Book of Numbers facts for kids

The Book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Old Testament of the Bible. It tells the exciting story of Moses and the Israelite people. They travel through the desert for many years after escaping slavery in Egypt. Their goal is to reach the Promised Land (also called Israel or Canaan), which God promised them.

Why is it Called Numbers?

The book is named "Numbers" because it starts with God telling Moses to count all the people. This counting, called a census, was done for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. They counted all the men over twenty years old who were strong enough to fight. After this, the Israelites traveled in organized groups, with God's special chest, the Ark of the Covenant, at the center.

In the Hebrew language, the book is called Bemidbar. This means 'in the desert'. It's a good name because Moses and the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the desert. They were running away from the pharaoh of Egypt after being slaves for over 400 years. When they heard that the Promised Land had strong people, they got scared. They rebelled against God and Moses. Because of their bad behavior, God made them travel for 40 years. This was so a new generation of Israelites, who would obey God, could enter the Promised Land.

What Happens in Numbers?

Moses and the Israelites escape from Egypt. They travel through the Sinai desert. Along the way, some people complain a lot. They complain about God and Moses. God punishes them for their complaints.

Spies and the Desert Journey

The Israelites send 12 spies to check out the Promised Land, Israel. Two spies come back saying it's a wonderful place. But ten spies say it's not good and has "giants." So, the Israelites decide not to go. God gets angry and punishes them. They have to wander in the desert for 40 years.

People often complain about not having good food or water. They also complain about how hard life is in the desert. God sends them special food called manna and quail, which falls from the sky. The book shows how people sometimes complain instead of being thankful. The Levites, a special group, help Moses pray at the tabernacle, a holy tent.

Moses and the Rock

Moses and the Israelites head towards Moab. This is on the eastern side of Canaan, an older name for the Promised Land. The Israelites get thirsty and blame Moses for not having water. God tells Moses to speak to a rock to make water come out. But Moses hits the rock with his staff instead. Because Moses did not obey God exactly, God tells him he cannot enter the Promised Land.

Fiery Serpents and New Leaders

Later, the Israelites complain about God again. God punishes them by sending nasty fiery flying serpents to bite them. Many people get sick. God tells Moses to make a brass serpent (the Nehushtan) and put it on a pole. Anyone who looks at this brass serpent is cured from the snake bites.

Finally, the Israelites arrive at Moab. Moses names Joshua as the new leader. Joshua is given the job of leading the people into Israel. The land is then divided among the different tribes.

Images for kids

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  Priest, Levite, and furnishings of the Tabernacle

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  Balaam and the Angel (illustration from the 1493 Nuremberg Chronicle)

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  A Plague Inflicted on Israel While Eating the Quail (illustration from the 1728 Figures de la Bible)

See also

In Spanish: Números para niños