How to Read Numbers

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People who read straight through Numbers very often come away confused or discouraged. The begins with a long description of a census and proceeds into lists of laws and rituals. These were the official records of a nation, and each word had great significance for the Israelite. (Imagine how our Yellow Pages or Congressional Record would appear to people 3,000 years from now.)

Yet, unlike Leviticus, Numbers does not consist mainly of these long descriptions. Rather, it focuses on stories, with laws and rituals sprinkled in at various points. The stories are exciting, and some, such as the story of Balaam, are 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 desert, but Numbers details very few of them.
  3. Chapter 20-36 concern a whole new generation of Israelite, 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 says to Moses.” Look for the qualities that make 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.

People You’ll Meet in Numbers
  • Miriam
  • Aaron
  • Balaam

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