|
Topic:
The Book Of Numbers -- A Brief Overview
The fourth of the books of the Pentateuch, called in the Hebrew be-midbar,
i.e., "in the wilderness." In the LXX. version it is called
"Numbers," and this name is now the usual title of the book.
It is so called because it contains a record of the numbering of the
people in the wilderness of Sinai (1-4), and of their numbering
afterwards on the plain of Moab (26). This book is of special historical
interest as furnishing us with details as to the route of the Israelites
in the wilderness and their principal encampments. It may be divided
into three parts: 1. The numbering of the people at Sinai, and
preparations for their resuming their march (1-10:10). The sixth chapter
gives an account of the vow of a Nazarite. 2. An account of the journey
from Sinai to Moab, the sending out of the spies and the report they
brought back, and the murmurings (eight times) of the people at the
hardships by the way (10:11-21:20). 3. The transactions in the plain of
Moab before crossing the Jordan (21:21-ch. 36). The period comprehended
in the history extends from the second month of the second year after
the Exodus to the beginning of the eleventh month of the fortieth year,
in all about thirty-eight years and ten months; a dreary period of
wanderings, during which that disobedient generation all died in the
wilderness. They were fewer in number at the end of their wanderings
than when they left the land of Egypt. We see in this history, on the
one hand, the unceasing care of the Almighty over his chosen people
during their wanderings; and, on the other hand, the murmurings and
rebellions by which they offended their heavenly Protector, drew down
repeated marks of his displeasure, and provoked him to say that they
should "not enter into his rest" because of their unbelief
(Heb. 3:19). This, like the other books of the Pentateuch, bears
evidence of having been written by Moses. The expression "the book
of the wars of the Lord," occurring in 21:14, has given rise to
much discussion. But, after all, "what this book was is uncertain,
whether some writing of Israel not now extant, or some writing of the
Amorites which contained songs and triumphs of their king Sihon's
victories, out of which Moses may cite this testimony, as Paul sometimes
does out of heathen poets (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12)."
References Collection: ; 2Chron. Numbers 10:11-21:20. 3 ; 2Chron.
21:21 ; Hebrews 3:19 ; Acts 17:28 ; Titus 1:12;
From: Easton's Bible Dictionary. Fair Use. Presented for educational
purposes only.
If these words have been a blessing,
please forward them to a friend
These words were posted at one of Shepherd's Care Ministries Sites
called Wisdom Minute. This site is located at:
http://www.findthepower.com/wisdomminute
Shepherd's Care Ministries Main Site is located at:
http://www.findthepower.com/ |
