Numbers:
The book of
Numbers is named for the Lord’s instruction to Moses to number, or count, all
the Israelite males “from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go
forth to war” (Numbers 1:3). This book also records the Israelites’ faithful
experiences and rebellions as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
Moses is the
author of Numbers. He was called by the Lord to lead the children of Israel out
of bondage in Egypt, through the wilderness, and to the promised land of
Canaan.
The
book of Numbers provides census information that helps us understand the size
of the population of Israel at the beginning and near the end of their
wanderings in the wilderness. It also outlines the organization of the camp of
Israel, discusses the responsibilities of the Levites, and explains the
purposes and conditions of the Nazarite vow.
In addition,
this book records many incidents in which the children of Israel rebelled
against the Lord and Moses and brought adverse consequences upon themselves.
Besides
illustrating the effects of divine justice, the book testifies of Jehovah’s
merciful and long-suffering nature. For example, in commanding Moses to raise a
brass serpent upon a pole, the Lord prepared a way for His people to overcome
the effects of their rebellion. This experience became an important means of
teaching the Israelites about the redemptive mission and Atonement of Jesus
Christ
