EVERY parent knows the shrill whine of a young child - a slow, high-pitched complaint that grates on the eardrums and aggravates the soul. The tone of voice is difficult to bear, but the real irritation is the underlying cause - discontentment and disobedience. As the "children" of Israel journeyed from the foot of Mount Sinai to the land of Canaan, they grumbled, whined, and complained at every turn. They focused on their present discomforts. Faith had fled, and they added an extra 40 years to their trip.
   Numbers, which records the tragic story of Israel's unbelief, should serve as a dramatic lesson for all of God's people. God loves us and wants the very best for us. He can and should be trusted. Numbers also gives a clear portrayal of God's patience. Again and again he withholds judgment and preserves the nation. But his patience must not be taken for granted. His judgment will come. We must obey.
   As Numbers begins, the nation of Israel was camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. The people had received God's laws and were preparing to move. A census was taken to determine the number of men fit for military service. Next, the people were set apart for God. God was making the people, both spiritually and physically, ready to receive their inheritance.
   But then the complaining began. First, the people complained about the food. Next, it was over Moses' authority. God punished some people but spared the nation because of Moses' prayers. The nation then arrived at Kadesh, and spies were sent into Canaan to assess its strength. Ten returned with fearful stories of giants. Only Caleb and Joshua encouraged them to "go up and take possession of the land" (13:28). The minority report fell on deaf ears full of the ominous message of the majority. Because of their unbelief, God declared that the present generation would not live to see the promised land. Thus the "wanderings" began. During these desert wanderings there was a continuous pattern of grumbling, defiance, discipline, and death. How much better it would have been to have trusted God and entered his land! Then the terrible waiting began - waiting for the old generation to die off and waiting to see if the new generation could faithfully obey God.
   Numbers ends as it begins, with preparation. This new generation of Israelites were numbered and sanctified. After defeating numerous armies, they settle the east side of the Jordan River. Then they faced their greatest test: to cross the river and possess the beautiful land God promised them.
   The lesson is clear. God's people must trust him, moving ahead by faith, if they are to claim his promised land.

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VITAL STATISTICS
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PURPOSE:
To tell the story of how Israel prepared to enter the promised land, how they sinned and were punished, and how they prepared to try again

AUTHOR:
Moses

TO WHOM WRITTEN:
The people of Israel

DATE WRITTEN:
1450-1410 B.C.

SETTING:
The vast desert of the Sinai region, as well as lands just south and east of Canaan

KEY VERSES:
"Not one of the men who saw my glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times - not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it" (14:22, 23).

KEY PEOPLE:
Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb, Eleazar, Korah, Balaam

KEY PLACES:
Mount Sinai, promised land (Canaan), Kadesh, Mount Hor, plains of Moab

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THE BLUEPRINT
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A. PREPARING FOR THE JOURNEY (1:1—10:10)

     1. The first census of the nation
     2. The role of the Levites
     3. The purity of the camp
     4. Receiving guidance for the journey

   As part of their preparations, the Lord gave strict guidelines to the Israelites regarding purity in the camp. He wanted them to have a life-style distinct from the nations around them. He wanted them to be a holy people. Similarly, we should concern ourselves with purity in the church.

B. FIRST APPROACH TO THE PROMISED LAND (10:11—14:45)

     1. The people complain
     2. Miriam and Aaron oppose Moses
     3. The spies incite rebellion

   The Israelites were prevented from entering the promised land because of their unbelief. Throughout history, God's people have continued to struggle with lack of faith. We must prevent unbelief from gaining a foothold in our lives, for it will keep us from enjoying the blessings that God has promised.

C. WANDERING IN THE DESERT (15:1—21:35)

     1. Additional regulations
     2. Many leaders rebel against Moses
     3. Duties of priests and Levites
     4. The new generation

   When the people complained against God and criticized Moses they were severely punished. Over 14,000 people died as a result of rebellion against Moses. As a result of Korah's rebellion, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and their households died, along with 250 false priests. Dissatisfaction and discontent, if allowed to remain in our lives, can easily lead to disaster. We should refrain from complaining and criticizing our leaders.

D. SECOND APPROACH TO THE PROMISED LAND (22:1—36:13)

     1. The story of Balaam
     2. The second census of the nation
     3. Instructions concerning offerings
     4. Vengeance on the Midianites
     5. The Transjordan tribes
     6. Camped on the plains of Moab

   The Moabites and Midianites could not get Balaam to curse Israel, but they did get him to give advice on how to draw the Israelites to idol worship. Balaam knew what was right, but he gave in to the temptation of material rewards and sinned. Knowing what is right alone is never enough. We must also do what is right.

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MEGATHEMES
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THEME:
Census

EXPLANATION:
Moses counted the Israelites twice. The first census organized the people into marching units to better defend themselves. The second prepared them to conquer the country east of the Jordan River.

