Ntheological significance of the book of numbers

Thirtynine years later, in chapter 26 we have a second numbering of those 20 years and older who. Leviticus emphasizes the importance of holiness and cleanness. Introduction to the book of numbers learn religions. Henry maclagan then opened he their mind, that they might understand the scrip tures. 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. Numbers, theology of definition and meaning bible dictionary. While it is a fairly short distance from egypt to israel, it took the ancient jews 40 years to get there.

This graphic gives a few illustrated examples of the significance numbers play in this book of the bible. In this book we find fours, sevens, twelves, 666, 1,000, 144,000, and other significant numbers. God made man in his image, therefore he cannot be man if he is always the same. It is so called because it contains a record of the numbering of the people in the wilderness of sinai 14, and of their numbering afterwards on the plain of moab 26. Interview with joshua cohen im obviously the 14 th richest person in the world, novelist and short story writer joshua cohen declares of the commonalities between one of his namesake characters in the book of numbersan enigmatic billionaire tech executiveand himself. Numbers book of bible synonyms, numbers book of bible pronunciation, numbers book of bible translation, english dictionary definition of numbers book of bible. Names of god, the significance of the camp hill, pa. As the book of numbers is not very well known, a summary of balaams story is in order. A literal understanding of the numbers in the census is in congruence. Book of numbers study guide for english bible test. Book of numbers summary book of numbers chapter 1 god orders moses, in the wilderness of sinai, to take the number of those able to bear armsof all the men from twenty years old and upward, the tribe of levi being excepted, and to appoint princes over each tribe. As with the exodus, it is difficult to establish the exact route that the israelites took, but it is generally believed that they headed east from mount sinai until they reached the red sea, where they turned northward to the top of the gulf and on to kadesh. According to the census in the beginning of numbers, moses and company are sitting around in sinai with 603,550 men eligible to fight.

The fourth book of the pentateuch, called in the wilderness by the jews after its first significant word. As its name implies, it is a detailed census report of the twelve tribes of israel, along with a checklist of the dates prescribed for certain sacrifices and festivals, a. Numbers introduction commentary commentary critical. Theyve been in this same spot for about a year and now theyre getting ready to start out on their journey to this land flowing. I have been invested in the series since earlier this year and in the fall of 2012 it was announced the series is becoming a movie. The book of numbers experience guide p31 bookstore.

Its a big crowd and its not always easy to please them. The pentateuch, the name by which the first five books of thebible are designated, is derived from two greek words, pente, five, andteuchos, a volume, thus signifying the fivefold volume. Independence is book four in the significance series by shelly crane. The fourth book of moses, numbers, also does not have much to offer the modern reader.

The book of numbers is so named because it contains two numberings of the children of israel. The book of numbers is composed of narrative, legislation, and archival records. The contributions of zechariah and haggai to israels understanding of the messiah are obvious. For the 1973 american crime film, see book of numbers film. Numbers is the fourth book in a collection of five books, the pentateuch. The purpose of this book is selective rather than exhaustive, indicating the part which the apocalyptists had to play within the religious development of judaism and in the preparation of mens minds for the coming of christianity.

Although many critics questions mosaic authorship of numbers because of their view of sources in the book, 5 it is better in view of they underlying assumptions of jedp and the supporting historical evidence to give the book the benefit of the doubt and assume mosaic authorship which was then edited at later times into its present. Publication date 1903 topics bible publisher edinburgh. Theological hermeneutics and the book of numbers as. The english name of the book comes from the septuagint the prechristian greek translation of the ot and is based on the census lists. Yet, the book of numbers reveals that this next generation learned a different heart. Numbers 1 commentary, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the church of christ, presents a verse level look at the bible. Numbers is the book of israels wilderness wanderings. Numbers the book of numbers details the time from the exodus of gods people from egypt when they wandered in the desert for a period of thirtyeight years as they were being prepared to enter the promised land. Remember, the meaning of numbers in the bible is not perfect, but the meaning of the written word is always perfect. Book of numbers noun the noun book of numbers has 1 sense. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Jan 01, 2012 independence is book four in the significance series by shelly crane. Jesus said if we have seen him jesus, we have seen the father.

