Numbers — Introduction & Outline

Jewish and Christian tradition has maintained that Moses wrote Numbers. Jesus and the apostles also related Moses to the writing and events of the book (John 3:14; 5:46; Acts 7; 1 Cor. 10:1-11; Heb. 3-4). The book itself claims "The LORD spoke to Moses" over eighty times and explicitly mentions his writing activity in 33:2 and 36:13. Numbers fits inextricably in the Pentateuch between Leviticus and Deuteronomy and is similarly understood as the work of Moses.

Numbers records Israel's history from Mount Sinai to the time of the encampment at Moab. Since the exodus was dated about 1445 B.C., and about one year was spent journeying to and remaining at Sinai, Numbers would cover the 39 years up to 1405 B.C. when Israel camped at Moab. It was written sometime in 1405 B.C., shortly before the death of Moses that same year.

According to the censuses taken in Numbers (chs. 1-3; 26) Israel had grown to a nation of over 2.5 million people. Having been redeemed and given the covenant of law as God's holy nation, Israel needed to be prepared to enter the promised land. Numbers covers two generations of Israel because the first generation fell under God's wrath and must therefore pass away so the new one can enter Canaan. The first generation had not only sinned at Sinai by worshiping the golden calf, but they later sinned at Kadesh Barnea by refusing to enter the land through unbelief (ch. 14). Numbers is the narrative of the sin of the first generation and the emergence of the new. There is a definite transition to the new generation marked by the death of Aaron and the appointment of Eleazar in his place as High Priest (20:22-29), and also by the appointment of Joshua to succeed Moses (27:12-23).

The title "Numbers", from the LXX title simply refers to Israel's two censuses in the wilderness. The Hebrew title is taken from the first word translated "Now [he] said", but the book was often referred to by the Jews according to the fifth word translated "in the wilderness." This aptly describes the contents of Numbers. The book is a historical record of Israel's wandering in the wilderness, from Mount Sinai to Moab.

Theologically, however, the book is designed to show how God prepared His people to enter the land through the bestowal of His mercy in testings. Israel's many failures are highlighted in Numbers so that God's discipline, grace, and mercy can also be demonstrated. God preserves His people and bestowed mercy on them for the sake of the covenant made with their forefathers. Thus God is faithful to His promises in spite of the sinfulness of His chosen people.

The history of Israel's preparation under God's discipline and mercy is recorded in Numbers in three major parts. The first part covers the preparation of the old generation to enter the land (1:1-10:10). The second records their failure to enter the land (10:11-25:18), and the third then turns to the preparation of the new generation (26:1-36:13). God's discipline and mercy follow Israel through their trials for the sake of the covenant blessing and final readiness to possess the promised land.

The focus of the first section is the preparation of the old generation of the exodus to enter the promised land (1:1-10:10). The first step of preparation is the organization of the nation (1:1-4:49). The people were organized through the taking of a census by tribe (1:1-54) and the tribes were then arranged to camp around the tabernacle (2:1-34). The Levitical priests were also organized (3:1-4:49) by separation (3:1-13), census (3:14-39), and dedication (3:40- 51) to insure their ministerial duties would be performed (4:1-49).

After the initial organization of the nation, God gives instructions for the sanctification of the camp (5:1-9:14). The first regulations concern sanctification through separation from the sins involving defilement, restitution, and marital infidelity (5:1-31). Further sanctification could be pursued through the taking of a Nazarite vow (6:1-21). The pronouncement of the priestly blessing was to also direct Israel into a sanctified relationship to God (6:22-27).

The expression of the dedication and consecration of the nation comes through gestures of worship (7:1-9:14). The leaders of the people make generous offerings at the dedication of the altar (7:1-89). Also, the Levites are consecrated to their tabernacle ministry (8:5-26). Furthermore, Israel faithfully keeps the Passover celebration, their second (9:1-14).

