Notes for The Book of Numbers

1 Corinthians 10:5–6 NKJV

But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

1 Corinthians 10:8–11 NKJV

Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Jude 5 NKJV

But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.

The Census Num. 1-4

The Nazarite vow Numbers 6

The Tabernacles Consecration Num 7-10

Departure from Sinai Num 10-11

The Spies & their report Num 13

Rebellion of Korah Num 16-17

The sin of Moses & Aaron Num 20

Main Points Chapters 1-4

The faithfulness of God to his covenant promises is, and continues to be, the root of our relationship with him.

• God has rescued us from slavery and in Christ we are the true heirs of Abraham.

• The presence of God in the tabernacle is a reminder that God is ‘Immanuel’, God with us. Jesus himself ‘tabernacled’ amongst us (John 1:14). Paul is careful to note that Christ the Rock travelled with the people of Israel.

• The travel plans are arranged to ensure that not only is the Lord at the heart of camping, marching and (we assume) fighting, but that everyone is focused towards his presence.

• The nature of the census is a reminder that God’s people are an army called to fight, and to fight together.

• The journey itself is a reminder that there is a temporal gap between the salvation event and the full enjoyment of all its benefits.

How does the coming of Christ and the presence of his Spirit in the church shape what we read in 5:1–4?

What kinds of issues does the New Testament identify as being unworthy of God’s holy people?