The book of numbers

The book of numbersFrom death to lifeIntroduction1.The HISTORICAL SETTING of the book of NumbersWhere is Israel as the book opens? --Israel is still at the foot of Mt SinaiWhere is Israel as the book comes to a close? --Israel is at the border of the Promised Land, in the land of Edom

Historically, Numbers is the account of the travels of Israel from Mt. Sinai to the border of the Promised Land.

Theologically, Numbers is focused on the unfolding of Gods promise to Abraham.

Introduction2. The PURPOSE of the book of NumbersTo demonstrate that the unbelief and rebellion of old Israel (Num 14:32-34) will not hinder the creator God from creating a new Israel and giving them the land, thus fulfilling his promise to Abraham.

Introduction3. An OUTLINE of the book of Numbers3 part outline (in notes)The books own structureTwo censuses enclose the main content of the book:chap. 1 (1-25 = old Israel)a memorial to the old generation of deathchap. 26 (26-36 = new Israel)a symbol of hope for the future believing generationFrom Death to lifeloads of death in 1-25no death in 26-36

Numbering the Old Israel (1:1-10:10)A. Why all the numbering? The numbering shows in detail God beginning to fulfill his promise to Abraham to make him a mighty nation What was the total number of fighting men at this time? --603,550 men

B. Why are they all huddled around the Tabernacle?

Vividly shows the centrality of the divine presence among the Israelites5II. The Journey from Mt Sinai to the promised land (10:11-25:18)The twelve spies and their unbelieving report (Numb 13-14)This story is central to the entire bookOverview of Story

Theological point

God WILL give Israel the land (GRACE), but He will also punish those who disobey Him (JUDGMENT).

II. The Journey from Mt Sinai to the promised land (10:11-25:18)40 years of wandering in the wilderness (Numb 15-21)Marked by death (in notes)Moses intimate relationship with YahwehGod spoke to Moses face to face (Num. 7:89; cf. Exod. 33:11; Deut. 34:10) as he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony (Num. 7:89b; cf. 11:25; 12:5, 8; 14:10; 16:19, 42; 20:6). List of questions (in notes)Twice, God threatened to wipe out Israel, but in Numbers Moses dissuaded the Lord by quoting back to him the famed statements of Yahwehs loyal love, originally spoken by God himself (Num. 14:12, 1719; cf. Exod. 32:10; 34:67) (Schmutzer)

8Balaam, Balak, and the talking Donkey Numb. 22-23

Balaam, Balak, and the talking Donkey Numb. 22-23Theological SignificanceAbrahamic Promise

who can count the dust of Jacob (23:10; cf. Gen 13:16; 15:5)The LORD their God is with them (23:21; cf. Gen 17:8)May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed (24:9; cf. Gen 12:3)A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel (24:17; cf. Gen 17:6, 16; 49:10

Balaam, Balak, and the talking Donkey Numb. 22-23Theological Significance

A Leader will arise from the tribe of JudahGenesis3:1512:3 (22:18)49:10

Numbers24:17-19latter days (24:14)Crushing the forehead of their enemies (cf. Gen 3:15)

So what do we think of Balaam? Good guy or bad guy?Seems to be innocentBut Numb 25:1ff and 31:16See too 2 Pet 2:15-16Forsaking the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, but received a rebuke for his own transgression; for a dumb donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet

III. Numbering the New Israel (26-36)Why this second census?Reveals the new Israel (the old Israel died off)Num 10-24 highlighted death, in Num 25-36, there is no death!

Cf. 31:49, battle with the Midianites, no Israelites was killed! This is a new generation filled with life.

Even though the old numerous generation was wiped out, Gods promise to Abraham to make him numerous is not wiped out. 12Conclusion: where are we at with the Promise of Land, Nation, and Blessing?LAND

A new Israel is on the brink of the promised landGod has reaffirmed his promise to Israel

NATION

Israel is a mighty nation, as numerous as the stars in the sky

Blessing

God has reaffirmed his promise to bless Israel, not because they are so righteous (they are not) but because of his unconditional promise to AbrahamAlso, a Leader will come in the latter days