30 A.D.
2000 A.D.
1400 B.C..
MosesCreation of
world
Books 4 – Numbers NAME: “Census” AUTHOR: Moses DATE: 1446 – 1406 THEME: What it means to grow in faith. The
books records two major censuses that took place in the wilderness
2000 B.C.
Abraham
SETTING:
The book of Numbers is, in essence a diary, journal, or perhaps even an adventure log, detailing Israel’s 40
year journey through the wilderness on their way to the Promise Land
(1446 – 1406 BC). Numbers includes all the events that happened after
the nation broke camp and left Mount Sinai.
SETTING:
•The picture isn’t always pretty. •Aaron, Miriam, Moses, and
the nation as a whole all fall into doubt, disobedience, and despair from time to time.
A FEW PROBLEMS• The ground opens up and swallows
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram • Fire falls from heaven to destroy their
followers when they rebel against Moses leadership! • Many Israelites are enticed into
worshipping an idol-god (Baal)
A FAITHFUL GOD• God remains faithful despite His
people’s sin• He is at work to bring them to
repentance and to fulfill His promises to them. • He will bring them to not only the
promise land, but he will bring a Savior to redeem His sinful people from, both the guilt and the power of our sins
KEY PEOPLE - MOSES
Moses continued to lead Israel from Sinai to the Promise Land. Along with the rest of the first Generation,
Moses was not allowed to enter the
Promised Land.
KEY PEOPLE - AARON
Aaron was Moses’ brother. Despite his own
failures in leadership and sin, God allowed
Aaron to continue acting as Israel’s high priest. During the journey, Aaron died and was greatly mourned.
KEY PEOPLE - MIRIAM
She was Moses’ sister. Despite Miriam’s
personal rebellion, God forgave her and restored her to the
community. She also died during the
wilderness wanderings.
KEY PEOPLE - JOSUHA
He was one of the twelve spies that
Moses sent into the land. After Moses’ death, Joshua took
over Moses’ leadership role and led Israel into
the Promised Land.
KEY PEOPLE - CALEBAlong with Joshua, Caleb was the other spy who
believed God and encouraged the Israelites
to conquer the land, despite the odds. Caleb
and Joshua were the only two people of the old
generation who entered the Promised Land
KEY PEOPLE - ELEAZER
He was son of Aaron who
became the next high priest after
Aaron died.
KEY PEOPLE - KORAH
He led a rebellion against Moses
and Aaron. God severely punished him along with his
family
KEY PEOPLE - BALAAM
He was a pagan prophet-for-hire who was under
contract to curse Israel. Having been
warned by God Balaam could only
bless Israel
Jesus and the Book of Numbers
How Does the Book of
Numbers point to Jesus?
Jesus and the Book of Numbers
• Like Jesus, Moses repeatedly intercedes for the people, asking God to pardon their sins. (see Numbers 14:13 – 20)
• In John 3:14 -1 6, Jesus compares the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 with his own saving work
• Balaam describes in detail the coming of the “Star” and “Scepter” from Israel
Jesus and the Book of Numbers
• Each of the worship practices reviewed and summarized in Number 28 – 29 depicts the coming Savior and the peace He would bring.
• Jesus is our “city of refuge” (Numbers 35:9 – 15), the place where we can flee for refuge from the guilt and shame of our sins. (see also vv. 25, 28)