227 NUM

This book is called “Numbers” because it begins and ends with a census of the Israelites. Many readers will fi nd this book frustrating because it seems to ignore what is historically plausible. Likewise, many pages devoted to the laws and customs of Israel will appear as dry and dated as the chapters of Leviticus that precede this book. Therefore, it helps to understand, from the beginning, that this book superim- poses two histories. On one hand, we are dealing with ancient traditions found espe- cially in Chapters 11-14 and 20-25. At times, certain events of Exodus are related again in a different form. The book assumes that on Sinai, immediately after the great revelation to Moses and the story of the golden calf, God gave all the laws that are mentioned in Leviticus. Following that, the book situates all the events that it relates: all that we are going to read was supposed to have taken place in the course of the following year, during the crossing of the desert of Paran or upon arriving at the oasis of Kadesh. The chapters we have just mentioned do contain ancient traditions. However, like Leviticus, most of the book was written in the priestly circles of Jerusalem, after the Israelites returned from the Exile, namely, around seven hundred years after Moses. The purpose of these priests was to justify the religious and social structure that they intended to establish in Israel in order to make of Israel the people consecrated to the worship of the one God. All the initiatives attributed to Moses are meant for the Jews, back from the Exile. Thus, the authors depicted the setting in which they lived on the basis of the people before them: the hundred or so families of the Exodus became a people of six hun- dred thousand men, plus their wives, children and their cattle. The small wooden ark, that was carried on a donkey, became the center of a portable Sanctuary, almost as impressive as the Jerusalem temple and the priests with their rubrics always occupy center stage. When the account was written, Israel was just a quiet province within the Persian Empire: all the more reason to fl atter their imagination and to build up Moses’ companions into a formidable, aggressive and conquering army at the service of the one God. As with Leviticus, we have to say the following: those who accept this way of rewriting history will fi nd the word of the Holy God at every instant; the call to NUMBERS 228 holiness is not just a personal matter but it conditions the entire life of the people of God. For God, Christians are holy people who have broken away from the ideal that liberal societies have about free humans who only seek the fulfi llment of their desires or whims in this world. Before the God who called them to follow the path of Christ, human beings are totally at the service of a mission, so are couples who become families and the Christian community totally turned toward evangeliza- tion. 229 NUMBERS 1 The census of Israel by one. 23 The total of these for the tribe of 1 2S 24 • Yahweh spoke to Moses, in the des- Simeon was 59,300. 1 ert of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on 24 When the tribe of Gad had been list- the fi rst day of the second month, in the ed by clans and families, the names of all second year after their departure from the the males of twenty years and over, able land of Egypt. He said: to give military service were recorded one 2 “Take a census of the whole commu- by one. 25 The total of these for the tribe of nity of Israel, by clans and families, tak- Gad was 45,650. ing a count of the names of all the males, 26 When the tribe of Judah had been list- head by head. 3 You and Aaron will enlist ed by clans and families, the names of all all men of Israel, twenty years of age and the males of twenty years and over, able over, able to give military service. 4 From to give military service, were recorded one each tribe you shall take a man, the head by one. 27 The total of these for the tribe of of his family, to help you in this. Judah was 74,600. NUM 5 These are the names of those who are 28 When the tribe of Issachar had been to be your helpers: For Reuben, Elizur son listed by clans and families, the names of of Shedeur. 6 For Simeon, Shelumiel son of all the males of twenty years and over, able Zurishaddai. 7 For Judah, Nahshon son of to give military service were recorded one Amminadab. 8 For Issachar, Nethanel son by one. 29 The total of these for the tribe of of Zuar. 9 For Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon. Issachar was 54,400. 10 Of the sons of Joseph: for Ephraim, 30 When the tribe of Zebulun had been Elishama son of Ammihud; for Manasseh, listed by clans and families, the names of Gamaliel son of Pedahzur. 11 For Benjamin, all the males of twenty years and over, able Abidan son of Gideoni. 12 For Dan, Ahiezer to give military service, were recorded one son of Ammishaddai. 13 For Asher, Pagiel by one. 31 The total of these for the tribe of son of Ochran. 14 For Gad, Eliasaph son of Zebulun was 57,400. Reuel. 