Facts Found in the Book of Numbers

[DanV]

Wandering, complaining, and unbelief--that's what you'll find in the Book of Numbers. It's a sad tale of opportunity lost and judgment given.

Numbers takes its name from the two numberings of the Israelites--the first at Mount Sinai and the second on the plains of Moab. God had delivered His people from slavery in Egypt and promised them the land of Canaan. When the Israelites arrived at Canaan's borders, however, they were afraid and refused to enter the land. They refused to trust God, so He made them wander in the desert for forty years as punishment - Numbers 14:26-35.

During those forty years there was a continuous pattern of complaining, disobedience, and death. It was a time of waiting for the old generation to die off, as well as waiting to see if the new generation would faithfully trust God and enter the land. During this time, Moses recorded the unfolding events. When the Israelites arrived back at the border of Canaan, they were again counted in preparation to enter the land.

[to be continued]

 

[DanV]

Facts Found in the Book of Numbers...continued...

Even though God was punishing the people during those forty years, He did not abandon them. He lovingly sustained them, guided them, and forgave them when they turned to Him in repentance. Jesus is seen in Numbers when the desert rock poured out water - Numbers 20:9-11, picturing Jesus, the living water - John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 10:4. The miracle of manna, which fed the Israelites for forty years, also pictures Jesus, who called Himself "the bread of life" - John 6:31-35.

In addition, the prophet Balaam prophesied about the "Star" and the "Scepter" from Jacob, which will be when Jesus reigns on earth - Numbers 24:17. The clearest portrait of Jesus is the incident of the bronze serpent - Numbers 21:4-9. Jesus referred to this event as pointing to His own death: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up" - John 3:14.

In this book, see Jesus, the One who was "lifted up" so that when those who look for Him in faith will be saved.

God Bless,

Dan