From death to life

1.The HISTORICAL SETTING of the book of Numbers 1. Where is Israel as the book opens? -- Israel is still at the foot of Mt Sinai 2. Where is Israel as the book comes to a close? -- Israel is at the border of the Promised Land, in the land of Edom  Historically, Numbers is the account of the travels of Israel from Mt. Sinai to the border of the Promised Land.  Theologically, Numbers is focused on the unfolding of God’s promise to Abraham.

2. The PURPOSE of the book of Numbers  To demonstrate that the unbelief and rebellion of “old Israel” (Num 14:32-34) will not hinder the creator God from creating a “new Israel” and giving them the land, thus fulfilling his promise to Abraham.

3. An OUTLINE of the book of Numbers  3 part outline (in notes)  The book’s own structure  Two censuses enclose the main content of the book:  chap. 1 (1-25 = old Israel)  a memorial to the old generation of “death”  chap. 26 (26-36 = new Israel)  a symbol of hope for the future believing generation   From “Death to life”  loads of death in 1-25  no death in 26-36

A. Why all the numbering?  The numbering shows in detail God beginning to fulfill his promise to Abraham to make him “a mighty nation”  What was the total number of fighting men at this time? ,550 men B. Why are they all huddled around the Tabernacle?  Vividly shows the centrality of the divine presence among the Israelites

A. The twelve spies and their unbelieving report (Numb 13-14) This story is central to the entire book a. Overview of Story a. Theological point God WILL give Israel the land (GRACE), but He will also punish those who disobey Him (JUDGMENT).

B. 40 years of wandering in the wilderness (Numb 15-21) a. Marked by “death” (in notes) b. Moses’ intimate relationship with Yahweh a. God spoke to Moses “face to face” (Num. 7:89; cf. Exod. 33:11; Deut. 34:10) as he heard “the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony” (Num. 7:89b ; cf. 11:25; 12:5, 8 ; 14:10; 16:19, 42; 20:6). b. List of questions (in notes) c. “Twice, God threatened to wipe out Israel, but in Numbers Moses dissuaded the Lord by quoting back to him the famed statements of Yahweh’s loyal love, originally spoken by God himself (Num. 14:12, 17–19; cf. Exod. 32:10; 34:6–7)” (Schmutzer)

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Theological Significance Abrahamic Promise  “who can count the dust of Jacob” (23:10; cf. Gen 13:16; 15:5)  “The LORD their God is with them” (23:21; cf. Gen 17:8)  “May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed” (24:9; cf. Gen 12:3)  “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel” (24:17; cf. Gen 17:6, 16; 49:10

Theological Significance A Leader will arise from the tribe of Judah  Genesis  3:15  12:3 (22:18)  49:10  Numbers  24:17-19  “latter days” (24:14)  Crushing the forehead of their enemies (cf. Gen 3:15)

 Seems to be innocent  But Numb 25:1ff and 31:16  See too 2 Pet 2:15-16 “Forsaking the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, but received a rebuke for his own transgression; for a dumb donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet”

 Why this second census?  Reveals the new Israel (the old Israel died off)  Num highlighted death, in Num 25-36, there is no death!  Cf. 31:49, battle with the Midianites, no Israelites was killed! This is a new generation filled with “life.”

LAND  A new Israel is on the brink of the promised land  God has reaffirmed his promise to Israel NATION  Israel is a mighty nation, as numerous as the stars in the sky Blessing  God has reaffirmed his promise to bless Israel, not because they are so righteous (they are not) but because of his unconditional promise to Abraham  Also, a Leader will come “in the latter days”