Here are the next couple of books in the “Bible Reading Guide” that I’m writing for my son.
Leviticus
The book’s name means “for the Levites,” but most of the book is actually for the Israelites.
The heart of the book is this: now that God is living in the center of camp in the tabernacle, how should the Israelites live? The short answer is: be holy, as I am holy. How do you do that? That’s what this book is about. This includes how one can come close to God (sacrifices) as well as what one should eat, wear, and celebrate.
I’ve written more about Leviticus here and touched on it here.
Numbers
This book gets its name because of the counting at the beginning and near the end. The Israelites are numbered in a census in chapter 1 and then (after 40 years in the wilderness) again in chapter 26.
The first ten chapters describe how the Israelites get ready to leave Mount Sinai.
Chapters 11-14 describe why the Israelites are going to live and die in the wilderness for 40 years.
Lots of people sin in chapters 14-21, including Moses! By chapter 20, the 40 years in the wilderness are almost over.
The story with Balaam and his donkey is funny, but what is most important are his prophecies in chapter 24 about a king. This is one of the first prophecies about the Messiah!