Numbers
The Hebrew title of this book, “In the Desert,” appropriately summarizes its historic content. The book takes us from Mt. Sinai to the plains of Moab by the river Jordan. Service and walk characterize Numbers. It is important to note that worship (Leviticus) follows redemption (Exodus) and must have its due place before service.
The following divisions may be observed: arrangements for the departure from Sinai (ch. 1-9); the journey from Sinai to Kadesh-barnea on the borders of Canaan (ch. 10-12); the 12 spies search out the land (ch. 13); apostasy—“Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt” (ch. 14); God’s purposes for his people—Canaan, not the wilderness is to be their hope (ch. 15); in 38 years of wandering God’s purposes remain unchanged (ch. 16-19); second arrival at Kadesh-barnea, and their journey from thence to the plains of Moab (ch. 20-36). Chapter 33 gives us a summary of their encampments, with their first stay at Kadesh-barnea conspicuous by its absence.
Through unbelief, all those twenty years old and upward among the nation of Israel perished in the wilderness, except Joshua and Caleb (Num 14:29-30). These two faithful men, numbered among the twelve spies, alone stood for Jehovah and His truth.
Though in the wilderness, the promised land was always to be before the children of Israel. A ribbon of blue was to fringe the borders of their garments (Num. 15:38), as it should ours figuratively, reminding us that we are a heavenly people. God would not have us in Egypt—the world. He would not have us in the wilderness either—the world as it appears to the eye of faith.
The children of Israel entered the Red Sea, and came out of the Jordan (Ex. 14:22; Josh. 4:16-18). Nothing is spoken of them exiting the Red Sea, or of entering the Jordan. Their desert wanderings were not the path of faith.
It is sad to see at the journeys end, that some still did not wish to enter the land: “Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, [and] bring us not over Jordan” (Num. 32:5). In contrast, it is beautiful to see the desire of the hearts of the daughters of Zelophehad (ch. 27). They did not despise the pleasant land, to the contrary, they claimed their father’s portion, and God honored their faith.