Page 86 - Pentateuch

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

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 he aimed 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 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.

The Lesson ...

From Sinai to Kadesh Barnea

Numbers is written in three sections based on geographic location. The beginnings of the second and third
sections are marked by travel reports.

Section I: Mt. Sinai, 1:1-10:10
Travel: From Sinai to Kadesh–Barnea, 10:11-12:13
Section II: Kadesh-Barnea, 10:11-19:22
Travel: From Kadesh-Barnea to Moab, 20:1-21:35
Section III: The Plains of Moab, 20:1-36:13

Yet these sections are divided differently by a huge contrast. The generation that came out of Egypt
rebelled against God over and over. Their rebellion was highlighted by a refusal to go into the Promised

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