What is the purpose of the Book of numbers?
The film is ultimately about the dark side and the light side, and those sides are designed around compassion and greed. The issue of greed, of getting things and owning things and having things and not being able to let go of things, is the opposite of compassion–of not thinking of yourself all the time.
How many books are in the Book of numbers?
Many scholars have thus maintained that the first six books of the Old Testament form a literary unit, of which Numbers is an integral part. At one time, Numbers may have contained an account of the occupation of Canaan that was dropped when the Tetrateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers) was joined to other historical books of the Old Testament.
What number is mentioned the most in the Bible?
- 374 times in BBE
- 194 times in ESV
- 189 times in KJV
- 197 times in NIV
- 228 times in NLT
What is the biblical Book of numbers?
The book of Numbers continues the history of the people of Israel after they escaped from Egypt, and it tells what happened during the forty years when the Israelites lived in the desert on their journey from Mount Sinai to Canaan, This book is named "Numbers" because it begins with Moses counting the Israelites to find out the number of people in each of Israel's twelve tribes.
What is the message of the book of Numbers?
The message is clear: failure was not due to any fault in the preparation, because Yahweh had foreseen everything, but to Israel's sin of unfaithfulness. In the final section, the Israelites of the new generation follow Yahweh's instructions as given through Moses and are successful in all they attempt.
Why is it called the book of Numbers in the Bible?
The book of Numbers is named for the Lord's instruction to Moses to number, or count, all the Israelite males “from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war” (Numbers 1:3).
What is the story of numbers?
About The Story of Numbers Journeying through time, THE STORY OF NUMBERS explores the history of mathematics to trace the rise of various number sysems in cultures from Mesopotamia to the modern Computer Era. John McLeish reveals how these number systems in turn have shaped the cultures that devised them.
Is Jesus in the book of Numbers?
There are many places in Numbers where we can see evidence of Jesus (1400 years before he was born). Today, we're going to look at the story of the bronze snake found in Numbers 21:4-9. God was so weary of His people complaining, that he brought deadly snakes upon them as a punishment.
Why is the Book of Numbers important?
The importance of the Book of Numbers is indicated by its being referred to in the New Testament many times . The Holy Spirit called special attention to Numbers in 1 Corinthians 10:1-12. The words "all these things happened to them for examples" refers to the sin of the Israelites and God’s displeasure with them.
When was the Book of Numbers written?
Date of Writing: The Book of Numbers was written between 1440 and 1400 B.C. Purpose of Writing: The message of the Book of Numbers is universal and timeless. It reminds believers of the spiritual warfare in which they are engaged, for Numbers is the book of the service and walk of God’s people.
What does Matthew 5:17 mean?
Foreshadowings: God’s demand for holiness in His people is completely and finally satisfied in Jesus Christ, who came to fulfill the Law on our behalf ( Matthew 5:17 ). The concept of the promised Messiah pervades the book.
What does the bronze snake symbolize in chapter 21?
The image of the bronze snake lifted up on the pole to provide physical healing (chapter 21) also prefigures the lifting up of Christ, either upon the cross, or in the ministry of the Word, that whoever looks to Him by faith may have spiritual healing.
What does Paul say about the severity of God?
In Romans 11:22, Paul speaks about the "goodness and severity of God.". That, in a nutshell, is the message of Numbers. The severity of God is seen in the death of the rebellious generation in the wilderness, those who never entered the Promised Land. The goodness of God is realized in the new generation. God protected, preserved, and provided ...
What is the theme of the New Testament?
Practical Application: A major theological theme developed in the New Testament from Numbers is that sin and unbelief, especially rebellion, reap the judgment of God. First Corinthians specifically says—and Hebrews 3:7-4:13 strongly implies—that these events were written as examples for believers to observe and avoid.
Why is the number book called numbers?
The name “Numbers” is a translation of Arithmoi, from the Septuagint, titled thus because the book contains many statistics, population counts, tribal and priestly figures, and other numerical data. The Hebrew name comes from the first sentence of the book and means “in the desert of ”; it is perhaps an even more accurate description ...
When did the book of Numbers begin?
The events of the book began in the second year after the Israelites departed Egypt, as they camped at Mount Sinai around 1444 BC ( Numbers 1:1 ). The narrative ends thirty-eight years later “in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho” (36:13) in 1406 BC.
