Numbers, if you’re like me, sounds like a book about, well, numbers. That doesn’t seem to be very inviting, does it? The Hebrew name for the fourth book of the Bible is in fact “Be-mider” meaning “in the wilderness” which comes from the first sentence of the book (Num. 1:1). The Alexandrian Jews in the third century (B.C.), who translated the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, entitled this fourth book “Arithmetic” which was translated into English as “Numbers.” I’m not sure which one is worse, “Arithmetic” or “Numbers.” It’s possible that many Bible readers avoid this book because its title, and the first several chapters are a census of Israel.
In actuality, the book of Numbers is an adventure. It picks up where Exodus left off. Israel is still in the wilderness on their way to Canaan, the promised land. The census at the beginning of the book is a numbering of the old generation, who fail to trust in God’s promises, and eventually die in the wilderness. Numbers records Israel’s forty years wandering the wilderness due to their unbelief.
While that may sound depressing, God entrusted His promises to the next generation of Israelites who ultimately believed God and took possession of the promised land.
The book of Numbers is more than about numbers. It’s about God’s covenant with His people, despite their unbelief. I think all of us can relate to that in one way or another. God remains faithful even though we have fits of doubt and unbelief. If you need a boost in your faith, then I encourage you to wander with Israel in the wilderness, and behold God’s faithfulness.