(7:1–10:36)
note on Num. 1:46).
The fourth interpretive challenge concerns the heathen prophet Balaam, whose story is recorded in 22:2–24:25. Even though Balaam claimed to know the Lord (22:18), Scripture consistently refers to him as a false prophet (2 Pet. 2:15–16; Jude 11). The Lord used Balaam as his mouthpiece to speak the true words he put in his mouth (see notes on Num. 22:2–24:25).
Outline
I. The Experience of the First Generation of Israel in the Wilderness (1:1–
25:18) A. The Obedience of Israel toward the Lord (1:1–10:36)
1. The organization of Israel around the tabernacle of the Lord (1:1–6:27) 2. The orientation of Israel toward the tabernacle of the Lord (7:1–10:36) B. The Disobedience of Israel toward the Lord (11:1–25:18)
1. The complaining of Israel on the journey (11:1–12:16) 2. The rebellion of Israel and its leaders at Kadesh (13:1–20:29) a. The rebellion of Israel and the consequences (13:1–19:22) b. The rebellion of Moses and Aaron and the consequences
(20:1–29) 3. The renewed complaining of Israel on the journey (21:1–22:1) 4. The blessing of Israel by Balaam (22:2–24:25) 5. The final rebellion of Israel with Baal of Peor (25:1–18) II. The Experience of the Second Generation of Israel in the Plains of Moab:
The Renewed Obedience of Israel toward the Lord (26:1–36:13)
A. The Preparations for the Conquest of the Land (26:1–32:42)
B. The Review of the Journey in the Wilderness (33:1–49) C. The Anticipation of the Conquest of the Land (33:50–36:13)