Numbers is the Book of the Wilderness. This book details the passing of the Exodus generation, and the struggles of the Wilderness generation. A created and redeemed people, given specific instructions for holiness, must proceed volitionally to make application of what they have been commanded. Humble obedience requires a walk of faith, particularly in the face of external conflict that appears to be impossible. Moses sent 12 spies into the land of Canaan, and only two of those spies had the faith to believe that God will fulfill what God promises to do.
Numbers takes its name from the two numberings of the population of Israel (Num. 1:2-46; 26:2-51). The Greek title in the Septuagint is Arithmoi, “Numbers.” The Latin Vulgate followed this title and translated it Liber Numeri, “Book of Numbers.” The most common Hebrew title, taken from the fifth word of the book, Bemidbar “in the wilderness.”
Christian Bible scholars attribute Moses as the author of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.