Preaching the Book of Numbers

The Old Testament in general, and the Book of Numbers in particular are often neglected in the pulpit. One explanation for this unfortunate neglect may be that,

“Fledgling preachers often tend to regard the Old Testament as someone else’s story. If this were rooted in genuine respect for Judaism's history and traditions, it would be one thing. But more often than not, it springs from a sense that Christians ‘have gotten beyond all that.’ Fledgling pastors are the products of their Christian upbringing, so it is probably safe to assume that their attitude reflects a fundamental confusion in the church as to how to appropriate not just the book of Numbers but the entire Old Testament.”

Carol Bechtel Reynolds, “Life After Grace: Preaching from the Book of Numbers,” Interpretation 51:1: 268.