Author: The fourth book of Moses.

Title: The book of numbers derives its name from the census lists of the number of people in each of the twelve tribes of Israel in Chapters 1 and 26 . The Hebrew title for the book, “In the Wilderness”, comes from the first verse of the book and accurately describes its setting. The Greek title in the Septuagint translated, “Numbers”. The Latin Vulgate followed this title and translated it, “Book of Numbers”.

Theme: The book of Numbers involves an important generational transition in the story of early Israel 's journey as the people of God. This transition takes place from the old rebellious generation of the wilderness, to the new generation of hope and promise, on the edge of the Promised Land. This structure is marked by the two census lists of the twelve tribes; the first census taking place at Mount Sinai , marking the generation of the Exodus, the second on the plains of Moab , marking the generation that would grow up in the wilderness and conquered Canaan .

The second census list of Numbers 26 was nearly identical to the first in form, however, did not include any members of the old generation who had been numbered in the first census. The only two exceptions were two faithful spies named Joshua and Caleb. Although they had been members of the old disobedient and rebellious generation; they alone acted with faith in God.

Brief Outline:

Chapters 1 – 10:11: Legislation and organization of the host.

Chapters 10:11 – 12:16: March from Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea.

Chapters 13 - 14: The story of the spies and the debacle at Kadesh.

Chapters 15 – 21:11: Repeated faithlessness on the part of the people.

Chapters 21:11 – End: Tells the story of the trans-Jordan conquest and preparations to enter the Promised Land.

Central Lesson: Disbelief bars the entrance to abundant life!

Hebrews 3:12-19 “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:

"Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." 16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt , led by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief .”

Hebrews 4:1 “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it .”