The God of Numbers: How God’s Attributes Are Revealed in the Book of Numbers

 In the Book of Numbers, we encounter a fascinating interplay between divine attributes and human experiences. As the Israelites traverse the desert, God’s presence is palpable—manifested through a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. While the book delves into meticulous details such as census results, priestly instructions, and tribal arrangements, it also reveals profound spiritual lessons. Let’s explore some key aspects:

1. Faithfulness: Numbers highlights God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises and guiding His people. Numbers 23:19 declares, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”
2. Provision: Throughout Numbers, God demonstrates His provision for the Israelites in the wilderness. Numbers 11:23 assures, “Is the LORD’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.”
3. Leadership: God reveals His leadership and guidance by leading the Israelites through the wilderness. Numbers 9:17 states, “Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, then after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped.”
4. Holiness: Numbers emphasizes God’s holiness and His call for His people to live in accordance with His standards. Numbers 15:40 commands, “So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God.”
5. Justice: God’s justice is seen in His judgments and discipline upon the Israelites. Numbers 14:18 affirms, “The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
6. Mercy: While justice is present, God also displays mercy towards His people. Numbers 14:20-21 states, “And the LORD said, ‘I have pardoned, according to your word. But truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.’”
7. Long-suffering: Despite the Israelites’ rebellion and complaints, God demonstrates patience and long-suffering. Numbers 14:11-12 reveals, “And the LORD said to Moses, ‘How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?’”
8. Compassion: God’s compassion is evident as He responds to the needs and cries of His people. Numbers 21:8-9 recounts, “And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’ So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.”

Please note that while these attributes and characteristics are observed in the book of Numbers, a comprehensive understanding of God’s nature requires exploring other books in the Bible as well.