Book of Numbers

The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Hebrew Bible and the fourth of five books of the Jewish Torah. Its name comes from the two times the people were counted in the story. The book tells part of the story of the Israelites after they left Egypt, showing their travels in the desert.

Numbers begins at Mount Sinai, where the Israelites received laws and a promise from God. Their next task was to travel to a new land called the Promised Land. Along the way, the people faced many difficulties. But through it all, God stayed with them.

This book shows how important it is to trust, even when things are hard. It ends with a new group of Israelites ready to move forward to the land they were promised, continuing the story that began in Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus.

The Book of Numbers is named after the ancient Greek word Ἀριθμοί, Arithmoi, which means 'numbers'. The name comes from the book’s two big countings of different groups of Israelites.

In Hebrew, the book is called בְּמִדְבַּר, bemidbar, meaning "in the desert" or "in the wilderness". This name starts with the very first words: "And the LORD spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai". The book tells the story of the Israelites’ 40 years wandering in the desert.

Structure

Many people think of the Book of Numbers in three parts, based on where the stories happen: Mount Sinai, Kadesh-Barnea, and the plains of Moab. These parts are connected by stories about the journeys between them. The book also shows the difference between the people who were not allowed to enter the Promised Land and the new group who will. This shows how choices change things.

Summary

God told Moses to count all the men who were twenty years old or more in the wilderness of Sinai. They found many men ready for service, but the tribe of Levi was not counted because they had special duties. Moses prepared the Levites to serve in the Tabernacle instead of the first-born sons.

The Israelites traveled from Sinai and faced many challenges. Sometimes they complained, and God tested their faith. Twelve spies were sent to explore the land of Canaan, and only two believed it was a good place. Because of this lack of faith, the Israelites had to wander the desert for forty years.

Moses made special plates for the altar, and God gave many rules and laws. Miriam, Moses' sister, died, and Aaron, Moses' brother, also passed away. The Israelites faced battles with other groups and had to follow God’s commands carefully. Moses appointed Joshua to lead after him and gave instructions on how the land would be divided.

Composition

Most scholars think that the Torah—the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—was put together after the year 520 BC. They believe it came from older stories, both written and spoken, mixed with events from that time.

The five books are often thought to come from four different groups of writers. These groups are called the Yahwist, the Elohist (often thought of together), the Priestly source, and the Deuteronomist. Scholars discuss where the parts not from the Priestly source came from, but they agree the Priestly source was written after exile.

Numbers is believed to be an older story that was edited by the Priestly group. Deuteronomy began as a set of religious laws and was changed over time. Some very old scrolls, like the Ketef Hinnom scrolls, suggest that parts of Numbers and Deuteronomy might have been written before the exile, though this is not certain.

Themes

The Book of Numbers shows how God’s big promise to the families of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob begins to happen. God promised them many descendants, a special relationship with His people, and the land of Canaan.

One big idea in Numbers is the special agreement, or covenant, between God and His people. God made promises to Noah, Abraham, and all of Israel. These agreements show how God wants to stay close to His people. God gave many laws to help the Israelites show they belong to Him and trust Him.

Numbers starts with a count of the Israelite people, showing how many descendants Abraham will have. It also talks about how God stays with His people, especially through a special place called the Sanctuary. The book shows that even when people make mistakes, God keeps His promises. The later parts of the book discuss how the land of Canaan should be settled and ruled according to God’s instructions.

Census Numbers and Theories

The Book of Numbers tells us about the number of soldiers in Israel. It says there were about 600,000 soldiers, which would mean the total population was between 1.5 to 2.5 million Israelites. However, this number looks too big when we look at old ruins and other history books.

Because of this, many ideas have been shared to explain the numbers.

Some people think the book is not a history book but a religious one, and the numbers might be bigger than true numbers. Others believe the word “thousand” might really mean a group or clan, which would make the number of soldiers about 20,000. Some scholars think that when the book was copied, extra zeros might have been added by mistake. Others feel we should just accept the numbers as they are, because changing them causes more questions. Some see the numbers as symbols of importance instead of real counts.

Judaism's weekly Torah portions in the Book of Numbers

Main article: Weekly Torah portion

The Book of Numbers is divided into parts read each week in Jewish services. These parts tell stories and share teachings from the book:

• Bemidbar, on Numbers 1–4: The first counting of the people and work for priests
• Naso, on Numbers 4–7: Work for priests, life around the camp, special promises, and preparing the holy place
• Behaalotecha, on Numbers 8–12: The Levites, moving with a cloud and fire, and questions about Moses
• Shlach, on Numbers 13–15: Scouts share their reports, and rules about offerings, bread, and clothing
• Korach, on Numbers 16–18: A challenge to Moses, a sign from God, and roles of the Levites
• Chukat, on Numbers 19–21: Water from rock, deaths of leaders, battles, and a bronze snake
• Balak, on Numbers 22–25: A talking donkey and a blessing
• Pinechas, on Numbers 25–29: A leader’s actions, the second counting, rules about inheritance, Moses’ successor, and holy days
• Matot, on Numbers 30–32: Promises, a battle, sharing winnings, and land for certain families
• Masei, on Numbers 33–36: Places the Israelites stopped, rules for taking new land, and cities for the Levites