Understanding the bible book of numbers

The understanding the books of the bible series doesnt do that. King arad the canaaniterather, the canaanite king of aradan ancient town on the southernmost borders of palestine, not far from kadesh. Introduction to numbers bible commentary theology of work. Essentially, the husband and wife would come to the priest, the priest would then create a concoction of unpleasant. Consider these examples of the symbolic meaning of numbers in the bible. The book of numbers derives its name from the account of the two censuses taken of the hebrew people, one near the beginning and the other toward the end of the journey in the wilderness chaps.

They contain gods instructions about how his people should live. Numbers 25 moab seduces israel while israel was bible. It shows us gods people, israel, struggling to work in accordance with gods purposes in challenging times. Watch our overview video on the book of numbers, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Instead, these study guides focus on understanding the message and meaning of one book at a time.

Book of numbers simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The israelites disobedience and lack of faith caused god to make them wander in the desert until all the people of that generation had diedwith a few important exceptions. As it does for the rest of the pentateuch, universal jewish and christian tradition attributes the authorship of the book of numbers to moses. To fillin the historical period from the exodus and sinai revelation to the preparations in moab to enter the promised land. Even in their rebellion, god continues to show his incredible love and provision for them. Insights on the bible an overview of the books of the.

It is provided to give a basic understanding of patterns that reveal what these numbers. The book draws its name from the census made of the people, a necessary step toward their organization and future government. The book of numbers is a law book in the old testament section of the bible. Kjv search results for understanding blue letter bible. Most of the events of the book are set in the wilderness.

And what significance does each book have as it relates to the whole. Numbers old testament britannica encyclopedia britannica. Numbers summary we have detailed a brief summary of the book of numbers for bible study or sunday school lessons. The first 5 books in the bible are called the 5 books of moses. Oct 23, 2010 5 keys to understanding the book of numbers used with permission by. Numbers is so named because a census of israel is taken twice in the book. Others are troubled by the seemingly blatant misogyny. Im always curious to understand the meaning behind words and numbers in the bible, i think its a fascinating study. The good book, as it has been called, is gods guide book to lifefor all to read. This summary of the book of numbers provides information about the title. The book of numbers is largely narrative history as far as its genre. The bible is an enormous book covering much information and. A literal understanding of the numbers in the census is in congruence with pharaohs fear of the. The english title is a translation of the septuagint greek title referring to the numbering of the tribes of israel in chapters 14.

Numbers, hebrew bemidbar in the wilderness, also called the fourth book of moses, the fourth book of the bible. It is called a book of moses because it contains the story of moses and the israelites when they wander throughout the wilderness before ending up at israel also known as canaan or palestine, where god. Study scripture verses with commentary, concordances, and use highlighting, underlining, take notes in the bible. It begins at mount sinai where the nation of israel. Biblical numerology is defined as the study of the spiritual significance of numbers used in the bible. Divisions of the bible 66 great books from godall scripture is given by inspiration of god 2 timothy 3.

Jan 02, 2020 the theme of the holiness of god is continued from the book of leviticus into the book of numbers, which reveals gods instruction and preparation of his people to enter the promised land of canaan. Its a historical account but also teaches important lessons about god fulfilling his. Yahweh will soon command joshua to commission joshua as his successor 27. The book is basically the sacred history of the israelites as they wandered in the wilderness following the departure from s. The bible must be discerned and interpreted spiritually. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods. The first 5 book of the bible, called the law, of which numbers is the fourth, are ascribed to moses throughout scripture joshua 8. Many regard it as if it were some bizarre and ridiculous process lying somewhere between a superstitious magical ceremony, a jeremy kyle paternity test, and a monty python trial by ordeal. The context usually indicates whether a particular number is used as a symbol. I learned about the meaning of bible numbers several years ago. Watch our overview video on the book of numbers, which breaks down. This list of biblical numbers and meanings is by no means exhaustive.

Book of numbers simple english wikipedia, the free. It is the story of the people whom moses led through the desert. Remember, the meaning of numbers in the bible is not perfect, but the meaning of the written word is always perfect. Understanding the jealousy ritual of numbers 5 posted on february 9, 20 by alastair roberts the ritual of jealousy in numbers 5. Moses is the central figure within the book, and in at least two instances numbers mentions him recording events by the lords commands numbers 33. Feb 05, 2016 watch our overview video on the book of numbers, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought.

Numbers was written to the people of israel to document their journey to the promised land, but it also reminds all future readers of the bible that. For example, jewish cabalists have analyzed the hebrew scriptures using a technique called gematria, which looks for a hidden code in the numerical equivalents of letters. The purpose of the book of numbers is to tell about how israel prepared to enter the promise land, but sinned and was punished. It continues the story of that journey begun in exodus, and describes briefly the experiences of the israelites for a.

Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the word of god in order to refocus ones mind and heart upon christ and his gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire bible in a year. Regardless of your background, gods message in the bible is not too difficult for you, nor is it far away. It is called a book of moses because it contains the story of moses and the israelites when they wander throughout the wilderness before ending up at israel also known as canaan or palestine, where god promised they will settle. A proper understanding of numbers is possible through the application of basic guidelines for the proper interpretation of all scripture. God responds with shortterm severity and longterm generosity as he leads them into the promised land. The importance of the book of numbers is indicated by its being referred to in the new testament many times. I had heard the author do a detailed presentation of numbers in scripture and it was excellent. The author of this book does not deal with the hebrew language numbers, but only the numbers given in the bible, which is not the same thing. Onkelos on the torah understanding the bible text numbers. The book of numbers contributes significantly to our understanding and practice of work. It reminds believers of the spiritual warfare in which they are engaged, for numbers is the book of the service and walk of gods people. Augustine, sir isaac newton, leonardo da vinci and many others have tried to decipher the hidden meanings of the biblical numbers.

