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2BC BIBLE STUDY NOTES

Wednesday in the Word

Second Baptist Church

July 24, 2019

Numbers: Intro

  1. The Hebrew title is not numbers, but “in the wilderness.” Most of the events of the book are set “in the wilderness.” The word “wilderness” is used 48 times in Numbers. This term refers to land that contains little vegetation or trees, and because of a sparsity of rainfall, it cannot be cultivated. This land is best used for tending flocks of animals. In (1:1-10:10), Israel encamped in “the wilderness of Sinai.” It was a Sinai that the Lord had entered into the Mosaic Covenant with them (Exodus 19-24). From (10:11-12:16), Israel traveled from Sinai to Kadesh. In (13:1-20:13), the events took place in and around Kadesh, which was located in “the wilderness of Paran” (12:16; 13:3, 26), “the wilderness of Zin” (13:21; 20:1). From (20:14-22:1), Israel traveled from Kadesh to the “plains of Moab.” All the events of (22:2-36:13), occurred while Israel was encamped in the plain to the north of Moab. That plain was a flat and fertile piece of land in the middle of the wasteland (21:20; 23:28; 24:1). The book of Numbers concentrates on events that take place in the second and fortieth years after the Exodus. The purpose of the book was: 1.To fill-in the historical period from the Exodus and Sinai revelation to the preparations in Moab to enter the Promised Land 2. To explain that the 38-year period in the wilderness was a consequence for the unbelief of the older generation 3. To demonstrate God’s faithfulness and forbearance against the backdrop of Israel’s unfaithfulness, rebellion, apostasy and frustration 4. To present additional laws as case studies 5. To narrate the preparation of Israel for entry into the Promise Land by describing the journey from Sinai to the region beyond Jordan, and the legal decisions made in the wilderness.

  2. Most of the events of the Book of Numbers take place in the wilderness, primarily between the second and fortieth years of the wandering of the Israelites. During those years of wandering, the old generation died and a new generation grew to maturity, a generation that had not known slavery and the worship of false gods in Egypt. Raised in obedience to the divine Law of the Sinai Covenant, the vigorous new generation of the children of Israel was fully prepared to become Yahweh’s holy warriors and the conquerors of the Promised Land. The first 25 chapters of the book chronicle the experiences of the first generation of Israel in the wilderness, while the rest of the book describes the experiences of the second generation. The theme of obedience and rebellion followed by repentance and blessing runs through the entire book, as well as the entire Old Testament.

  3. The theme of the holiness of God is continued from the book of Leviticus into the book of Numbers, which reveals God's instruction and preparation of His people to enter the Promised Land of Canaan. The importance of the Book of Numbers is indicated by its being referred to in the New Testament many times. The Holy Spirit call special attention to Numbers in l Corinthians 10:1-12. The words "all these things happened to them for examples “refers to the sin of the Israelites and God’s displeasure with them. In Romans 11:22, Paul speaks about the "goodness and severity of God.” That, in a nutshell, is the message of Numbers. The severity of God is seen in the death of the rebellious generation in the wilderness, those who never entered the Promised Land. The goodness of God is realized in the new generation. God protected, preserved, and provided for these people until they possessed the land. This reminds us of the justice and love of God, which are always in sovereign harmony.

  4. Foreshadowings: God’s demand for holiness in His people is completely and finally satisfied in Jesus Christ, who came to fulfill the law on our behalf (Matthew 5:17). The concept of the promised Messiah pervades the book. The story in chapter 19 of the sacrifice of the red heifer “without defect or blemish” prefigures Christ, the Lamb of God without spot or blemish who was sacrificed for our sins. The image of the bronze snake lifted up on the pole to provide physical healing (chapter 21) also prefigures the lifting up of Christ, either upon the cross, or in the ministry of the Word, that whoever looks to Him by faith may have spiritual healing. In chapter 24, Balaam’s fourth oracle speaks of the star and the scepter who is to rise out of Jacob. Here is a prophecy of Christ who is called the "morning star“ in Revelation 22:16 for His glory, brightness, and splendor, and for the light that comes by Him. He may also be called a scepter, that is, a scepter bearer, because of his royalty. He not only has the name of a king, but has a kingdom, and rules with a scepter of grace, mercy, and righteousness.

  5. Practical Application: A major theological theme developed in the New Testament from Numbers is that sin and unbelief, especially rebellion, reap the judgment of God. First Corinthians specifically says--and Hebrews 3:7-4:13 strongly implies--that these events were written as examples for believers to observe and avoid. We are not to “set our hearts on evil things” (v. 6), or be sexually immoral (v. 8), or put God to the test (v. 9) or gripe and complain (v. 10). Just as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness 40 years because of their rebellion, so too does God sometimes allow us to wander away from Him and suffer loneliness and lack of blessings when we rebel against Him. But God is faithful and just, and just as He restored the Israelites to their rightful place in His heart, He will always restore Christians to the place of blessing and intimate fellowship with Him if we repent and return to Him (l John l:9).

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