The book of Numbers revolves around two censuses. The first census was a count of the Old Generation of Israel. Who were rescued out of Egypt by God and brought to Mount Sinai, where they received God's Law through Moses. Throughout Numbers, the Old Generation leave Sinai and are given an opportunity to enter God's promised land, Canaan. Along the way, this generation continually sinned against God- complaining falsely and rebelling against God's appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron. Ultimately, the Old Generation were cursed to die wandering in the wilderness; they would never enter God's promised land of rest. The first census was a census of death, but the second census was a census of life. In God's kindness, there are many references to Numbers throughout the New Testament. These references can serve as a guide for how God would have us understand the relevance of Numbers.
