Elmer A. Martens on the Theology of Numbers

Elmer A. Martens, ‘Theology of Numbers’, Direction 29, 1 (2000), 54-63.

[This article was first published as the entry on Numbers in Willem A. VanGemeren (ed.), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), Vol. 4, 985-91.]

Martens begins with some standard comments on the outline of the book, noting that it can be structured according to geographical indicators, yielding three sections:

• Encampment at Sinai (1:1-10:10)
• Around Kadesh Barnea (10:11-20:13)
• En route to the plains of Moab (20:14-36:13)

Or it can be structured temporally, yielding a twofold division:

• The first census – old generation (1:1-25:16)
• The second census – new generation (26:1-36:13)

He helpfully notes the mixture of genres in the book, notably instructions and travel report, in both of which ‘is traced something of the dynamism between God and people’ (55). He suggests that the final verse provides a grid for a theological summary:

‘These are the commands and regulations the Lord gave through Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho’ (36:13).

This, he holds, suggests a theology that will deal with the Lord, with leaders, and with people in the context of commandments and a journey toward a promised land (55). The bulk of the article is then taken up with exploring these themes:

• God: sovereign guide and lawgiver
• God: gracious provider and chastiser
• God: embodiment of holiness and sin-forgiver

• God’s people: united and organised
• God’s people: destined for messianic rule
• God’s people: both compliant and noncompliant

• Leaders: mediating
• Leaders: multiple and caring
• Leaders: privileged and responsible

• Law: not impersonal codes
• Law: precedent
• Law: the ten commandments

• Land: promise and gift
• Land: abundance
• Land: ethics

The two major genres – law and journey report – ‘each speak to the question of a dynamic (changing) relationship between God and people. The laws… are subject to modification as a result of circumstances’ (61).

Martens finishes with some comments on Numbers in its canonical context (61-62), noting that its laws anticipate Deuteronomy, and wilderness themes reappear in the prophets, in addition to typological links with Christ and the church.