15 For Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.” 32 The descendants of Joseph: when the 16 These men were elected by public tribe of Ephraim had been listed by clans acclamation; they were leaders of their and families, the names of all the males of ancestral clans, chiefs of Israel’s hosts. twenty years and over, able to give mili- 17 Moses and Aaron took these men who tary service, were recorded one by one. had been named, 18 and on the fi rst day 33 The total of these for the tribe of Ephraim of the second month they called together was 40,500. 34 When the tribe of Manasseh the whole community. The sons of Israel had been listed by clans and families, the listed their names according to their clans names of all the males of twenty years and and families, and one by one the names over, able to give military service, were of all men of twenty years and over were recorded one by one. 35 The total of these recorded and counted. 19 As Yahweh had for the tribe of Manasseh was 32,200. commanded, Moses took a census of them 36 When the tribe of Benjamin had been in the desert of Sinai. listed by clans and families, the names of 20 Rev 7:4 When the tribe of Reuben, Israel’s fi rst- all the males of twenty years and over, able born, had been listed by clans and families, to give military service, were recorded one the names of all the males of twenty years by one. 37 The total of these for the tribe of and over, able to give military service, Benjamin was 35,400. were recorded one by one. 21 The total of 38 When the tribe of Dan had been list- these for the tribe of Reuben was 46,500. ed by clans and families, the names of all 22 When the tribe of Simeon had been the males of twenty years and over, able listed by clans and families, the names of to give military service were recorded one all the males of twenty years and over, able by one. 39 The total of these for the tribe of to give military service, were recorded one Dan was 62,700.

• 1.1 What is the meaning of this census, to conquer the Promised Land. First come those with its many repetitions and orderly arrange- of the tribe of Levi, or the Levites, responsible ment of the camps of the twelve tribes? It seems for worship: thus we know that this is a “holy” like scenes from a play: Israel appears as an people, consecrated to God. orderly people, Yahweh’s armies on their way NUMBERS 1 230 40 When the tribe of Asher had been list- ment. Leader of the sons of Judah: Nah- ed by clans and families, the names of all shon son of Amminadab. 4 His command: the males of twenty years and over, able 74,600 men. to give military service, were recorded one 5 Encamped next to him: by one. 41 The total of these for the tribe of The tribe of Issachar. Leader of the sons Asher was 41,500. of Issachar: Nethanel son of Zuar. 6 His 42 When the tribe of Napthali had been command: 54,400 men. listed by clans and families, the names of 7 The tribe of Zebulun. Leader of the all the males of twenty years and over, able sons of Zebulun: Eliab son of Helon. 8 His to give military service, were recorded one command: 57,400. by one. 43 The total of these for the tribe of 9 The assembled strength of the camp Napthali was 53,400. of Judah numbers in all 186,400. These 44 Such were the men registered by are to be fi rst in marching. Moses, Aaron and the twelve leaders of 10 On the south side, the banner of Israel, each representing his tribe. 45 Every the camp of Reuben, in battle formation. man of Israel of twenty years and over, Leader of the sons of Reuben: Elizur son of able to give military service, was counted Shedeur. 11 His command: 46,500 men. according to his tribe. 46 Altogether the full 12 Beside him shall camp: the tribe of total was 603,550. Simeon. Leader of the sons of Simeon: 47 But the Levites and their tribe were Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai. 13 His com- not included in the count. mand: 59,300 men. 48 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: 14 The tribe of Gad. Leader of the sons 49 “Do not take any census of the Levites, of Gad: Eliasaph son of Reuel. 15 His com- or register them among the sons of Israel. mand: 45,650 men. 50 16 25—28 You yourself must enlist the Levites to The assembled strength of the camp serve the Holy Tent of the Testimony and of Reuben numbers in all 151,450. They to look after its furnishings and its belong- are to be second in order of marching. ings. They are to carry the Holy Tent, and 17 Next the tent of meeting will move, all its furnishings; they are to take care of since the camp of the Levites is located in it and set up their camp around it. 51 When- the middle of the other camps. The order ever the Holy Tent is to be moved, the of marching is to be the same order as in Levites shall take it down; whenever the camping, every man under his own banner. Holy Tent is to be set up again, they shall 18 On the west side, the banner of the do this. Any layman coming near it must camp of Ephraim, in battle formation. Lead- be put to death. er of the sons of Ephraim: Elishama son of 52 The sons of Israel are to set up their Ammihud. 