Numbers 1

AGAIN, for this fourth book of the Pentateuch, the original Hebrew title Bemidhbar (“In the Wilderness”) is at once more poetical and more appropriate than the title “Numbers,” given by the Greek translators.

The Book records the two numberings of Israel, the one in the second year of their journeyings (i.-iv.), the other on the borders of Canaan, 38 years afterwards (xxvi.). The intervening chapters record various laws and observances (v.-x.); the appointment of seventy elders; the expedition of the spies (xiii., xiv.); the rebellion of Korah and regulations of the priesthood (xvi.-xix.); the smiting of the Rock, the Brazen Serpent, and the story of Balaam (xx.-xxiv.). The closing chapters record the conquest of Midian (xxxi.), the partition of the territory east of Jordan (xxxii.), the boundaries of the Promised Land (xxxiv.), and enactments about the Cities of Refuge (xxxv.).

This Book of the Wilderness is full of lessons for the Christian and of encouragements for life’s pilgrim path.

1 the tabernacle of the congregation. i.e., “the tent of meeting” (R.V.), as elsewhere.

3 shall number. Or, “shall muster.” So throughout.

by their armies. i.e., in their several divisions or corps; “by their hosts” (R.V.).

5 stand with you. i.e., “assist you in numbering the people.” The order of the tribes is: first, the sons of Leah (omitting Levi, ver. 47); then the sons of Rachel; lastly, those of the handmaids.

16 the renowned. Rather, “those called” (R.V.); i.e., the chief men in their respective tribes, who were hence “called,” or summoned, to form a sort of national council out of “the congregation” for this purpose, Exod. xviii. 21.

21 five hundred. As all the sums are hundreds, except one fifty, it is probable that numbers less than fifty were omitted.

46 all they that were numbered (mustered), etc. See note on Exod. xii. 37. The Hebrew word Eleph, which may mean either “thousand” or “family,” is used here also.

48 had spoken. Rather, “spake” (R.V.).

50 over the tabernacle. Not to officiate in the tabernacle, but to take charge of it.—Testimony. Rather, “the Testimony” (R.V.), i.e., the Tables of the Law. Cf. Ex. xxv. 16.

51 stranger. One who is not a Levite. See iii. 10, 38; 1 Sam. vi. 19; 2 Sam. vi. 6, 7.

53 that there be no wrath. i.e., lest the wrath of God should be incurred by those who were not Levites venturing to “come nigh” and profane the sanctuary.