Numbers

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF NUMBERS ITS NOMENCLATURE It was called the book of Numbers in the Septuagint text, referred to in Num. 1:20. In the Hebrew text it is called "BEMIDBAR" which means "In the wilderness." The latter is made up of the forth and fifth word in the book, which embodies the contents of the Book, being a book of the Israel's travels in the wilderness. ITS CONTENTS It is a conclusion of the three books preceding it. It tells the story of the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai, and their arrival to the Land of Moab which is close to the promised land. ITS CHARACTERISTICS 1- It is a demonstration of God's Work to prepare man for the entrance to the Promised Land. It is symbolic of the continuous striving through the power of grace. 2- It contains a mixture of divine Laws and incidents that took place during their trip. His Laws are our comfort and support as we proceed in this estranged world towards the Heavenly Jerusalem. 3- It affirms the continuous providence in every aspect of our lives, and man's unreasonable discontent towards God's care. (Ps 95:10,11; Heb. 4:1) 4- It brings out how repugnant sin is, and the punishment to the person who commits iniquity. He punishes sinners even if they are great prophets, like Moses (Num. 20); or Miriam, Moses' Sister (Num. 12), or some of the levities (Num. 16), or from the people (Num. 21). 5- The book focuses from the beginning on the establishment of priesthood and cutting off those who attack it. This is to affirm our great need for Jesus Christ, the High Priest who works through His Priesthood throughout the ages. 6- It illustrates the power of intercession and its effectiveness, for Moses prayed on behalf of his people and so did Aaron his brother. OUTLINES 1- Preparations for the trip in the wilderness (Num. 1-10:10). 2- From Sainai to Moab (Num. 10:11-21). 3- Incident of Balaam (Num. 22-25). 4- Preparation to enter Canaan (Num. 26-36). Most of the symbolic references used in this book were taken from the teachings of Origen.