Page 31 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook- short

Study Section 5: Numbers and Deuteronomy

5.1 Connect

Have you ever gotten lost? I have! Once when driving to a conference I got so lost that I
ended up in another country! It took hours to find my way back to the destination. It was a
frustrating experience. The children of Israel got lost in their journey to the Promised Land,
but it was their own fault. They arrived at the border, but because of unbelief, refused to
enter the land. They did not trust God to take care of them and fight their battles, as He
promised to do. Because of unbelief, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 additional
years until every person living who were disobedient died, save for two of the spies. Wandering in a
desert was really the ultimate journey in lostness. Today in our study, we will see how the books of
Numbers and Deuteronomy chronicle this journey and how the second book is directed to a new
generation of Israelites who were getting ready to conquer a new land. Let’s see what happens….

5.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to describe the reason for and the realities of Israel’s wanderings.

2. The student should be able to explain the purpose for the book of Deuteronomy.

3. The student should be able to explain why Moses and Aaron were not permitted to enter the
Promised Land.

5.3 NUMBERS

The book of Numbers narrates the time of Israel’s
wanderings. It is highly likely that Moses wrote the book of
Numbers. The Date is unknown but possibly written during
the time f wanderings (after exodus from Egypt).

Numbers is divided into three main themes and these
include: Prepare (1-10), Punished (11-21), Promise (21-36) The main
message of the Book of Numbers is God’s preparation of His people for
His presence. He would punish them for their disbelief, but despite their repeated rebellion, He remains
committed to His promises! The Israelites are at Sinai are preparing to depart (1-10). After being freed
from bonds of Egypt yet bonded to God, Israel is ready to head for Canaan. Yet, God’s holy presence in
their midst demands purity! After an initial census (1), God prescribes the position of tribes in camp and
travel, with Levites encircling the tent, carrying its objects for nation’s protection (2-4). Also, people
must beware of defiling their purity both ritual- uncleanness and moral- breaking faith w/ God/man,
Nazarite vow vine, razor, or dead (5-6). After the tabernacle is purified, with offerings given for its
dedication (7), Levites are also purified, for service as priests (8). YHWH even makes a provision for
impure to celebrate Passover late (9). Finally, symbol of God’s presence lifts, with trumpet blast, signals
departure, Israel leaves in order (9-10)

Again the Israelites travel from Sinai to Paran but unfortunately a Plague (11-12) hits them. With ark in
front, Israel sets out for Canaan. Within days, Israel is complaining; it is evil to YHWH, so He burns
outskirts. They complain again, preferring food of slavery over God’s free food. Despite Moses’ doubt,
God brings quail to eat… and a great plague. Moses also laments leadership burden, so God raises up
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