The Book of Numbers

Author:

Not stated, but typically attributed to Moses.

Setting:

Circa 15th Century B.C.

Major Events:

The Book of Numbers concerns itself with the process of census taking. Roughly fourteen months after the Israelites were delivered out of the hands of the Pharoah in Egypt, their number was greater than 603,500 men, not including the Levites. This total number of individuals, the newly formed nation of Israel, begins a march of approximately two-hundred miles to the "Promised Land" in Canaan-a journey that will take 40 years to complete. The trip to Canaan takes this long because God punishes them for complaining about the food (manna from Heaven) and water they have received, and for their rebellion against Moses. The Israelites resist entering Canaan because of the powerful people who already dwell in this region. So, God decrees that the entire generation of Israelites will die in the wilderness, leaving the Promised Land to a new generation of Israelites who are obedient to God.

Transcendental:

Ironically, Moses is forbidden to enter the Promised Land, which is punishment imposed by God for disregarding His command to speak to a rock rather than strike it with his staff, from which water was to miraculously appear (20: 1-13).

Take Away:

God hates sin and punishes the sinner for committing it. We can be thankful today that Jesus died on the Cross for our sins and that he took the punishment meant for us.