Numbers

Original Reader:

The book of Numbers is written to the people of Israel. Two generations are represented, the old generation (1-10) and the new generation (21-36)

Author:

There is strong evidence that points to Moses to be the author of Numbers. There are over 80 claims that "The LORD spoke to Moses.". (3:11; 3:40; 5:11) etc. It is also stated that Moses kept detailed records of the events throughout this book. (33:2)

Main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and one sentence summary of the main idea:

One of the repeated occurrences found in the book of Numbers is the many complaints of Israel. (11:1; 20:3-5; 21:4-5) First they complain about their hardships, the food they were eating, then leaving Egypt and how they are going to die in the desert. We then see God's anger against them because of their lack of appreciation for all that God has done for them. (11:1; 11:33-35, 20:12, 21:6) In conclusion we see these repeated occurrences throughout Numbers.

Primary reason book was written:

The primary reason Numbers was written was to show God's judgement against sin and to reshape Israel's future by telling the story of their past which resulted in failure by a means of unbelief towards God. Moses sends 12 spies to inspect the promise land and 10 of the spies come back and spread a bad report about the land and how they are unable to take it. (13:31) This then results in Israel's disobedience to God because they refused listen to the Lord. The consequence of their sin is revealed. (14:21-23) They then end up wandering in the desert for 40 years. (14:34)

Character and Nature of God:

As I mentioned in the above question we see the judgement of God displayed in this book. (14:34). Israel wanders a year for everyday the spies took to inspect the land, which was a total of 40 days so that is 40 years of wandering. We also see the justice of God. (15:18-31) In spite of God's judgement and wrath we see the mercy of God is shown to Israel after they sin against the Lord. (21:6-8) We see the great power of God in giving animals the ability to speak and open the eyes to the supernatural. (22:28; 31) As you can see these are some of the God's character and nature throughout Numbers.

God's redemptive plan:

I believe the story of the bronze snake attached to a pole symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ. When everyone was bitten they just had to look at the pole and they were healed. (21:9) cross reference to john 3:14. 24:10

Personal Application:

There are so many things that you can take away from Numbers and apply to your life. For me I tend to find myself complaining about campus food sometimes and the revelation God spoke to me was that is he providing food in the first place which I should be thankful for. There were countless times where Israel complained and God got mad at them, so rather then complaining the thing I take away from this story is that I should be thankful in all circumstances. Also we see that Israel factored out God in there equation and tried to do it their own way. For me, that challenges me to be thinking and praying for what God has next for me after DBS opposed to me creating my own plans. Not that creating your own plans is bad but including God in the decision making process is what counts.