The Bible Study Reading PlanSample

NUMBERS

AUTHOR:

The author of Numbers is Moses.

DATE:

Obviously we know that Numbers was written before Moses died, but we also know that it was written during the end of the Israelites 40 years of wandering, making the date around 1405-1406 BC.

AUDIENCE:

Moses was writing to the second generation Israelites whose parents had passed away during the 40 years of wandering.

REASON:

Moses wrote to document the history of the Israelite's wanderings through the desert in order to show the new generation what not to do once they entered the Promised Land.

THEME:

Shows what happens when Israel wanders away from God's plan.

KEY VERSE:

"For forty years - one year for each of the forty days you explored the land - you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you." (14:34 NIV)

SPLIT:

Preparing the Israelites (1-10), Falling Away from the Plan (11-14), The Lord's Discipline (15-36)

KEY WORDS:

Wander, Wilderness, Covenant, Sin, Atonement