Numbering the Sons of Israel

Eleven of the Old Testament books move the history of the nation of Israel along, beginning in Genesis with the 'beginnings' and call of Abram. Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, Ezra, and Nehemiah complete the timeline of the history of the Old Testament.

The book of Numbers provides the historical details about the 39 years of Israel's wanderings in the wilderness up to the brink of their entering the Promised Land. Under the judgment of God they wander around on a death watch waiting for the people 20 years old and older to die (except for Joshua & Caleb) for having been unwilling to trust God to deliver them into the Promised Land.

A sad waste of time and missed opportunity because of their lack of faith. Yet, Holy God, does not abandon His people. Despite the faithlessness of the nation, God in His faithfulness, doesn't destroy the nation, He doesn't forsake them and He remains faithful to His promises. Once again we have a vivid reminder that God is holy and He will be regarded as holy by His people or there will be a consequence to bear.