Bible Studies

THE BOOK OF NUMBERS

by Henry Jaegers
03/09/19
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NUMBERS

Title: LESSONS FROM THE WILDERNESS

Key Verse: Deuteronomy 8:2, 3

It is significant that the book of numbers follows right after the setting up of the tabernacle and providing the means by which Israel was to experience victory. The first 10 chapters of numbers deal with the organization of the people into tribes and it was a preparation for the time when they would go forth into battle, defeat the enemies and claim their territories as their own. After the nation was organized, it was not an easy time for Moses and Aaron, as the people, out of fear, began to question their authority, not fully understanding how God was about to direct them and provide for them along the way. But God was faithful in directing them forward to the promised land.

 They were only 11 days journey from Canaan and God sent 12 leaders from the tribes to search out the land and bring a report of what they discovered. All along, it was God's intention for them to trust him to bring them into victory. All but two of those who were sent came back with a bad report and the people

believe the bad report and decided not to trust God and go forth. Their disobedience resulted in wandering in the wilderness for an additional 40 years when they were only 11 days journey from realizing God's promise.

 It was a time of great difficulty for all that lives during that time and they eventually died before coming to the promised land. Those who survived later received the blessing that came through obedience and trust.

 There is one major messianic promise found in this book in Numbers 24:17,

 The book ends with the failure on Moses part. Because of his failure to trust God at an important time, He was denied the privilege of entering the promised land but could only view it from a distance.

 The important lesson that we receive is the importance of trusting God when nothing else makes sense (a lesson repeated many times throughout scripture).

 QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

 1. Read Exodus 40: 17 and Numbers 1:1. What do you glean from the information given in these verses

 2. In “chapter one, what was the purpose of numbering the Israelites? How is this different from the time that David did so and disobeyed the Lord? See verse 3 (also II Samual 24:1-10) How did the numbering of the Levites differ from the first and how was it different? See 3:12,

 3. In Numbers 1-10, and 26-36 two numberings are given. Why was this necessary? In 11: 4-6, why were the people complaining? What is it that causes people to be ungrateful? What was Moses response to this? Read verses 10-15.

 4. How did God answer their request? See verses 18- 20

 5. In chapter 13, we have the account of the twelve spies being sent out to spy the land that God had promised to give them. Two came back with a good report, then gave a negative report. This is the turning point in Numbers that determine how the story ends. Why is it a bad thing to base truth on the majority opinion?

 6. How does Acts 17:11 give us a sound principle to determine what truth is?

 7. What was the outcome of all of this? Read 13:20- 35.

 8. In Numbers 24:17 we have the only Messianic Promise in Numbers. What is it saying?