Abraham
Moses
Creation of
world
2000
B.C.
1400
B.C..
30
A.D.
2000
A.D.
Books 4 – Numbers
NAME: “Census”
AUTHOR: Moses
DATE: 1446 – 1406
THEME: What it means to grow in faith. The
books records two major censuses that took
place in the wilderness
SETTING:
The book of Numbers is, in
essence a diary, journal, or
perhaps even an adventure log,
detailing Israel’s 40 year journey
through the wilderness on their
way to the Promise Land (1446 –
1406 BC). Numbers includes all
the events that happened after
the nation broke camp and left
Mount Sinai.
SETTING:
• The picture isn’t always
pretty.
• Aaron, Miriam, Moses, and
the nation as a whole all fall
into doubt, disobedience,
and despair from time to
time.
A FEW PROBLEMS
• The ground opens up and swallows
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
• Fire falls from heaven to destroy their
followers when they rebel against
Moses leadership!
• Many Israelites are enticed into
worshipping an idol-god (Baal)
A FAITHFUL GOD
• God remains faithful despite His
people’s sin
• He is at work to bring them to
repentance and to fulfill His promises to
them.
• He will bring them to not only the
promise land, but he will bring a Savior
to redeem His sinful people from, both
the guilt and the power of our sins
KEY PEOPLE - MOSES
Moses continued to
lead Israel from Sinai
to the Promise Land.
Along with the rest of
the first Generation,
Moses was not
allowed to enter the
Promised Land.
KEY PEOPLE - AARON
Aaron was Moses’
brother. Despite his
own failures in
leadership and sin,
God allowed Aaron to
continue acting as
Israel’s high priest.
During the journey,
Aaron died and was
greatly mourned.
KEY PEOPLE - MIRIAM
She was Moses’ sister.
Despite Miriam’s
personal rebellion,
God forgave her and
restored her to the
community. She also
died during the
wilderness
wanderings.
KEY PEOPLE - JOSUHA
He was one of the
twelve spies that
Moses sent into the
land. After Moses’
death, Joshua took
over Moses’ leadership
role and led Israel into
the Promised Land.
KEY PEOPLE - CALEB
Along with Joshua,
Caleb was the other spy
who believed God and
encouraged the
Israelites to conquer
the land, despite the
odds. Caleb and Joshua
were the only two
people of the old
generation who entered
the Promised Land
KEY PEOPLE - ELEAZER
He was son of
Aaron who
became the next
high priest after
Aaron died.
KEY PEOPLE - KORAH
He led a rebellion
against Moses
and Aaron.
God severely
punished him
along with his
family
KEY PEOPLE - BALAAM
He was a pagan
prophet-for-hire
who was under
contract to curse
Israel. Having been
warned by God
Balaam could only
bless Israel
Jesus and the Book of Numbers
How Does the
Book of
Numbers
point to
Jesus?
Jesus and the Book of Numbers
• Like Jesus, Moses repeatedly intercedes for
the people, asking God to pardon their sins.
(see Numbers 14:13 – 20)
• In John 3:14 -1 6, Jesus compares the bronze
serpent in Numbers 21 with his own saving
work
• Balaam describes in detail the coming of the
“Star” and “Scepter” from Israel
Jesus and the Book of Numbers
• Each of the worship practices reviewed
and summarized in Number 28 – 29
depicts the coming Savior and the peace
He would bring.
• Jesus is our “city of refuge” (Numbers
35:9 – 15), the place where we can flee
for refuge from the guilt and shame of
our sins. (see also vv. 25, 28)