God provides every need for His people in the wilderness, including guidance (9:15- 10:10). His own special presence guides them in the pillar of cloud and fire (9:15-23). Other directions are provided by two silver trumpets to be blown by the priests (10:1-10). Such thoughtful instructions and regulations were to prepare the exodus generation for conquest and settlement in the land, but in spite of God's gracious provisions, that generation soon failed Him.

The second major division of the book records the failure of the old generation of Israelites to enter the land (10:11-25:18). Evidence of their unbelief surfaces en route to Kadesh Barnea from Sinai (10:11-25:18). The departure from Mount Sinai is orderly (10:11-36), but the people soon begin to complain (11:1-35). Though God destroys some for complaining at Taberah (11:1-3), the people nevertheless continue to murmur about the lack of meat (11:4-35). Once more God mercifully provides meat, but also displays His wrath by striking many with a plague. The surprising dissension of Miriam and Aaron emphasizes the pervasiveness of unbelief in the camp (12:1-16).

The major failure of the old generation of Israel occurs at Kadesh Barnea (13:1- 19:22). The unbelief of the nation is displayed at the occasion of the spies' report upon their return from Canaan (13:1-14:45). Israel's failure to trust God by entering the land (14:1-10) is a blatant disregard for the covenant God had made with Israel which promised them the land, and as such, is an affront to God's character.

Moses intercedes for Israel on the basis of God's character and reputation reminding Him that disinheriting the people would make the fulfillment of His promises to the nation impossible (14:11-19). God does not disinherit them, but sentences them to wander and die in the wilderness, kills the unfaithful spies, and allows them to suffer defeat in battle (14:20-45). God's judgment seals the fate of the old generation. Israel would come into their promised land, but not through them.

To further prepare the faithful Israelites who will enter the land, God reviews the laws for various offerings, laws for intentional sins, and laws concerning the priests' garments (15:1- 41). At this point in the narrative, these instructions prove God's plan to fulfill His promises to Israel and show that it will not be thwarted by unbelief.

The degree of Israel's corruption is demonstrated by the rebellion of even the Levites led by Korah (16:1-50). The essence of their rebellion is that "these men have rejected the LORD" (16:30). God's judgment of opening the earth to swallow the rebels is to "show who is His and who is holy" (16:5). God further judges the unbelief of all the congregation on the next day by a plague that takes another 14,700 lives (16:41-50).

The confirmation of the ministry of the priesthood (17:1-19:22) again reaffirms God's desire to have a holy nation in the midst of rampant unbelief and His desire to have the priests lead them into holiness. Aaron's priesthood is confirmed by a miracle as a rebuke and message to the people (17:1-13). God then instructs Aaron and Moses in the duties of the priests and Levites, their remuneration, and their purification (18:1-19:22).

Israel's sin continues, however, as seen in their failure on the way to Moab (20:1- 21:35). The failure of Moses and Aaron in the Wilderness of Zin (20:1-21) proves the sinfulness of Israel at every level while also demonstrating the strict holiness of their God. The death of Aaron at Mount Hor and the appointment of his son Eleazar in his place (20:22-29) is an important transition in God's dealings with a new generation. The rest of Israel's journey to Moab presents a mixture of failure and success for the nation.

The last great failure of the old generation takes place at Moab and is wrapped in the story of Balaam and Balak which emphasizes God's blessing for Israel instead of their sin (22:1- 25:18). The prophet Balaam is urged by the king of the Moabites, Balak, to curse Israel (22:1- 40). However, by divine intervention and inspiration Balaam can only pronounce blessings over them (22:41-24:25). His blessings are an affirmation of the Abrahamic covenant and assure its fulfillment in the face of adversity. Further, the Balaam oracles give an amazing revelation of a future King of Israel (23:21; 24:7,17-19). Israel's blessing is expressed in its ultimate fulfillment through this coming King. This revelation comes before the account of Israel's harlotry with the Moabite women (25:1-18) and thus suggests that God's covenant blessings will be realized in spite of Israel's persistent sin.

At this point the narrative moves to the preparation of the new generation to enter the land (26:1-36:13). Israel is organized again (26:1-27:23) by another census (26:1-51).

