Numbers, Theology of

Integral to a discussion of the theology of Numbers is an understanding of the book's structure and its relationship to the rest of the Pentateuch. Chronologically Numbers covers Israel's thirty-eight-year wilderness period from the second year after the exodus ( 10:11-12 ) until the arrival at the border of the promised land ( 33:38 ) while geographically it moves from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab. Yet neither of these aspects appears to supply the primary motivation for the book's structure. The earlier dates of 7:1 and 9:1 suggest that strict chronological arrangement was not the primary concern and the great visibility given to the beginning and end of the wilderness period while most of the thirty-eight years pass in silence suggests a reason other than geographical locations for its arrangement. The best position seems to be with those scholars who hold that the book was arranged primarily with theological concerns in mind.

Numbers is a book of practical theology and emphasizes the interaction between the sovereign God and his people as recent recipients of the covenant stipulations. Marked by direct address Numbers shows the people's dependence upon God for daily guidance and provisions. This fourth book of the Pentateuch continues many of the themes of the previous three books and anticipates the promised land that becomes so prevalent in the fifth. Therefore, any discussion of a theology of Numbers must be done in relationship to the rest of the Pentateuch.

Numbers portrays God as a God of order. Israel's quick release from Egyptian bondage into an unknown land necessitated a certain amount of structure for the tribes and their families. This book depicts the growth of order in Israel's society as a direct result of God's blessing. In Numbers the distinction between the priests and Levites is presented as the work of God ( 8:19 ; 18:1-20 ) as is the selection of seventy elders to lead the people ( 11:25 ). Furthermore, the people witness the transition of leadership from Aaron to Eleazer ( 20:25-28 ) and from Moses to Joshua ( 27:16-23 ) under God's direction. The theme of God's orderliness, apparent from the days of creation in Genesis, is also reflected in the census lists, camp arrangement, and the order of march.

At God's initiation, a census was taken before and after the wilderness wanderings. For the families and tribes these enumerations provided increased individual significance but for the reader they accentuate the fact that evil and rebellion will not ultimately deter the plan of God ( 11:23 ). The camp arrangement, also specified by God, provided order in the midst of a great number of people. It allowed for orderly assemblies that were called by trumpets, clear delineation of duties like those assigned to the levitical families, and military protection since the bulk of the men of arms encircled the Levites and tabernacle. The tabernacle in the midst of the camp and the ark in the tabernacle underscored the centrality of God.

Emphasis on covenant promises along with the blessings and curses of the covenant give further testimony to the continuity of Numbers with the rest of the Pentateuch. The multiplication of Israel, portrayed by the numbering of the people, along with the anticipation of the land remind the reader of the promises given by the Lord to Abraham ( Gen 12:1-3 ; 17:4-8 ). Consistent with the covenant blessings and curses the Lord provided a way for the priests to bless the people ( 6:24-27 ) yet he cursed those who would disobey; whether unbelieving Israel in rebellion ( 14:29-35 ) or the nations who opposed his blessing of Israel ( 21:1-3 ). So indelible was this promise that the words of Balaam's mouth were guided to produce blessings rather than imprecations against Israel ( 24:8-9 ).

The covenant is also an expression of God's faithfulness to his own word. The first census provides an enumeration of those who left Egypt and Sinai but becomes a roster of unbelief ( 14:29 ) while the second census provides graphic testimony to the faithfulness of God in bringing his people through the wilderness despite their sin, for even with a shift of numbers among the tribes the total number of the new generation remains essentially the same ( 1:46 ; 26:51 ). God's sovereignty insured covenant stability ( 23:19 ).