Introducing Numbers: The Wilderness Wanderings

The Greek title in the Septuagint is Arithmoi, “Numbers.” 

This title is based on the two numberings:

1.  The generation of Exodus (1).

2.  The generation that grew up in the wilderness and conquered Canaan (26).

Jewish writings refer to this book by its fifth Hebrew word in 1:1, Bemidbar, which means “In the wilderness,” which more nearly indicates the content of the book (The Open Bible, p. 189).

The Purpose of Numbers:  To tell the story of how Israel prepared to enter the promised land, how they sinned and were punished, and how they prepared to try again.