Introduction to the book of Numbers

The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch that Moses had written. The title of this book in the Hebrew Bible is not “Numbers” but “In the wilderness.” This is derived from the meaning of the first word in the book. The title “In the wilderness” is more apt because this book captures the experiences and encounters of the children of Israel journeying through the wilderness. When the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt, though there was a shorter route to Canaan, the promised land, God led them through a longer way. Why? Exodus 13:17-18 gave us the reason. We are told that “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea….” God knew what was best for them and He also knows what is best for us in our spiritual journey.

In the book of Numbers, we will see God’s dealing with the people He had delivered from Egypt, the land of bondage. When they came to a place called Kadesh-Barnea, they refused to go into Canaan, the promised land, for fear of the giants. They would rather trust their sight than God. They chose to listen to the negative reports of ten of the spies they sent to recce the land than to trust God who promised to see them through. Consequently, God allowed them to wander in the wilderness for forty years till those who came out of Egypt died in the desert. This book also captures the experiences of the subsequent generation. We will see their failures, their rebellion, their warfare, their doubts, their fears, and others. How the children of Israel reacted and responded to God had many lessons for us in our journey with God.   

God took the children of Israel through the wilderness to transform them so that they could be made ready to inherit the promised land. He is also taking us on a transforming journey to make us more like Christ to make us ready for eternity. Like them, there are many lessons God wants to teach us in our pilgrimage. As we journey through this book together, let us seek to be attentive to God, and the lessons He will quicken in our hearts.  Let us be found faithful and obedient to what God will reveal to us.