The Book of Numbers

The book of Numbers is the scriptural history of the Israelites while they traveled in the desert between Mount Sinai and the eastern edge of their promised land. It covers over thirty-eight of their forty years in the wilderness and explains why the Lord kept them in this wilderness for so long. From it we learn how God works with His children and how we can receive His promised blessings.

The book is named “Numbers” because it contains accounts of the two occasions when Moses “numbered” or counted the people of Israel (see Bible Dictionary, “Numbers,” p. 739). Both of those census lists counted the able-bodied men prepared for battle. Israel was to receive their promised land but needed to claim it by bloodshed. Those included in the first census (see Numbers 1–4) tragically failed in their duty through disobedience. It was not until the time of the second census (see Numbers 26) that Israel was faithful enough to succeed.

The book of Numbers can be divided into three sections:

1. Chapters 1–10 contain instructions and preparations for the march from Sinai.

2. Chapters 11–21 contain the history of Israel’s sojourn in the wilderness.

3. Chapters 22–36 contain an account of what happened on the east side of the Jordan River.

• Numbers 1–10

• Numbers 11–21

• Numbers 22–36