Numbers 33: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Numbers 33 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Moses records the journeys of the Israelites as they leave Egypt under his and Aaron's guidance (vv. 1-2). They travel from Rameses on the fifteenth day of the first month after the Passover (vv. 3-4). Their first encampments include Succoth and Etham, leading to their crossing through the Red Sea and arrival at Marah (vv. 5-9). Next, they camp by the Red Sea and the wilderness of Sin before moving through various locations such as Dophkah, Alush, and Rephidim (vv. 10-15). Aaron dies on Mount Hor after serving as priest for many years (vv. 36-39). The Israelites camp near Moab and prepare to enter Canaan (vv. 37-49). Yahweh commands them to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan and gives instructions about the land distribution (vv. 50-56).

Key verse

“They encamped by the Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth even to Abel Shittim in the plains of Moab.”
Numbers 33:49 (WEB)

Outline

Numbers 33:1–2 Introduction to the Journeys
Numbers 33:3–9 Initial Travels from Egypt
Numbers 33:10–15 Encampments in the Wilderness
Numbers 33:16–24 Further Journeying
Numbers 33:25–36 Leadership Transition and Death of Aaron
Numbers 33:37–49 Encampments Before Canaan
Numbers 33:50–56 Instructions for Conquest

Discussion questions

In v3, what does it mean that the Israelites went out 'with a high hand'?
What happened in v38 when Aaron went up into Mount Hor?
The command in vv. 52-53: what does it mean to 'drive out all the inhabitants'?
In v55, why does God warn that remaining inhabitants will be 'pricks in your eyes'?
When has God's guidance in your journey felt clear like the Israelites in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Numbers 33: Exodus 12, Deuteronomy 7, Judges 2.

Before next time: read Numbers 34.