Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch, is a foundational text in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. Known in Hebrew as "Bemidbar," meaning "In the Wilderness," Numbers chronicles the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab, on the brink of entering the Promised Land. The book derives its English name from the censuses of the Israelite population recorded within its chapters. Authorship and Date Traditionally attributed to Moses, Numbers is believed to have been written during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, around the 15th century BC. The Mosaic authorship is supported by internal references and the consistent narrative style found throughout the Pentateuch. Structure and Content Numbers is structured into three main sections: 1. Preparation and Departure from Sinai (Chapters 1-10): This section begins with a census of the Israelite tribes, detailing the organization of the camp and the duties of the Levites. The Israelites prepare to leave Sinai, receiving instructions on offerings, the Passover, and the role of the Levites. The narrative includes the consecration of the Tabernacle and the cloud of God's presence guiding the Israelites. Key Verse: "The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt." (Numbers 1:1) 2. Wilderness Wanderings (Chapters 11-25): This central section recounts the challenges and rebellions faced by the Israelites. Notable events include the complaints about manna, the appointment of seventy elders, the scouting of Canaan, and the subsequent rebellion led by Korah. The Israelites' lack of faith results in a 40-year period of wandering, during which the older generation perishes. Key Verse: "But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it." (Numbers 14:24) 3. Preparation to Enter the Promised Land (Chapters 26-36): The final section includes a second census, laws concerning inheritance, and the appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor. The Israelites defeat several kings and receive instructions for dividing the land of Canaan. The book concludes with laws regarding vows, offerings, and the establishment of cities of refuge. Key Verse: "The LORD said to Moses, 'Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.'" (Numbers 31:1-2) Theological Themes 1. God's Faithfulness and Holiness: Numbers emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite the Israelites' repeated disobedience. The holiness of God is underscored through the laws and rituals given to maintain purity among His people. 2. Leadership and Authority: The book highlights the roles of Moses, Aaron, and the Levites, illustrating the importance of divinely appointed leadership. The rebellion narratives serve as warnings against challenging God's chosen leaders. 3. Judgment and Mercy: Numbers presents a balance between God's judgment on sin and His mercy towards a repentant people. The intercession of Moses and the provision of atonement through sacrifices reveal God's desire for reconciliation. 4. Faith and Obedience: The narrative underscores the necessity of faith and obedience for entering God's promises. The failure of the first generation to trust in God's provision serves as a cautionary tale for future generations. Significance in the Biblical Canon Numbers serves as a bridge between the giving of the Law at Sinai and the conquest of Canaan. It provides historical context for the Israelites' journey and sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's promises in the Book of Joshua. The lessons of faith, obedience, and divine guidance continue to resonate with believers, offering insights into the nature of God's relationship with His people. ATS Bible Dictionary the Book Of NumbersSo called because the first three chapters contain the numbering of the Hebrews and Levites, which was performed separately, after the erection and consecration of he tabernacle. The rest of the book contains an account of the breaking up of the Israelites from Sinai, and their subsequent wanderings in the desert, until their arrival on the borders of Moab. It was written by Moses, B. C. 1451, and is the fourth book of the Pentateuch. See EXODUS. Greek 976. biblos -- (the inner) bark (of a papyrus plant), hence a ... ... book. (biblos) -- 1 Occurrence. (biblou) -- 1 Occurrence. (biblous) -- 1 Occurrence. (biblo) -- 7 Occurrences. 975, 976. biblos. 977 . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/976.htm - 6k 975. biblion -- a paper, book 974. biblaridion -- a little book 2777. kephalis -- a little head, a roll 511. anoteros -- higher 5568. psalmos -- a striking (of musical strings), a psalm 1121. gramma -- that which is drawn or written, ie a letter 4023. periecho -- to surround 5273. hupokrites -- one who answers, an actor, a hypocrite 2492. Iob -- Job, a patriarch Strong's Hebrew 5612. sepher -- a missive, document, writing, book... book -- bill, book, evidence, X learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. see HEBREW 'abedah. see HEBREW caphar. 5611, 5612. sepher. 5613 . Strong's Numbers /hebrew/5612.htm - 6k 5609. sephar -- a book 5613c. siphrah -- a book 1697. dabar -- speech, word 5802. Azbuq -- an Israelite 2264. chibbuq -- a clasping, folding (of the hands) 1229. Baqbuqyah -- "emptying of Yah," a Levite 1231. Buqqi -- two Israelites 1227. Baqbuq -- one of the Nethinim 1232. Buqqiyyahu -- "proved of Yah," a Levite Library Numbers Book x. On Numbers Translations from Greek Writers. The Gaze of the Soul Contents Book vi Of the Old Testament, Therefore, First of all There have Been ... The Books of Samuel and Kings. The Attack on the Book of Leviticus. Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken? Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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