Instructions are also given for dividing the land (26:52-27:11), and it is noted here that the old generation had passed on except Caleb and Joshua (26:64-65). Another important transition is the appointment of Joshua to succeed Moses as Israel's leader (27:12-23).

The new generation is also carefully instructed in the regulations for proper worship and procedure in their relationship to God. Moses conveys to them the regulations for offerings (28:1-29:40) and the regulations for vows (30:1-16) which are to be observed in Canaan.

Israel's conquest and division of Canaan (31:1-36:13) actually begins with a preparatory victory over Midian which was a punitive action of God (31:1-54). Israel fails to recognize that God's design in destroying the Midianites is to punish them for their part in corrupting Israel through harlotry (31:12-16). Thus they keep alive the Midianite women and Moses must command them to kill the women and be ceremonially purified (3:12-24).

The division of the land east of the Jordan runs into immediate conflict (32:1-42). Reuben and Gad want to settle there and not have to cross the Jordan to conquer new territory. This draws a rebuke from Moses about the persistence of sin in the new generation and a compromise is reached which calls for the two tribes to help in the conquest and then return to settle in Transjordan (32:16-32).

The anticipation of Israel's entrance into the promised land grows in the narrative as a summary of their journey from Egypt to Moab is given (33:1-49). In the same vein, instructions are given for the division of the land west of the Jordan (33:50-34:29). These include instructions for the complete conquest of the Canaanites and a warning that failure to do so will trouble Israel in the future (33:55). New tribal leaders are appointed to divide the land (34:16- 29).

It is clear the gracious provision of God will follow His people into Canaan as instructions are given to establish special cities there (35:1-34). The Levites are to be given forty-eight cities from the inheritance of the other tribes (35:1-8). Also, God commands and regulates the establishment of six cities as a place of refuge for those who take the life of another in certain situations (35:9-34). The book ends with the question and solution about a family's inheritance lost to another tribe through intermarriage (36:1-13).

Numbers concludes with Israel perched at the Jordan ready to possess their promised land. God has faithfully prepared them in the wilderness through discipline and mercy for such a step of faith.

1. The Preparation of the Old Generation to Enter the Land 1:1-10:10

   1. The organization of Israel 1:1-4:49

      1. The organization of the people 1:1-2:34

         1. The first census of Israel 1:1-54
         1. The command for a census 1:1-4
         2. The numbering of the tribes 1:5-43
         3. The summary of the census 1:44-46
         4. The special position of the Levites 1:47-54
         2. The arrangement of the camp 2:1-34
         1. On the east 2:1-9
         2. On the south 2:10-16
         3. In the middle 2:17
         4. On the west 2:18-24
         5. On the north 2:25-31
         6. The summary of the arrangement 2:32-34
      2. The organization of the priests 3:1-4:49

         1. The separation of Levites 3:1-13

            1. The sons of Aaron 3:1-4
            2. The presentation of the Levites to Aaron 3:5-13
         2. The census of Levites 3:14-39

            1. The command for a census 3:14-20
            2. The numbering of the sons of Levi 3:21-37
            3. The summary of the census 3:38-39
         3. The substitution of Levites for the firstborn 3:40-51

            1. The numbering of the firstborn 3:40-43
            2. The collection of redemption money 3:44-51
         4. The ministry of Levites 4:1-49

            1. The duties of the working Levites 4:1-33
            1. The sons of Kohath 4:1-20
            2. The sons of Gershon 4:21-28
            3. The sons of Merari 4:29-33
            2. The census of the working Levites 4:34-49
            1. The sons of Kohath 4:34-37
            2. The sons of Gershon 4:38-41
            3. The sons of Merari 4:42-45
            4. The summary of the census 4:46-49
   2. The sanctification of Israel 5:1-9:14

