| NUMBERS |
| page 3 |
| quite remarkable. The action in Numbers takes place in three different settings: (1) Chapters 1-14 begin in the same place Exodus ended: at the foot of Mount Sinai. (2) Chapters 15-19 cover a period of 37 years, the time of the desert wanderings. Moses' summary in chapter 33 lists 42 stops, in the wilderness, but Numbers details very few of them. (3) Chapters 20-36 concern a whole new generation of Israelites, who were making final preparations before the invasion. As you read Numbers, it will help to have a major theme in mind, such as grumbling and rebellion. Work through the book, looking at examples of this problem. Major outbreaks occur in chapters 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, and 21 - at least ten incidents in all. Notice the cause of each rebellion, and also God's response. Can you see parallels to the Israelites' experience in your own life? Numbers also offers insight into the leadership of Moses by showing his response to each crisis. One illustration of his prominence: over 80 times the book says that "the Lord said to Moses." Look for the qualities, both positive and negative, that made him an effective leader. Other parts of the Bible often refer to Numbers. Some of the historical psalms, such as Psalms 78, 105, and 136, recast these events in poetry. |
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