NUMBERS Chapters 1-10 I. Introduction: The Hebrew title for this book is Bemidbar (in the wilderness of), which is taken from the first verse. The LXX (Greek translation of the OT) labels it Arithmoi, or Numbers, because of the prominence of census figures in this book. The book of Numbers covers a period of 38 years, and covers the time between the second and the fortieth year of the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 1:1; 7:1; 9:1,15; 10:11; 33:38; Exodus 40:2; Deut. 1:3). “Numbers begins with a series of directions organizing the people to march from Sinai to the promised land. The tribes are counted, their arrangement in the camp and on the march is specified, the unclean are expelled from the community, the altar and the Levites are dedicated to the service of God, and the second Passover is celebrated. The nation is now ready to begin the advance towards Canaan (1:1-10:10). Twenty days later the journey begins, difficulties are encountered on the way, but Kadesh on the borders of Canaan is safely reached (10:11-12:16). From Kadesh twelve spies are sent out to inspect the land. Their report is so discouraging that the people propose returning to Egypt (13:1-14:4). God then threatens to annihilate the nation, but is persuaded by Moses’ intercession to commute the sentence to forty years’ wandering in the wilderness. Chapter 15 contains laws about cereal offerings, libations, highhanded sins, and tassels on garments. Chapters 16-17 relate several rebellions against the prerogatives of the priests and Levites. Chapter 18 sets out the offerings they are to receive and chapter 19 the rules about purification after death. In chapters 20-21, after an interval of nearly forty years, the movement towards the land resumes with conquests over Canaanites in the Negeb (southern Palestine) and Amorites in Transjordan (territory east of the Jordan). The rest of the book (chapters 22-36) relates what happened to Israel as they waited to cross the Jordan opposite the city of Jericho” 1 1
Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Numbers, Gordon J. Wenham, pp. 13-14 1
From the facts that: 1. Numbers claims that God is revealing truth through Moses (1:1), 2. Moses is recording these truths (33:2), 3. And the NT attributes the “Law” to Moses (Matt. 8:4; 19:7; Luke 24:44; John 1:45), it seems clear that we should consider Moses the author of this book. Critics claim that Moses would have never written Numbers 12:3 “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth”. But Archer argues, “Writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Moses did not hesitate to record his own sins and weaknesses in the clearest of language. It would be contrary to the remarkable objectively of the Bible if he did not also record his strongest point, his meekness….As he praises himself here without pride, so he will blame himself elsewhere with humility” 2
Lesson From The Census “The spiritual lesson enforced throughout the book is that God’s people can move forward only so far as they trust His promises and lean upon His strength. The tragedy of Kadesh-barnea (chapters 13-14) was the unavoidable consequence of unbelief; only true believers can enter into God’s rest. Without faith they can only die uselessly in the wilderness (cf. Hebrews 3:7-19). The purpose of the census prior to the failure at Kadesh (Numbers 1-4) and of the census of the later generation at the plains of Moab (Numbers 26) was to show that they were not kept out of Canaan by their insufficient numbers. It was not the size of their army that mattered, but only the size of their faith. Although no more numerous than their fathers, the younger generation was able to conquer the Canaanites because they were willing to trust God all the way” (Archer p. 246). Critics have rejected the census figures in Numbers as implausibly high. Yet the figure found in 1:46 is supported by Exodus 12:37 and Numbers 11:21. In addition, the total amount of ransom money, at the rate of a half shekel apiece recorded in Exodus 38:25 as 100 talents, 1775 shekels (there being 3000 shekels to the talent), this comes out to be exactly 603,550 contributors. We could also add that Exodus 1:9 makes it clear that the Egyptians were extremely afraid of the multiplying population of the Hebrews. I’m just not impressed by liberal critics of the Bible who claim that the vast majority of numbers in the Bible are an exaggeration. Especially, seeing that most of these same people have embraced the theory of Evolution, and don’t seem to have any problem blindly accepting dates and ages which range into the millions and billions of years.
