Numbers 1-19

Introduction

Moses is said to be the author with Numbers being part of the Pentateuch

As we have it now, we say it dates back at least to the second century B.C. with surviving copies found in Qumran

Numbers 1-25:18 The End of the First Generation in the Wilderness

Numbers 1-10:10 Faithfulness of Israel at Sinai

Numbers 10:11-25:18 The Rebellious Generation in the Wilderness

Numbers 10:11-15:41 Rebellion A: Sinai to Zin-Decline and Fall of the First Generation

Numbers 16:1-19:22 Rebellion B: Korah and Company Challenge Moses

Theological Summary

The repeating patterns show the contrasting themes of God’s revelation and humanity’s response, God’s unending faithfulness and humanity’s propensity toward disobedience. The census enumerations and tribal lists bespeak God’s fulfillment of the promise to Abraham to make of him a great nation. The recurring priestly purification texts evidence the holiness of God and outline the need for the people of God likewise to be holy, so as to be distinctively his. Together these themes highlight the necessity of wholeness, the unity of God, priests, and people working toward the realization and accomplishment of God’s design for the world.

Numbers 1

Yahweh instructs Moses to conduct a census of the congregation of the sons of Israel, specifically focusing on males aged twenty years and older who are fit for war. Each tribe is represented by a designated man, and the total number of men fit for war is recorded. The total count of men fit for war among the sons of Israel is 603,550. However, the Levites are excluded from this census, as they are appointed to oversee the tabernacle of the testimony and its furnishings. The Levites have specific duties related to the tabernacle, including setting it up and taking it down when the camp moves. The Levites are to camp around the tabernacle to prevent any wrath from coming upon the congregation of the sons of Israel.

Numbers 2

Describes how the sons of Israel were organized into different camps based on their tribes and standards. Each tribe had a specific leader and numbered men, and they were to camp around the tent of meeting at a distance. The chapter emphasizes that the sons of Israel followed Yahweh's commands in their organization and camping arrangements, with each family camping according to their father's household.

Numbers 3

Describes the generations of Aaron and Moses, focusing on the priests and Levites. It details the responsibilities of the priests, the division of duties among the Levite families (Gershon, Kohath, and Merari), and the numbering of the Levites. The Levites are chosen to serve in place of the firstborn among the Israelites, with specific responsibilities assigned to each family within the Levites. The text also mentions the redemption of the firstborn males of the Israelites, where the Levites are taken in place of the firstborn and a redemption price is set for those in excess. Moses follows Yahweh's commands in numbering and assigning duties to the Levites, emphasizing their role in serving the sanctuary and the Israelite community. The chapter highlights the importance of the Levites in the religious structure and their consecration to Yahweh's service.

Numbers 4

We see the duties assigned to different Levite clans in the maintenance and transportation of sacred items in the tent of meeting. The Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites are each given specific responsibilities based on their family lineage and age group. Each group is instructed on how to handle and transport these items safely to avoid touching the holy objects directly, which could result in death. The text emphasizes the importance of following these instructions to ensure the sanctity of the items and the safety of the Levites. Moses, Aaron, and other leaders oversee the numbering and organization of the Levites according to these duties, as commanded by Yahweh through Moses. The chapter concludes with a total count of the Levites involved in these tasks, highlighting the meticulous organization and adherence to divine instructions in the maintenance of the tent of meeting.

Numbers 5

Contains instructions from Yahweh to Moses regarding various matters. Firstly, the Israelites are commanded to send away anyone who is unclean, such as lepers or those with discharges, from the camp to prevent defilement. Secondly, guidelines for restitution for sins are provided, including confessing sins, making restitution, and offering gifts to the priest. The chapter also details the statutes of jealousy, where a husband suspects his wife of infidelity. If found guilty, she will face curses and consequences, but if innocent, she will be free from guilt. The chapter concludes with the law of jealousy, outlining the process to be followed when a wife is suspected of infidelity and the consequences for both the husband and the wife based on the outcome of the ritual.

Numbers 6

Has the Nazirite Vow, a special vow of dedication to Yahweh where one abstains from certain things and follows specific rules. A Nazirite must avoid wine, vinegar, and grapes, not cut their hair, stay away from dead bodies, and remain holy. If they accidentally defile their vow, there are rituals to cleanse and renew it. The chapter also outlines the offerings a Nazirite must bring upon completing their vow. Additionally, it includes a blessing from Yahweh for the sons of Israel, emphasizing protection, grace, and peace. The chapter concludes with instructions on how Aaron and his sons should bless the Israelites, invoking Yahweh's name for blessings upon them.

Numbers 7

Details the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel to the tabernacle after it was set up and anointed by Moses. Each leader from a different tribe brought specific offerings for the dedication of the altar. The offerings included silver and gold dishes, bowls, and pans filled with flour, oil, and incense, as well as various animals for burnt, sin, and peace offerings. The text emphasizes the meticulous and uniform nature of the offerings brought by each leader, showcasing their dedication and commitment to the service of the tabernacle. Additionally, it mentions Moses hearing the voice of Yahweh speaking to him from above the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the tent of meeting.

