From death to life
1. The HISTORICAL SETTING of the book of
Numbers
1.
2.


Where is Israel as the book opens? --Israel is still at the
foot of Mt Sinai
Where 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 God’s promise to Abraham.
2. The PURPOSE of the book of Numbers

To 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.
3. An OUTLINE of the book of Numbers
 3 part outline (in notes)
 The book’s own structure

Two censuses enclose the main content of the book:
 chap. 1 (1-25 = old Israel)
 a memorial to the old generation of “death”
 chap. 26 (26-36 = new Israel)
 a symbol of hope for the future believing generation


From “Death to life”


loads of death in 1-25
no death in 26-36
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 Israelites
A.
The twelve spies and their unbelieving
report (Numb 13-14)
This story is central to the entire book
a. Overview of Story
a. Theological point
God WILL give Israel the land (GRACE), but He
will also punish those who disobey Him
(JUDGMENT).
40 years of wandering in the wilderness (Numb
15-21)
B.
Marked by “death” (in notes)
Moses’ intimate relationship with Yahweh
a.
b.
a.
b.
c.
God 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 Yahweh’s loyal love, originally
spoken by God himself (Num. 14:12, 17–19; cf. Exod. 32:10;
34:6–7)” (Schmutzer)
8
Theological Significance
Abrahamic 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
Theological Significance
A Leader will arise from the tribe of Judah

Genesis
 3:15
 12:3 (22:18)
 49:10

Numbers
 24:17-19
 “latter days” (24:14)
 Crushing the forehead of their enemies (cf.
Gen 3:15)



Seems to be innocent
But Numb 25:1ff and 31:16
See too 2 Pet 2:15-16
“Forsaking 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”

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.”
LAND


A new Israel is on the brink of the promised land
God 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 Abraham
Also, a Leader will come “in the latter days”