Under the Cloud - A Study in the Book of Numbers

https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/desert

Why Numbers?

I have always had an appreciation for the book of Numbers for some reason.  I have found that not too many other people share my enthusiasm.  I know the Old Testament is not really appreciated by many but Jesus Himself said every book of the Bible testifies of Him (John 5:39).  Paul told Timothy that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful..." (2 Tim 3:16, emphasis mine).  Hopefully through this study you will develop a new appreciation for this interesting book and see the many ways this fascinating portion of the Pentateuch (first 5 books of the Bible, written by Moses) can help us learn many life lessons. My prayer is that God will work through me as the writer and in you as the reader to show you His glory.  He has done so much for all of us and we can learn more about Him and how to worship Him through reading and understanding the Word of God.

Background Information

Numbers is so named because of all the statistics in the book; also, the Hebrew name indicates that the Israelites are in the desert.  In this book, the people of Israel test God’s patience and He tests their endurance and faithfulness. God shows His faithfulness in this book by His constant presence leading the way: through a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.  However, God did not leave their disobedience without consequence.  Over and over, plagues decimated the population because of insolence.  In this book we also see Moses demonstrating how we can be great intercessors.  Following his example, we can learn to talk to God directly via the door opened by the Cross of Christ.  

One Hebrew name for the book of Numbers is “And Yahweh spoke” because over 150 times in more than twenty ways, it states that “the Lord spoke to Moses.”  And the first words of the book are, “The Lord spoke to Moses.” It was common for the Jewish people to name a book from its opening. The more common Hebrew name is “In the Desert” because the setting is pervasive and is the next piece of information in the first sentence of the book. (Unger’s Bible Dictionary)  No matter how you refer to it, the book is quite an adventure of commitment, failure, blessing, covenant, anguish, determination, faith, lack of faith and the prevailing presence of a holy God.

Moving Forward

So, if you are ready, or  brave or just curious, I would love for you to begin this journey with me.  I don't claim to know more than anyone about this book or to believe my study has uncovered anything unique.  What I do know is that I have been given a desire to dig into the book of Numbers and to share my perspective and enthusiasm for God's Word.  I hope you follow along and share in this community Under the Cloud, protected by God's Love and shielded by His strength.  God teaches Israel to worship Him properly in the Book of Numbers and these lessons can all apply to us today.  Watch FB or email notifications as I continue to post our "curriculum."

Notes about the author: Christine Eifert has been a Christian School teacher for 15 years.  She spends hours in the Word daily and has for over 20 years. She was privileged to teach Middle School Bible class for years.  Most classes she begins with a brief Bible study to make sure her students have a chance to read with her. Sometimes God shows her something to integrate in the midst of teaching.  Those are really amazing moments.  Christine has over 15 years' experience teaching youth, children and women’s groups in the church.  She has attended many Bible studies and completed many workbooks from cover to cover.  She loves digging into the Word and filling in blanks. God clearly gave her a desire to write a Bible study in the past few years.  She has been working on this study for over a year.  Christine resides in Elizabethtown PA with her husband Mac where they enjoy biking, hiking and kayaking when weather permits.