Who
Moses to Israel (the second generation that came out of the Egypt)
Where & When
This book was written as the fourth book in a five-part series (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) in approximately 1406 BC in the Wilderness of Sinai and/or the Plains of Moab just south or east of modern Israel. In the context of its composition, Israel resides in the Transjordanian Plateau region and is poised to conquer the Promised Land of Canaan on the other side of the Jordan River.
Why
To recount to Israel the sin of the first generation of Israel who came out of Egypt, leading to forty years of wilderness wanderings and a delay to conquer the Land of Canaan. This book establishes the “WHEN” of God’s plan for Israel. Israel’s directive to take the Land of Canaan as their inheritance is delayed (the “WHEN”) for forty years because of the sinful rebellion of the first generation of Israelites.
How
Be paying attention to these important terms that occur in this book:
- Wilderness (from which the Hebrew name for the book of Numbers comes)
- Holiness (or Sanctifying, Set Apart)
Literary Outline
- Num. 1:1 – 26:18 First Generation of Israel—Israel Sins and Perishes
- Num. 26:19 – 36:13 Second Generation of Israel—Israel Regroups and Conquers