Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
” In the LXX. version it is called “Numbers,” and this name is now the usual title of the book. It is so called because it contains a record of the numbering of the people in the wilderness of Sinai (1-4), and of their numbering afterwards on the plain of Moab (26). This book is of special historical interest as furnishing us with details as to the route of the Israelites in the wilderness and their principal encampments. It may be divided into three parts: 1. The numbering of the people at Sinai, and preparations for their resuming their march (1-10:10).
The sixth chapter gives an account of the vow of a Nazarite. 2. An account of the journey from Sinai to Moab, the sending out of the spies and the report they brought back, and the murmurings (eight times) of the people at the hardships by the way (10:11-21:20). 3. The transactions in the plain of Moab before crossing the Jordan (21:21-ch. 36).
The period comprehended in the history extends from the second month of the second year after the Exodus to the beginning of the eleventh month of the fortieth year, in all about thirty-eight years and ten months; a dreary period of wanderings, during which that disobedient generation all died in the wilderness. They were fewer in number at the end of their wanderings than when they left the land of Egypt.
We see in this history, on the one hand, the unceasing care of the Almighty over his chosen people during their wanderings; and, on the other hand, the murmurings and rebellions by which they offended their heavenly Protector, drew down repeated marks of his displeasure, and provoked him to say that they should “not enter into his rest” because of their unbelief (Heb. 3:19). This, like the other books of the Pentateuch, bears evidence of having been written by Moses. The expression “the book of the wars of the Lord,” occurring in 21:14, has given rise to much discussion.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
NUMBERS, BOOK OF, the fourth book of Moses, and so called on account of the two censuses to which it refers. It gives some detached legal enactments and many valuable historical facts. In the first division, chs. 1-10:10, an account is given of the preparations for the departure from Sinai. In ch. 6 we have the, description of the Nazarite's vow. The second division, ch. 10:11-14, contains an account of the journey from Sinai to the borders of Canaan. In chs.
13 and 14 the spies are mentioned by name, and a most interesting description is given of their discoveries in Canaan, their return to the camp, and the treatment they received. The third division, chs. 15-19, gives various legal enactments and a few historical facts. The last division, chs. 20-36, contains an account of the events of the last year before crossing the Jordan. In ch. 20 we have the description of Moses smiting the rock and the notices of Miriam's and Aaron's deaths. In ch.
21 we have a picture of the discontentment and rebellion of the Israelites, their punishment through fiery serpents, and the simple remedy of a brazen serpent erected on a pole. Comp. John 3:14-15. Chs. 22-24 are concerned with Balaam, In ch. 32 the land east of the Jordan is assigned to Reuben and Gad, and in ch. 33 a list is given of the various stations in the wilderness.