The Book of Numbers
in a Nutshell

04_Numbers-BiaNS.mp3

The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible recounting Israel's journey after leaving Egypt. Following their time at Mount Sinai, they travel towards the promised land, with detailed stages of their journey. The book begins with a "Census*" at Mount Sinai, organizing the tribes around the Tabernacle symbolizing God's presence. Laws are established to maintain purity. However, challenges arise as the people complain, rebel, and doubt God's promises.

Upon reaching the wilderness of Paran, spies are sent to scout the Promised Land. Most report it is unconquerable, leading to fear and mutiny among the people. Consequently, God condemns that generation to wander in the wilderness for forty years, only their children shall enter the land. Continued rebellions and challenges, including a confrontation with Levites and Moses' disobedience towards God, resulted in severe consequences.

God demonstrates justice, and mercy, by judging His people, but also providing for them. Despite their rebellions, God blesses Israel, and makes use of a wicked prophet named Balaam, son of Beor, who finds he cannot curse Israel, but prophesizes instead, a future king who will bring justice. The stories of rebellion and God's faithfulness in the wilderness serve as warnings for future generations to remain faithful to God's covenant.

As the book progresses, the focus shifts to the new generation preparing to inherit the Promised Land. Battles are won, tribes start settling into the land, and Moses prepares to deliver his final words. The book of Numbers highlights the consequences of rebellion, the importance of obedience, and the faithfulness of God's promises throughout Israel's journey towards the Promised Land.

JJ Bowks, ©CDMI

*Cen·sus (noun) : a complete count of a population

The Bible in a Nutshell Series

Hebrew Scriptures

(Old Testament Books)

Outline of the Book of Numbers

I. Israel Preparing at Sinai, 1:1-10:10

A. The Census of the People, 1:1-4:49
- 1. The population of the tribes, 1:1-54
- 2. The position of the tribes in camp and on march, 2:1-34
- 3. The place of the Levites, 3:1-4:49
B. The Sanctification of the People, 5:1-10:10
- 1. By separation from defiling things, 5:1-31
- 2. By taking a Nazirite vow, 6:1-27
- 3. By the offerings of the leaders, 7:1-89
- 4. By the setting apart of the Levites, 8:1-26
- 5. By observing the first annual Passover, 9:1-14
- 6. By being led by God, 9:15-10:10

II. Israel Marching to Kadesh-barnea, 10:11-12:16

A. The March Begun, 10:11-36
B. The Murmurings Begun, 11:1-12:16
- 1. The murmuring of the people (the seventy elders and the quail), 11:1-35
- 2. The murmuring of Miriam and Aaron (the leprosy of Miriam), 12:1-16

III. Israel at Kadesh-barnea, 13:1-20:13

A. The Defiance of God, 13:1-14:45
- 1. The reconnaissance and report of the spies, 13:1-33
- 2. The reaction and judgment of the people, 14:1-45
B. The Discipline from God, 15:1-20:13
- 1. Miscellaneous laws concerning offerings, Sabbath-breaking, and garment tassels, 15:1-41
- 2. The rebellion of Korah, 16:1-50
- 3. Validation of the Aaronic priesthood: Aaron’s rod that budded, 17:1-13
- 4. The duties and support of the Levites, 18:1-32
- 5. The red heifer sacrifice, 19:1-22
- 6. The sin of Moses, 20:1-13

IV. Israel Marching to Moab, 20:14-21:35

A. The Defiance of Edom, 20:14-22
B. The Death of Aaron, 20:23-29
C. The Defeat of Arad, 21:1-3
D. The Discipline of Israel: the Bronze Serpent, 21:4-9
E. The Defeat of Sihon and Og, 21:10-35

V. Israel on the Plains of Moab, 22:1-36:13

A. Balak Propositions Balaam to Curse Israel, 22:1-41
B. Balaam Blesses Israel, 23:1-24:25
C. Israel Worships Baal of Peor, 25:1-18
D. The New Generation Numbered, 26:1-65
E. The People Instructed, 27:1-30:16
- 1. The laws of inheritance, 27:1-11
- 2. The appointment of Joshua, Num 27:12-23
- 3. The order of offerings and festivals, 28:1-29:40
- 4. The law for vows, 30:1-16
F. The People Defeat the Midianites, 31:1-54
G. Transjordan Settled by Two-and-a-Half Tribes, 32:1-42
H. The Journey from Egypt to Moab Reviewed, 33:1-49
I. Instructions for Possessing the Land, 33:50-56
J. The Division of the Land of Canaan, 34:1-36:13
- 1. The boundaries, 34:1-12
- 2. The allotment, 34:13-29
- 3. The cities of the Levites, 35:1-8
- 4. The cities of refuge, 35:9-34
- 5. The inheritance of women, 36:1-13