19 His command: 40,500 men. tents in formation, each man with his own 20 Next to him: the tribe of Manasseh. 53 18:3 group and under his own banner. But Leader of the tribe of Manasseh: Gamaliel the Levites are to set up their tents around son of Pedahzur. 21 His command: 32,200 the Holy Tent of the Testimony, lest God’s men. anger fall on the whole community of Isra- 22 The tribe of Benjamin. Leader of the el. The Levites will take care of the Holy sons of Benjamin: Abidan son of Gideoni. Tent of the Testimony.” 23 His command: 35,400 men. 54 The sons of Israel did exactly as Yah- 24 The assembled strength of the camp weh had commanded Moses. of Ephraim numbers in all 108,100. They are to be third in order of marching. Israel’s armies 25 On the north side, the banner of the 1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron. camp of Dan, in battle formation. Leader 2 He said: 2 “The Israelites are to camp, of the sons of Dan: Ahiezer son of Ammis- every man by his own banner, under the haddai. 26 His command: 62,700 men. fl ag of his tribe. They are to camp all 27 Beside him shall camp 28 the tribe of around the Holy Tent of the Testimony, Asher. Leader of the sons of Asher: Pagiel but at some distance from it. son of Ochran. His command: 41,500 men. 3 Those who are to camp on the east 29 The tribe of Naphtali. Leader of the side, towards the sunrise: the camp of sons of Naphtali: Ahira son of Enan. 30 His Judah around his banner, in battle arrange- command: 53,400 men. 231 NUMBERS 3 31 The assembled strength of the camp of the Holy Tent. 8 They shall take care of of Dan numbers in all 157,600. They are the furnishings for the tent of meeting, and to be last in order of marching.” serve me in the Holy Tent as representa- 32 Such was the total count of the sons tives of the sons of Israel. 9 You are to give of Israel when the census was made ac - the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are cording to tribes. The full count of the given to him from the sons of Israel. entire camp, grouped under the various 10 You are to enroll also Aaron and his commands, was 603,550. 33 The Levites, sons, and they are to carry out the priestly as Yahweh had commanded Moses, were duty. But any layman who comes near is not included in this census of the sons of to be put to death.” Israel. 11 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: 34 12 The sons of Israel did exactly as Yah- “I myself have chosen the Levites 8:16 weh had commanded Moses. This was how from among the sons of Israel, in place of

they camped, grouped by banners. This the fi rstborn, those who open the mother’s NUM was how they broke camp, each in his own womb among the sons of Israel; the Levites 13 clan, every man with his own family. therefore belong to me, for every fi rst- 13:1; born belongs to me. On the day I struck 22:29 The Tribe of Levi all the fi rstborn of the Egyptians, I conse- • 1 These are the descendants of Aaron crated for my own all the fi rstborn of Israel, 3 and Moses, at the time when Yahweh of both man and beast. They are mine; I spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai. am Yahweh.” 2 14 29; These are the names of the sons of Yahweh spoke to Moses in the des- 30:22 Aaron: Nadab the eldest, then Abihu, ert of Sinai. He said: 15 “You are to take Eleazar and Ithamar. a census of the sons of Levi by families 3 These are the names of Aaron’s sons, and clans; all the males of the age of one priests anointed and invested with the pow- month and over must be counted.” 16 Moses 4 Lev 10 ers of the priesthood. Nadab and Abihu took this census, as Yahweh had ordered. died in the presence of Yahweh, in the des- 17 These are the names of the sons of Levi: ert of Sinai, when they offered fi re that was Gershon, Kohath and Merari. unlawful. They left no children and so it 18 These are the names of Gershon’s fell to Eleazar and Ithamar to exercise the sons by their clans: Libni and Shimei; priesthood under their father Aaron. 19 Kohath’s sons by their clans: Amran, 5 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel; 20 Merari’s sons 6 “Call for the tribe of Levi and appoint by their clans: Mahli and Mushi. These are them as servants to Aaron the priest. the clans of Levi, grouped according to 7 They are to perform the duties that are their ancestral families. laid on him and on the entire community 21 From Gershon are descended the Lib- before the tent of meeting, in their service nite and the Shimeite clans; these are the

