The latin vulgate picked up on the greek title and named the book numeri from which the english acquires the name numbers. So that place was called taberah, because fire from the lord had burned among. The israelites disobedience and lack of faith caused god to make them wander in the desert until all the people of that generation had diedwith a. Study scripture verses with commentary, concordances, and use highlighting, underlining, take notes in the bible. These symbolic meanings of numbers in the bible are different from numerology, which involves looking for an occult meaning in numbers, their combinations, and numerical totals. Leviticus stresses the role of sacrifice in creating and maintaining right relations between god and man. This should in no way be a substitute for listening to what the holy spirit has to say about your particular dream, but rather it is meant to be a tool. Ive written a onesentence overview of every book of the bible. Nov, 2019 while it is a fairly short distance from egypt to israel, it took the ancient jews 40 years to get there. Fire from the lord now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Once again its name is derived from the septuagint via the vulgate.
Olson, interpretation, westminster john knox, 1996, 196 pp. If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness, being under thy husband, be thou free from this water of bitterness that causeth the curse. The first 5 books in the bible are called the 5 books of moses. The book of numbers was named after the first key word bemidbar in hebrew scripture, which appropriately means in the desert, the place where the israelites. This conclusion is based on 1 statements concerning moses writing activity e. Numbers, book of the fourth of the books of the pentateuch, called in the hebrew bemidbar, i. Numbers 11 niv fire from the lord now the people bible. Interpretation revives the neglected art of expository writing that explains the books of. The first census was completed while the israelites were still at mount sinai chapters 12, and the second one came 38 years later when they arrived at the borders of canaan at the end.
Many prolife christians believe this interpretation of numbers 5 to be heresy and completely contrary to the teachings of the bible. God responds with shortterm severity and longterm generosity as he leads them into the promised land. In answer to this complaint, they are here directed to purify themselves, so as that they might come as far as they had occasion without fear. Commentary on the book of numbers by matthew henry old. The english title is a translation of the septuagint greek title referring to the numbering of the tribes of. May the result of this contribution to a great subject be to stimulate the labours of bible students. When the people cried out to moses, he prayed to the lord and the fire died down. The book of numbers is composed of narrative, legislation, and archival records. It describes moses taking two population censuses, hence the name numbers. Theyve been in this same spot for about a year and now theyre getting ready to start out on their journey to this land flowing with milk and honey that god keeps talking about. This chapter is only concerning the preparing and using of the ashes which were to impregnate the water of purification.
That means if you want to know the bible better, youll need to get acquainted with the 66 documents it comprises. Then the children of israel moved, and camped in the plains of moab on the side of the jordan across from jericho. Leviticus, which interrupts the flow of narration, consists almost entirely of legislation independent of historic precedentwith the exception of lev. David guzik commentary on numbers chapter 1 at the start of this book, israel is camped at mount sinai, preparing to enter the promised land. The book of numbers is the fourth book of the hebrew bible, and the fourth of five books of the jewish torah. For example, jewish cabalists have analyzed the hebrew scriptures using a technique called gematria, which looks for a hidden code in the numerical equivalents of letters. All 66 books of the bible in easy, onesentence summaries. The book of numbers is the story of the people of israel in the wilderness as they departed from slavery in egypt to the freedom of the promised land of canaan.
It continues the story of that journey begun in exodus, and describes briefly the experiences of the israelites for a period of thirtyeight years, from the end of their. Moses is the central figure within the book, and in at least two instances numbers mentions him recording events by the lords commands numbers 33. The people had complained of the strictness of the law, which forbade their near approach to the tabernacle, ch. This commentary has been through advanced checking. Numbers 79 the offerings of the princes the setting apart of the levites second observance of the passover. Read numbers 19 commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. The bibliography for this study of numbers is presented at the end of the article, introduction to the pentateuch. The book of numbers is largely narrative history as far as its genre. This list of biblical numbers and meanings is by no means exhaustive. The israelites disobedience and lack of faith caused god to make them wander in the desert until all the people of that generation had diedwith a few important exceptions. A study of the books of numbers and deuteronomy with emphasis given to the worship of jehovah associated with the tabernacle.
A bible commentary for teaching and preaching hardcover 9780804231046 by dennis olson. An essential key to understanding the design of gods word is through the meaning of biblical numbers. Introduction to the book of numbers learn religions. Its narrative begins at the point where exodus leaves off. Best numbers commentaries updated for 2020 best bible. The title is probably derived from the two occasions in the book where a census is taken num. The english name of the book comes from the septuagint the prechristian greek translation of the ot and is based on the census lists found in. When i saw that it was judged as more academically astute than its companion volumes, i was intrigued to check it out. Hebrew hermeneutics has an interpretation approach that includes something called a remez. Numbers, book of definition and meaning bible dictionary. For example, the trinity are real, and the doctrine of the trinity is valid in every way. Theyve been in this same spot for about a year and now theyre getting ready to start out on their journey to this land flowing. The name numbers is a translation of arithmoi, from the septuagint, titled thus because the book contains many statistics, population counts, tribal and priestly figures, and.