      1. Sanctification through separation from sin 5:1-31

         1. Separation of unclean persons 5:1-4
         2. Separation by restitution 5:5-10
         3. Separation from suspected infidelity 5:11-31
         1. The suspicion of infidelity 5:11-15
         2. The test for infidelity 5:16-28
         3. The summary of the law concerning infidelity 5:29-31
      2. Sanctification through the Nazarite vow 6:1-21

         1. The requirements of the vow 6:1-8
         2. The defilement under the vow 6:9-12
         3. The fulfillment of the vow 6:13-21
      3. Sanctification through the priestly blessing 6:22-27
      4. Sanctification through worship 7:1-9:14

         1. The offerings of the leaders 7:1-89
         1. Preparation for the offerings 7:1-11
         2. Presentation of the offerings 7:12-83
         3. Summary of the offerings 7:84-89
         2. The arrangement of the lamps 8:1-4
         3. The consecration of the Levites 8:5-26
         1. The instructions for their consecration 8:5-15
         2. The reason for their consecration 8:16-19
         3. The performance of their consecration 8:20-22
         4. The duration of their consecration 8:23-26
         4. The celebration of the Passover 9:1-14
         1. Israel's celebration of the Passover 9:1-5
         2. The question about celebrating the Passover 9:6-8
         3. Regulations about celebrating the Passover 9:9-14
   3. The guidance of Israel 9:15-10:10

      1. Guidance by the cloud and fire 9:15-23
      2. Guidance by two silver trumpets 10:1-10
2. The Failure of the Old Generation to Enter the Land 10:11-25:18

   1. Israel's failure en route to Kadesh Barnea 10:11-12:16

      1. The departure from Mount Sinai 10:11-36

         1. The beginning of the journey 10:11-13
         2. The order of the armies 10:14-28
         3. The invitation to Hobab 10:29-32
         4. The progress of the journey 10:33-36
      2. The complaining of the people 11:1-35

         1. The complaining at Taberah 11:1-3
         2. The complaining about food 11:4-35
         1. The complaint of the people 11:4-9
         2. The response of Moses 11:10-15
         3. The response of God 11:16-30
         4. The provision of God 11:31-35
      3. The dissension of Miriam and Aaron 12:1-16

         1. The complaint of Miriam and Aaron 12:1-3
         2. The defense of Moses by God 12:4-8
         3. The leprosy of Miriam 12:9-16
   2. Israel's failure at Kadesh Barnea 13:1-19:22

      1. The faithlessness at the spies' report 13:1-14:45

         1. The investigation of the promised land 13:1-33
         1. The selection of the spies 13:1-16
         2. The work of the spies 13:17-25
         3. The report of the spies 13:26-33
         2. The faithless rebellion of the people 14:1-10
         3. The intercession of Moses 14:11-19
         4. The judgment of God 14:20-45
         1. Israel sentenced to wander and die 14:20-35
         2. The unfaithful spies to die immediately 14:36-38
         3. Israel suffers defeat by enemies 14:39-45
      2. The review of offerings 15:1-41

         1. Laws for grain and drink offerings 15:1-21
         2. Laws for offerings for unintentional sins 15:22-29
         3. Laws for intentional sins 15:30-36
         4. Laws for making tassels on garments 15:37-41
      3. The rebellions against Moses and Aaron 16:1-50

         1. The rebellion of Korah 16:1-40
         1. Korah rebels against Moses and Aaron. 16:1-3
         2. Moses confronts the rebels. 16:4-19
         3. God judges the rebels. 16:20-35
         4. God establishes a reminder. 16:36-40
         2. The rebellion of all the people 16:41-50
         1. The people rebel against Moses and Aaron. 16:41-45
         2. God judges the rebels. 16:46-50
      4. The ministry of the priesthood 17:1-19:22

         1. The confirmation of Aaron's priesthood 17:1-13
         2. The duties of the priests and Levites 18:1-7
         3. The remuneration of the priests 18:8-24
         4. The tithe of the Levites 18:25-32
         5. The laws of purification 19:1-22
         1. The purification of the red heifer 19:1-10
         2. The purification of the unclean 19:11-22
   3. Israel's failure en route to Moab 20:1-21:35

