Numbers 1:1-3, "And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, 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; From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies."

At first glance, Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch would appear to be nothing more than the first annual census of the nation of Israel. However, each step of their journey was a learning experience and the closer they arrived at their destination the more instruction they needed concerning living within a community.

Because the new land was vast the nations of Israel would be divided into different areas of the land of promise. The necessity of laws governing their individual societies and the establishment of leaders, both levitical and governmental,  to judge righteously was important to maintain social and moral conduct within each community.

These laws included strict adherence to the officials authority regardless of disagreement. Also mentioned are laws concerning vows, adultery, and cleanliness to maintain a society free of disease and plague. 

The book of Numbers reveals a pattern outlining the laws which govern many of the nations of the world today. Laws concerning both national and international accords. Criminal and civil laws in which any nation would need to function.

Numbers 23:9-10, "For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! "

Through the book of Numbers we see a nation that had grown so mighty that when they reached the boarders of the promised land the nations feared them because of their numbers and their God.

Never in the annals of history have we seen a nation who became so strong and increased in numbers by the will of the Lord God Almighty in such a short span of time. And never has any nation been moved and protected by the hand of God Himself; Who was ever present in their camp.