The theme of obedience and rebellion followed by repentance and blessing runs through the entire book, as well as the entire old testament. Most of the events of the book are set in the wilderness. Watch our overview video on the book of numbers, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Greek name numbers numberings author moses date from 14901451 bc approximately theme the journey to the promised land types and shadows in numbers jesus is the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Theme of book of numbers the book of genesis reveals gods promises, exodus gods mercy, and leviticus gods holiness. Because israel were counted twice in chapter 1 and 26. Paul stated and fell in one day three and twenty thousand iii. Scripture readings for ash wednesday through the first week of. To explain that the 38 year period in the wilderness was a consequence for the unbelief of the older generation dt 1. A pagan prophet is hired to curse israel, but he only hears words of blessing from god. An overview of the book of numbers narrative spans 40 yrs.
The book of numbers, called arithmoi meaning arithmetic in the septuagint, gets its name from the census in chapters 1 and 26. You will recall that in genesis, the first book of the pentateuch, we have the creation and fall of man and many beginnings. Even in their rebellion, god continues to show his incredible love and provision for them. The two possible reasons for the different number would be. Book of numbers encyclopedia of the bible bible gateway.
Apart from moses himself, other key figures in this book also feature aaron, joshua, caleb, miriam, balaam, and korah. The book of numbers has no issue at all with bloody battles and warfare. He has written novels book of numbers, short fiction four new messages, and nonfiction for the. The lord commands moses to take a census of the whole israelite community. The theme of the holiness of god is continued from the book of leviticus into the book of numbers, which reveals gods instruction and preparation. Book of the month read more, research less, save money. Every chapter of the bible in 140 characters or less. Except for joshua, caleb, and moses, the older generationeveryone twenty years old or older at the time of the first censusdied before the completion of numbers, due to their disobedience and disbelief numbers 14. Numbers in the picture study bible the book of numbers. But god is faithful to his covenant, and the themes of covenant, sin, punishment, and redemption persist throughout numbers and the entire old testament.
Key personalities include moses, aaron, miriam, joshua, caleb, eleazar, korah, and balaam. Moses is the central figure within the book, and in at least two instances. This comprehensive and erudite commentary resulting from. A census or count of the people was needed to prepare. It links with genesis on the subject of promises clines and curses. Come and have fun with numbers and early math theme activities for toddlers, preschool and kindergarten. Numbers is the fourth book in a collection of five books, the pentateuch. Numbers reveals gods wrathful disposition toward sin. One of the key theological themes of numbers, continued from exodusleviticus, is the holiness of god. Sinai after the levitical law is delivered, and follows the children of israel through the wilderness numbers. Visit a theme to find lesson plan activities that include easy instructions and a list of materials needed related to numbers.
The english title is a translation of the septuagint greek title referring to the numbering of the tribes of israel in chapters 14. The book of numbers is largely narrative history as far as its genre. In numbers, israel travels through the wilderness on. Choose from five monthly reads, vetted by cool people with great taste.
The book of numbers derives its name from the account of the two censuses taken of the hebrew people, one near the beginning and the other toward the end of the journey in the wilderness chaps. The theme of numbers is the gradual fulfillment of the promises to abraham that his descendants would be the people of god and would occupy the land of canaan. To fillin the historical period from the exodus and sinai revelation to the preparations in moab to enter the promised land. It is this aspect of gods character, considered by some to be the central theme of the book, which provides the reason for many of the requirements and commands found in numbers. The book of numbers tells a story that has two main characters god and israel. Numbers, word biblical commentary 5, xxxixxxii, 1984. Scripture readings for ash wednesday through the first week of lent. The lord instructs moses concerning the arrangement of the tribal camps around the tabernacle. Introduction to the book of numbers learn religions. An introduction to the book of numbers from the bible. The theme of numbers is the gradual fulfillment of the promises to abraham that. The book of numbers documents israels 40year wanderings in the desert. Moses completed the book before his death deuteronomy 31.
The theme of the holiness of god is continued from the book of leviticus into the book of numbers, which reveals gods instruction and preparation of his people to enter the promised land of canaan. The israelites are on the hunt for the promised land and theyre not afraid to attack some foreigners to get it. Some have proposed that this title was chosen by someone with a. It also serves to introduce the theme of the remainder of the book and the. His books include how to catch a star, lost and found, which was the recipient of the prestigious nestle childrens book prize gold award in the u. More than just a history lesson, the book of numbers reveals how god. Spend more time reading and less time figuring out what to read.
The theme of descendants marks the first event in numbers, the census of israels fighting men. The majority of the setting and action takes place in london or on the out skirts. Book of numbers overview insight for living ministries. Then the remaining 23,000 died in result of numbers 25. I summarised the bible on twitter between aug 2010 and nov 20 one tweet per chapter, one chapter per day. The theme of the book of numbers is judgement on the old generation and hope on the new one. Moses is the source and primary author of the book of numbers, which is the.
Understanding the book of numbers the book of numbers may be viewed as a transitional work describing the period between the arrival at sinai with the giving of the ten commandments and the law along with the establishment of the priesthood and the actual entry of the children of israel into the promised land. Numbers is a complex collection of texts woven of a variety of literary genres. Some of these passages leave us feeling a little yucky today, but thousands of years ago, fighting and dying for god and community was just a way of life. Since at least thomas pynchons bleeding edge, and now with joshua cohens book of numbers, weve seen the rise of the phrase internet novel as if anyone knows what that means. Number the stars study guide contains a biography of lois lowry, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. The thrust of the book is the wilderness wonderings becuase. The book shows the reality of gods presence with israel in the pillar of cloud and fire over the tabernacle. The english name of the book comes from the septuagint the prechristian greek translation of the ot and is based on the census lists found in. Although numbers is a some what slow book anyone that can handle that, a little violence and action will enjoy it. Learn about faith and rebellion in the book of numbers. This summary of the book of numbers provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of numbers.
Numbers, theology of bakers evangelical dictionary of. Their fear disqualified them from entering into the promised land. The book of numbers becomes a warning and encouragement for us to follow god and trust his good plan for his people. Numbers, hebrew bemidbar in the wilderness, also called the fourth book of moses, the fourth book of the bible. It continues the story of that journey begun in exodus, and describes briefly the experiences of the israelites for a period of thirtyeight years, from the end of their. Moses was the author of the book of numbers, which he wrote between 14501410 bc. The book of numbers records a multitude of examples of times when israels sin found them out. Here is an introduction to the book of numbers and part of the purpose for which this book was written. It is called numbers because it contains the census of the people who wandered in the wilderness. The way the story is told sounds odd and often harsh to readers today. Number anchor chart good for working on number sense in math number anchor chart great way to represent multiple approaches, build number sense terrell flesner lissade number anchor chartmake some big numbers and then let kids colordecorate it and then have them go out and find that number of things to glue on it.
In spite of the difficulties imposed by numbers on todays readers, the main point of the book is of immense importance for gods people in any age. Gods wrath consumed the wicked complainers at numbers 11. The purpose of the book of numbers is to tell about how israel prepared to enter the promise land, but sinned and was punished. Analysis of book of numbers themes by phd students from stanford, harvard, berkeley. The book of genesis reveals gods promises, exodus gods mercy, and leviticus gods holiness.