Numbers 8

We see the instructions given by Yahweh to Moses regarding the mounting of the seven lamps and the cleansing of the Levites. The lampstand was made of gold according to Yahweh's pattern. The Levites were to be cleansed by sprinkling purifying water, shaving their bodies, and washing their clothes. They were presented as a wave offering before Yahweh by Aaron. The Levites were then separated from the rest of the Israelites and given to Aaron and his sons to serve at the tent of meeting. The Levites were to start their service at the age of 25 and retire at 50, although they could still assist their brothers in their duties. Moses, Aaron, and the congregation followed all of Yahweh's commands regarding the Levites.

Numbers 9

Yahweh instructs Moses to have the sons of Israel observe the Passover on the appointed day in the first month (about April and lasted eight days). Moses conveys this to the people, and they celebrate the Passover as commanded. Some men, who were unclean due to contact with a dead person, approach Moses and Aaron, questioning their inability to participate. Moses consults Yahweh, who allows those unclean or on a journey to celebrate the Passover in the second month. The text also describes how a cloud covered the tabernacle during the day and appeared as fire at night. The movement of the cloud guided the sons of Israel in their travels, signaling when to set out and when to camp, following the commands of Yahweh through Moses.

Numbers 10

Describes the instructions given by Yahweh to Moses regarding the making and use of two silver trumpets for summoning the congregation and signaling the camps to set out. The trumpets were to be blown in different ways to convey specific messages to the people.

Begins the second major section that contains the rebellions against the commands of God (10:11-25:18)

The text also details the order in which the tribes of Israel set out from Sinai, following the guidance of Yahweh. The movement of the tribes was organized according to specific standards and commands, with each tribe having a designated leader. Additionally, Moses invites his father-in-law to join them on their journey, but he declines. The text concludes with Moses invoking Yahweh's presence and protection as the tribes set out on their journey, with the ark of the covenant leading the way.

Numbers 11

The people had a problem though. Leaving the relative fertility of the area around Mount Sinai, the Israelites soon found themselves in the most inhospitable desert of Et-Tih, and here they began to complain.

Numbers 11:1–9 KJV

1 And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. 2 And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched. 3 And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them. 4 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? 5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: 6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. 7 And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium. 8 And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil. 9 And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.

Mixed multitude were the non-Israelites that joined them in the exodus

Back in Exodus 16:3 in the wilderness of Sin it was a LACK of food they complained about, here it’s only a lack of choices for food.

Exodus 16:31 “31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.”

Psalm 78:24–25 “24 And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. 25 Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full.”

Fundamentally they are rebelling at God’s provision and plans. The complaints of Israel were proof of national rebelliousness and unbelief.

Tempting to sympathize with Israel but neither Go nor Moses did

Numbers 11:10–15 KJV

10 Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. 11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? 12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? 13 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. 14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. 15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

It struck and convicted me when I saw Moses is blaming God the way Adam did in the Garden. Just like there God shows Moses grace and mercy in patience

Moses, overwhelmed by the burden of leading the people, asked Yahweh to end his suffering. In response, Yahweh instructed Moses to gather seventy elders to share the burden of leadership. The Spirit of Yahweh rested upon these elders, and they prophesied. Two other men, Eldad and Medad, also received the Spirit and prophesied in the camp. When Joshua expressed concern, Moses wished that all the people could receive the Spirit of Yahweh.

Yahweh sends quail for them to eat (Numbers 11:31–32 “31 And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day’s journey on this side, and as it were a day’s journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth. 32 And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers (65 bushels): and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.” ), but as they indulged, a severe plague struck the people.

Despite the provision of meat, the people's greed led to a plague, and the place where they were buried was named Kibroth-hattaavah. The chapter ends with the people moving from Kibroth-hattaavah to Hazeroth.

Numbers 12

Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses for marrying a Cushite woman, questioning if Yahweh only speaks through him. Yahweh calls them out, praising Moses' humility and faithfulness. Miriam is punished with leprosy, but Moses intercedes for her healing. Yahweh instructs that she be isolated outside the camp for seven days before being allowed back. The people wait for her recovery before continuing their journey.

Numbers 13

Yahweh instructs Moses to send spies into Canaan to scout the land. Moses selects leaders from each tribe for this task. The names of the chosen men are listed, including Joshua (formerly known as Hoshea). The spies are directed to assess the land, its inhabitants, and its resources. They explore the region, noting its characteristics and bringing back fruits as evidence. Upon their return, the spies report to Moses and the congregation, describing the land as fertile but inhabited by strong peoples. While Caleb advocates for conquering the land, the majority of the spies express fear and doubt, painting a negative picture of the land and its inhabitants. They describe the people as giants and themselves as insignificant in comparison. This report causes distress among the Israelites, leading to uncertainty about their ability to conquer Canaan.

