Title Introduction to Numbers
Contents Numbers, the fourth book of the five books of Moses, historically describes the wilderness journey of about 38 years from the departure of Mount Sinai (February 20, the second year of the Exodus) to the arrival in the wilderness of Moab (1406 BC) during Israel's exodus are doing However, this book can be broadly divided on the basis of the two census as it appears in this book. First, the first census (chapters 1-4), conducted for the purpose of marching in the wilderness, semantically covers events until the end of the wilderness journey (chapters 1-21). The second census conducted (Chapter 26) includes various norms regarding the new generation that will be the protagonists of the covenant land of Canaan (Chapter 26-36). In particular, the article of Balaam serves as a natural link between these two parts (chapters 22-25).
On the other hand, this book reiterates the fact that it was the grace of God who did not forget mercy and mercy even in the midst of judgment that Israel, who had been persistent in rebellion and complaint, nevertheless survived in the wilderness of the land of death and finally entered the promised land of Canaan. Emphasize.
1. Title
Hebrew: [ , bemidbar] which means “in the wilderness”.
Greek: 《 Αριθμοι, Aridmoi》 This word means 'to count'. So, as a translation of the Septuagint, the name of the Korean translation was ‘Numbers’.
2. Author
Moses who wrote the Five Books.
The words 'the LORD said to Moses' or 'Moses wrote what they went through' are mentioned more than 80 times in this book (1:1,54; 2:1; 3:5,14; 4:1; 5:5; 10:1; 12:14; 14:11; 17:11; 29:40; 30:16; 36:13, etc.). Therefore, there is no doubt that Moses, the protagonist of the Exodus, was inspired by God to record the events and revelations of his time in this book. The fact that this book is historically and stylistically consistent with other books of the Pentateuch strongly suggests the authorship of Moses.
3. Recording date
This book is also B.C. circa 1440-1400.
4. Purpose of Recording
① The people chosen to build the kingdom of God are showing what they need to live by faith while trusting God's promises.
② It tells us that when God's chosen people engage in murmuring and distrust, they cannot escape God's judgment.
③ It shows that the God who keeps the covenant loved Israel who were in disobedience and wandering to the end and led them to the promised land of Canaan.