Numbers Part 1 – Discussion Questions

Our discussion of Hebrew Biblical law continues this week with the book of Numbers.

Step One: Before opening your Bible or watching the video, pause and reflect on the following:

• What do you know/remember about the book of Numbers?
• After learning about Leviticus in the last two sessions, what expectations do you have about “the law” in Numbers?

Step Two: Read through the first half of the book of Numbers. When you’re done, consider the following:

• What stood out to you in what you just read? Was there anything that surprised or bothered you?
• What similarities and/or differences did you notice between Numbers and Leviticus? (e.g. tone, content, themes, etc.)

Step Three: Watch this week’s video and then discuss:

• What did you learn? Did this discussion change your reading of this text in any way(s)? If so, how?
• Questions about power and authority play a large role in the narratives we find in Numbers. Building on the discussion in today’s video, why do you think this is?
• Do you find the idea that biblical narratives can reveal clues about the underlying rhetorical interests of their authors intriguing or challenging? Explain.
• Do you still have questions about Numbers that you’d like to return to and/or explore further in next week’s discussion?