Who wrote the book of Numbers? Who was the author of Numbers?

Response

The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Torah and was authored by Moses.

The name of the Book of Numbers originates from a census conducted by Moses among the people of Israel, specifically focusing on “the men twenty years old or older who are able to go to war” “Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;”, (Numbers 1:2, NLT). Apart from the census, the book explores various themes, documenting instances of Israel’s rebellion, divine judgment, and godly mercy that Jesus referred to in the New Testament (Numbers 21:4-9;John 3:14-15). The Book of Numbers may present interpretive challenges for contemporary Christians, yet it offers essential insights that enrich our comprehension of the gospel and Christian life. It illustrates the repercussions of rebellion, the bravery of faithfulness, the righteousness of God, and His mercy in response to repentance.

Both Jewish and Christian traditions credit Moses with the authorship of the Pentateuch, a belief supported by references in other parts of Scripture. The New Testament attributes the five books of the law to Moses (see John 5:45-47;7:19;Romans 10:5;1 Corinthians 9:9;2 Corinthians 3:15), as does the Old Testament (Joshua 8:32;2 Chronicles 34:14;Malachi 4:4;Nehemiah 4:4).

The Mosaic authorship of Numbers does not necessarily imply that Moses personally penned every single word. For instance, Numbers 12:3

Says that “Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” This remark may have been added by a scribe. Of course, there is nothing improper about Moses writing such a comment about himself, since the influence of the Holy Spirit ensured objectivity in his writing. But it’s also possible that the parenthetical accolade was bestowed later by some unknown writer. Some have suggested Ezra or one of the later prophets as the one who added the comment—still under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Bolstering the fact that Moses wrote Numbers are two passages in the book that indicate Moses was the one producing the written record. Numbers 33:2 says, “At the Lord’s command Moses recorded the stages in their journey.” And the book ends with this information: “These are the commands and regulations the Lord gave through Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho” «These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.», (Numbers 36:13). So, God spoke the words, and Moses wrote them down.

Despite critics who say otherwise, the Mosaic authorship of Numbers remains well attested. To reject the Mosaic authorship of the Torah raises doubt about Jesus’ veracity, since Jesus stated that Moses penned these books.