What did Paul write about the journey of the Israelites?
The journey of the Israelites through the wilderness earned the apostle Paul’s notice when he penned his first letter to the Corinthian church. “These things happened,” he wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:6, “as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.”.
Why did Moses die before the first census?
Except for Joshua, Caleb, and Moses, the older generation—everyone twenty years old or older at the time of the first census—died before the completion of Numbers, due to their disobedience and disbelief ( Numbers 14:22–30 ). Moses completed the book before his death ( Deuteronomy 31:24 ).
Where did the name Numbers come from?
The Latin Vulgate picked up on the Greek title and named the book Numeri from which the English acquires the name Numbers. Milgrom suggests that the Greek and Vulgate titles, “are probably derived from the oldest Hebrew title homesh ha-pekudim ‘the fifth (of the Torah) the mustered’ (Mish.
Why are the numbers not literal?
Some argue that the numbers cannot be literal for the following reasons: 1) The Sinai wilderness did not have the ability to sustain such a large number of people and animals. 2) Israel was unable to subdue and displace the Canaanites. c.
What is the view of Scripture?
Generally speaking, one's view of Scripture determines a person's stance on the biblical numbers, with one end of the spectrum inclined toward literalness, and the other end skeptical about their historicity and reliability, and between them a moderate view of openness toward alternative readings (ibid.).
What is the book of Numbers about?
The book opens with Moses taking a census of the people in Israel. (That’s why we call the book “Numbers.”) Israel has been camping in the wilderness for a year now, and it’s time for them to be on the move. Moses gives the nation orders for how the twelve tribes should position themselves as they camp and as they move through the wilderness—with the tabernacle of God being at the center of the camp. A good deal of new laws, rituals, and sacrifices that take place here.
How does Numbers show us how a holy God dwells with His people?
Numbers shows us how a holy God dwells with His people. Israel rebels against God, and even Moses disobeys Him, but God is faithful to bring this nation to the promised land. God keeps His promises: the promises He made to Abraham in Genesis along with His promises to bless and punish Israel.
What does the book of Leviticus say about the Israelites?
The book of Leviticus focuses on how a nation of mortals can cohabitate with the God of heaven. Numbers picks up the story right as the Israelites have been at Sinai for a year.
How does Moses deal with the pressures of leading a new nation?
Moses deals with the pressures of leading a new nation, at one point asking God why he has to bear the burden of leading them to Canaan. He feels like an unappreciated nanny forced to carry more than 600,000 squalling brats across the wilderness. Moses tells God early in the book, “I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me” ( Nu 11:14–15 ).
Who are the main characters in Numbers?
Important characters in Numbers. God (Yahweh) —the creator of heaven and earth, who chose Israel as his special nation and dwells in their midst. Moses —the prophet and human leader of the nation of Israel. He’s the chief spokesperson for God to his people, and vice versa. Aaron —Moses’ brother, and the high priest of Israel.
Is the book of numbers the Torah?
This is still the Torah, after all. The book of Numbers is a string of episodes from Israel’s journey. And the author punctuates many of these episodes with a new set of laws given to the people. Numbers doesn’t have the big, bulky sets of laws we see in the latter half of Exodus, Leviticus, and almost the whole of Deuteronomy—but there’s still ...
Is Numbers a standalone book?
Numbers isn’t a standalone book. Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch —Israel’s five-movement origin story. Reading Numbers without at least familiarizing yourself with the previous three books (Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus) is kind of like tuning in to the fourth season of a TV series—you’re not going to know what’s going on if you didn’t see what happened beforehand.
What are some examples of biblical numbers?
Two excellent examples of biblical books containing such number references are Daniel ( Daniel 7:3) and Revelation ( Revelation 13:15-18 ).
What does the number 1 mean in the Bible?
Number 1: Symbolic of unity ( Deuteronomy 6:4 ). God is one, Jesus and the Father are one, etc. Number 2: Symbolic of a witness ( Exodus 25:22; Matthew 26:60; Luke 10:1 ). Christ sent his disciples out two by two, and wherever two are gathered in His name He is present, etc. Number 3: Symbolic of perfection and completion ( John 2:19;
How many types of offerings are there in Leviticus?
