Invitation to the Old Testament 06: Numbers

NUMBERS: 

NUMBERS Wilderness Wanderings

Introduction: 

Introduction Numbers picks up Israel's history one month after the completion of the tabernacle (compare 1:1 to Exodus 40:17). 20 days later Israel left Sinai (10:11). Israel was in the wilderness a total of 40 years. (Numbers 14:33, 34; Joshua 5:12; Exodus 7:7; Deuteronomy 34:7) This book has been described as the longest funeral march in history. Numbers illustrates what unbelief does; it results in wasted time, wasted effort, and spiritual stagnation.

Who wrote Numbers?: 

Who wrote Numbers? The author of Numbers was Moses .

Why did God give us the book of Numbers?: 

Why did God give us the book of Numbers? The purpose of Numbers is … To continue the narrative of the Pentateuch To give a history of the wilderness journey

What is the primary message of Numbers?: 

What is the primary message of Numbers? The themes of Numbers are … service and walk of God’s people goodness and severity of God C. necessity of obeying God

What would an overview of Numbers look like?: 

What would an overview of Numbers look like? A. Preparations at Sinai (1-10) 1. Duties of People (1-4) 2. Demand for Purity (5-8) 3. Direction for Proceeding (9, 10) B. Provocations from Sinai to Moab (11-21) 1. Rebellion of Laity (11-15) 2. Rebellion of Levites (16-19) - Korah’s Rebellion 3. Rebellion of Leader (20, 21) - Moses strikes rock C. Perils in Moab (22-36) 1. Prophecy of Balaam (22-24) 2. Problem of Idolatry (25) 3. Plans for the Future (26-36)

Specifics: 

Specifics There are 2 numberings of battle-ready men in Numbers. 1. 1st numbering occurred in the second year after the exodus (1-4) 2. 2nd numbering occurred after the unbelieving generation died (26, 27) 3. Between the two numberings Israel’s population declined by almost 2,000 men of war. B. The outlay of Israel's camp is given in chapters 2-3. (The Kohathites , Merarites , and Gershonites were assigned the responsibility of caring for the tabernacle. [3:17, 23-29; 4:1-33])

Specifics: 

Specifics The only significant event from Israel's history which occurred during their 37 ½ years of wandering was Korah’s rebellion. D. Numbers 6:1-21 is the only place the Nazarite Vow is mentioned in the Pentateuch. (The Nazarite Vow contained three stipulations: no wine or strong drink; no cutting of hair or beard; no contact with the dead. Three men in the Bible were lifelong Nazarites . They were: Samson, Samuel, and John the baptist . The vow Paul took in Acts 18:18 was probably that of a Nazarite . Jesus wasn't a Nazarite . He was a Nazarene.)

Specifics: 

Specifics Numbers 13 - the work of the 12 spies The people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. (Numbers 13:28) . EGYPT SINAI KADESH BARNEA

Specifics: 

Specifics Numbers 14 - the people's response to Joshua and Caleb H. Numbers 16:1-3 - complaint that the priesthood should be opened to other tribes (17:1-10 - God responds in budding of Aaron’s staff.) I . Numbers 21:5-9 - people speak against God and Moses, fiery serpents sent in punishment, bronze serpent erected (a type of Christ - John 3:14)

Specifics: 

Specifics Numbers 22-25 - Balaam is a confusing individual. He did not curse Israel as Balak , king of Moab, requested. Instead he blessed Israel (23:17-24). But in 31:16, he gave counsel which resulted in abominations and idolatry in Israel. What motivated Balaam? (see Jude 11) Greed

Specifics: 

Specifics K. Numbers 32 - The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh asked Moses for permission to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Permission was granted but it left them vulnerable to the influences of their heathen neighbors and the attacks of hostile nations (1 Chronicles 5:25-26). Manasseh Gad Reuben

Specifics: 

Specifics Numbers 32:23 - perhaps the most memorable statement in the book : "Be sure your sin will find you out." According to 1 Corinthians 10:1-15, what should Numbers teach us today?