If we had to choose just one verse to sum up the key themes in this book, it would be Numbers 14:11: But the main focus of the book is Israel’s repeated rebellion and God’s repeated mercy and discipline on his people. There are a lot of weird happenings along the Israelites’ journey-including that episode with the talking donkey. Joshua-Moses’ aide who spies on the people of Canaan. He is hired by Israel’s enemies to curse God’s people. He’s the chief spokesperson for God to his people, and vice versa.Īaron-Moses’ brother, and the high priest of Israel.Įleazar-Aaron’s son, who takes his place when Aaron dies.īalaam-A diviner for hire from far away. Moses-the prophet and human leader of the nation of Israel. God (Yahweh)-the creator of heaven and earth, who chose Israel as his special nation and dwells in their midst. It’s a vital part of the Torah, Israel’s five-part origin story and the foundation of the Bible. God gives them their wish, decreeing that the whole generation will die in the wilderness, and the land will be taken by their children. This leads to a revolt, with the people refusing to take the land. (The current inhabitants probably aren’t going to welcome them with open arms.) Most of the spies come back in a panic, claiming that the Canaanites are far too powerful for Israel to overcome. So why does it take 40 years? When the people get about halfway there, Moses sends a few spies into the land to scout it out for the upcoming invasion. If this were a regular road trip of the time, the journey would only take about two weeks. Numbers follows Moses and Israel’s journey from the foot of Mount Sinai (which is where Leviticus ends) to the edge of the promised land of Canaan. You’ve heard that the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, right? The book of Numbers tells that story.
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