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Introduction to Numbers
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Numbers
- Preparing to leave Sinai (1:1–10:10)
- Census and calling the tribes together (1:1–4:49)
- Regulations (5:1–6:27)
- Dedication of the Altar (7:1-89)
- Candlestick, setting apart the Levites (8:1–29);
- Second Passover, the cloud to lead them, trumpets (9:1–10:10)
- Sinai to Moab, through the wilderness (10:11–17:13)
- Complaining and murmuring (10:11–11:15); the quails (11:16–35)
- Miriam's leprosy (12:1–16)
- The spies selected and sent (13:1–14:45)
- Commands (15:1-41)
- Korah's rebellion (16:1–17:13);
- The Priests and purification (18:1-19:22)
- Priests and Levites (18:1–32)
- The law of purification (19:1–22)
- Conflicts (20:1–21:35)
- Miriam's death (20:1–13)
- Edom's refusal and Aaron's death (20:14–29)
- Journey to Moab (21:1–35)
- The Plains of Moab (22–36)
- Balaam (22:1–24:25)
- Baal Peor (25:1–18)
- Second census (26:1-65)
- Inheritance rights for daughters, and Joshua's succession to Moses' place (27:1–23)
- Offerings and women's vows (28:1–30:16)
- Midianite war (31:1–54)
- Across the Jordan (32:1–42)
- The people set up camp (33:1–56)
- Territory of West Jordan; Levitical cities and cities of refuge (34:1–35:34)
- Marriage of female heirs (36)
What is the Book of Numbers about?
Numbers tells about the people of Israel as they traveled from Mount Sinai in the wilderness to the Jordan River. While traveling, the Israelites became very discouraged. Therefore, they rebelled against the leaders whom God had given them. It was at the Jordan River that the people of Israel refused to enter the Promised Land. Because the Israelites were afraid and did not trust God to protect them in the Promised Land, he delayed Israel's entry for forty years (13:1–14:45). (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland)
How should the title of this book be translated?
The title of this book, "Numbers," refers to the census that was to be taken of the Israelites. The people of the project language may already familiar with the name "Numbers" from other Bible versions. If not, the translator could consider a clearer name for the book, such as "The Counting of the People of Israel." (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/census)
Who wrote the Book of Numbers?
The writers of both the Old and New Testament present Moses as being very involved with writing the Book of Numbers. However, at a later time, scribes and priests probably put the book into its present form. They included material from other sources such as eyewitness accounts and books of history. One such book was "the scroll of the Wars of Yahweh" (21:14). This book may have been completed after Moses' death. Scribes may have used it when they worked on the Book of Numbers.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
How does Numbers present the idea of the whole community being responsible when only a few people sinned?
The people understood and assumed that God would punish the entire community of Israel if some of the people rebelled against him. And, often, God did punish the entire nation when some of them sinned. All of the people in the Ancient Near East would have understood and expected this. However, Moses and Aaron, the leaders of Israel, are shown as praying to God for him to punish only those who are guilty.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
Why does Moses speak using third person pronouns about himself?
When an author wrote about something he was involved in, it was common for him to use the pronoun "he" instead of "I," or "they" instead of "we." The translator may decide to use the project's normal pronouns instead.