Introduction to Numbers

The book of Numbers is about Israel’s 40-year journey through the wilderness toward Canaan, the promised land—a place God had long ago promised to their forefather Abraham (Gen 12:1–3). Numbers begins in the Sinai Desert, shortly after Yahweh gave His law to Moses, the man who led the Israelites out of slavery (see Exodus). Numbers ends with the Israelites on the Plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from the promised land. The book contains narratives, laws, poetry, and census lists. The various genres create a holistic picture of the Israelites’ journey and their developing relationship with God.

Background

The title, Numbers, refers to two censuses taken to count the members of Israel’s tribes—one at Mount Sinai (Num 1–4) and one in Moab (ch. 26). The Bible often includes records like these to provide a snapshot of the Hebrew people at significant turning points in their history. This time of wandering likely dates to the 15th or 13th centuries bc.

According to Jewish and Christian traditions, Moses wrote Numbers along with the rest of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). However, the books of the Pentateuch do not explicitly name Moses as their author and may have been compiled over a long period (see the “Introduction to Genesis”). However, Numbers provides the basis for the traditions crediting Moses as author of the Pentateuch. In Numbers 33:1–2, God commands Moses to record the Israelites’ movements during their wanderings between Egypt and the promised land—and the book may have begun as that account. Numbers also mentions additional literary sources (such as the Book of the Wars of Yahweh, in 21:14); references like this suggest that an editor was involved in shaping the book’s final form.

Structure

Numbers can be divided into three sections. The first and third sections, which are set 40 years apart, each begin with a census and report the Israelites’ preparations for a major move. In the first section (chs. 1–10), the move involves departing from Sinai (10:11–12); in the third section (chs. 26–36), the move involves crossing the Jordan River from Moab into the promised land (an event described in Joshua 3). The intervening section (Num 11–25) is a collection of stories and laws from the 40-year period between these moves. The book can also be outlined according to the major geographical locations it mentions.

Outline

• Preparing to leave Sinai (1:1–10:10)

• Journey to Kadesh Barnea (10:11–12:16)

• Wilderness wanderings (13:1–20:21)

• Journey to Moab (20:22–22:1)

• On the Plains of Moab (22:2–36:13)

Themes

Numbers focuses on God’s provision for the Israelites. In the process, it records detailed laws intended to create a society reflective of Yahweh’s holiness and justice. The narrative passages deal mostly with the Israelites’ failings, showing what happens when God’s people do not live according to His commands. Their mistakes result in calamity and Yahweh’s temporary judgment, issued so that He may preserve them from further evil.

Despite Israel’s failure, Yahweh honors His promise to Abraham and prepares Israel for entering the promised land. But there is a problem: Terrifying foes inhabit the promised land, and the people see no chance for success against them in war (chs. 13–14). Although the older generation lacks the trust to let Yahweh overcome these foes and dies in the wilderness, the younger generation—plus two faithful men, Caleb and Joshua—have an opportunity to enter the land. This new generation, led by Joshua, is left with a choice: to follow Yahweh, or turn away like the previous generation (27:15–23). Although Numbers ends without fully resolving this dilemma, the closing chapters anticipate the people’s future in Canaan, the promised land (e.g., ch. 34).

The wilderness journey presents challenges and blessings—all of which invite a faithful response. Numbers shows that trusting God is not merely a mental commitment; it involves action and bold risks. But Numbers emphasizes that a risk taken because of our faith in Yahweh is beautiful. It gives God the opportunity to demonstrate His protection, meet our needs, and be present among us. Numbers also shows us that God pursues us, despite our failings. In relationship with Yahweh—facilitated by our great warrior and advocate Jesus—we find all the direction we will ever need (Heb 3–4).

Further Reading

The Pentateuch

Large Numbers in the Exodus and Wilderness Journey

Numbers, Book of CLBD