Numbers Matters

I had a conversation with a friend the other day who recalling a conversation with his son. His son was reading through the Scriptures and had enjoyed Genesis and Exodus, but wondered aloud if he had to continue through Leviticus and Numbers. Those who have (or have tried) to read the Bible cover to cover recognize the sentiment- the amazing work of God in and through his people seems to stall out with ritualisitc laws and mind-numbing counts of the Israelites (with and without the priests). I told my friend, though, that while I can understand the comment, I think Numbers is really one of the more fascinating books of the bible. Here are just of its tidbits:

• Fire by night- God leading his people with a cloud by day and a fire by night (chapter 9)


• We want to go back- The desire to return to the good ol' days of Egypt (chapter 11)


• Leader envy- where Miriam and Aaron are jealous of Moses and question whether God only speaks to Moses (chapter 12; bonus verse is 12:3 where Moses is the most humble man on the face of the earth; if this was written by Moses, it's hilarious!)


• Spying out the Promised Land- the spies are sent to scope out the Promised Land, but only Joshua and Caleb feel they can take the giants living there. Excellent lessons on fear and following God's leading (chapters 13-14).


• Coup!- chapter 16 records a potential coup of Moses and Aaron's leadership and the penalty paid for those who revolted


• A Harsh Sentence- Moses' growing frustration leading the people is evident in chapter 20, and his disobedience costs him the Promised Land


• Talking donkey!- yes, the Shrek movies weren't the first to have a talking donkey, and this talking donkey in chapters 22-24 shows that God is at work within people who are outside the fold as well

Who knew right? I think Numbers matters and it's worth checking out!