Numbers Summary

Title:	Numbers - is the English title of the book and is largely based upon the census taken in both chapters 1 and 26.  The Hebrew title is 'Bemidbar' and means 'in the dessert'.  The Hebrew title more accurately describes what this book is about.
Author:	Moses
Date:	Approximately 1446 BC
Main Theme	In Numbers we see God poising the Hebrews to receive the blessing He had promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Location:	From Mt. Sinai to the Jordan River poised to cross into Canaan.
History	The people of Israel are organized into a mighty army.  As they prepare to leave Mt. Sinai and go to Canaan, spies are sent out to check out the land.  The report brought back is disconcerting to many and the people balk at the thought of fighting.  Consequently, God punishes their disobedience.  Of 630,000 men who leave Egypt, only two, Caleb (from the tribe of Judah) and Joshua (from the tribe of Ephraim) will be permitted to enter the land promised by God.  The rest of all adults will die in the dessert.  God initially wanted to wipe them out but Moses talks God in to changing His mind.  Again.  The Hebrew people are then made to wonder in the dessert for 40 years until all of those who rebelled have died and a new generation has grown into adulthood and are prepared to follow God's lead as He takes them into the land of Canaan.  We also see rebellion by both Miriam and Aaron out of jealousy against Moses.  That rebellion ultimately costs both of them their lives as well.
Major Characters:	Moses
	Aaron
	Miriam
	Hoshea (Joshua)
	Caleb
	Balaam