Bible Commentaries
Numbers 1

Verse 1

Numbers

Walking Thru The Bible

NUMBERS

INTRODUCTION

The first five books of the Bible are referred to as the Books of Law, or The Books of Moses.

NUMBERS

Who Wrote It: The book of Numbers begins "And the Lord spake unto Moses." His name occurs more than 225 times in the book, that is an average of over 6 times per chapter.

Who Received It: The last verse in the book says the content was directed "unto the children of Israel" (Numbers 36:13).

When/Where Written: The events recorded took place during a period of 38-39 years, or from one year and one month after the exodus from Egypt to the fortieth year and eleventh month (Numbers 1:1; Deuteronomy 1:3).

The book was written during the wilderness wanderings somewhere between the wilderness of Sinai and the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho (Numbers 36:13).

Why Written: This fourth book of the Bible is called "Numbers" because of two "numberings" (census takings) of the Israelites (ch. 1 and 26). Perhaps in informing Israel of their numerical strength they are to learn of the inability of man to prosper while doubting or distrusting God. Notice that Israel had come from Egypt to Kedesh-Barnea in some two years, and could have easily entered into Canaan in that time, but doubt, distrust, and such like, surfaced its ugly head, and Israel had to wander some 38 more years in the wilderness.

New Testament Links: Jesus is pictured in the book of Numbers through various types: for example:

! He had no bone broken (Numbers 9:12 & John 19:33-36).

! He was offered as an unblemished sacrifice for sin outside the camp (Numbers 19:1-10 & Hebrews 13:11-12, John 19:17).

! He was lifted up to give life to believers (Numbers 21:4-11 & John 3:14-17; John 12:32).

! He was the Star of Jacob (Numbers 24:7 & Matthew 2:2; Revelation 22:16).

! Other ties include Moses’ faithfulness (Numbers 3:16; Numbers 12:7 & Hebrews 3:5-6).

The reality and possibility of apostasy (Numbers 25:1-9 & 1 Corinthians 10:1-13); mistrust (Numbers 11:14 & Hebrews 3:8); murmuring (Numbers 11:14 & Heb. 3); sin of Korah (or Core) Numbers 16:1 & Judges 1:11); Balaam’s greed (Ch. Num 22-25 & Judges 1:11); looking back (Numbers 11:5 & Acts 7:39); spiritual drink (Numbers 20:11 & 1 Corinthians 10:4), etc.

Key Verses: Numbers 14:28-34

Key Words: Warfare, wandering, journeying

Key Persons: Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb

Key Thoughts: God’s Discipline upon His rebellious children

[The five books of Moses are equal to almost a quarter of the Old Testament and as large as the entire New Testament.]

Numbers 12:1-3 (Click on the "chapter" icon for a sermon from this book.)

Numbers 12

The Manly Meekness of Moses

Numbers 12:3

Introduction

1. The Bible teaches both by precept and example. One can profit from inspired records of the conduct of both sinners and saints. In this lesson, we want to consider Moses, "the servant of the LORD."

2. Moses was born 3,500 years ago, yet today his name is common place. This lesson is concerned in particular with one of the characteristics of Moses that accounts for his greatness, namely, his manly meekness. "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3).

a. The context of the passage is the rebellion of Miriam and Aaron against Moses (Num. 12).

The Manly Meekness of Moses

In the hour of discouragement and tragedy, Moses manifested a manly meekness, a remarkable control of his passions. Notice a few of the factors which no doubt helped Moses to attain such manly meekness:

1. Moses believed and revered God.

2. Moses was remarkably unselfish.

a. He could have possibly become a Pharaoh in Egypt.

b. He could have made himself a king in the wilderness.

c. Hebrews 11:24-2 7.

3. Moses had disciplined his will power.

4. Moses was a man of prayer.

Two Great Men of Meekness

The two greatest to walk on this earth-- Jesus the Son of God, and Moses, the greatest mere man who ever lived. One of their greatest characteristics and qualities was their meekness.

1) Moses (Numbers 12:3)

2) Jesus (Matthew 11:29)

Meekness is characterized by a willingness to suffer wrong rather than do wrong.

1) Moses Numbers 12:1-7

2) Jesus-- being crucified.

Meekness is not weakness, nor an indication of spinelessness, but it is "strength under control." Jesus quoted much O.T. Scripture regarding meekness. Isaiah 61:1; Psalms 37:11 (Matthew 5:5).

Paul entreated meekness and gentleness. 2 Corinthians 10:1; Galatians 5:23; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:2; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 3:4.

Conclusion: James 1:21 "Receive with meekness the ... "

Numbers 1.1

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