Study 0 From The Book of Numbers
is: The Introduction of the Book
In the book of Numbers, the
narrative of Israel’s journey from Egypt, interrupted at the foot of Sinai (Ex.
19) for the giving of the law, is resumed. The history, however, is throughout
the book alternated with further laws and enactments. The book is a story of failure. The people are brought to the edge of the
promised land, but owning to unbelief and disobedience are prevented from
entering it. Then follows the long forty
years of wandering in the wilderness, passed over almost in silence, except for
one or two incidents. Finally, the people come again to Kadesh-Barnea, the
whole generation that came out of Egypt as adults being dead, with three
exceptions. Their first conquests are
recounted, and their destiny foretold in the mysterious prophecies of Balaam.
