The book of Numbers covers the wilderness wanderings of the nation of Israel. In fact, the Hebrew title appropriately means "in the desert." After their stay at Mount Sinai, God wanted Israel to enter the Promised Land. However, they failed to trust God and refused to take the land. As a judgment from God, they wandered in the desert for nearly forty years.
Numbers focuses on two distinct generations. The first generation, and their disastrous rebellion, is the focus of the first 25 chapters. They are carefully "numbered" and prepared to take possession of the land of Canaan, only to reject God's promptings. The second generation is the focus of chapters 26 through 36. They, too, are numbered and prepared, being reminded of their ancestors' failure. The book closes with Israel camped across the Jordan river from the Promised Land, again poised to enter.
