Survey of the Old Testament Chapter 7 Numbers

The Writing of the Book Traditionally ascribed to Moses Documentary Hypothesis Photo 1: The report of the scouts concerning the fortified cities of Canaan discouraged the Israelites from entering the land and resulted in forty more years in the wilderness. This fortress at Arad from the latter Iron Age illustrates the idea of fortified cities. Photo 2: this priestly benediction was inscribed in Hebrew on this silver amulet, dating to the beginning of the 6th century B.C. It is the earliest object with the divine name yet found.

The Background Sojourn at Sinai Wilderness/desert wanderings Journey from Kadesh to the plains of Moab Map: Wilderness wanderings

Purpose and Message Records the early days of Israel's covenant with Yahweh Emphasizes the holiness of Yahweh Records the Israelites experience outside of Egypt Shows the formation of the Israelites into a nation Warns future generations Photo: While the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness on their way to Canaan, they encamped in the desert of Zin. There, they grumbled against the Lord because of their thirst.

Structure and Organization Chronology and theological emphasis of the author Photo: As the Israelites enter Canaan, Moabite King Balak hires a prophet, Balaam, to curse the Israelites. This prophet is referred to in this inscription from Deir Alla from the mid-first millennium B.C.

Major Themes The Census Numbers The Testing By Yahweh The Revelation of God in Human Culture The Balaam Oracles Photo: Relief from the temple of Ramses II at Medinet Habu with the enthroned pharaoh being carried in procession using poles, just as the ark was. Note the griffin flanking the throne (as the cherubim flanked the ark) and the protective wings of the goddess standing behind the throne.