Numbers study section

Numbers chapter summaries

A one-line summary of every chapter, with the period it covers. Open any chapter for the full study.

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Chapter list

Chapters 1–10

At Mount Sinai

The census, the ordering of the camp, and final preparations to march to the land.

Chapter 1 (c. 1445 BC): The first census numbers the men of war of each tribe, 603,550 in all, while the Levites are set apart.
Chapter 2 (c. 1445 BC): The tribes are arranged in order around the tabernacle, three to each side, under their standards.
Chapter 3 (c. 1445 BC): The Levites are taken in place of Israel’s firstborn and assigned to the service of the tabernacle.
Chapter 4 (c. 1445 BC): The duties of the Levite clans for carrying and guarding the holy things are set out.
Chapter 5 (c. 1445 BC): Laws to keep the camp pure: the unclean removed, restitution for wrongs, and the test for jealousy.
Chapter 6 (c. 1445 BC): The Nazirite vow of separation, and the priestly blessing, “The LORD bless you and keep you.”
Chapter 7 (c. 1445 BC): The twelve tribal leaders bring identical offerings for the dedication of the altar over twelve days.
Chapter 8 (c. 1445 BC): The lamps are set up, and the Levites are cleansed and dedicated to their service.
Chapter 9 (c. 1445 BC): The second Passover is kept, and the cloud over the tabernacle guides Israel’s every move.

Chapters 10–21

In the Wilderness

The journey, Israel’s rebellions, the bad report of the spies, and forty years of wandering.

Chapter 10 (c. 1445 BC): Silver trumpets are made, and Israel sets out from Sinai in order for the first time.
Chapter 11 (c. 1445 BC): The people crave meat and complain; God gives quail and His Spirit to seventy elders, then sends a plague.
Chapter 12 (c. 1445 BC): Miriam and Aaron oppose Moses; God vindicates him, and Miriam is struck with leprosy for seven days.
Chapter 13 (c. 1444 BC): Twelve spies explore Canaan; ten bring back a fearful report, but Caleb urges Israel to go up.
Chapter 14 (c. 1444 BC): Israel refuses to enter; God sentences the generation to die in the wilderness over forty years.
Chapter 15 (c. 1444 BC): Laws for offerings in the land, a Sabbath-breaker stoned, and tassels to remember the commandments.
Chapter 16 (c. 1444 BC): Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebel; the earth swallows them and fire consumes the 250 who offered incense.
Chapter 17 (c. 1444 BC): Aaron’s staff buds and bears almonds, confirming God’s choice of the Aaronic priesthood.
Chapter 18 (c. 1444 BC): The duties and portions of the priests and Levites, who receive the tithe in place of an inheritance.
Chapter 19 (c. 1444 BC): The red heifer and the water of purification for cleansing from the defilement of death.
Chapter 20 (c. 1406 BC): Miriam dies; Moses strikes the rock and is barred from the land; Edom refuses passage; Aaron dies.
Chapter 21 (c. 1406 BC): God sends and heals with the bronze serpent, and Israel defeats Sihon and Og.

Chapters 22–36

On the Plains of Moab

Balaam’s oracles, a new generation numbered, and readiness to enter the land.

Chapter 22 (c. 1406 BC): Balak of Moab hires Balaam to curse Israel; his donkey sees the angel and speaks.
Chapter 23 (c. 1406 BC): Balaam’s first two oracles bless Israel, for God has not seen misfortune in Jacob.
Chapter 24 (c. 1406 BC): Balaam’s final oracles foretell Israel’s king: “a star shall come out of Jacob.”
Chapter 25 (c. 1406 BC): Israel joins in worship of Baal of Peor; Phinehas’ zeal stops the plague after 24,000 die.
Chapter 26 (c. 1406 BC): The second census numbers the new generation, 601,730, none left of those who refused the land.
Chapter 27 (c. 1406 BC): The daughters of Zelophehad win inheritance rights, and Joshua is commissioned to succeed Moses.
Chapter 28 (c. 1406 BC): The prescribed daily, Sabbath, monthly, and festival offerings are set out.
Chapter 29 (c. 1406 BC): The offerings for the seventh month: Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and Booths.
Chapter 30 (c. 1406 BC): Laws concerning vows, and when a father or husband may annul them.
Chapter 31 (c. 1406 BC): Israel takes vengeance on Midian for Peor; Balaam is killed, and the spoil is divided and purified.
Chapter 32 (c. 1406 BC): Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh receive land east of the Jordan, pledging to fight for their brothers.
Chapter 33 (c. 1406 BC): The forty-two stages of the journey are recorded, with the command to drive out the land’s inhabitants.
Chapter 34 (c. 1406 BC): The boundaries of the promised land are defined, and leaders are appointed to divide it.
Chapter 35 (c. 1406 BC): Forty-eight towns are given to the Levites, including six cities of refuge for the manslayer.
Chapter 36 (c. 1406 BC): The daughters of Zelophehad marry within their tribe so their inheritance stays in the family.

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