Purpose

To record Israel's wilderness journey and teach about God's faithfulness despite human rebellion.

Author

Moses, recording the 40-year wilderness journey he led. As an eyewitness to these events, he documented both Israel's failures and God's faithfulness during this crucial period.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-1400 BC. Israel's 40-year wilderness wandering due to unbelief and disobedience.

Significance

Demonstrates God's faithfulness and patience, while showing the consequences of unbelief.

Key Themes

Faithfulness, Rebellion, Consequences, God's Patience, Promise

Interesting Facts

• Called 'Numbers' because it contains two censuses of Israel (603,550 men both times!)
• The 40 years of wandering was exactly one year for each day the spies explored the Promised Land
• Balaam's donkey is one of only two animals that speak in the Bible (the other is the serpent in Eden)

Prophecies

• Balaam's prophecy about a star coming out of Jacob (Numbers 24:17) Fulfilled: Jesus Christ, called the 'bright morning star' (1400 years later)
• The bronze serpent as a symbol of salvation (Numbers 21:9) Fulfilled: Jesus explained this referred to His crucifixion (John 3:14) (1400 years later)

Numbers Chapter 35 provides detailed instructions regarding the allocation of cities for the Levites and the establishment of cities of refuge within the Promised Land. As the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan, God commands Moses to ensure that the Levites, who are set apart for spiritual duties, receive cities to dwell in, along with pasturelands to support their livestock. This chapter emphasizes the importance of the Levite tribe in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel and ensuring justice and mercy in society. God instructs that a total of 48 cities will be given to the Levites, including six designated cities of refuge. These cities serve as safe havens for individuals who accidentally kill someone, allowing them to escape retribution from the deceased's family until a fair trial can be conducted. The cities of refuge highlight God's mercy and justice, providing protection for the unintentional manslayer while also establishing the gravity of taking a life. The chapter delineates the criteria for determining intentional murder versus accidental killing, indicating that different consequences apply based on the circumstances of the act. This legal framework reflects the overarching theme of justice in God's law and serves to maintain order and righteousness within the community. The chapter concludes with a reiteration of the avenger of blood's role in cases of murder, underscoring the serious nature of taking a life and the societal need for accountability. Overall, Numbers 35 is a foundational text for understanding the interplay between justice and mercy in the Israelite community, as well as the vital role of the Levites in guiding the people in their relationship with God.