Page 51 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

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 20 years or older 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.

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5.3 Numbers

The book of Numbers narrates the time of Israel’s
wanderings.

Author and Date: It is highly likely that Moses wrote the
book of Numbers. The Date is unknown but possibly written
during the time of wanderings (after exodus from Egypt).

Themes: Numbers is divided into three main themes: 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 and 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 with God and 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 those who are

46 Main Contributor. Dr. Brian Gault (Prof. of Old Testament and Hebrew at Columbia International University) for
giving me permission to use most of his class notes for this Old Testament Survey. Forever grateful To God.
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