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A Survey Of Old Testament Introduction, Gleason L. Archer, Jr., pp. 249-250 2
II. Outline: I. Preparation for the journey from Sinai: 1:1-10:10 A. Numbering the army and assigning positions for the march: 1:12:34 B. Levites numbered and duties described: 3:1-4:49 C. Excluding defilement from the camp: 5:1-31 D. Nazirites: 6:1-27 E. Treasures dedicated to the tabernacle: 7:1-89 F. The Levites sanctified and installed in office: 8:1-26 G. The first annual Passover observed: 9:1-14 H. Following the pillar of cloud: 9:15-10:10 II. From Sinai to Kadesh-barnea: 10:11-14:45 A. First stage of the journey: 10:11-36 B. First and second murmurings: 11:1-35 C. Judgment upon Aaron and Miriam for speaking against Moses: 12:1-16 D. The rebellion after the report of the spies: 13:1-14:45 III. From Kadesh-barnea to the plains of Moab: 15:1-21:35 A. Laws of meal offerings and sin offerings: 15:1-41 B. Rebellion of Korah and validation of Aaronic priesthood: 16:117:3 C. Relationship of Levites to priests: 18:1-32 D. Water of purification for uncleanness: 19:1-22 E. Death of Miriam; second smiting of the rock; death of Aaron: 20:1-29 F. Seventh murmuring and the Brazen serpent: 21:1-20 G. Defeat of Sihon and Og: 21:21-35 IV. Encounter with the Moabites and Balaam: 22:1-25:18 A. Balak hires Balaam: 22:1-41 B. Balaam’s triple blessing: 23:1-24:25 C. The sin of Baal-peor: 25:1-18 V. Preparations for entering Canaan: 26:1-36:13
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A. Arrangements for conquest and appointment of the land: 26:127:23 B. Laws concerning sacrifices and vows: 28:1-30:16 C. Vengeance on the Midianites: 31:1-54 D. Apportionment of Transjordan to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh: 32:1-42 E. Summary of journeys from Egypt to Moab: 33:1-56 F. Plans for division of Canaan: 34:1-36:13
III. Commentary: Chapter 1 1:1 Once again this is an inspired account of what God said to Moses and what really happened. “the first of the second month, in the second year”-This was exactly one month after the tabernacle had been erected (Exodus 40:17). Hence, the tabernacle is constructed, the priesthood has been officially dedicated and instructed (Leviticus), therefore, the people are ready to be given instructions concerning movement towards the promised land. The command to take this census came twelve and a half months after Israel had left Egypt, or after they had encamped at Sinai for eleven months (Exodus 19:1). 1:2 The census will be males only, and only those males who are 20 years old and upward, “whoever is able to go out to war in Israel”. In addition to Aaron, Moses was also to receive help in conducting this census from one man selected out of each tribe (1:3-17). The mention of “war” stresses the fact that Israel was being prepared to invade the land of Canaan. “Leviticus 27:3-4 by placing the highest valuation on people aged between twenty and sixty, shows this was regarded as the prime of life in ancient Israel” (Wenham p. 58). Point To Note: Critics argue that guiding and organizing so many people (including women and children, 2 ½ or 3 million total), would have been impossible. First of all, feeding them would have been impossible without God’s miraculous care (Exodus 16:35; 17:6; Deut. 8:1ff; Psalm 78:24; Nehemiah 9:20). It is argued that it would have taken an entire day for a multitude of two or three million to get into formation. But let us remember that often Israel was passing over largely uninhabited range land. “The four main divisions of approx., 500,000 each (Num. 10:14-20) might just as well have formed their ranks simultaneously and completed preparations to march within four hours (from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m., for example) and then have
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completed a good ten miles in four hours before setting up camp again” (Archer p. 248). In addition, from reading Exodus to Deut., it every clear that God is a very organized God. It also appears that they were able to gather such a census on one day (1:18). Point To Note: From this census we learn that God expected every able bodied man from 20 years old upward to fight. In like manner, every Christian man needs to be prepared to fight darkness and spread the gospel. Too often, the “fighting force” within the local congregation is too small. 1:47-54 The male Levites were not included in the census, for they had another role. They would transport, erect and guard the tabernacle and its furnishings. In addition, they camped immediately around the tabernacle to prevent nonLevites from approaching it unprepared. If such happened it would unleash God’s wrath against the people (1:53). “This drastic measure expressed the reality of God’s presence in the tabernacle…The New Testament also insists on man approaching God with reverent fear (1 Corinthians 11:27-32; Heb. 12:1829) “Wenham p. 60).
