As a history of the nation not yet established in the land promised them long ago, this book unveils significant events sometimes referenced later in Scripture.
#1 - TITLE
The English title “Numbers” is a translation of the Greek Old Testament name for the book, Arithmoi means “numbers” reflecting the two census takings of the Hebrews related in chapter 1 and 26.
The Hebrew title of the book, “in the wilderness,” is taken from the opening verse.
The name of the book is appropriate, because it describes nearly the forty years of Israel's wandering in the desert between Mt Sinai and the plain of Moab.
#2 - AUTHORSHIP
Traditionally, Jewish and Christian scholars have credited the writings of Numbers to Moses, the Hebrew lawgiver.
The book itself contains only one reference to Moses as an author of the material, and that is specifically limited to itinerary of the Israelites in the desert trek from Egypt to Moab (Num. 33: 2).
Similar with Leviticus, the introductory formula “and the Lord said to Moses” pervades every chapter of the book
"The LORD is with us, Do not fear them" – Number 14:9
#3 - CONTENTS
The book is the diary of Israel's early days of covenant relationship with YHWH.
The book of Numbers contains the story of the Israelites Exodus from Egypt, the covenant ceremony at Mt. Sinai, and the journey to Canaan.
The book also highlights the wilderness testing and rebellion of the covenant people.
#4 - LITERARY FORM
The book of Numbers has a clear geographical and chronological arrangement in three parts. First, the Israelites were encamped at Mt. Sinai, then they were wandering in the desert for nearly forty years, and finally they were on the plains of Moab.
The book also contains the legal sections, historical narratives and the records of censuses.
The literary nature of Numbers is unique in the Pentateuch. Al though the combination of historical narrative, cultic legislation and a variety of other material of the book of Numbers is in chaotic arrangement, yet the message is clear and sound.
#5 - MAJOR THEMES
The Census Numbers
This was the administrative procedure common to the ANE. The census had three primary functions:
Recruiting manpower for war.
Allotment of work assignments in the forced labour gangs and religious cults.
Establishing a basis for taxation.
Along with the instructions for ordering the Hebrew tribes in marching and camping formations, the census takings had the practical effect of contributing to the organization of former slaves into a unified people of God.
The testing by YHWH
Testing is the repeated theme in the Pentateuch and it became a major theme in the book of Numbers.
Moses described Israel's forty years sojourn in the wilderness as a test of faith in YHWH and covenant loyalty.
The purpose of YHWH’s testing was to humble the Israelites so they might learn total dependence upon him, teach obedience to his commandments.
The revelation of God in human culture
The book of Numbers illustrates supra and intra-cultural dimensions of YHWH’s revelation to Israel in the context of ANE history.
First
The freedom of God to work outside ANE cultural norms is demonstrated in the Mosaic legislation establishing “cities of refuge” for those guilty of the crimes of involuntary or accidently manslaughter.
The concept of a haven for the protection of the manslayer was designed to short-circuit the ANE custom of blood vengeance, in which the nearest kinsman have to avenge the death of his deceased relative by killing the manslayer.
The institution of city of refuge was unique in the ancient world and elevated Hebrew social and moral life to a higher plane than the surrounding nations.
Second
the landmark decision of Moses in the inheritance case of Zelophehad’s daughter constitutes another example of YHWH’s overturning ANE legal customs in his dealings with the Hebrew as special people (Num. 27: 1-11; 36: 1-13).
In Mesopotamian law, daughters did not normally inherit shares in the family estate. But the legislation in Numbers elevates the status of woman in Hebrew society in contrast to the neighbouring peoples.
OUTLINE OF THE BOOK
Num 1: 1-10:10 – Preparations for the journey to the promised land
Num. 10:11-12:16 – First approach to the promised land
Num.13:1-19:22 – The wilderness wanderings
Num.20:1-22:1 – The conquest of Transjordan
Num.22:2-36: 13 – The events in the plain of Moab
To get instant updates on all our new content. Don’t forget to Subscribe to all our social media platform