NUMBERS [22-27 JANUARY DAY 22 - 27]
INTRODUCTION
Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch in Hebrews is translated to Greek, Arimeo - arithmetic. It is probably named in view of the censors mentioned in chapter 1 and 26.
Moses wrote this about 1450-1410 B.C., in the wilderness during the Israelites wanderings in the Sinai Peninsula. A year passed after the exodus event. Numbering about two million people came to Mt. Sinai. Here the covenant was made but they rebelled and broke it. God renewed the relationship with them with the erecting of the tabernacle and establishing of the rituals. Number is a record of their journey from Mt Sinai toward the Promised Land.
Paul wrote with reference to these events for our learning, Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (I Corinthians 10:11 NKJV)
Chapters 1-12 Preparing for the Journey. A record of their journey in the wilderness starting at Sinai (Numbers 1-10) Then from Sinai to Kadesh (Numbers 10-12). Details matter to God as we note the first census of Israel. Orderliness in deployment of camps, designations of duties and regulations for manoeuvre is God's design for guidance, orderliness and unity.
Chapters 13-21 Wandering in the Wilderness of Paran. The Israelites grumbled over food, water, leadership. Ten of the twelve spy's reports were negative and mutiny. Judgment came upon the rebellious Korath Levites. Reacting to the complaints of thirst; Moses hit the rock and this dishonoured the Lord depriving him of entering the Promised Land. Judgment came and they were bitten by serpent. The remedy came upon those who looked at the pole with a bronze serpent Moses lifted.
Chapters 22-36 Wayward at the Plans of Moab. The Israelites came to plains of Moab. King Batak of Moab refused them to pass and got a soothsayer, Balaam to curse them. Balaam intended to announce an evil fate for the people. But instead, Balaam saw that God was with them. Balaam spoke only the words that God wanted him to say. So, Balaam blessed the people (Numbers 22-26; Deuteronomy 1-34) There was also a prophetic word of 'King' referring to Christ.