An Introduction To Numbers

by McCormick, F. | Category: For Young Believers | Nov 1955

The book of Numbers in Hebrew is called "in the wilderness," and this is an apt description of the book. Here we see a people, intended by God to occupy the promised land, travelling through the wilderness, with all its perils and dangers, a pilgrim people responsible to move, act, and serve by divine commandment, yet withal to be a worshipping people as seen in Leviticus. Both these characteristics of God's people are found throughout the Epistle to the Hebrews, where exhortation is given to hold fast and continue steadfastly even unto the end.

In some respects Numbers is like the Acts and the Epistles, in that, circumstances give rise to new legislation as the mind of God was sought (9.9-14; 16.37-40; 36.5-12). There is also additional legislation given (15., 19., 30.1-13). In chapter 7 we see the liberality of the dedication gifts of the altar given by the princes on the day the Tabernacle was set up, occupying twelve days. These were the divinely chosen princes, heads of the thousands of Israel (1.5-16), of high standing and bright example. Note the place leaders have in New Testament times; they are essential to the congregation of the Lord.

In the opening chapters we see the ordering of the camp in preparation for forward movement. It is not left to the notions of either leaders or people, all is controlled by the word of God, and this is the standard for God's people today, "Let all things be done decently (becomingly) and in order (in, or by arrangement)" (1 Corinthians 14. 40). The men of war were numbered and the relative position of the tribes around the Tabernacle' decided by God. The Levites, however, were not numbered with the men of war. By reason of their faithfulness in a dark day God chose them to take the place of Israel's firstborn sons, and they were offered before the LORD on behalf of the children of Israel. God accepted them, saying, "I have taken them unto Me," then God gave them as "a gift to Aaron." The Levites were numbered for substitution of the firstborn 22,000, while the firstborn of Israel were 22,273. The 273 had therefore to be redeemed (3.44-51). The Levites were also numbered for service from 30 years old to 50; of these there were 8,580 (4.47, 48) but note 8.24, "from 25 years old ... they shall go in to wait upon the service." We are reminded of the words regarding deacons, "Let these also first be proved." At 50 they were to cease from active service. The distinctive work of priests and Levites is clearly defined, and God Himself decides the sphere of their labours, which was to be strictly observed (4.5, 15, 17-20). Those in the holy nation today are priests (as distinct from the High Priest) to worship (1 Peter 2.5), as Levites to serve, and men of war to fight (Hebrews 12.28; Jude 3.).

The Nazirite vow in chapter 6. shows that it was possible among this separated people for some to dedicate themselves in a special way unto the LORD. Would that our young men and women would be so exercised today! Alas, in days of declension they gave the young men God raised up for Nazirites wine to drink (Amos 2.11-12). God forbid that such a low ebb in the spiritual life of God's people should ever hinder the dedication of any unto the Lord.

The Passover in chapter 9. was kept before the time referred to in chapter 1. and the second, just prior to their departure from Sinai. They were to remember their deliverance in the past, as they went forward; healthy exercise! The purity of the camp also was to be diligently maintained (chapter 5.). We note that their movements were to be controlled by the Cloud, indicating God's movements, and by the trumpets sounded by the priests, divine movement involving human responsibility, in which they were to give no uncertain sound (1 Corinthians 14.8). It is as the Spirit of God moves, and according to God's word we go forward today in our journeys and in our gatherings. The day arrived when they set forward, the ark of God going before them. Young disciple, keep Christ ever before you, "Looking unto Jesus" (Hebrews 12). Alas, at the first step they began to murmur, and "the LORD heard it" (11. 1-3). "His anger was kindled," His fire devoured, but Moses prayed, and the fire abated. Yes, the LORD hears what we say, and the LORD will judge His people.

Soon they were looking backward; the mixed multitude fell a lusting; such are ever a menace to God's people. Evil company doth corrupt good manners, and there is weeping in the ears of the LORD for flesh. "He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul" (Psalm 106.15). "And smote down the young men of Israel." 1 Corinthians 10. is the divine commentary. The disaffection was widespread, and even Moses was affected by the attitude of the people. No one liveth to himself. The burden of this people "is too heavy for me," he said, and God provided help in appointing the seventy elders (11.16, 17). Then follows the sedition of Miriam and Aaron, moved by jealousy. "Hath the LORD indeed spoken only with Moses? hath He not spoken also with us?" Ml saints are not alike, and all leaders are not alike. God entrusts more to some than to others, and here God intervened to vindicate His faithful servant (Hebrews 3), and He smote Miriam with leprosy. The camp was halted until this was dealt with. What a lesson! "Afterward the people journeyed" (12.15, 16).

McCormick, F. | Nov 1955
For Young Believers