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Numbers has a bit of overlap with Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, but primarily it covers the growth of the Israelites—hence the name “Numbers.” In Hebrew the book is called Bemidbar, in reference to the fact that it covers the time when the Israelites were in the Wilderness. It’s not often talked about, but there’s a talking donkey in Numbers, so it has to be worth reading!
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The fourth book of the Bible is Numbers, and like the other four books of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy), Numbers was written by Moses (the discussion on this is in the post for Genesis). The name, inspired by the censuses taken in chapters 1 and 26, comes from the Greek Arithmoi, which is the name of the book in the Septuagint. In Hebrew, the name of the book is Bemidbar. Bemidbar translates to "Into the Wilderness," depicting the location of the Israelites throughout the book.
When I think of the book of Numbers, I draw a blank, nothing stands out—not people, ideals, nor concepts. I don't remember ever hearing a preacher quote from this book or it being the focus of a Bible Study. I'm excited to dive back in to this book to see what all I've forgotten (apparently I've managed to forget a talking donkey!). I suspect that because I've grown in my faith and become more well read on the books leading up to Numbers since the last time I did any significant Bible study, the book will have more of an impact and leave a lasting imprint in my mind this time.
Where Leviticus was concerned with the rituals and rules God passed to the Israelites during their journey, Numbers is more concerned with the journey itself. In Numbers we see the ups and downs of the people as they gain and lose faith in God like a yo-yo. We are also given a detailed census, by tribe, of the Israelite men over 20 years old and a layout of the camp site. This book also lays to rest two members of the trio of heroes—Aaron and Miriam—and recounts why they (along with Moses) were denied entry to the promised land.
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A list of people mentioned in Numbers. I may try to cover some of them over time.
Shedeur
Elizur
Shelumiel
Zurishaddai
Nahshon
Amminadab
Nethaneel
Zuar
Helon
Eliab
Elishama
Ammihud
Amaliel
Pedazur
Abidan
Gideoni
Ahiezer
Ammishaddai
Pagiel
Ocran
Eliasaph
Deuel
Ahira
Enan
Before I re-read Numbers, I couldn't remember anything about it. Vaguely, I remembered it having something to do with the Israelites' time in the wilderness, but I kept drawing a blank on specifics. After re-reading, I can only imagine that the fist time I read Numbers, I wasn't paying attention. If we're going to read the Word, we should be reading with our full attention and an open heart, but we don't always live up to that—especially when we're new to the faith.