The Name:

  • Numbers gets its name from the Greek name Arithmai, which in Latin is Numeri – in English “Numbers.”
  • It was so named because in it the children of Israel are twice numbered
    • Once at the beginning and
    • Again toward the end
  • The old Hebrew name was “In the Wilderness” – Numbers 1:1.
    • Both names tell the story
      • Numbers – In the Wilderness

The Nature:

  • Numbers takes up where Exodus left off.
    • Just one month between the two books with Levitical instructions coming between
  • Compare Exodus 40:17 with Numbers 1:1
  • The census is taken – the people organized – the march begun to Canaan – God leads – Canaan is in sight – Israel disbelieves and rebels – judgment falls – forty years’ wandering set in – old generation dies off – new generation is numbered (counted) – to go into the land of Canaan

The Importance:

  • Referred to in New Testament again and again
  • Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-12.
    • Write out anything that stands out to you
  • Read Hebrews 3:7-19
    • Write out the things that stand out to you here

The Structure:

  • It is the book of movement by the people.
  • It deals with two different generations. Thus the structure is:
    • The Old Generation – Chapters 1-14
    • The Wandering-Transition Era – Chapters 15-20
    • The New Generation – Chapters 21-36
  • Remember in Numbers:
    • Two Generations: Chapters 1-14 & Chapters 21-36
    • Two Numberings: Chapter 1-4 & Chapters 26-27
    • Two Journeyings: Chapters 10-14 & Chapters 21-27
    • Two Instructions: Chapters 5-9 & Chapters 28-36

The Central Message: Numbers 9:15-23

  • Guidance: Direction by the Lord God
    • write out John 14:6
    • write out John 8:12
  • Deliverance:
    • Write out Numbers 10:29
    • Write out Numbers 21:6-9

As we move into this new book, take time to sit with the Lord and ask Him to give you clarity of what is happening in these chapters and verses. Ask for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He wants to give these things to you. All you have to do is ask. As we go through Numbers – we are going to learn about the spiritual practice of meditation. We will walk through what that looks like as a believer. Today, just sit with the Lord in silence, confessing anything you feel needs to be confessed and wait on the Lord to speak to you.