What is the theme of Numbers?
The 40 years of wilderness wanderings and the consequences of obedience and disobedience of the people

How many times is the word wilderness mentioned?
39 times

Where did the forty-year journey start and end?
Kadesh Barnea

Outline
Two generations (1-14; 21-36)
Two numberings (ch 1 ch 26)
Two sets of instructions (5-9; 28-36)

The book of Numbers begins with heads of households reciting their geneaologies and the number of fighting men twenty-years-old and above. These families were posted in various positions around the Tabernacle and performed particular services to the Lord. Each family had significant strength of numbers. For example the sons of Reuben were 46,500, while Simeon had 59,300. Judah had the most fighting men at 74,600, while Manasseh had the least at 32,200. Here are some observations:

1. They have an intimate understanding of the status of their families and were able to recite their genealogies in detail.

2. They have an awareness of the numerical strength of their families, because the numerical strength of their families mattered to them.

3. The strength of these families is staggering.

4. The families worked together in the service of the Lord.

5. There was a division of labor according to families, as families specialized in particular tasks.

6. Several times, these families are called "armies."

Here are some implications of these numbers:

First, a statement: If you want to perform more service to the Lord, have lots of children.

Second, a question: Is your whole family mobilized for the service of the Lord as these families were here?