Page 94 - Pentateuch - Student Textbook

Study Section 12: Pentateuch Part V:
From Sinai to Kadesh Barnea: Numbers 1:1 – 20:21

12.1 Connect

The title of this book comes from the Greek translation of the Old Testament (LXX) and refers
to the lists throughout the book (census, camp arrangement, offerings, sacrifices, stages of
Israel’s journey, and boundaries). The Hebrew Bible has the title “In the Wilderness,” as a
reflection of their physical location and also of God’s purpose to refine the nation. Either trust
or doubt would emerge as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Both of these titles
reflect key themes and apply the message of the book to our lives today.

The New Testament comments on major events along with some of those in Exodus. The events
happened “as examples” (1 Cor. 10:6, 11) and were written “as warnings for us” (10:11) to help us resist
temptation (10:12-13). The choices of ancient Israel become spiritual lesson material for us “on whom
the culmination of the ages has come” (10:11). As God allowed Israel to go through troubling times, so
too he allows us to experience difficulty. As his aim was to strengthen their faith, his aim today is to
draw us nearer to him, having greater confidence in him with each passing day. We too are on a journey
through a wilderness, even though, unlike the people in Numbers, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us
and know the risen Savior.

The scene becomes dramatic. The cloud of God’s presence lifts from above the tabernacle. Priests move
in to pack up the tent. The rest of Israel collects in their assigned places. Trumpets sound to signal the
start of the journey to the Promised Land. We can imagine something of the impression all this time at
Sinai has made on the Israelites. They have had many encounters with God already and have received
much instruction and have witnessed his miraculous provision over and over. Now it is time to trust him
to take them to the land and to evict the inhabitants as Yahweh had promised. A small event sets the
stage for the rest of this section and beyond. Moses invites a relative to go with Israel. “Come with us
and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel (10:29, 32).” Expectations
are high.

12.2 Objectives

1. You will see the divisions in Numbers between one generation and the next.

2. You will learn about new legislation enabling a sinful nation to live with a holy God.

3. You will be reminded of the necessity of parents passing on God’s promises to their children.

4. You will begin to understand the difficulty of getting Egyptian thinking out of God’s people.

5. You will consider the position of Moses in Israel. 6.) You will see God’s method for handling so much
death.

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