Numbers 1 commentary james burton coffman commentaries on. It is a reminder to the believer that even though he has been freed from the bondage of sin egypt, there is still a spiritual battle to be fought in daily life the. From israels experience in the wilderness, we find resources for challenges in our life and work today, and we can draw encouragement from gods ever. Now john davis offers a reliable, informative analysis of the use of numbers in scripture. The book of numbers was written between 1440 and 1400 b. Numbers 1 commentary james burton coffman commentaries. Eliab was the son of helon, but the meaning of his name is so doubtful that we cannot be certain of its significance. Numbers are also used with a symbolical or theological significance. A critical and exegetical commentary on numbers by gray, george buchanan, 18651922. The message of the book of numbers is universal and timeless. It is so called because it contains a record of the numbering of the people in the wilderness of sinai, and of their numbering afterwards on the plain of moab. Egyptian religion if some understanding is to be gained from the book of exodus and its doctrine of god, a preliminary look at the religion of the egyptians is necessary. In chapters 12, we have the first numbering of those 20 years and older able to go to war, a total of 603,550. The book of numbers is the fourth book of the hebrew bible, and the fourth of five books of the.

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. Marked by direct address numbers shows the peoples dependence upon god for daily guidance and provisions. Barths understanding of sloth in numbers 14 imposes barths own. The significance of numbers in scripture agape bible study. Theyve been in this same spot for about a year and now theyre getting ready to start out on their journey to this land flowing with milk and honey that god keeps talking about. May 11, 2009 the earlier portions of the book were no doubt written as the events occurred, but it is evident that moses could not have completed numbers until toward the end of the 40th year in the wilderness, early in the calendar year 1473 b. Oct 23, 2010 a sad book as david pawson writes in his book, unlocking the bible, numbers is a very sad book because most of it never should have been written. The name of the book comes from the part where moses is commanded by god to count the israelites in the desert who can bear arms there are 603,550 israelites who are fit for military duty, which means that moses spent a helluva lot of time counting people. The entry of sin into the world is through one man rom. This summary of the book of numbers provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of numbers.

The hebrews, greeks, romans, and many other ancient peoples used their alphabets for numbers. Genesis is the book of life, that is, gods beginning his work with mankind in vital, living power. The symbolism of numbers 1, 3 and 7 are most agreed upon, while variations may occur with others. Introduction to the pentateuch and historical books by robert jamieson. But this, at least in thecase of rahab, is no valid reason for rejecting the idea of his authorship. Numbers reiterates the value of faith and obedience. The result of the numbering is that 603,550 israelites are found to be fit for military service. Theologically it brings focus to yahwehs love for israel and his patient adherence to the sinaitic. The study of biblical numerology has long been neglected by serious scholars. A more simple and satisfactory way of accounting for the. This is the exact same place where the israelites have been hanging out since god freed them from slavery back in exodus.

Theological hermeneutics and the book of numbers as christian. 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. Our overview and outline of numbers is intended to help you study gods word. It links with genesis on the subject of promises clines and curses. Numbers, theology of bakers evangelical dictionary of. I n the septuagint version it is called numbers, and this name is now the usual title of the book. When you add in women, children, and levitesthat probably brings you to about two million people. The purpose of this paper is to explain the significance of the most important numbers used in revelation and to suggest their symbolic meanings as keys to the interpretation of the book. Chronologically numbers covers israels thirtyeightyear wilderness period from the second year after the exodus 10. In your estimation, what value to you as a christian does the book of numbers have. With your purchase we will automatically send you a digital copy of your experience guide to the email address provided at checkout for you to use until yours arrives. Leviticus stresses the role of sacrifice in creating and maintaining right relations between god and man, whereas numbers accentuates the indispensability of the priesthood for preserving the nations spiritual health. Undergirded by meticulous scholarship, his examination classifies the data relevant to numbers, defines the nature of biblical numbers, and establishes valid and consistent principles for interpreting the use of numbers in the. Book of numbers overview insight for living ministries.