Five types of offering in Leviticus, the Book of Psalms is divided into five sections, five books of the Law. The Tabernacle contained five curtains, five pillars, five sockets, five bars, and the altar was five cubits by five cubits, etc. Number 6: Symbolic of humanity ( Genesis 1:31; Revelation 13:15-18 ).
What does the Bible say about divination?
Scripture forbids and condemns all such divinatory practices ( Deuteronomy 18:10-12 ). The Church Fathers were also unanimous in their condemnation of using numbers for divination, or foretelling future events, etc.
How many priests did God give Moses?
God provided 70 priests for Moses in passing judgment. For seventy years, the Israelites were kept in Babylonian captivity. Perhaps the most notorious number found in Scripture is that associated with the Anti-Christ: 666. The Church Fathers noted several other instances wherein the number six featured prominently.
What does the number 12 represent?
Ten lost tribes, ten commandments, and a tithe being a tenth of our earnings. Number 12: symbolizes spiritual authority ( Matthew 10:2-4; Revelation 7; 10:2-4). Twelve tribes, twelve apostles, Jacob had twelve sons, God ordered that twelve loaves of unleavened bread be present in the temple each week, etc.
Why does God use symbols?
God uses symbols to communicate spiritual truths to mankind, including numbers. Understanding the meanings behind these numbers in the Bible can help you understand the self-revelation of God a little better.
How many times is the number 7 mentioned in the Bible?
The number 7 appears more than 600 times in the Bible, but here are some of the most significant mentions: God rested from Creation on the seventh day. Jacob labored seven years to win the hand of Rachel. In Joseph's time, Egypt suffered seven years of plenty and seven years of famine.
Who was the first to teach that numbers had meaning beyond counting and calculating?
The Greek philosopher Pythagoras, who lived in the sixth century B.C.E., was the first to teach that numbers themselves had meaning beyond counting and calculating. Numbers were esoteric symbols with divine significance.
What does the number 40 mean in the Bible?
40: Trials and Transformation. The number 40 is another recurring figure in the Bible and seems to be closely associated with times of trial and testing that lead to transformation. When God commands Noah to build the ark, the rains flood the Earth for 40 days and 40 nights.
What does 12 mean in the Bible?
12: The Number of Authority. Like 7, the number 12 seems to be imbued with special meaning by the authors of both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Jacob has 12 sons, for example, who go on to become the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Why did Jesus choose 12 disciples?
Some interpret the number 12 as representing authority and governmental rule. So the 12 sons and the 12 apostles are symbols of authority both in ancient Israel and in the Christian church.
How many times is the 12th Revelation mentioned?
And again, the book of Revelation doubles down on the symbolism of 12, mentioning it 22 times in relation to the New Jerusalem that will descend to Earth after the Second Coming of Christ. In Revelation 7, the infamous 144,000 are "sealed" for salvation with 12,000 chosen from each of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Why did God tell the Israelites to eat bread?
God commanded the Israelites to eat unleavened bread for seven days in memory of the exodus from Egypt. The apocalyptic book of Revelation is loaded with sevens, including: seven churches, seven seals, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven golden bowls, seven stars, seven hills, etc.
Who Wrote The Book?
Where Are We?
- The events of the book began in the second year after the Israelites departed Egypt, as they camped at Mount Sinai around 1444 BC (Numbers 1:1). The narrative ends thirty-eight years later “in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho” (36:13) in 1406 BC. Numbers records the people’s long wandering in the desert of Sinai, their time at the oasis of Kadesh-barnea, and thei…
Why Is Numbers So Important?
- Numbers takes the reader on a long and winding path through a desert of excruciating detail. The book records census results for all twelve tribes not once, but twice; it documents priestly instructions for handling the Ark of the Covenant and the tabernacle; and it even spells out the placement of the tribes when they camped. But through it all, w...
What's The Big Idea?
- In this book, the people of Israel tested God’s patience, and He in turn tested their endurance and faithfulness. Though the people failed many times, God showed His own faithfulness by His constant presence leading the way: through a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. More than just a history lesson, the book of Numbers reveals how God reminded Israel that He does not tol…
How Do I Apply this?
- Modern readers can take away from Numbers not only a thorough history of Israel’s early days but also a renewed sense of God’s delight in obedience. He is our God, too, and He wants us to live righteously, worshipping Him through our words and works. The journey of the Israelites through the wilderness earned the apostle Paul’s notice when he penned his first letter to the Corinthian …