Numbers

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

From Numbers 13:22 we can gather that this book was written to those who would still remember Egypt, so they've lived from the time of the initial exile until the time of almost entering the promised land. We see that they can look back over the text and see the fulfillment of the Lords promises. Future generations would be able to know of the faithfulness of the Lord. And the promises He has made to them as His chosen people “blessed are those who bless you, Israel, and cursed are those who curse you” (Number 24:9).

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Numbers is most definitely written from the perspective of the leader. It shows his struggles, his conversations with the Lord. We see that he vents his anger about the people and his situation to God (11:10-15) and God helps Him sort through it. And again we see how faithful and trusting he is (14:13-19).

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

Lack of trust leads to complaining leads to provision AND punishment. Slows down their journey. We see this clearly in the constant cycle the Israelites put themselves in. But we also see that those who trust in the Lord are greatly rewarded for their faithfulness. He responds to the faithless but rewards the faithful. We see this most specifically in the story of the spies (Numbers 13-14). Twelve spies are sent out to scout the land God has promised them. When they return, ten of the men speak with very little faith and spread doubt amongst the whole people. They talk about how big the people are and how strong and fortified the cities are; it would be very unwise of them to go against them. The people begin to complain but two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, trusting the word of the Lord, declare that they should go and take the land (14:9) and the Lord rewards them for their loyalty (14:24,30). Because everyone complained, all of those 20 years and older will die before entering the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb will be the only ones over 20 who will see it. (14:31)

Leviticus is pretty much a story about a constant cycle. A cycle of complaining, provision, judgment, intercession and relief. For example, in Chapter 21, the Israelites are attacked by the Canaanite people of Arad and the Israelites made a vow to God saying, “If you will hand these people over to us, we will completely destroy all their towns.” The Lord hears their request and gives them victory. Moments later they are complaining to Moses and speaking against God saying, “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?.. There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”. So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among them, they went running to Moses acknowledging their sin, Moses prayer for the people and God gives him the remedy of healing for the snake bites.

One sentence summary of Numbers- The Israelites' journey of sanctification, discipline, war and wandering as they get closer to Canaan and the fulfillment of the Lord's promises.

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?
   To let the people see the faithfulness of God, for every action there is a reaction, for ever prayer there is an answer, for every complaint there is provision/consequences. He hears, He listens and He responds. He's faithful! This should teach them to fear Him to place Him in high regard and realize that He disciplines because He's trying to teach them to be set apart.
5. What does this book show about the character and nature of God?
   
   He sticks to His word! Over and over again we see where He tells the Israelites they will overtake and kill a certain people group, to not be afraid and they do. In 20:12, after Moses strikes the rock twice against His command He tells both Moses and Aaron that they will die before the people enter the promised land and they will not partake in that part of the promise. And we see the fulfillment of Aaron's death a few verses later in 20:24.
   He listens, He hears and then provides. Some examples of this are in 11:18, 12:2, 14:20, and 21:3.
6. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

There doesn't seem to be much new information on the plan of redemption, but I think one of the things that speaks volumes is that God doesn't give up on them. He continually brings them back to Himself even when they can't see the good and promises that are before them. They continue to doubt and complain, but He sticks to His word and continues to deliver them.