Numbers Introduction
Introduction
The title of this book in the Hebrew Bible comes from its first word, Bemidbar, meaning “in the desert.” But the English title is taken from the Greek Septuagint Bible, where it is called Arithmoi, a Greek word meaning “numbers,” and referring to the census taken by Moses at Mount Sinai. As the book begins, the Israelites are camped in the Sinai Desert, and what follows tells the story of their wandering journey over a forty-year period, eventually heading toward Canaan, the land God promised to their ancestor Abraham. Before starting out, Moses conducts a census of the people to determine the size of the various tribal groups that make up the people of Israel. Following the census-taking and some further instructions for traveling and for worship, the great caravan of the Israelite tribes sets forth from Mount Sinai through the region of Kadesh. All throughout the book the steadfast care of God can be seen, as well as the competent—though often impatient and frustrated—leadership of Moses.
After a failed attempt to enter the land of Canaan from the south, the Israelites proceed eastward, skirting around Edom, and eventually ending up in the north of Moab on the eastern side of the Jordan River, poised for crossing over into Canaan. Joshua is selected to succeed Moses as leader when it becomes clear that Moses will not live to make the crossing. Interspersed through the travel narration are also various instructions and regulations, as well as repeated reports of the people's “murmuring” discontent and grumbling complaints about this life on the move, a great vexation to Moses.
Outline
The Israelites Encamped at Mount Sinai (1.1—10.10)
The Israelites Journey from Mount Sinai to Moab (10.11—21.35)
The Camp in Moab: Preparing to Enter into Canaan (22.1—36.13)
Currently Selected:
Numbers Introduction: KJVAE
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
King James Version 1611, spelling, punctuation and text formatting modernized by ABS in 1962; typesetting © 2010 American Bible Society.
Numbers INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Numbers tells the story of the Israelites during the nearly forty years from the time they left Mount Sinai until they reached the eastern border of the land that God had promised to give them. The name of the book refers to a prominent feature of the story, that is, the census which Moses took of the Israelites at Mount Sinai before their departure, and again in Moab, east of the Jordan, about a generation later. In the period between the two censuses the Israelites went to Kadesh Barnea on the southern border of Canaan, but failed to enter the promised land from there. After spending many years in that area, they went to the region east of the River Jordan, where part of the people settled and where the rest prepared to cross the river into Canaan.
Numbers is an account of a people who were often discouraged and afraid in the face of hardship, and who rebelled against God and against Moses, the man God appointed to lead them. It is the story of God's faithful, persistent care for his people in spite of their weakness and disobedience, and of Moses' steadfast, if sometimes impatient, devotion both to God and to his people.
Outline of Contents
The Israelites prepare to leave Mount Sinai 1.1—9.23
a. The first census 1.1—4.49
b. Various laws and rules 5.1—8.26
c. The second Passover 9.1–23
From Mount Sinai to Moab 10.1—21.35
Events in Moab 22.1—32.42
Summary of the journey from Egypt to Moab 33.1–49
Instructions before crossing the Jordan 33.50—36.13
Currently Selected:
:
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
Good News Bible. Scripture taken from the Good News Bible (r) (Today's English Version Second Edition, UK/British Edition). Copyright © 1992 British & Foreign Bible Society. Used by permission.