• 3.1 Chapters 3, 4 and 8 refer to the priests among the Levites. Those of a higher rank were or Levites. called priests and those of a lower rank were At the time of Abraham, each family head Levites (see 2 K 22:8). Those who returned to was “priest” for his own group: he himself was Jerusalem at Josiah’s command and were for- responsible for the sacrifi ces (Gen 15:10) and bidden to offi ciate in the temple may have been sacred rituals (Gen 28:18); he also gave bless- the fi rst “Levites” of a lower rank, while the ings on behalf of God (Gen 27:27). Jerusalem clergy saw their privileges confi rmed. Possibly, Moses appointed men in charge of They, the “priests” of the temple, began to form teaching Yahweh’s laws to Israel. The group a superior class and, to differentiate themselves called the tribe of Levi, perhaps a tribe of war- within the tribe of Levi, they claimed to be riors at fi rst, became responsible for this mis- descendants of Aaron, Moses’ brother. sion. In the episode of the Golden Calf they sup- The Book of Numbers attributes to Moses ported Moses in restoring order. himself, in a fi ctitious way, all this organization. Still, heads of families as well as priests kept The Levites represent the fi rstborn of Israel, on celebrating without laws or control (Jdg 17). the ones whom Yahweh saved in the fi rst Pass- David and Solomon established the Jewish over when the fi rstborn of Egypt died. Since clergy: from then on, only men from the tribe they were saved by Yahweh, from that time on of Levi could be priests. It was perhaps with they belonged to God. Josiah’s reform that a distinction was made NUMBERS 3 232 Gershonite clans. 22 Their number, count- Moses numbered by clans as Yahweh had ing the males of one month and over, ordered, came to 22,000. came to 7,500. 40 Yahweh said to Moses: 23 The Gershonite clans camped behind “Take a census of all the fi rstborn the Holy Tent, on the west side. 24 The lead- among the sons of Israel, all the males er of the clan of Gershon was Eliasaph son from the age of one month and over; take 25 41 26—27 of Lael. In the tent of meeting the sons of a census of them by name. Then you will Gershon had charge of the Holy Tent, its take the Levites for me, Yahweh, instead inner and outer covers, 26 the screen for the of the fi rstborn of Israel; in the same way entrance and curtains for the court which you will give me their cattle instead of the is around the Holy Tent and the altar, and fi rstborn cattle of the sons of Israel.” the ropes needed for all this work. 42 As Yahweh commanded, Moses took 27 From Kohath are descended the a census of all the fi rstborn of the sons of Amramite, the Izharite, the Hebronite and Israel. 43 The total count, by name, of the the Uzzielite clans; these are the Kohathite fi rstborn from the age of one month and clans. 28 Their full number, counting the over came to 22,273. males of one month and over, came to 44 Then Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, 8,300. They were in charge of the Sanctu- 45 “Take the Levites instead of all the ary. 29 The Kohathite clans camped on the fi rstborn of Israel’s sons, and the cattle of south side of the Holy Tent. 30 The leader of the Levites instead of their cattle; the Lev- the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of ites shall be my own. 46 But you have to buy 31 25:10-40; Uzziel. They were in charge of the ark, the back the 273 of the fi rstborn of the sons 27:1-8 47 table, the lampstand, the altars, the sacred of Israel who outnumber the Levites. So Lev vessels used in the liturgy, and the screen. for each one you are to pay fi ve pieces of 5:15 32 The chief of the Levite leaders was silver, according to the offi cial standard, Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest. He was 48 and you shall give this money to Aaron the head of all those who were in charge of and his sons.” the Sanctuary. 49 Moses received the 1,365 pieces of 33 From Merari are descended the Mah- silver as ransom from those who were left lite and the Mushite clans; these are the when the rest had been redeemed by the Merarite clans. 34 Their full number, count- Levites. 50 From the fi rstborn of the Israel- ing the males of one month and over, ites he received one thousand three hun- came to 6,200. 35 The leader of the Mera- dred and sixty-fi ve pieces of silver accord- rite clans was Zuriel, son of Abihail. They ing to the Sanctuary standard. 51 And he camped on the north side of the Holy Tent. gave them to Aaron and his sons as Yah- 36 The sons of Merari were in charge of the weh had ordered. framework of the Holy Tent, with its cross- bars, posts and bases, all its fi ttings, 37 and The Levite families: the Kohathites 1 also the posts around the court, with their • Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron. 25 bases, pegs and ropes. 4 He said: 2 “Take a census of those Lev- 38 Finally, on the east side, facing the ites who are sons of Kohath, by sub-clans Holy Tent and the tent of meeting, toward and families 3 count all the men between the sunrise, was the camp of Moses and thirty and fi fty years of age, those able Aaron and his sons, who had charge of the to give military service who will be given Sanctuary for the people of Israel. Anyone tasks in the tent of meeting. else coming near was to be put to death. 4 These are the duties of the sons of 39 Altogether, the total count of Levites Kohath in the tent of meeting: they are of the age of one month and over, whom to have charge of the most holy things.