Chapter 2 This chapter deals with the arrangement of the camp. The nation was given a set procedure of encampment and march in order to ensure efficiency and order. This arrangement was to consist of four groups of three tribes each, one group on each side of the tabernacle. The tribe of Levi was then divided into its major families and placed immediately around the tabernacle. 2:1 Once again, the source for all these instructions is God. 2:2 “own standard, with the banners of their fathers households”-In the Near East a standard was a symbol fastened to the end of a pole and carried in the air in a manner similar to a flag. Evidently, each tribe had a banner, then smaller banners or family emblems were found within each tribe. Once again, note the structure and organization that God is giving to Israel. 2:2 “at a distance”-Joshua 3:4 stipulates that 1000 yards should separate the ark from any of the other tribes. 2:3-9 Tribes on the east side, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun 2:10-17 Tribes on the south side: Reuben, Simeon, Gad 2:18-24 Tribes on the west side: Ephraim, Manasseh, Benajmin
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Note that the descendants of the two favored sons of Jacob are placed together. The descendants of Joseph and Benjamin will camp together. 2:25-32 Tribes on the north side: Dan, Asher, Naphtali
Chapter 3 3:1-4 Once again, each book of the Bible interconnects with another book. These verses refer back to the Lord’s revelation to Moses on Mount Sinai concerning the family of Aaron (Exodus 28-29). Since only Aaron and his direct descendants could serve as priests (Exodus 28:1; 29:9; 40:15) it was impossible for them to attend to all Israel’s religious needs by themselves. So the entire tribe of Levi was selected to undertake religious responsibilities short of actual priestly service. 3:5-10 The duties of the Levites. Note, the Levites could not serve as priests by offering sacrifices or by performing other functions in the tabernacle. “They alone (the sons of Aaron) had the right to handle the sacrificial blood, to touch the altar and to enter the tent of meeting” (Wenham p. 69). 3:11-13 The reason for the selection of the tribe of Levi is reviewed here. Since the Lord had spared the firstborn of Israel’s children and animals in the 10 th plague, He now had claim on the firstborn as His own possession. In lieu of the firstborn, however, the tribe of Levi was substituted (Exodus 13:1-16). 3:14-37 The Levites are now numbered, their clans are designated and the duties of each clan are given. The three major divisions are Gershom, Kohath and Merari (meh RAY eye). The Gershonites were given the task of being responsible for the tabernacle structure. Other duties included maintaining the fine linen courtyard hangings
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(3:25:26 “according to all the service concerning them”, i.e. not only transportation, but also repair and renovation.) The duties of the Kohathites, including transporting all the furniture which was associated with the tabernacle (3:31). They discharged their duties under the supervision of Eleazar the priest (3:32). The duties of the Merarites included all the framework, poles, pegs, etc…which were connected with the tabernacle (3:36-37). 2:40-51 The number of firstborn Israelites exceeded the number of Levites by 273. These firstborn males had to be thus redeemed. Since all the firstborn males had already been redeemed on the occasion of the first Passover (Ex. 12:22-23), the number 22, 273 probably refers to the firstborn males born since the Exodus. With the redemption of those born subsequent to the Exodus, God’s claim to the firstborn would thus be complete. Once again, we learn that the tribe of Levi would be given in service to the Lord as a substitution for all the firstborn males of the other tribes.
