30 A.D A.D B.C.. Moses Creation 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 - CALEB Along 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: , 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)