In the book of numbers, we find that the israelites under moses undertook a first and second census of the tribes of israel while they were in the wilderness. God cannot be pushed too dar wout asserting his own justice and honor. In chapter 26, we find a similar census taken of the men of the second generation, those about to. It describes moses taking two population censuses, hence the name numbers. The book of numbers takes its name from the account of the census that happened two times among the congregation of israel in numbers 14 and numbers. Mendenhall university of michigan t here seems to be a consensus among those who have treated of the census lists in the book of numbers since 1903, on at least two points. Chapter 26 the second census for more details of the sermon, please vis. There are in fact two censuses, one in chapter 1, taken in the second year. Numbers 2628 niv the second census after the plague. Following their exodus from egypt, the israelites were organized into a nation. The lord commands moses to take a census of the whole israelite community. The book of numbers study guide flashcards quizlet.
Most of the events of the book of numbers take place in the wilderness, between the second and fortieth years of the wandering of the israelites. Numbers is a historical book, whose name refers to the two censuses which were taken to number the people. Numbers summary we have detailed a brief summary of the book of numbers for bible study or sunday school lessons. The book of numbers records two censuses of israelite males 20 years. Bamidbar picks up on the first day of the second month of the second year. To fillin the historical period from the exodus and sinai revelation to the preparations in moab to enter the promised land.
Highlights from the book of numbers watchtower online. The whole purpose of the book of numbers is to record statistics. Census in the bible the book of numbers derives its name from the two recorded censuses made of the israelite people, one at the beginning of the 40year wilderness experience and one at the end. The book of numbers is the fourth book of the hebrew bible, and the fourth of five books of the. Numbers in the picture study bible the book of numbers. Canaan and died in the wilderness by gods decree numbers 125.
They came through the red sea and saw god provide through the desert wilderness. The first census was completed while the israelites were still at mount sinai chapters 12, and the second one came 38 years later when they arrived at the borders of canaan at the end. The second census reveals that none of the men counted in. Numbers with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. Numbers is so named because a census of israel is taken twice in the book. The second census and joshuas anointing today in the word. Interesting facts about numbers barnes bible charts meaning. They had taken a census at the beginning of the journey over 38 years ago. The israelites disobedience and lack of faith caused god to make them wander in the desert until all the people of that generation had diedwith a few important exceptions. The results of those enumerations of the tribes of israel reveal some surprising results. Since god commanded earlier back in the book of exodus never to count the. There are two censuses because the first generation died and a second census was needed. The book draws its name from the census made of the people, a necessary step toward their organization and future government.
The book of numbers concentrates on events that take place in the second and fortieth years after the exodus. This is the first of several censuses which will be taken in the book of numbers. The book ends with the israelites across the jordan outside the land of canaan, underscoring a chief theme of the pentateuch as a whole. Knowing the population statistics of the children of israel who came out of egypt is very important in understanding the massive exodus. The results of the census of the 12 tribes of israel from the book of numbers 1. As to why the numbers match in both books, seven month apart, perhaps moses or a later editor of his writings was simply using the census number from the census taken later in the book of numbers as a reference from a future event to help readers understand who was included in paying for the tabernacle. Numbers 2628 new international version niv the second census. Numbers 1 generation that grew up in the wilderness took place on the plains of moab. Joshuas anointing took place after the second census of israel. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. And it came to pass, after the plague, that the lord spoke to moses and eleazar the son of aaron the priest, saying. Numbers chapter 26 explained discover the 66 books of.
The purpose of the book of numbers is to tell about how israel prepared to enter the promise land, but sinned and was punished. A new census is taken of all the male israelites age 20 and older. This number indicates the number of israelites who are able to go to war and. Yahwehs care for the israelites and israels murmurings. The fourth book of the pentateuch, called in the wilderness by the jews after its first significant word. The first census begins the book and was taken in the sinai desert in the year following the exodus. Take a census of all the congregation of the children of israel from twenty years old and above, by their fathers houses, all who are able to go to.
The entire book consists of two census or numberings of the israelites from which the book derives its name. There are a couple possible reasons to explain why god ordered a census of the people of israel in the book of numbers. The first census in numbers 1 and the second census after the plague in numbers 26. The missing simeonites prophecy updates and commentary. God could have commanded the census to reveal his power in redeeming such a large number of people or to list those who were able to serve in war numbers 1. Why does the book of numbers begin with a census answers. What are the common themes in the book of numbers and exodus. In chapter 1, we find a tally of the men of the first generation, those who came out of egypt with the exodus. Types and shadows in numbers jesus is the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.
The book has a long and complex history, but its final form is probably due to a priestly redaction i. This summary of the book of numbers provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of numbers. From chapters 19 the israelites are preparing for their journey and entry into the promise land. God responds with shortterm severity and longterm generosity as he leads them into the promised land. The lord instructs moses concerning the arrangement of the tribal camps around the tabernacle. In the book of numbers, we have two censuses taken of the militaryage men of israel. As recorded in the book of exodus, israel escaped slavery in egypt god miraculously set them free from hundreds of years of bondage. And it came to pass after the plague, that the lord spoke to moses and to eleazar the son of aaron the priest, saying, i. Introduction to the book of numbers agape bible study. How did the total numbers in the first census compare with. The name of the book comes from the two censuses taken of the israelites. The fourth book of the bible, called numbers in english and in hebrew, was originally known as. The hebrew title is more meaningful than the english, for the book picks up the account of the wilderness wandering after the arrival at sinai exod.
The results of the census of the 12 tribes of israel from. Shortly thereafter, they could have entered the promised land, but they did not. The book of leviticus as well as the book of numbers follow immediately after the book of exodus. To explain that the 38 year period in the wilderness was a consequence for the unbelief of the older generation dt 1. In this case, however, the birth of a new generation suggests these preparations will not be in vain.
Phinehas, second census, inheritance, moses successor. Now the end of the journey is near, and they will take the census again. Sermon by pastor todd riley of islington baptist church on april 21, 20 numbers. The book is called numbers because of the two censuses taken of the twelve tribes of israel during their journey towards the promised land, following the exodus from egypt. The book ends with the israelites across the jordan outside the land of canaan, underscoring a chief theme of the pentateuch as a.
The english name of the book comes from the septuagint the prechristian greek translation of the ot and is based on the census lists found in. Numbers 26 niv the second census after the plague bible. The second census after the plague the lord said to moses and eleazar son of aaron, the priest, take a census of the whole israelite community by. The book of numbers records two censuses of israelite males 20 years and olderi.
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