A Simple Outline for the Confusing Bible Book of Numbers
Learn about the rebellion of the Israelites in the Bible book of Numbers and its lead-up to entering the Promised Land in this visual summary.
The Book of Numbers in the Bible
The book of Numbers in the Bible gets its name because of the census recordings taking place among the Israelites. But before you skip over this confusing book, let me help you understand the stories of the people’s rebellion.
The journey out of Egypt meant to lead them directly to the Promised Land (Canaan), ends up taking 40 years because of their continued disobedience.
Numbers is a continuation of the story of Exodus, the laws of Leviticus, and a segue into the book of Deuteronomy.
Before this printable study, I found myself skipping over the book of Numbers. But after reading through this detailed book in the context of the previous three, I found myself enjoying it!
Give Me the Facts
The overall story is that 12 spies (1 from each tribe) explore Canaan for 40 days and report back on what they found. God told them that this was the land he would give them, but when they returned, their report was less than comforting.
10 of the spies said that it was not safe, while 2 spies (Joshua and Caleb) said that despite what they saw, the land was wonderful and to trust the Lord.
The people rebelled against the Lord and he punished them with 40 more years of wandering the desert. Now they had no hope of conquering Canaan in their lifetime. Only Caleb, Joshua, and the Israelite descendants would make it there.
Apparently, Moses was still included in this promise, but later he disobeys God’s orders and is himself banned from entering the Promised Land as well.
A Few “Random Stories”
In the middle of these events are a few side stories you should notice, such as:
- Men being “swallowed” up by the earth because of their rebellion (ch. 16)
- The Israelites are bitten by snakes and look at a bronze snake statue for healing (ch. 21)
- Moses’ sister Miriam is afflicted with leprosy because of her jealousy (ch. 12)
- Special Nazarite vow guidelines later taken by the prophet Samuel and Judge Samson (ch. 6)
- Balaam and his talking donkey (ch. 22-24)
- The first account of women acquiring land (ch. 27, 36)
Don’t overlook this important book in the Old Testament! There is growth, forgiveness, and justice throughout it. For help understanding the basics, use this Numbers printable to help you organize your thoughts as you go:
The Bible Book of Numbers Printable
For help understanding the basics, use this Numbers printable to help you organize your thoughts as you go:
While the digital pages are perfect for group study, you may prefer a physical book, covering all 39 books in the Old Testament. Grab your copy here:
Why I Keep Coming Back to the Book of Numbers
I’m always noticing something new when I reread a book of the Bible because it builds off other parts I’ve studied. Check out these spreadsheets of random info I created from what I read in Numbers:
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For more posts on Bible study, read these:
- Genesis Printable
- Exodus Printable
- Leviticus Printable
- Deuteronomy Printable
- Understanding the Old Testament Timeline
You’ve got this!
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