NUMBERS
READING PLANS + STUDY QUESTIONS
READING PLAN
JOURNEY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS
THE TWELVE SPIES + THE BRONZE SERPENT
BALAAM, BALAK + PHINEHAS
HOW TO USE
READ THE CHAPTERS IN THE BIBLE FOR EACH SESSION
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS + REFLECT ON THE READING
This study encourages going at your own pace, allowing each session to be a day, a week, or however long you need. Each session contains questions to be used for individual reflection or small group discussion.
This study was made to be used alongside Bible reading. Although we have created chapter summaries, there is no substitute for reading God's Word.
SESSION ONE: NUMBERS 1-12
JOURNEY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS
At the beginning of Leviticus (the previous book of the Bible), God spoke to Moses from the Tent of Meeting. Read Numbers 1:1. Where did God speak to Moses this time? What does this say about the result of obedience?
As the Israelites traveled, why would God place the Tabernacle and the priests in the middle of the formation?
Of the Gershonites, Kohathites, or Merarites, which group held the position of greatest honor?
Read Numbers 6:2, what was the purpose of the Nazirite vow? Can you think of any well-known biblical figures who took the Nazirite vow? (See Judges 13:5; 1 Samuel 1:11; Luke 1:15)
When the Israelites celebrated Passover, what act of God were they remembering (see Exodus 12)?
Why would God desire that the items in the Tabernacle be ornate and beautiful?
What do the “graves of craving” teach us about the dangers of giving in to our desires too easily or overindulging?
In Numbers 12, why do you think God responded harshly to Miriam's words towards Moses' wife?
SESSION TWO: NUMBERS 13-21
THE TWELVE SPIES + THE BRONZE SERPENT
Read Numbers 13:30-31. What report did the spies bring back to Israel? How did Caleb disagree with the other spies? Who was more trusting of God?
How can the faith of Joshua + Caleb provide encouragement for today?
In Numbers 14, the Israelites complained that they would have been better off as slaves (or even dead) than wandering in the wilderness. Have you ever romanticized the past instead of hoping for what God has ahead?
Why did God require the Israelites to practice the Sabbath? What does it say about God that He commands rest?
Korah, the Kohathite, rebelled against God because he wanted even more responsibility and authority. What important role did Korah already have?
In what areas do you feel entitled or distrusting of God?
In Numbers 20, why did God no longer allow Moses to enter the Promised Land?
Does this event seem arbitrary compared to the harsh consequence?
Why would God continue giving the Israelites instructions for purification and cleanliness surrounding death?
How did Moses and the bronze serpent foreshadow Jesus on the cross?
Read John 3:14-15.
SESSION THREE: NUMBERS 22-36
BALAAM, BALAK + PHINEHAS
Why do you think God would use a donkey to speak to Balaam? What can you learn from his story of speaking curses over God’s people?
Balaam faced pressure from Balak to do the opposite of what God had directed. Have you ever been in a similar position?
Based on the inheritance of Zelophehad's daughters and the laws about vows, how does God value and honor women?
Do you think it was challenging for Moses to appoint Joshua as the leader of the Israelites? Would Joshua be allowed to do what Moses was not?
Based on what the spies had previously told the Israelites, how do you think they felt when God told them it was time to overthrow Canaan?
What does it say about God's character that He wanted to provide cities of refuge for those who had committed accidental sin?
God wanted to remove the Midianites from Canaan, but some of the women remained. How do you think they will influence the Israelites?
Way to go! You finished the book of Numbers!
Thank you for reading through the Bible with Everyday Scripture.
Keep going — the story continues in Deuteronomy!