      1. Failure in the Wilderness of Zin 20:1-21

         1. The failure of Moses and Aaron 20:1-13
         1. The complaint of the people 20:1-6
         2. The sin of Moses and Aaron 20:7-13
         2. The refusal of passage through Edom 20:14-21
      2. Failure at Mount Hor 20:22-21:9

         1. The death of Aaron 20:22-29
         2. The defeat of the Canaanites 21:1-3
         3. The judgment of the serpents 21:4-9
      3. The journey from Mount Hor to Moab 21:10-21:35

         1. The account of Israel's travels 21:11-20
         2. The victory of Israel over the Amorites 21:21-32
         3. The victory of Israel over Bashan 21:33-35
   4. Israel's failure at Moab 22:1-25:18

      1. Balaam is sought by Balak. 22:1-40

         1. The first appeal to Balaam 22:1-14
         2. The second appeal to Balaam 22:15-21
         3. The encounter with the Angel of the Lord 22:22-35
         4. The encounter with Balak 22:36-40
      2. Balaam blesses Israel. 22:41-24:25

         1. His first oracle 22:41-23:12
         2. His second oracle 23:13-26
         3. His third oracle 23:27-24:13
         4. His fourth oracle 24:14-25
      3. The sin of Israel with the Moabites 25:1-18

         1. Israel commits harlotry 25:1-5
         2. Phineas stops the plague 25:6-15
         3. Israel is commanded to destroy Moab 25:16-18
3. The Preparation of the New Generation to Enter the Land 26:1-36:13

   1. The reorganization of Israel 26:1-27:23

      1. The second census of Israel 26:1-51
      1. The command for the census 26:1-4
      2. The numbering of the tribes 26:5-51
      2. The regulations for dividing the land 26:52-27:11
      1. The procedure for dividing the land 26:52-56
      2. The exceptions for dividing the land 26:57-27:11
      1. No inheritance for the Levites 26:57-62
      2. No inheritance for the old generation 26:63-65
      3. Inheritance for the nearest relative 27:1-11
      3. The appointment of Joshua as Israel's new leader 27:12-23
   2. The regulations of offerings and vows 28:1-30:16

      1. The regulations of offerings 28:1-29:40
      1. The daily offerings 28:1-8
      2. The weekly offerings 28:9-10
      3. The monthly offerings 28:11-15
      4. The yearly offerings 28:16-29:40
      1. Passover 28:16
      2. Unleavened bread 28:17-25
      3. Firstfruits 28:26-31
      4. Trumpets 29:1-6
      5. Atonement 29:7-11
      6. Tabernacle 29:12-40
      2. The regulations of vows 30:1-16
   3. The conquest and division of the land 31:1-36:13

      1. The victory over Midian 31:1-54

         1. The destruction of the Midianites 31:1-11
         2. The purification of Israel 31:12-24
         3. The distribution of the plunder 31:25-54
      2. The division of the land east of Jordan 32:1-42

         1. The request by the tribes of Reuben and Gad 32:1-5
         2. The refusal by Moses 32:6-15
         3. The compromise with the two tribes 32:16-32
         4. The settling of the two tribes 32:33-42
      3. The summary of Israel's journey 33:1-49

         1. From Egypt to Mount Sinai 33:1-15
         2. The wilderness wanderings 33:16-36
         3. From Kadesh Barnea to Moab 33:37-49
      4. The division of the land west of Jordan 33:50-34:29

         1. The instructions for the conquest of Canaan 33:50-56
         2. The boundaries of Canaan 34:1-15
         3. The appointment of leaders to divide Canaan 33:16-29
      5. The special cities in Canaan 35:1-34

         1. Cities for the Levites 35:1-8
         2. Cities of refuge 35:9-34
         1. The command to establish the cities 35:9-15
         2. The rules for using the cities 35:16-34
      6. The question about inheritance in Canaan 36:1-13

         1. The problem of the family heads 36:1-4
         2. The resolution of Moses 36:5-13