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)