Study Guide / Outline

Introduction

• Section Description: An overview of the wilderness journey in the book of Numbers.
• Main Points:
  • The wilderness journey as a preparation for God’s promises.
  • Lessons learned during the journey.
• Scriptures: None mentioned.

Lessons from the Past Generation

• Section Description: Reflecting on the experiences of the past generation in the wilderness.
• Main Points:
  • The prior generation witnessed dramatic encounters with God.
  • Their lack of trust in God led to wandering in the wilderness.
  • God often brings opportunities for redemption.
• Scriptures: References to the ten plagues, Red Sea crossing, and thunderings at Mount Sinai.

Kadesh Barnea: Second Chance

• Section Description: The return to Kadesh Barnea and the lessons of faith.
• Main Points:
  • The new generation was organized and trained in the wilderness.
  • God stopped the water at Kadesh Barnea as a test.
  • Like the prior generation, they failed the test due to murmuring.
• Scriptures: Mention of events in Numbers 20, specifically God stopping the water.

Striking the Rock

• Section Description: Moses’ disobedience and the consequences.
• Main Points:
  • Moses struck the rock in anger, disobeying God’s instructions.
  • God’s severe judgment on Moses, preventing him from entering the promised land.
  • Illustration of Jesus as the rock being struck once for our salvation.
• Scriptures: Reference to God’s command to speak to the rock.

The Bronze Serpent

• Section Description: The story of the bronze serpent in the wilderness.
• Main Points:
  • The bronze serpent is a type of Christ.
  • Jesus took upon Himself sin and sickness.
  • Looking to Jesus as the serpent brings healing.
• Scriptures: Connection to Jesus’ crucifixion and the bronze serpent in Numbers 21.

Confrontation with Powerful Kings

• Section Description: Defeating kings Sihon and Og and the fear it instilled in other kings.
• Main Points:
  • Trust in God leads to victory over powerful foes.
  • Other kings feared the Israelites’ success.
• Scriptures: Mention of the two kings Sihon and Og.

Balaam’s Failed Cursing Attempts

• Section Description: The story of Balaam being hired to curse Israel.
• Main Points:
  • Balaam’s attempts to curse Israel were unsuccessful.
  • God cannot be manipulated by men.
• Scriptures: None mentioned, but the story is from Numbers 22-24.

New Offerings and Preparations

• Section Description: Preparations before entering the promised land.
• Main Points:
  • God supplies what He requires His people to give.
  • New offerings added as they move to a land flowing with milk and honey.
• Scriptures: None mentioned.

Joshua to Lead, Tribes Settle

• Section Description: The appointment of Joshua as the leader and the tribes’ settlement.
• Main Points:
  • Moses couldn’t enter Canaan, so Joshua was chosen.
  • Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh settled in the land of Sihon and Og.
• Scriptures: None mentioned.

Conclusion

• Section Description: Final reflections on God’s preparation for His promises.
• Main Points:
  • God prepares His people for their promises through discipline.
  • The importance of being hidden in the cross.
• Scriptures: None mentioned.