Chapter 4 This chapter deals with the detailed and specific duties of the previously mentioned Levitical families. It is clear instruction, but during the time of David it will be ignored and death will result (2 Samuel 6:1-7; 1 Chron. 15:2,12-15). 4:3 “from thirty years old and upward, even to fifty years old”-During these ages men were judged fit to carry the tabernacle on the march and assemble it wherever the nation stopped. “since Numbers 8:24 indicates that Levites of the age of twenty-five years or more could participate in Tabernacle duties. The period between thirty and fifty years of age was undoubtedly the one in which the best service could be given in the care of the Tabernacle’s sacred furnishings” 3 4:4-15 Before the Kohathites were allowed to move anything, Aaron and his sons (the high priest and the priests) must first cover everything. Aaron and his sons also were to attach all the carrying poles (4:6,8,11,14). Point To Note: “the Creator of the universe must be approached with seriousness and sincerity, and the officiant must not deviate from the prescribed pattern. The ritual procedures must be followed to the last detail, and no innovation was to be countenanced….Whatever individual idiosyncrasies Aaron and his sons may have had, they were required to be submitted totally to the will of God. In this 3
The Wycliffe Exegetical Commentary, Numbers, R.K. Harrison, p. 81 7
attitude is crystallized the two ingredients for a rich, spiritual walk with the Lord---namely, complete trust and implicit obedience” (Harrison pp. 88-89). 4:16 Again, the Levites worked under the constant supervision of the priests. 4:19 So the Kohathites wouldn’t die due to carelessness or ignorance, Aaron and his sons were to be present when the Levites did their tasks. “The Kohathites were warned three times (4:15,18,20) not to infringe on priestly prerogatives. The clan had the greatest responsibility and consequently was in the greatest jeopardy” (Smith p. 419). Even a glimpse at the holy objects would bring death (4:20). 4:24-28 The Gersonites, under the supervision of Ithamar (ITH uh mahr), were responsible for all the coverings that were associated with the tabernacle. 4:29-33 The Merarites were responsible for the framework of the tabernacle. Carefully note, everyone had an assigned task (4:32) to make sure nothing was overlooked, lost or forgotten.
Chapter 5 5:1-4 Everyone who was unclean could not dwell in the tribal encampments described in chapter 2. The unclean must be expelled from the camp, because God was dwelling in the midst of it. Compare with Revelation 21:27. In like manner, professed Christians who do not repent of their sins, must be expelled from the camp (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:1ff). Again, we see that respect for God’s holiness is far more important that the feelings of the individual. Instead of being afraid of offending someone, rather we need to be concerned that we don’t offend God. 5:6-10 Sin must also be repented of and a 20% fine paid to the victim, his family or the Lord. “Then as now, those lessons are learned most quickly that have an impact upon one’s personal finances” (Harrison p. 104). 5:12-31 On the surface some might feel that the following procedure is cruel or unfair to the woman, but note: 1. This law might tend to reduce domestic strife, for the man was required to put up or shut up. Presumably a wife could demand such a test, to establish once and for all her innocence. 2. It protected the woman from being falsely accused and thus put to death. 3. The personal feelings and privacy of the individual are not as important as purity among God’s people (1 Cor. 5:6-7). 4. Such also infers that violation of the marriage vows affects the entire community of God’s people.
Chapter Six
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This chapter deals exclusively with the rules concerning the Nazirite vow. Smith says, “The Nazrite service was designed to challenge all Israelites to a life of deeper dedication to the Lord” (p. 421). The English word “Nazirite”, transliterates the Hebrew word nazir, which means “set apart”. Points To Note: 1.
Women could take this vow (6:2). 2. While the vow included separation from any product of the grape (6:3), nothing is said about being celibate. Nazirites weren’t monks or nuns. 3. The restrictions placed on the Nazirites, were much like those placed upon the high priests. Whereas ordinary priests could mourn their closest relatives, high priests and Nazirites could not. On the completion of his vow the Nazirite had to offer the same range of sacrifices as Aaron did at his ordination (13-20; Leviticus chapter 8). 4. “describes the person who has marked out a special time of separation or consecration for a specific period of unusual devotion to God….The Nazirite vow was not just an act of superior self-discipline, an achieving of a spiritual machismo; it was to be regarded as a supreme act of total devotion to the person and work of the Lord that would override certain normal and expected patterns of behavior” 4 In a sense the Nazirite vow allowed all Jewish men and women to experience what it might be like to be one of the priests on a very limited scale. Remember, even Nazirites couldn’t perform priestly duties or enter the tabernacle. Harrison notes, “It extended to the ordinary members of Israelite society a form of holiness normally associated only with the priesthood, and afforded an individual the kind of status enjoyed by groups such as the Rechabites (Jeremiah 35:5)"”(p. 625). In the time of Amos, the nation of Israel had become so perverse, that individuals deliberately attempted to undermine the Nazirite vow by encouraging the Nazirites to adopt unscriptural patterns of behavior (Amos 2:11). Josephus mentions that the Nazirite vow was very popular in the first century A.D.
