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:
- 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. - 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). - 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 (Hebrews 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. But, after all, “what this book was is
uncertain, whether some writing of Israel not now extant, or some writing
of the Amorites which contained songs and triumphs of their king Sihon’s
victories, out of which Moses may cite this testimony, as Paul sometimes
does out of heathen poets (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12).”