IMPORTANCE:
People have to be organized, trained, and led to be effective in great movements. It is always wise to count the cost before setting out on some great undertaking. When we are aware of the obstacles before us we can more easily avoid them. In God's work, we must remove barriers in our relationships with others so that our effectiveness is not diminished.

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THEME:
Rebellion

EXPLANATION:
At Kadesh, 12 spies were sent out into the land of Canaan to report on the fortifications of the enemies. When the spies returned, 10 said that they should give up and go back to Egypt. As a result, the people refused to enter the land. Faced with a choice, Israel rebelled against God. Rebellion did not start with an uprising, but with griping and murmuring against Moses and God.

IMPORTANCE:
Rebellion against God is always a serious matter. It is not something to take lightly, for God's punishment for sin is often very severe. Our rebellion does not usually begin with all-out warfare, but in subtle ways - with griping and criticizing. Make sure your negative comments are not the product of a rebellious spirit.

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THEME:
Wandering

EXPLANATION:
Because they rebelled, the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert. This shows how severely God can punish sin. Forty years was enough time for all those who held on to Egypt's customs and values to die off. It gave time to train up a new generation in the ways of God.

IMPORTANCE:
God judges sin harshly because he is holy. The wanderings in the desert demonstrate how serious God considers flagrant disobedience of his commands. Purging our lives of sin is vital to God's purpose.

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THEME:
Canaan

EXPLANATION:
Canaan is the promised land. It was the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - the land of the covenant. Canaan was to be the dwelling place of God's people, those set apart for true spiritual worship.

IMPORTANCE:
Although God's punishment for sin is often severe, he offers reconciliation and hope - his love is truly amazing. Just as God's love and law led Israel to the promised land, God desires to give purpose and destiny to our lives.

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Moses' Profile
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   Some people can't stay out of trouble. When conflict breaks out, they always manage to be nearby. Reaction is their favorite action. This was Moses. He seemed drawn to what needed to be righted. Throughout his life, he was at his finest and his worst responding to the conflicts around him. Even the burning bush experience was an illustration of his character. Having spotted the fire and seen that the bush did not burn, he had to investigate. Whether jumping into a fight to defend a Hebrew slave or trying to referee a struggle between two kinsmen, when Moses saw conflict, he reacted.
   Over the years, however, an amazing thing happened to Moses' character. He didn't stop reacting, but rather learned to react correctly. The kaleidoscopic action of each day of leading two million people in the desert was more than enough challenge for Moses' reacting ability. Much of the time he served as a buffer between God and the people. At one moment he had to respond to God's anger at the people's stubbornness and forgetfulness. At another moment he had to react to the people's bickering and complaining. At still another moment he had to react to their unjustified attacks on his character.
   Leadership often involves reaction. If we want to react with instincts consistent with God's will, we must develop habits of obedience to God. Consistent obedience to God is best developed in times of less stress. Then when stress comes, our natural reaction will be to obey God.
   In our age of lowering moral standards, we find it almost impossible to believe that God would punish Moses for the one time he disobeyed outright. What we fail to see, however, is that God did not reject Moses; Moses simply disqualified himself to enter the promised land. Personal greatness does not make a person immune to error or its consequences.
   In Moses we see an outstanding personality shaped by God. But we must not misunderstand what God did. He did not change who or what Moses was; he did not give Moses new abilities and strengths. Instead, he took Moses' characteristics and molded them until they were suited to his purposes. Does knowing this make a difference in your understanding of God's purpose in your life? He is trying to take what he created in the first place and use it for its intended purposes. The next time you talk with God, don't ask, "What should I change into?" but "How should I use my own abilities and strengths to do your will?"

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Moses' Strengths and Accomplishments
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* Egyptian education; desert training
* Greatest Jewish leader; set the exodus in motion
* Prophet and lawgiver; recorder of the Ten Commandments
* Author of the Pentateuch

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Moses' Weaknesses and Mistakes
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* Failed to enter the promised land because of disobedience to God
* Did not always recognize and use the talents of others

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Lessons from Moses' Life
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* God prepares, then uses. His timetable is life-sized
* God does his greatest work through frail people

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Moses' Vital Statistics
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   At Mount Sinai, the Israelites received specific directions for their life-style in the new land God would give to them. A census was taken and the second Passover was celebrated, marking one year of freedom from slavery in Egypt. The people were now prepared to continue their journey to the promised land. Just as the Lord prepared the Israelites, he prepares us for our journey through life.