A bible commentary for teaching and preaching offers a full interpretation of the biblical text, combining historical scholarship and theological purpose. Best commentaries and books on numbers logos bible software. Numbers reiterates the value of faith and obedience. Sep 14, 2018 biblical numerology is the study of individual numbers in scripture. The book of numbers the new revised standard translation of this epic road trip. The first 5 book of the bible, called the law, of which numbers is the fourth, are ascribed to moses throughout scripture joshua 8. Bible class books old and new testament the church of. Although the arrangement of some is obvious, others are not and require indepth bible. If one understands the numbers to be literal and the men to represent about onefourth of the population, then the number of the israelites ranges from two to three million people 10 a literal understanding of the numbers in the census is in congruence with pharaohs fear of the rapidly increasing hebrews overrunning egypt ex 1. The 2011 edition of the niv mistakenly states that the drink will cause miscarriage in numbers 5.
While it is a fairly short distance from egypt to israel, it took the ancient jews 40 years to get there. It relates particularly to the meaning of numbers, both literal and symbolic. The hebrew name for these books is the torah, which means law. The book of numbers derives its name from the account of the two censuses taken of the hebrew people, one near the beginning and the other toward the end of the journey in the wilderness chaps. The book of numbers was written between 1440 and 1400 b. The purpose of the book of numbers is to tell about how israel prepared to enter the promise land, but sinned and was punished. The greek title in the translation of the ot lxx was arithmoi ariqmoi emphasizing the lists of numbers recorded in the book 14.
Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. They contain gods instructions about how his people should live. Exodus ends by relating the erection of the tabernacle on the first day. Summary of the book of numbers numbers gets its name from the two censuses, or numberings, of the people of israel. A bible commentary for teaching and preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the bible in the church. Interpreting biblical numbers the bible is the divine revelation of the true and living god and every jot and tittle in his word is deemed important. Moses is the central figure within the book, and in at least two instances. The book of numbers is the fourth book of the hebrew bible, and the fourth of five books of the.
The book of numbers itself refers to the writing of moses in 33. The message of the book of numbers is universal and timeless. The name of the book comes from the two censuses taken of the israelites. Numbers 1 to 10 free bible commentary in easy english. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that every word is significantand this includes numbers. It reminds believers of the spiritual warfare in which they are engaged, for numbers is the book of the service and walk of gods people. Conservative scholars remain cautious about assigning too much importance to the meaning of numbers in the bible. For the 1973 american crime film, see book of numbers film. It bridges the gap between critical and expository commentaries and combines exciting biblical scholarship with illuminating textual expositions. The second episode of the bible series on the history channel focuses on the events of exodus through joshua that means numbers is tucked in there, too. The connections and patterns of numerals, when we search them out and understand them, reveal the handiwork of god. Numbers begins at mount sinai, where the israelites have received their laws and covenant from god and god has taken up residence among them in the sanctu. Outline of the book with questions for each section. You will also find options for commentaries on numbers that help pastors, teachers, and readers with application of the bible, commentaries that approach the scripture versebyverse, classic christian commentaries, and much more.
Watch our overview video on the book of numbers, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Biblical numerology is defined as the study of the spiritual significance of numbers used in the bible. Summary of the book of numbers the story of the bible. The word of god is clear in what is written, and it is deep in what is revealed through patterns, types, and symbolism. Both numbers and colors have significance in interpreting scripture read also. Study the bible online using commentary on numbers 19 and more. Biblical meaning of numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 17 19. Jul 20, 2015 the symbolism of numbers 1, 3 and 7 are most agreed upon, while variations may occur with others.
Dream bible the online guide to dream interpretation. The book of numbers is traditionally ascribed to moses though little in the book explicitly confirms it see, for example, however, 33. An easyenglish bible version and commentary 2800 word vocabulary on the book of numbers. Essentially, the husband and wife would come to the priest, the priest would then create a concoction of unpleasant. He provides a thoroughly contemporary reading of numbers that enlightens the modern church as it navigates the contemporary wilderness of pluralism, competing voices, and and shifting foundations. Remember, the meaning of numbers in the bible is not perfect, but the meaning of the written word is always perfect. Most of the events of the book are set in the wilderness.
The account of the ordeal of bitter water given in the book of numbers is as follows. From chapters 19 the israelites are preparing for their journey and entry into the promise land. This summary of the book of numbers provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of numbers. Book of numbers overview insight for living ministries. But numbers and the rest of the pentateuch were cast in the form of a unified, fivevolume book sometime between the days of joshua and the elders of israel josh. Unlike other dream interpretation websites or books we extensively research dream symbols by interviewing people about the events occurring in their lives at the time of their dreams. Numbers 11 new international version niv fire from the lord. Key personalities include moses, aaron, miriam, joshua, caleb, eleazar, korah, and balaam. The second took place at the end of the 40 years in the wilderness as the nation was preparing to finally enter the promised land. A free online a to z dream dictionary dedicated to helping people understand the meaning of their dreams.
Many people believe that moses wrote the first 5 books in the bible the torah, which means law. It brings an understanding of what the text says into dialogue with the critical questions and problems of contemporary life and faith. A word list at the end explains words with a star by them. Bible interpretation often calls for exercising judgment.
1460 1119 384 242 536 1064 828 694 1613 1629 153 1625 93 613 256 206 284 203 849 223 916 1073 1246 1574 335 1354 1455 1448 984 566 40 524 1442 1015 68 414 1446 1488 624 1183 1332