Numbers - Click here to view the outline of the book

Order in Bivouac, 1:1-10:10. God continued to speak to Israel out of the tabernacle. A census revealed 2-3 million people. God arranged them by tribe around His presence. He separated Israel unto Himself and cleansed them, lest they should error in their hearts.
Progress on the March, 10:11-36. God led Israel through the desert in orderly array. The leaders were placed in front, a defense perimeter round about, and His presence in their midst. But there was a mixed multitude who trailed behind and complained against order and progress.
Murmuring Against God, 11:1-12:16. As they traveled, they longed for Egypt, complained about the hardships, and chafed under the law. Even Aaron and Miriam were jealous of Moses. That generation, which saw the mighty works of God, tested the Lord in the desert.
Believing the Majority Report, 13:1-14:45. They halted at Kadesh and sent in 12 scouts. Two said, “Let’s go in.” But the people believed the ten who said, “The Canaanites are giants and we are as grasshoppers.” God said they would wander forty years until they died in the desert.
Christ the Rock, 15:1-20:13. Korah’s revolt against Moses and Aaron led to more Levitical instructions. After wandering 38 years they still complained of no water. God told Moses to speak to the rock but he struck the rock. God judged them. They would die and the scepter pass to Joshua.
Marching to Moab, 20:14-21:35. God defeated their enemies but still they murmured. God judged them by sending fiery snakes to bite them but He also provided a remedy. Moses made a bronze snake, placed it on a pole and held it up. All who looked, lived. Christ was made sin for us.
Seeking the Uncircumcised Daughters of Moab, 22:1-25:18. Moab’s king hired Balaam to curse Israel. But God prohibited him from cursing them, spoke to him by the mouth of his donkey, gave him a Messianic revelation and had him killed because of his doctrine of deceit to intermarry.
Dividing the Promised Land, 26:1-36:13. God took a census of the new generation, instructed them on godliness, made Joshua their new leader and gave them victory over Moab. God gave them six cities of refuge, divided the land among the twelve tribes and placed Himself in their midst.
A Heart Right with God. God wanted them to love Him, obey His Law and reflect a contrite heart. Jesus told a story of a priest and a Levite who had the same evil heart as that generation. But a Samaritan helped him, thus obeying the law and revealing a contrite heart in touch with God.