Finding knowledge in Numbers
Ok, so Numbers, like Leviticus, is another one of those books of the Bible people prefer to skip. Those lists of names at the beginning, like the genealogy chapter in Matthew, can trip us up and cause us to avoid reading. But if we do, we miss part of the narrative of Numbers as well. If we look close enough, we’ll see the significance of those names, and we just might recognize a few.
The names
Let’s see if we can anchor into some of the names in chapter one. Starting at verse 5, do you see the first name in each verse? These are the sons of Jacob. See Exodus 1:1-5 for a concise list.
Trivia question: Which name is missing from the list in Numbers?
See Numbers 1:47-49 for the answer. Read the rest of chapter one to see why.
The census
The first four chapters of Numbers focuses on the census, hence the name of the book, Numbers.
Read Numbers 3:1-13 for some information about the Levites.
Chapters 5 and 6 provide regulations for the camp.
Chapter 7 speaks of the offerings. Remember those from the book of Leviticus?
The narrative of Numbers
Chapter nine continues the narrative of the Israelites and by chapter eleven the people are mumbling about manna. So skim or skip the front of Numbers if you must, but do consider reading the story that unfolds in chapter eleven. Chapters thirteen and fourteen give insight and backstory to another book of the Bible, Joshua.
Instructions
In the next several chapters, God gives more instructions for Moses and the Israelites, and the narrative continues as the Israelites continue their journey. By chapter twenty-six, God commands Moses to take another census.
You can treat this book of the Bible like Leviticus. Skim it if you need to, but watch for narrative sections that add to the story, and look for offering references that add to the depth and significance of the material.
Glance at Numbers
Any glance at Numbers will provide you with more data, details, insight, and knowledge for the journey. I find this gives me greater understanding and more chance that I will remember what is in this fourth book of the Bible.
And if nothing else, receive this blessing from the book of Numbers:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV