Numbers recounts the Israelites’ wilderness journey from Sinai toward Canaan. It includes census lists of the tribes, additional laws, and narratives of rebellion and faithlessness, highlighting God’s guidance and provisions during their wanderings.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses, though modern scholars regard it as edited from multiple sources.

Date Written: Likely composed in the post-exilic period (roughly 6th–4th century BCE).

Context: Numbers bridges the Sinai covenant and entrance into Canaan. Its themes of covenant faith and community identity would have resonated with the post-exilic community organizing themselves under divine law.