Most people I have encountered equate a study of Numbers with a study of the phone book. This is probably brought about from ten chapters of organization material followed by a confusing mish-mash of history and doctrine. This is the way
I first viewed it, but things changed. After reading it a few times, a logical, beautiful pattern began to develop that goes something like this:
- Organization at Sinai (1:1-10:10)
- Disorganization in the wilderness (10:11-21:35)
- Reorganization on the plains of Moab (22:1-26:65)¹
- Preparations for entry to Canaan (27:1-36:13)
Through each stage of the journey, YHWH showed himself faithful to the nation. With justice, grace, and mercy the Jews are shown and taught what is required of a holy people of a holy God.
¹The first three points are adapted from James E. Smith, The Pentateuch, Joplin: College Press Publishing, 1993.
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