Numbers 13:30–32 “30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.”

Numbers 14:1 “1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.”

Numbers 14

Describes the rebellion of the Israelites against Moses and Aaron. The people express regret for leaving Egypt and fear for their safety in the new land. Moses and Aaron plead with the congregation not to rebel against Yahweh, but the people decide to stone them. Yahweh speaks to Moses, expressing disappointment in the people and threatens to punish them. Moses intercedes on behalf of the people, asking for forgiveness. Yahweh decides to pardon the people but declares that they will not enter the promised land except for Caleb and Joshua. The text also mentions the consequences of the people's rebellion, including their deaths in the wilderness and their children becoming shepherds for forty years.

In Biblical Israel, when a false accusation was made, the accuser suffered the penalty the accused would have if guilty

The spies wrongfully accused the land of killing the people. The spies die by plague and the generation that believed the lie will die in the wilderness the way they wanted to Numbers 14:2 “2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!”

It concludes with the account of the men who brought a negative report about the promised land dying from a plague, while Joshua and Caleb are spared. The chapter ends with the Israelites being struck down by the Amalekites and Canaanites after disregarding Moses' warning not to go up to the hill country.

Numbers 15

Yahweh instructs Moses to tell the Israelites about the offerings they should make when entering Canaan. These offerings include burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings, to be made with specific measurements of flour, oil, and wine. The chapter also outlines the procedures for offerings by native people and sojourners, emphasizing equality in the law. Additionally, rules are provided for unintentional sins, with specific offerings required for atonement. The text also describes the consequences for intentional sins, such as blasphemy against Yahweh, which results in being cut off from the community. A specific incident is recounted where a man gathering wood on the Sabbath is put to death by stoning as commanded by Yahweh. Lastly, Yahweh instructs the Israelites to wear tassels with a blue cord on their garments as a reminder to follow His commandments and be holy. The chapter concludes with Yahweh reaffirming His role as the God who brought the Israelites out of Egypt.

Numbers 16

Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and others, rises up against Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority and claiming that all the congregation is holy. Moses responds by proposing a test where Yahweh will show who is chosen and holy by bringing them near. Korah and his followers are instructed to take censers with fire and incense before Yahweh. Despite warnings and pleas, Korah and his followers rebel against Moses and Aaron. As a consequence, the earth splits open and swallows Korah, his household, and followers, who perish. Fire also consumes 250 men who were part of the rebellion. Moses instructs Eleazar to make plating for the altar from the censers of the sinners as a sign. The text then describes how the congregation grumbles against Moses and Aaron, leading to a plague. Aaron makes atonement for the people, and the plague is stopped after 14,700 die. Aaron's actions prevent further deaths, and the text concludes with Aaron returning to Moses after the plague is checked.

Numbers 17

Yahweh instructs Moses to gather twelve rods, each representing a father's household, with Aaron's name on the rod of Levi. The rods are placed in the tent of meeting, and Aaron's rod miraculously sprouts buds, flowers, and ripe almonds. This sign is to stop the grumbling of the Israelites. Moses shows the rods to the people, and Yahweh commands him to keep Aaron's rod as a sign against rebels. The Israelites fear approaching the tabernacle, believing they will die.

Numbers 18

Gives the responsibilities of the Levites and the priests' portion as outlined by Yahweh. The Levites are instructed to bear the guilt in connection with the sanctuary and priesthood, while being forbidden to come near certain areas to avoid death. They are designated to assist the priests in maintaining the sanctuary and altar. The priests are given various holy gifts and offerings from the sons of Israel as their portion, including grain offerings, sin offerings, and wave offerings. They are also entitled to the best of oil, wine, and grain, as well as the first fruits and devoted things. The text emphasizes that the Levites shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel, as their service in the tent of meeting is their responsibility. The Levites are instructed to give a tithe of the tithe they receive to Yahweh, with the best of it accounted to them as compensation for their service. It is emphasized that they should not profane the sacred gifts to avoid sin and death.

Numbers 19

We see the statute of the Red Heifer as commanded by Yahweh to Moses and Aaron. The law requires a red heifer without blemish to be slaughtered outside the camp by the priest Eleazar. The blood is sprinkled towards the tent of meeting, and the heifer is burned with cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet material. Those involved must wash and be unclean until evening. The ashes are gathered and kept for purification from sin in serious cases of uncleaness. Chapter 19 also details rules for handling corpses, touching dead bodies, and purification rituals involving water and hyssop. It emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and the consequences of being unclean, including being cut off from the community. The statute is to be followed by the Israelites and strangers among them.

Conclusion

In the first nineteen chapters of Numbers we see the pattern that I’ve told so many people I noticed the first time I read the Bible after being saved.

But God is the God of patience. He’s the God of mercy the same as He’s the God wrath.