Numbers records Israel's forty years of wandering in the wilderness due to unbelief, yet shows God's faithfulness in preserving the nation.
36
Chapters
1,288
Total Verses
Moses
Author
1445-1405 BC
Date Written
Census and preparation
Journey and complaints
Spies and rebellion
Wandering years
New generation prepares
God commands Moses to number the Israelite men
Arrangement of the tribes around the Tabernacle
Levites set apart for priestly duties
Responsibilities of Kohath, Gershon, and Merari families
Laws on unclean persons and restitution for wrongs
Instructions for the Nazirite dedication
Tribal leaders present offerings for dedication
Levites purified and dedicated to service
Israelites keep Passover in the wilderness
Trumpets used to signal movement and assembly
Twelve spies explore Canaan and report
Israel rebels; God decrees wilderness wandering
Instructions on offerings and Sabbath violation penalty
Korah and followers rebel; God punishes them
God confirms Aaron's priesthood with budding rod
Roles and provisions for priests and Levites
Purification ritual for the unclean
Moses strikes rock; Miriam dies; Edom refused passage
Balaam blesses Israel instead of cursing
Prophecy of Israel's future victories
Israelites sin with Moabites; plague punished
New census of Israelite men for inheritance
Daughters of Zelophehad inherit; Joshua appointed
Daily, Sabbath, and festival offerings prescribed
Detailed offerings for the Feast of Tabernacles
Laws regarding vows made by men and women
Israel defeats Midian; spoils divided
Tribes request land east of Jordan
Summary of Israel's wilderness journey
God defines borders of the Promised Land
Cities for manslayers and Levite towns assigned
Marriage laws to preserve tribal inheritance
Now that you have read the overview, test your Numbers knowledge.
“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee.”Numbers 6:24-26
“God is not a man, that he should lie.”Numbers 23:19
“The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy.”Numbers 14:18