Numbers Chapter 33 Summary
Summary of the journey from Egypt to Jordan.
Discussion Questions for Numbers, Chapter 33
- Numbers 33:2, “Moses wrote down their starting places, stage by stage, by command of the LORD, and these are their stages according to their starting places.” (ESV) Why do you think it was important to take note of every single moment of the Israelites' journey?
- Numbers 33:8, 10: “And they set out from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and they went a three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham and camped at Marah…And they set out from Elim and camped by the Red Sea.” (ESV) In verse 8, we see the reference to the sea, while in verse 10 we see a specific reference to the Red Sea. Do you think they are referring to the same sea? How does understanding the details of these verses help us follow along with God’s provision for them throughout their journey?
- What is another way to describe driving something out? What needs to be driven out of our society today? What does this driving out look like today in light of Christ’s work in the New Testament?
- How would this recounting of Israel’s journey have prepared their hearts to enter the Promised Land?
- Does this recounting reveal anything about the people of Israel? Should they have needed to camp in that many places along the way? How long should it have taken to get from Egypt to the Promised Land? How did God still work through them throughout their journey?
- Numbers 33:38-39: “And Aaron the priest went up Mount Hor at the command of the LORD and died there in the fortieth year after the people of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, on the first day of the fifth month. And Aaron was 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor.” (ESV) What do you think it looked like for the people to keep track of specific dates at that time? What impact does this clarity have on understanding the timeline God had for the people of Israel?
- Numbers 33:4, 52: “On their gods also, the LORD executed judgments... Then you shall destroy all their figured stones, and destroy all their metal images, and demolish all their high places.” (ESV) What does this reveal about the presence of demonic spirits among the people of Egypt? How do these verses show a distinction between gods and idols? How does this influence the way we understand God’s intervention and commands?
- Numbers 33:55: “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell.” (ESV) Any remaining inhabitants would be like barbs and thorns to the people of Israel. How does this capture the image God is painting for His people? What does He want to sink deep into their hearts? Are there barbs and thorns in your life today that God wants you to remove? How can you remove them in light of the cross?
- How do God’s declared consequences for sin serve as a gift to His people?
- How does this chapter reveal God’s heart for preserving the story of His faithfulness for all generations?
Key Words/Phrase
Journeys, v. 1.
Characters
God, Moses, Aaron.
Strong Verse(s)
53
