Unlike Exodus where Moses is clearly commanded to write as God instructed, but like Leviticus, we also find in Numbers where he is ordered to speak numerous times. (5:6,12, etc.) Again one should remember that the Israelites were still encamped in Sinai at the close of Exodus and remained so until Numbers 10. Therefore, as with all the books of Torah, it is certainly plausible that Moses continued to write as God instructed for the reasons elsewhere stated. This detailed code could not be left solely to oral transmission (Deu.31:9-3,24-29).

Though not accepted by some critical schools, even a few attributing it to unknowns in the post-Babylonian captivity era, however, agreed on by most scholars as Moses. Agreed, some passages clearly appear as editorial inclusions, likely by Joshua since Moses would not have known of this post-Nebo data, they in no way lessen its Mosaic authenticity. (See as examples: 12:3; 21:14-15.)

The 4th in order of the 5 Books that make up the Torah, universally ascribed to Moses by all Jews. (Josephus, a first century Jewish historian, attributes it to Moses. See his Preface to Antiquities..., Sect.4.)

First, addressed orally to his contemporaries. (5:6,12)

Second, a written record of their trials of deliverance to be remembered and a Covenant to be obeyed by this and all succeeding generations. (Ex.17:14; 24:7; Deu.31:11; Jos.8:34-35; Deu.17:18-20; II Ki.22:8-10;23:1-3)

In general, for all peoples. (II Tim.3:14-17)

Numbers is a continued inspirational work of personal experience, unlike that of Genesis which was received either by revelation, extant documents, or tradition for written transmission. (See notes on Exodus & Leviticus.)

With their long encampment at Sinai (Ex.19:1) finally drawing to a close, this newly emerging nation was in their 2nd year (1:1) on their long trek through the wilderness to their yet unseen promised land. They had entered into covenant with God, received His Decalogue, and now their long-awaited inheritance was theirs for the entering. Little did they suspect He would keep them from doing so because of their failure in faith -- sentenced to a bitter wilderness until all died except age 20 and under. A land of promise and freedom with His assured presence (Ex.33) and still desiring to return to their once despised taskmaster in Egypt, how tragic! (14:3-4; Heb.3:8-19)

If Moses is our accepted author, then these events must have been recorded between Nu.1:1 & Deu.31:24, with a few editorial revisions by one later, likely Joshua, but most credible scholars agree to a time no later than his.

As a memorial for and an accounting of an emerging race. (Ex.17:14; Deut.31:9-13; Num.1:2; 26:2)

As a constitution for an emerging nation. (Ex.24:3-8; Deu.31:9-13)

As an instruction manual for the Levitical priesthood. (5:23; Deu.31:9,24-26)

As inspired scripture that all who read may take to heart, making one "wise unto salvation." (II Tim.3:15; Ro.9:17; II Ki.23:1-25)

As has been noted in previous studies, one must continue to remember that our English Bible, though derived from its ancient Hebrew predecessor, differs slightly in its organization and titles of the Old Testament books. The first 5 books, called Torah, or in the Greek version, the Pentateuch, are similarly arranged but differing in their titles, with the Hebrew original taking the opening words of each particular book as a heading. Hence, for our Numbers, varying versions of theirs are found: "and He spoke" or "In the wilderness," chosen for either of the 2 opening phrases in 1:1.

Like Exodus & Leviticus, Numbers found its way into our English Bible via the Latin Vulgate's translation of the Greek heading chosen for the Septuagint (LXX) as a description for the work. The book opens with the first numbering of this new nation & closes with a second census.

As earlier stated, it has been more than a year since their departure from Egypt and encampment at Sinai. This strange, but unlike all others, very real God, has chosen them as His people, and they likewise have chosen Him as their one and only True God. From the outset, while still in Egypt, He has proven Himself to them. Now, in turn, they must prove themselves to Him. Having become totally cognizant of His expectations of them, and in stated agreement (Ex.24:7), this Covenant would not be without cost -- unwavering obedience -- but the rewards boundless (Lev.26:1-13). However, a greater price, albeit tragic, would be exacted for failure which He clearly identified for them (Lev.26:14-39). He has fully prepared them for entry into their blessing and the next step was theirs to take. They would fail miserably. Numbers is a record of that failure. God would be so moved as to start anew with Moses alone (14:11-12), but true to His word after Moses' intercession (14:13-19), He would raise up another generation whose hearts were more amenable (14:20-38).

And so we see Numbers opening with one generation prepared, mustered, and poised to take the final step into a blessing promised centuries earlier to one's posterity (Gen.12:2; 17:1-8; 22:17). His seed, now numbered fulfilling 17:2, in time would become greater (Gen.22:17).

Since the Hebrews are encamped at Sinai during the entire text of Leviticus, it is expected to find that book mostly devoted to the codification & institution of the Covenant Code there given. Numbers, however, begins the next stage of God's plan for this new nation to proceed in complete confidence of entry into their rest. There would be a full inaugural census of this now organized new nation. They must proceed with clearly defined lines of expected behavior by all 12 tribes that they remain a cohesive people once settled into their land of rest and a time of luxury dulled the memory. They are charged to forever remember their common origins (Deu.6:12): one people from like seed chosen to represent the true God to a universal world. Fathers would teach their sons (Deu.6:7); families would gather for Feasts (Lev.23); annual atonement would be required at one central location chosen later (Deu.12). Jerusalem would enter their consciousness and remain a cherished national symbol to modern times -- but sadly not for this first group of malcontents.

Hence, we see in Numbers a record of a new nation emerging from a dominant world power, currently homeless, but soon to inherit a very rich land that would become and remain the center of the world's attention. Canaan it was called, and in it a little city named Salem, later to be crowned Jerusalem by a king of a promised eternal kingdom -- a front door to the world through which God could be met! And at its gate this very God would, in a foreseen future day, die for all who would choose so.

The book begins with the numbering of one generation (1:2) who had witnessed a parousia with accompanying miracles unlike any previously seen (14:11,22) and closes 38 years later with a counting of their surviving children. Refusing to go forward (14:4), God will not permit their return into Egypt (14:29). Although He will miraculously care for them in the wilderness (Deu.8:4), only their children will live to see Canaan (14:31). His standard of holiness and requirements of faith had been established and He would not yield (14:21); not even Aaron nor Moses would be permitted to cross Jordan because of their own personal failures (20:12,24; 32:48-52). Only Joshua and Caleb (14:24,38) of the previous generation would be permitted to enter with these surviving beneficiaries. A new leader would have to be chosen, adjustments made, and addendums given for their cultic life.

And so Numbers is more than just an accounting of a new nation, a record of dashed dreams and tragic failures; it reveals the standard of God's uncompromising holiness. Rewards promised for obedience could not be expected from a life of absent faith and errant behavior. Numbers reveals that holiness of God and informs us that those who choose Him must themselves live holy. Centuries later His Son will be overheard saying that He has the power to raise up children from stones if Abraham's seed failed in this standard (Mat.3:9). His Glory would not be stopped! (14:21)