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The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch and of the Hebrew Bible. Its Hebrew name, Bemidbar, means "in the wilderness," from the appearance of that expression in its first verse. In English, "Numbers" is a reference to two censuses of the book, including the one that begins its first chapter. It comes after Leviticus and before Deuteronomy.
The twelve tribes are counted (Numbers 1), and arranged in their wilderness stations (2). The Levites are counted and their duties described (3, 4). Laws are given concerning purity, restitution, suspected adultery (5), Nazirite vows (6), and the priestly blessing (5). Offerings are collected for the dedication of the tabernacle (7), sacred lampstands fashioned, and the Levites are consecrated for religious service (8).
In the second year after the Israelites leave Egypt, instructions are given for the Passover, and a cloud appears over the tabernacle as it is dedicated (9). Trumpets are made for signalling, and in the second month of the second year the Israelites leave Sinai (10). God becomes fed up with Israelite complaining, sending fire, quails, and a plague (11). Miriam is struck with leprosy for complaining (12).
Moses sends spies to Canaan in anticipation of the coming invasion, but they bring back a discouraging report (13). After anger and complaining, God announces that he is postponing the invasion for forty years as punishment for the Israelite's bad attitudes, at which point the Israelites decide, against God's wishes, to invade anyhow and fail miserably (14).
Laws are given governing offerings, a Sabbath-breaker is put to death, and the Israelites are commanded to wear tzitziyot (15). Korah rebels (16), and by the miracle of Aaron's rod God signals Aaron's rightful authority (17). The duties and rights of the priesthood are described (18), and the ritual involving the red heifer is prescribed (19).
Miriam dies, and after complaints Moses brings water from a rock. The Israelites are blocked by the Edomites, and Aaron dies as well (20). The Israelites destroy Arad, the incident with the bronze snake occurs, and the Israelites travel to Moab and defeat Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan (21). King Balak hires Balaam to curse the Isrealites, a plan which backfires against him (22, 23, 24). The Israelites are seduced into the worship of Baal of Peor, which is brought to an end by Pinhas, who kills an ethnically mixed couple (25).
A second census is taken of the Israelites (26). An issue involving female inheritance rights is sorted out, and Joshua is named as Moses' successor (27). Commands are given for various offerings and festivals (28, 29), and then concerning vows (30). Yahweh launches a war of revenge against the Midianites (31), and the Transjordanian tribes are allotted land (32).
A list is given of all the places the Israelites encamped from the departure from Egypt until the encampment in the plains of Moab on the eve of the invasion of Canaan (33). The boundaries of Canaan are described and tribal leaders appointed (34). Cities are appointed for the Levites and accidental homicides (35). Zelophehad's daughters are allotted their inheritance, and the book concludes (36).
Gray, George Buchanan (1956 [1903]). A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Numbers.
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