1. The first census of the nation

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   As the book of Numbers opens, the Israelites had been camped near Mount Sinai for more than a year. There they had received all the laws and regulations recorded in the book of Leviticus. They had been transformed into a new nation and equipped for their task. At this time, they were ready to move out and receive their land. In preparation, Moses and Aaron were told to number all the men who were able to serve in the army. This book is named for this census, or numbering, of the people.
   The Tent of Meeting was the smaller structure inside the larger tabernacle. The Tent of Meeting contained the sanctuary (or Holy Place) in one part, and the Most Holy Place with the ark in another part. These two parts were separated by a curtain. God revealed himself to Moses in the Most Holy Place. Sometimes the Tent of Meeting refers to the whole tabernacle (see 2:2).
   Exodus 33:7 mentions the "tent of meeting" as the place where Moses met with God before the tabernacle was constructed. Many believe that the tent of meeting in Exodus served the same function as the one described here.
   Taking a census was long and tedious, but it was an important task. The fighting men had to be counted to determine Israel's military strength before entering the promised land. In addition, the tribes had to be organized to determine the amount of land each would need, as well as to provide genealogical records. Without such a census, the task of conquering and organizing the promised land would have been more difficult. Whenever we are at a crossroads, it is important to take inventory of our resources. We will serve more effectively if, before plunging in, we set aside time to take a "census" of all we have - possessions, relationships, spiritual condition, time, goals.

   The Hebrew word underlying the phrase "the men appointed" is a technical term for representatives. Verse 16 is legal, formal, and precise in tone. Three phrases are used to give sanction to each of these leaders. Levi is not represented in this listing (see 1:47). (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)
   The leadership of Moses and Aaron in the task is indicated here, as is their obedience to the Lord. This chapter is marked by a studied triumphalism. Numbering the tribes and mustering the army are sacred functions that prepare the people for their war of conquest, under the right hand of God, who is their warrior. (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

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   The expression "twenty years or more" indicates that one who was under the age of twenty would still be regarded as a member of his father's house; one over the age of twenty was morally and civilly responsible. (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)
   Hebrew prose often gives a summary statement and then the details that explicate that summary. So here verse 19 is the summary statement, and verses 20-43 give the details. (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

   If there were 603,550 men, not counting the Levites or women and children, the total population must have numbered more than two million Israelites. How could such a large population grow from Jacob's family of 70 who moved down to Egypt? The book of Exodus tells us that the Israelites who descended from Jacob's family "multiplied greatly" (Exodus 1:7). Because they remained in Egypt more than 400 years, they had plenty of time to grow into a large group of people. After leaving Egypt, they were able to survive in the desert because God miraculously provided the food and water they needed. The leaders of Moab were terrified because of the large number of Israelites.

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Cross-reference Numbers 22:3
(3)and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites.

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   The Levites, because of their sacral tasks, were excluded from this military listing; they were to be engaged in the ceremonies and maintenance of the tabernacle. Chapter 3 is given over entirely to their families, numbers, and functions. (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)
   As in Exodus 38:21, the sanctuary is here called "the tabernacle of the Testimony." The "Testimony" refers to the Ten Words written on stone tablets. (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

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   These tablets were placed in the ark, leading to the phrase "the ark of the Testimony." (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

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Cross-reference Exodus 25:16, 21
(16)Then put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you...(21)Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you.

Cross-reference Exodus 40:20
(20)He took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it.

Cross-reference Exodus 25:22
(22)There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.

Cross-reference Exodus 26:33-34
(33)Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. (34)Put the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place.

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   The Hebrew word rendered "anyone else" is often translated "stranger," "alien," or "foreigner." (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

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Cross-reference Isaiah 1:7
     (7)Your country is desolate,
             your cities burned with fire;
         your fields are being stripped by foreigners
             right before you,
             laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.

Cross-reference Hosea 7:9
     (9)Foreigners sap his strength,
            but he does not realize it.
         His hair is sprinkled with gray,
            but he does not notice.

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   Thus a non-Levite Israelite was considered an alien to the religious duties of the tabernacle. (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

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Cross-reference Exodus 29:33
(33)They are to eat these offerings by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no one else may eat them, because they are sacred.

Cross-reference Exodus 30:33
" '...(33)Whoever makes perfume like it and whoever puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from his people.' "

Cross-reference Leviticus 22:12
(12)If a priest's daughter marries anyone other than a priest, she may not eat any of the sacred contributions.

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   The punishment of death is reiterated in Numbers 3:10, 38; 18:7, and was enacted by divine fiat in 16:31-33. (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

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   The sense of the Divine Presence was both blessing and cursing in the camp: blessing for those who had a proper sense of awe and wonder at the nearness of deity; cursing for those who had no sense of place, no respect for the Divine Presence. (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

   The tents of the Levites are detailed in 3:21-38. The encampment of the Levites around the tabernacle was a protective hedge against trespass by the non-Levites to keep them from the wrath of God; it was a measure of God's grace and a reminder of his presence. (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)
   In view of Israel's great disobedience in the later chapters, these words of initial compliance to God's word have a special poignancy. Israel began so well, then failed so terribly that her experience remains a potent lesson to all people of faith who follow them. Ending well is the desire. (The NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

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Answers to Numbers one
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The Life Application Study Bible - NIV - Zondervan