Welcome to Bible Gateway’s weekly Look at the Book series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. This post takes account of Numbers, a sometimes overlooked book from the Torah/Pentateuch that nevertheless contains some important (and entertaining) details.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Numbers commences with God commissioning Moses at the tabernacle of meeting to take a census in preparation for war against Israel’s enemies. Due to lack of trust in God, Israel did not want to engage its enemies militarily in order to claim the Promised Land. After forty additional years in the wilderness for their rebellion, Israel arrived on the plains of Moab.
- Category: Law
- Theme: Preparation
- Timeline: About 1445-1400 BC
- Written: 1450-1400 BC, traditionally attributed to Moses
Key Verse
“The Lord bless you and keep you…” — Numbers 6:24 (NIV)
Welcome to the Wilderness
Most of the events of the book are set “in the wilderness.” The word “wilderness” is used 48 times in Numbers. This term refers to land that contains little vegetation or trees, and because of a sparsity of rainfall, it cannot be cultivated. This land is best used for tending flocks of animals.
7 Day Reading Guide
(See 30-day guide below.)
- Day 1: Numbers 1-5
- Day 2: Numbers 6-10
- Day 3: Numbers 11-15
- Day 4: Numbers 16-21
- Day 5: Numbers 22-26
- Day 6: Numbers 27-31
- Day 7: Numbers 31-36
Consider
Despite the fact that it is 11 days’ journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea, the journey took Israel forty years due to their rebellion against God.
Is there something you are dragging out in your own life? Trust God to help you see it through.
Access the rest of the series here. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
