Old Testament Survey: Numbers & Deuteronomy Reviewer

A comprehensive vocabulary review of key terms, proper names, events, and teachings from the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Be-midbar

The Hebrew name for the book of Numbers, meaning "in the wilderness," taken from words in the first verse.

Arithmoi

The Greek name for the book of Numbers, which is the source of the English word "arithmetic."

Numeri

The Latin name for the book of Numbers, translated into English as "Numbers."

First Census of Numbers

A registration ordered for all males 20 years old and upward who were able to go to war, counting 603,550 registered fighting men and excluding the Levites.

Levites (Role in Numbers)

The tribe appointed over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, its furnishings, and the work of carrying and setting it up, who were excluded from the fighting census.

The Twelve Spies

The 12 men sent to spy out Canaan for 40 days, 10 of whom brought an evil report while Caleb and Joshua urged the people to go up and occupy the land.

Caleb and Joshua

The two faithful spies who trusted God to give Israel the Promised Land and were the only adults from the original generation permitted to enter it.

40 Years of Wandering

The judgment of desert wandering imposed on Israel because of their unbelief and refusal to conquer Canaan after the spies' report.

Two Silver Trumpets

Instruments made by Moses to summon the congregation and gather leaders; blowing both gathered the camp, blowing one gathered leaders, and an alarm signaled movement.

Quails (Numbers 11)

The meat provided by God when the people complained about having no meat, after which the Lord struck the people with a very great plague because of their craving.

Miriam's Leprosy

A 7-day divine punishment given to Miriam after she and Aaron spoke against Moses regarding his Cushite wife and questioned his exclusive authority.

Water of Meribah (Numbers 20)

The incident where Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded, failing to sanctify God and resulting in Moses and Aaron being barred from the Promised Land.

Bronze Serpent

A serpent made of bronze and set on a pole by Moses so that anyone bitten by poisonous snakes could look at it and be healed, pointing prophetically to Jesus.

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram

Rebel leaders who, along with 250 prominent men, accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves; the ground swallowed the primary rebels and fire consumed the 250 leaders.

Aaron's Rod

The rod representing Levi that sprouted, produced buds, blossoms, and ripe almonds to confirm God's choice of Aaron as High Priest.

Balak

The king of Moab who sent messengers to Balaam asking him to place a curse on Israel.

Balaam

A prophet hired by King Balak to curse Israel; after his donkey saw an angel and spoke, Balaam obeyed God and blessed Israel instead.

Phinehas

A priest who took zealous action against sin at Baal of Peor and was rewarded with a covenant of perpetual priesthood.

Haddebarim

The Hebrew name for Deuteronomy, meaning "The Words," taken from the opening phrase "These be the words…"

Deuteros and Nomos

The Greek words meaning "second" and "law" respectively, combining to form the title Deuteronomy ("second law").

Book of Transition

A description of Deuteronomy highlighting four transitions: to a new generation, a new possession (Canaan), a new experience/life, and a new revelation of God's love.

Plains of Moab

The geographical setting of Deuteronomy, located on the eastern side of the Jordan River beyond Jericho.

First Speech of Deuteronomy (Deut. 1–4)

Moses' sermon focused on "Looking Back," reviewing Israel's journey from Egypt to Moab, reminding them of God's faithfulness, and calling for covenant renewal.

Second Speech of Deuteronomy (Deut. 5–26)

Moses' sermon focused on "Looking Up," reviewing God's laws, reiterating the Ten Commandments, and warning against disobedience.

Third Speech of Deuteronomy (Deut. 27–33)

Moses' sermon focused on "Looking Out," presenting blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience, and teaching a song as a witness.

The Shema (Deut. 6:4–9)

The foundational statement of faith beginning "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord," commanding Israel to love God with all heart, soul, and might.

Mt. Abarim

The mountain range Moses was commanded to ascend to view the Promised Land prior to his death.

Mt. Nebo / Pisgah

The peak opposite Jericho from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before dying at age 120.

Deuteronomy 18:18

A prophecy in which Moses speaks of a future prophet whom God would raise up, identified in the lesson as pointing to Jesus.

Deuteronomy 34:10

A verse declaring that there had not arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.