6:1-4 The basic prohibition against any product of the vine. 6:5-8 Prohibitions concerning hair and dead bodies (see Judges 13:5 concerning Samson). “Since women in most cultures wear their hair longer than men do, we may presume that the Nazirite women might not only have let her hair grow long, but may have allowed it to remain relatively unkempt, or perhaps she let it hang loose as opposed to putting it up” (Gaebelin p. 751).
Chapter 7
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The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 2, p. 749 9
This chapter jumps back a month when the tabernacle had been completed. In preparation for the move from Sinai to the Promised land the tribal leaders brought to the Lord various gifts. The first group of gifts were for the Levites to help them in the work of transporting the tabernacle and its contents (7:1-9). The Kohathites weren’t given any oxen or carts, because they were to bear the sacred objects on their shoulders (7:9). The Merarites needed more carts and oxen than the Gershonites because they had to carry the heavy wooden and metal framework of the tabernacle (Num. 4:31-32).
Chapter 8 8:1-4 Aaron is given instructions concerning the lampstand. The lampstand was to be set so that it would cast light forward and illuminate the area in front of it. 8:5-22 Records the official dedication of the Levites. 8:23-26 At the age of 50 a Levite had to retire from the heavy work of erecting, dismantling and transporting the Tabernacle. “in these regulations we sense the holiness and the mercy of God. His holiness demands that his ministers be fully able to do the work that is required for them; to slip or err in holy things would be a most grievous offense. His mercy precluded a man doing the work that was demanded when he might be past his physical prime. There were to be no elderly, doddering Levites stumbling about in the precincts of the Holy Place” (Gaebelein p. 769).
Chapter 9 The first anniversary of the Passover is celebrated. 9:6-8 Note, Moses wasn’t presumptuous, he waited for an answer from God. 9:10-13 A second observance of the Passover, a month later is granted to people who had become unclean due to a dead body, or where on a distant journey. But even when the Passover was celebrated a month later, note, it was still to be done fully in order. 9:13 “Wherever there is grace, there are those who will make presumption….God’s gracious provision for the distressed to have an alternative time of celebration was not to be a license for the careless to ignore the Passover altogether” (Gaebelein p. 775). In like manner, the NT warns gravely against the abuse or misuse of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28-30). I believe it is important to note, that God knew people would abuse this provision, but that doesn’t mean that such a provision shouldn’t be given. The potential
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abuse on the part of some shouldn’t deprive the faithful of having the opportunity to participate in Scriptural things. 9:15-23 This might seem like a repetitious section of the Scripture, but I like the following comments: “Think about what actually must have happened: thousands of Israelites trudging through a tedious desert, some probably ill, others feeling energetic, still others bothered by leg cramps. I can picture one out-of-shape, middle-aged father of four puffing along, yelling at his kids to stop bickering, worried about his chest pains that get worse the more he walks. He glances up regularly to see if the cloud is showing any sign of slowing down and feels annoyed as he watches it floating on ahead. ‘Whoever is blowing that cloud along’, he grumbles under his breath, ‘sure doesn’t know what I’m going through---or else He doesn’t care. My wife can’t handle the kids, my angina is kicking up---we need a break….An hour or two passes by and, strangely, his chest pains stop. He feels a burst of energy, sort of a ‘runners high’. His order boy is carrying the tried toddler. He looks over at his wife and she’s grinning. ‘Maybe God knew continued walking was the best thing for all of us.’ He feels a new bounce in his steps---and just then the cloud stops…..The passage in Numbers repeats one theme again and again: When the cloud moves, you move; when the cloud stops, you stop. I wonder if God is saying something like this: “I know My ways will seem to ignore your concerns at times. I want you to trust Me when you feel unusually tired and I call on you to get up. I want you to trust Me when you’re eager to serve and I put you on hold. But you will never learn to trust Me until you come to terms with My authority. Trust will never emerge from a demanding spirit. Let’s start with a clear understanding: I give the orders. You do what you’re told. With that as a beginning, you will eventually taste My goodness and the richness of fellowship with Me and come to trust Me deeply” (Inside Out, Larry Crabb, pp. 135-136).
Chapter 10 The last directions given at Sinai deal with the manufacture and use of two silver trumpets to co-ordinate the movements of the tribes on their march through the wilderness.
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