Introduction
The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch and is the second historical book in the Bible with the Book of Genesis being the first historical book. The Book of numbers is about the service and walk of the Nation of Israel. The place of its composition was evidently at the foot of Mt. Sinai and the time involved in the Book of Numbers is 40 years.
The Numbering of the People of Israel
The first main division of this book (Numbers 1-4) concerns taking the census of the people of Israel. In Numbers 1, we see Israel numbered from the standpoint of the military. Then the people are numbered from the standpoint of their tribes in Numbers 2. Lastly, Israel is numbered from the standpoint of the spiritual life (Numbers 3-4). These two chapters give us the numbering of the Levites, and each section of this tribe had their own specific spiritual responsibility.
The second main division of the Book of Numbers concerns the regulation of the people of Israel (Numbers 5-6:21). First of all negative regulations are emphasized in Numbers 5. The positive regulations are noted in Numbers 6:1-21. These verses give regulations regarding special service and special obligations (the New Testament application is found in Romans 7). These verses also tell us that these positive regulations were of a temporary nature.
We see Israel worshiping in Numbers 5:22-9:14. The magnificent doctrine of divine blessing is taught in Numbers 6:22-27. Numbers 8 deals with the offerings of the princes of the tribe of Israel, the lighting of the lamps and the cleansing and separation of the Levites. Spiritual lessons and applications will be noted as we proceed in the study of this wonderful chapter. The observation of the second Passover is noted in Numbers 9:1-14.
Numbers 9:15-10:10 give us a picture of Israel following. The application is very simple. As a result of our worshiping the Lord through the intake and residency of His Word, we then follow Him in obeying His will for our lives and serving Him. Three key words emerge from this section, “following,” “assembling” and “organizing.” In this section we see references to the cloud by day, and that the people “followed” the cloud – the Shikineh Glory of God. Also in this section, we see that the Israelites were assembled and organized as a result of the blowing of the trumpets. The application is seen in the fact that if we are to follow the Lord and fulfill the plan and purpose for our lives, we must assemble for the intake of His Word and as a result of that intake, have an organized life which keeps Bible Truth as number one priority in the life. “Trumpets” in the scripture are always used for assembly, and when the people assembled they worked out their organization and administration. We must remember that organization and administration is always a means, not a means to an end. The importance of organization and administration is seen from the fact that it enables people to assemble, concentrate and become involved in the intake and metabolization of Bible Truth. This enables them to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and execute His plan and purpose for their lives.
The fifth main division of the Book of Numbers should be entitled “The Road to Victory” (Numbers 10-14). This section deals with the disaffection of the people from their God. The first concern related to the spiritual leadership of Israel complaining against the constituted authority that God placed over them. The second concern related to the influence of the mixed multitude. They complained about the divinely disposed diet, and this complaint actually blasphemed the sustaining Grace of the Lord. The third concern related to the problem of insubordination. The wonderful humility of Moses is seen in this section from the standpoint of his fantastic self-composure in the midst of very adverse difficulties. This third concern of insubordination also is seen in the sin of Aaron and Miriam. Concern number four deals with the Doctrine of Apostasy. We remember from past studies that apostasy is any indifference and hostility toward the truth of God. This section also teaches us that apostasy is tantamount to a total disbelief in the promises of God.
The next main section of Numbers records the 40 years of the wandering of the Exodus generation (Numbers 15-19). We must remember that this generation was comprised of nearly 2 million Jews, who were born again. Because of their retrogression from the plan of God for their lives, they wandered in the desert for 40 years. Finally, as a result of maximum divine discipline, they all died the sin unto death.
The final main division of Numbers concerns itself with the return to Kadesh-Barnea and the march to Canaan (Numbers 20-35). Whereas Numbers 15-19 relate an interruption (reversionism is always an interruption in our spiritual advance), Numbers 20-35 relate the continuation of the march becoming analogous to our continuation in our spiritual advance. The first 21 verses of Numbers 20 relate the sin of arrogance. This sin is seen from the standpoint of Moses striking the rock, instead of just speaking to it as the Lord had commanded him. In Numbers 20:22, we leave Kadesh-Barnea and move on to Mt. Hor (Numbers 20:22-21:3).
In this section, we see the Jews moving on to Edom, but complaining all the way about the journey being too hard. This complaining and murmuring against God was answered with the judgment of the serpents. The continuation of the march of the Joshua generation and their defeat of the Amorites is seen in Numbers 21:10-35. The rest of the Book of Numbers, Numbers 22-35, deals with the encampment of the Joshua generation in Moab. This is the section where we see the “hireling” Balaam. Many lessons concerning the direct, permissive and over-ruling will of God will be studied from this section.
