A Primer for Preaching from the Pentateuch

NUMBERS: The Book of Complaints

Introduction

The Hebrew title for this book is not only taken from the first word, wayyedabber meaning “and He said,” but is referred to as bemidbar, the fifth word of the first verse which means “in the desert.” The English title comes from Liber Numeri meaning “Book of Numbers,” highlighting the two censuses taken in chapters one and twenty-six. The census conducted in chapter 26 suggests more than two million people were a part of the exodus from Egypt. Also, the title could have been “The Book of Wilderness Wanderings,” especially since the forty-year journey through the desert is recorded in the book. However, after reading it you may agree with the selected title by this writer, “The Book of Complaints.”

While Leviticus points decisively to Mosaic authorship, as does the Pentateuch in general, Numbers is the book most scrutinized by the critics against Moses being the author. The two-fold reason for scholars doubting that Moses wrote Numbers is the belief that he, first, would have been arrogant to utilize third person to refer to himself and, second, to compliment his own character (12:3). However, this can be explained as his telling what God had done through him. The indirect evidence points to Moses as being the author and is further affirmed by Jewish tradition, Jesus’ teachings, and ancient scholarship. Moses is mentioned in every chapter except chapters twenty-two through twenty-four. Ultimately, when it comes to authorship of any Scripture, the Bible student must affirm “that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (II Peter 1:20b-21).

Purpose

The record of the wandering years clearly demonstrates this time period is punishment for Israel’s lack of faith. The unbelieving generation is not allowed to enter the promised land, and, as a result, an entire generation (with a few exceptions) die in the desert. The book reveals how God provides leadership for the people through Moses, Aaron, and the priests. Another intention for the book is to allow readers to observe God’s patience and long suffering with a disobedient and complaining people.

Outline

Numbers has three main sections:

1. Israel encamped at Mount Sinai (1:1-10:10)

2. The journey from Mount Sanai to Moab:

The march to Paran (10:11-21:35)

The sojourn in Paran at Kadesh (38 years spent there) (13:1-21:35)

3. The arrival on the plains of Moab (22:1:35:13)

Important Matters to Study

The book of Numbers clearly demonstrates that God takes every opportunity to make His presence known. With that in mind, consideration of the following matters should be studied:

1. The census (1:1-2:34), which reveals the greatness of the miracle that took place in the exodus.

2. The ordeal of jealousy (5:11-31) is carried out when a husband suspects his wife of being unfaithful.

3. The Nazirite vow taken by men and women separates them for God’s purposes (6:1-21).

4. The family complaint, Miriam and Aaron complains against Moses concerning the Ethiopian woman in his life (12:1-16).

5. Israel’s punishment, failing to enter the promised land (13:1-14:45).

6. The sin of Moses and Aaron keeps them from going into the land (20:1-29).

7. The fiery serpents are sent by God after the people complain, again (21:4-9).

8. Balaam fails to curse the Israelites because God is truly in control of blessings and curses, and Balaam could not speak against God’s will (22:1-24:25).

9. Finally, God punishes the people for embracing a new religion, Baal worship (25:1-5).

Through each experience Israel discovers that God is serious about being their only God.

Lessons from the Book

Every book in the Bible has value for the New Testament believer with great truths to be applied to his or her life. The following are some general lessons gleaned from Numbers: (1) God acts for the ultimate good of His people; (2) God demands obedience from His people; and (3) God is able to accomplish His purpose in spite of mankind’s sins.

More specifically, we find valuable precepts gained from passages like the one concerning the Nazarite vow (6:1-21). A Nazarite’s life is separated unto God and set apart from pleasure, self-preoccupation, and family life and its obligations. Another valuable lesson is from the report of the spies and the people’s reaction which shows the majority is not always right (13:1-14:45). The sin of Moses (20:1-29) allows one to observe the following: (1) do not become overconfident spiritually; (2) it is possible to miss out on blessings; (3) the privilege of leadership brings an unusual measure of accountability and responsibility; (4) obedience is necessary; and (5) the sin of omission is just as serious to God, as witnessed in the life of Aaron (25-28).

Preaching from Numbers

Numbers offers a variety of preaching topics. Bryson contends that the book “presents some real challenges . . . The first section of the book contains statistical and legal material that are rarely used as sermon text.” He adds that the prospects for preaching vastly improve after the first section of the book.

The Apostle Paul in I Corinthians takes the reader directly to the book of Numbers and basically outlines the entire book, so do not conclude that it is an Old Testament book with no New Testament relevance, and do not pass by it concluding that there is not much there to preach. Paul writes:

For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from the same spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.

Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages have come. Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (I Corinthians 10:1-14)

The apostle utilizes Numbers to warn the church by giving examples of what Israel did wrong in the wilderness. The book is not just a history of Israel; God means for us to learn from and grow from it as New Testament believers. Also, the text in I Corinthians reveals that Jesus, the rock, is present during the wilderness wanderings. The main point is that contemporary homileticians should not neglect the book of Numbers because it contains a needed message for the contemporary church.