spiritual lessons to be learned from the fourth book of the old testament. While it is a fairly short distance from egypt to israel, it took the ancient jews 40 years to get there.
You will recall that in genesis, the first book of the pentateuch, we have the creation and fall of man and many beginnings. If you want to rid yourself of discontentment and learn to live a more faithfilled, grateful life, than this bible study is for you. Numbers in the picture study bible the book of numbers with. While many christians may have given up on reading through the ot by the time they get to leviticus and numbers, perseverance is vital. Numbers bible study a free christian bible study resource we hope that this numbers bible study article will provide useful facts, information and ideas for those following a bible study plan. The first generation participated in the exodus from egypt. It continues the story of that journey begun in exodus, and describes briefly the experiences of the israelites for a period of thirtyeight years, from the end of their.
The book of numbers becomes a warning and encouragement for us to follow god and trust his good plan for his people. The english name of the book comes from the septuagint the prechristian greek translation of the ot and is based on the census lists found in. It is a reminder to the believer that even though he has been freed from the bondage of sin egypt, there is still a spiritual battle to be fought in daily life the. Even in their rebellion, god continues to show his incredible love and provision for them. Although the arrangement of some is obvious, others are not and require indepth bible.
Jul, 2018 the book of numbers is the story of these two generations. Most of the events of the book are set in the wilderness. Moses was to take the number of the children of israel ages 20 on up who are able to go to war. But those who study the book may be surprised to discover it teaches many spiritual principles and lessons. The book of numbers the new revised standard translation of this epic road trip. An essential key to understanding the design of gods word is through the meaning of biblical numbers. It continues the story of that journey begun in exodus, and describes briefly the experiences of the israelites for a. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the study guide pdf download. If you want to rid yourself of discontentment and learn to live a more faithfilled, grateful life. In fact, the book is traditionally called numbers because it is divided into parts around the two censuses numberings of these two generations. They contain gods instructions about how his people should live. This is the exact same place where the israelites have been hanging out since god freed them from slavery back in exodus. Preparing for the land, study questions peninsula bible church.
The book of numbers is largely narrative history as far as its genre. It is a bridge between the giving of the law in exodus and leviticus with the entering of the promised land in deuteronomy and joshua. Feb 05, 2016 watch our overview video on the book of numbers, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Learn about faith and rebellion in the book of numbers. The promised land the land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. The number seven is also the most common in biblical prophecy, occurring 42 times in daniel and revelation alone. Study guide for numbers 1 by david guzik blue letter bible. Watch our overview video on the book of numbers, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Numbers chapter 4 summary concerns the duties of the levite family and clan. The prince of bible numbers, it is used 562 times, including its derivatives e.
Once again its name is derived from the septuagint via the vulgate. The book of leviticus as well as the book of numbers follow immediately after the book of exodus. This generation was numbered for the war of conquest in canaan 1. Learning contentment in a culture of more spoelstra, melissa on. Its a book of history that records many of gods miraculous deeds as the israelites wandered in the wilderness. Book of numbers overview insight for living ministries.
Now, fifth, the second and final approach to the promised land numbers 20. But numbers and the rest of the pentateuch were cast in the form of a unified, fivevolume book sometime between the days of joshua and the elders of israel josh. If the lord delights in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. The first 5 books in the bible are called the 5 books of moses. The book of numbers is the fourth of five parts which comprise what scripture calls the book of moses. Longacre, writing in abingdons one volume commentary on the bible, referred to numbers as a late book, dating from postexilic times, giving many references to the imaginary documents so frequently mentioned by the critics. All articles together with tools, activities, aids and materials and are designed to be used by an individual or a christian bible study group or. When we are in the wilderness, we are tempted to launch a hundred different schemes and plans to escape.
The hebrew name for these books is the torah, which means law. Study guide for numbers 20 by david guzik blue letter bible. Theyve been in this same spot for about a year and now theyre getting ready to start out on their journey to this land flowing. The book of numbers is the fourth of five parts which comprise what scripture calls the. Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. Bible class book on numbers david padfield numbers, moses, old testament, bible class, workbook, study guide, israel, youth group, sunday school. The purpose of the book of numbers is to tell about how israel prepared to enter the promise land, but sinned and was punished. This chapter is that simple, it is about the jobs performed by the levites for the house of aaron in the tabernacle. For the 1973 american crime film, see book of numbers film. The israelites disobedience and lack of faith caused god to make them wander in the desert until all the people of that generation had diedwith a. Numbers is so named because a census of israel is taken twice in the book. The book of numbers begins with the words and the lord spake unto moses in the wilderness of sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of egypt. Numbers 40 part study covering the book of numbers. In numbers, israel travels through the wilderness on.
The second episode of the bible series on the history channel focuses on the events of exodus through joshua that means numbers is tucked in there, too. Theyve been in this same spot for about a year and now theyre getting ready to start out on their journey to this land flowing with milk and honey that god keeps talking about. In numbers, israel travels through the wilderness on the way to the land. Introduction to the book of numbers learn religions. Key personalities include moses, aaron, miriam, joshua, caleb, eleazar, korah, and balaam. The idea that the lord spoke to moses is repeated more than 150 times and more than 20 different ways in numbers. God responds with shortterm severity and longterm generosity as he leads them into the promised land. This course is designed as an expository study of the book of numbers, taking the student through selected portions of this old testament book with cross references to other portions of scripture. Numbers 2 commentary james burton coffman commentaries. The book of numbers, called arithmoi meaning arithmetic in the septuagint, gets its name from the census in chapters 1 and 26. This book is actually a gold mine of spiritual truths. It began as god commanded moses and aaron to number the three sons of levi gershon, kohath, and merari, and to start with kohath. A pagan prophet is hired to curse israel, but he only hears words of blessing from god.
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