Numbers

The Book of Numbers: A Wilderness Adventure

Imagine a huge group of people wandering through a desert for 40 years. That’s what the Book of Numbers is all about! It’s like a journal of the Israelites, God’s chosen people, as they journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

What’s in the Name?

The book gets its name because it starts with a census, which is like a big count of all the people. But it’s not just about numbers; it’s about their ups and downs, their faith, and their relationship with God.

The Journey

• Starting Out: The Israelites leave Egypt, where they were slaves, and head for the Promised Land, a place God promised to give them.
• Whining and Complaining: The journey is tough, and the people get tired and hungry. They complain a lot, which makes God unhappy.
• God’s Guidance: Even though the people mess up, God still takes care of them. He provides food (manna from heaven) and water, and He leads them with a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night.
• Lessons Learned: The Israelites make a lot of mistakes, but they also learn important lessons about trusting God, obeying His rules, and relying on Him for help.

Why It Matters

The Book of Numbers shows us that even when we mess up, God is patient and forgiving. It reminds us that He is always there to guide us, even when the journey is difficult. It also teaches us the importance of trusting God, obeying His commands, and being grateful for His blessings.

Fun Facts

• The Israelites ate manna, a special bread-like food that God provided for them in the desert.
• They also had a special box called the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God’s presence among them.
• Moses, a very important leader, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites on their journey.

I hope this helps you understand the Book of Numbers a little better! It’s a story full of adventure, challenges, and important lessons that we can still learn from today.

Numbers relates the story of Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab on the border of Canaan. The book tells of the murmuring and rebellion of God’s people and of their subsequent judgment.

This book is called NUMBERS from the several numberings of the people contained in it. It extends from the giving of the law at Sinai, till their arrival in the plains of Jordan. An account is given of their murmuring and unbelief, for which they were sentenced to wander in the wilderness nearly forty years; also some laws, both moral and ceremonial. Their trials greatly tended to distinguish the wicked and hypocrites from the faithful and true servants of God, who served him with a pure heart.

Matthew Henry