Moses counted the people in numbers 1 and numbers 26. Book of numbers overview insight for living ministries. The bible itself provides many of the keys to understanding it. Ive often heard what various numbers mean, and i can remember the meaning of some numbers, like 7, easily. The book of numbers was written between 1440 and 1400 b. Its a historical account but also teaches important lessons about god fulfilling his promises. The books of the bible is the first presentation of an unabridged committee translation of the bible to remove chapter and verse numbers entirely and instead present the biblical books according to their natural literary structures. In numbers, israel travels through the wilderness on. The book of numbers in the bible is the fourth book in the old testament. An introduction to the book of numbers from the bible jack wellman. Jul 20, 2015 remember, the meaning of numbers in the bible is not perfect, but the meaning of the written word is always perfect. Numbers is a historical book, whose name refers to the two censuses which were taken to number the people. A pagan prophet is hired to curse israel, but he only hears words of blessing from god.

Because the book is dominated with scenes of failure and defeat, these expressions of belief in the lord shine a bit brighter then they would otherwise. Boyle leads a class on understanding the bible through the book of numbers. I wanted a book that would lead me to the numbers of each letter, each word, and what each number stood for. Essentially, the husband and wife would come to the priest, the priest would then. Study the bible online using commentary on numbers 21 and more. Its a book of history that records many of gods miraculous deeds as the israelites wandered in the wilderness.

The book of numbers is the fourth book of the law of moses, also known as the torah or pentateuch. Understanding the book of numbers the book of numbers may be viewed as a transitional work describing the period between the arrival at sinai with the giving of the ten commandments and the law along with the establishment of the priesthood and the actual entry of. Onkelos on the torah understanding the bible text numbers english and hebrew edition israel drazin, stanley m. The book of numbers becomes a warning and encouragement for us to follow god and trust his good plan for his people. This incident takes place near the end of moses life and the conclusion of israels wandering in the wilderness. Numbers teaches the emerging generation to learn from the faithlessness of the previous generation, but to do so with understanding and without a judgmental attitude. It is provided to give a basic understanding of patterns that reveal what these numbers represent.

In numbers, israel travels through the wilderness on the way to the land. To understand the book of revelation, we need the same things that help us to understand the rest of the bible, including wisdom from god and assistance from those who already understand it. The message of the book of numbers, is universal and timeless. Learn what the bible teaches in the book of numbers. Learn about faith and rebellion in the book of numbers. The book has a long and complex history, but its final form is probably due to a priestly redaction. These symbolic meanings of numbers in the bible are different from numerology, which involves looking for an occult meaning in numbers, their combinations, and numerical totals. Numbers with book summary versebyverse bible commentary.

Read numbers 21 commentary using commentary critical and explanatory on the whole bible. The hebrew name for these books is the torah, which means law. Many times, people in search of some hidden meanings of numbers of bible do not understand that certain numbers mentioned in the holy book are just numbers. It is called a book of moses because it contains the story of moses and the israelites when they wander throughout the wilderness before ending up at israel also known as canaan or palestine, where god promised they will settle the promised land. Numbers in the bible can often be taken literally, but they are sometimes used as symbols. Find resources here on the books of the bible that will add value to your personal study of the greatest book ever written.

But those who study the book may be surprised to discover it teaches many spiritual principles and lessons. At first glance, the name numbers may not sound appealing and interesting. The law includes the books of genesis, exodus, leviticus, numbers, and deuteronomy. Their connections and patterns, when we search them out and understand them, reveal the handiwork of god. This is the fourth book in the pentateuch, the first five books of the bible. Introduction to the book of numbers learn religions. Key personalities include moses, aaron, miriam, joshua, caleb, eleazar, korah, and balaam. Most of the events of the book of numbers take place in the wilderness, between the second and fortieth years of the wandering of the israelites. Numbers might be a bleak account of the israelites stubbornness if it were not outweighed by gods faithfulness and protection. The book of numbers begins with the words and the lord spake unto moses in the wilderness of sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of egypt.

Not counting the faith of moses throughout the book, the most notable event regarding faith is that of joshua and caleb in numbers 14. Dig into the word and become a bible expert with amazing. This is a project that has been on my mind for over four and a half years outlining all the books of the bible, from genesis to revelation. Although the arrangement of some is obvious, others are not and require indepth bible study. The book of numbers is the fourth book of the hebrew bible, and the fourth of five books of the jewish torah. The book of numbers records the israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years. An essential key to understanding gods word and its design is through the meaning of biblical numbers. Understanding the bible book of numbers part 6 youtube.

To explain that the 38 year period in the wilderness was a consequence for the unbelief of the older generation dt 1. Biblical numerology is the use of numbers for their symbolic value in biblical texts for example, the seven days of creation in genesis 1 while many ancient languages, religions, and philosophies contained numeric interpretation of events, words, and names, this article is concerned with those uniquely affecting judeochristian beliefs. Jul, 2018 then the book turns a corner with the new generations census num. The book of numbers was named after the first key word bemidbar in hebrew scripture, which appropriately means in the desert, the place where the israelites spent forty years following the exodus. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast. Your group will read through mark in its entirety, not just selected chapters or verses. The number is especially significant in the book of revelation, as 666 identifies the beast. The book of leviticus as well as the book of numbers follow immediately after the book of exodus. Numbers 25 new international version niv moab seduces israel. This priestly blessing also happens to be the earliest biblical passage ever.