Numbers also demonstrates the importance of holiness, faithfulness and trust. Book of numbers study guide for english bible test flashcards. Conservative scholars remain cautious about assigning too much importance to the meaning of numbers in the bible. Numbers introduction commentary commentary critical and. For example, in the story of jesus turning the water into wine it is written. May you grow ever closer to him as you read his letter to you. The parent book the power and significance of numbers and names and their influence on our life, health and happiness by clio hogenraad, is more informative and better value for money. Its narrative begins at the point where exodus leaves off. Numbers book of bible definition of numbers book of. It follows leviticus, and like it contains cultic regulations given at sinai. God sends poisonous serpents as punishment, but provides a bronze serpent on a pole so that a person who had been bitten could look at the serpent of bronze and live. This stands in remarkable contrast to both greek and christian philosophical speculations about god.

The significance of the names of deity page 1 lesson one why study about the names of god a name is given by parents to their children for different reasonsit may be that they liked someone by that name, or they just liked the sound of the name, or possibly as a namesake of someone they respect. How should christian readers of scripture hold appropriate and constructive tensions between exegetical, critical, hermeneutical, and theological. It is so called because it contains a record of the numbering of. The purpose of the book is both theological and practical. Numbers book of the fourth of the books of the pentateuch, called in the hebrew bemidbar, i. Best commentaries and books on numbers logos bible software. Since the patterns vary, some numbers are not as clearly defined as others.

I have not been the biggest fan of the series but after reading the first three books of course i was going to read the final installment of the. The hebrew name comes from the first sentence of the book and means in the desert of. One is used to convey the concept of the unity and uniqueness of god, e. Proper usage and audio pronunciation plus ipa phonetic transcription of the word book of numbers. Arranged numerically, from one the number of paintings sold by van gogh in his lifetime to 5,671,350,435,227 the dollaramount of u. It is a bridge between the giving of the law in exodus and leviticus with the entering of the promised land in deuteronomy and joshua. A very important question is to ask how much of egypt and its culture is authentic in exo.

In reading through the bible, i found that the best sleep i ever got was while attempting to read numbers. Originallythese books formed one continuous work, as in the hebrew manuscripts they are stillconnected in one unbroken roll. The hebrew title is more meaningful than the english, for the book picks up the account of the wilderness wandering after the arrival at sinai exod. Joseph was given two tribes for his sons, to make up 12 tribes when levi was separated for tabernacle service. It relates particularly to the meaning of numbers, both literal and symbolic. Information about book of numbers in the dictionary, synonyms and antonyms. First 5 experience guides serve as your companion book to each first 5 study. What did the authors of the book of numbers mean by the.

Integral to a discussion of the theology of numbers is an understanding of the book s structure and its relationship to the rest of the pentateuch. Start studying book of numbers study guide for english bible test. Numbers is a book of practical theology and emphasizes the interaction between the sovereign god and his people as recent recipients of the covenant stipulations. Bible numbers list bible chapters by number keys to the kingdom prophecy in stars. The ultimate compendium of facts about figures hartston, william on. In short, the book of numbers is about life with god during the journey to the destination of his promises, a journey we as gods people are still undertaking. Book of numbers the fourth book of the old testament. Censuses were taken to quantify the human and natural resources available for the economic and governmental affairs, including military service num. Leviticus, which interrupts the flow of narration, consists almost entirely of legislation independent of historic precedentwith the exception of lev. Biblical numerology is the study of individual numbers in scripture. Introduction to numbers bible commentary theology of work. Time line for old testament book of numbers including places and events. At least three theological strains run through the book of numbers.