After God had delivered Israel (His chosen people) from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 12:29-51), they departed into the wilderness and camped at the foot of Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1-40:38). Israel camped at Mount Sinai for approximately 11 months and during that time God provided them with His law, which would become a guide to their relationship with Him and others. Moses (Exodus 3-4), God’s appointed leader of the Israelites, received the law directly from God and wrote it down so that the people would understand what He expected from them. The Law was made up of three parts: the Ten Commandments/Decalogue (Exodus 20:1-21), civil/religious ordinances (Exodus 20:22-24:11), and ceremonial regulations (Exodus 24:12-31:18). The tabernacle became the center of Israel’s worship and the place where God’s presence dwelt with the people (Exodus 32-40). The book of Leviticus provided further instruction concerning proper worship inside and outside the tabernacle. Leviticus primarily covers four topics: offerings/sacrifices (Leviticus 1:1-7:38), priestly duties (Leviticus 8:1-10:20), uncleanness in worship (Leviticus 11:1-16:34), and individual holiness (Leviticus 17:1-27:34). These four areas provided a standard of conduct for the nation of Israel and the priests who assisted them in worshiping God. It was imperative for Israel to obey the laws which were established in Leviticus so that they could experience an uninhibited relationship with God.
The book of Leviticus did not advance the historical timeline of Israel because the content was given during Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai; however, the book of Numbers resumes Israel’s historical timeline while they were encamped at Mount Sinai. Numbers is not a complete record of Israel’s journey into the land (Canaan) that God had promised, but rather a glimpse into the second and fortieth years following their Exodus from Egypt. Israel’s escape from Egyptian bondage occurred in 1445 BC. All events recorded in Numbers 1:1-14:45 occur in 1444 BC and the events recorded in Numbers 20:1-36:13 occur in 1406/1405 BC. The timeline for the various laws and events documented in Numbers 15:1-19:22 most likely took place anywhere from 1443 BC-1407 BC.
Moses (Numbers 33:2; Numbers 36:13; Joshua 8:31; 2 Kings 14:6; Nehemiah 8:1; Mark 12:26; John 7:19) is referred to as the author of this fourth book of the law. He is said to have written the book of Numbers in the year that he died. Most of the events occurring in Numbers take place during the wilderness wanderings, which spanned two generations of Israel. The first generation (numbered in the census found in Numbers 1) experienced the Exodus from Egypt and their story continued until Numbers 14 when all adults 20 and older (except Joshua and Caleb) were sentenced to die in the wilderness because of their refusal to enter Canaan (see Exodus 14). As the first generation was dying out (Numbers 15-25), the second generation was rising to leadership; in fact, the second generation of Israel (numbered in the census found in Numbers 26) would be the ones who conquered Canaan and inherited the land. The story of the second generation in Israel begins in Numbers 26 and continues through the book of Deuteronomy and Joshua. Although the book of Numbers contains many statistics and numerical data during this part of Israel’s history, Numbers is written as an example of Israel’s obedience and disobedience to the direct commandments of God. When Israel obeyed God they were rewarded, but when they abandoned God’s ways they were judged. Even though Israel struggled with fully obeying God, He can be seen throughout the book of Numbers as the One who is keeping His promise to bring Israel into the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:1-3). Israel is a great reminder that God is often faithful even when we are not.
Dear God, open my eyes to Your ways so that I may obey You.
