The World English Bible (WEB): Numbers

The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible detailing the experiences of the Israelites during their wilderness journey from Mount Sinai to the borders of the Promised Land. It is named for the censuses or numberings of the people of Israel which are taken at the beginning and end of the book. Numbers covers approximately 38 years and describes not only the census but also the challenges failures and leadership struggles the Israelites faced during this period. The narrative begins with God instructing Moses to take a census of all the Israelite men of fighting age. Soon after the Israelites set out from Sinai following the cloud of God’s presence heading toward the Promised Land. However the people begin to complain expressing doubts about the journey and their prospects of survival. These doubts lead to rebellion and punishments including the denial of entry into the Promised Land for the entire first generation except for Joshua and Caleb.