• 4.1 In Israel, every male born into the that they were a people destined for the service tribe of Levi was automatically a priest. Besides, of God. each family of that tribe was destined for some This Israelite clergy still had its place in the form of service. This is the lesson taught in the temple at the time of Christ. From the very begin- description of the census taking of the tribe of ning the Church was free of this type of priest- Levi. The Levites, consecrated to God’s ser- hood. For her there was no longer a “House vice for their whole lives (and that of their sons) of God” among the houses of the people (Jn were, by their very presence, reminding Israel 2:19; Rev 21:22): Jesus was the New Temple 233 NUMBERS 4 5 When it is time to move from the camp, and all the altar vessels. Over the whole Aaron and his sons are to come and take they must spread a covering of fi ne leath- down the veil of the screen. With it they er. Then they are to fi x the poles to it. 15 shall cover up the Ark of the Covenant. When Aaron and his sons have fi n- 2S 6:7; 6 On top of this they shall put a covering ished covering all the sacred objects and Lev 17:1 of fi ne leather, and spread over the whole all the equipment in preparation for mov- a cloth all of violet. Then they are to fi x the ing from camp, the sons of Kohath are poles to the ark. to come to carry the sacred things, but 7 Over the offertory table they are to without touching any of them; otherwise spread a violet cloth and put on it the they would die. This is the duty given to dishes, cups, bowls and jars for the wine the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting. offering; the bread offered to the Lord shall 16 Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, is to be perpetually on it. 8 Over these they shall watch over the oil for the light, the sweet- spread a cloth of scarlet and cover the smelling incense, the grain offerings and NUM whole with a covering of fi ne leather. Then the anointing oil; he must watch over the they are to fi x the poles to the table. whole Holy Tent and everything in it: the 9 They are then to take a cloth of vio- sacred objects and their equipment.” let and cover the light-bearing lampstand 17 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron. together with the lamps, tongs, trays and He said: 18 “Do not let the families of Koha- all the oil jars that belong to it. 10 They are th be cut off from the number of the Lev- to put it, with all its utensils, on a covering ites. 19 This is what you shall do for them, of fi ne leather and place it on the carrying lest they die when they approach the most frame. holy things: Aaron and his sons must go in 11 Over the golden altar they must and assign to each of them his task. 20 In spread a violet cloth, and cover that with this way they can go in and yet not look, a covering of fi ne leather. Then they are to even for a moment, on any of the holy fi x the poles to it. things; if they do, they will die.” 12 They are also to take all the other objects used in the service of the Sanc- The Gershonite families tuary. They must put them all on a violet 21 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said to him: cloth, cover them with a covering of fi ne 22 “Take a census also of the sons of Ger- leather and place them together on the shon, by families and sub-clans: 23 count carrying frame. the men between thirty and fi fty years of 13 When they have removed the ashes age, those able to give military service, who from the altar, they must spread a scar- will be given tasks in the tent of meeting. let cloth over it, 14 and place on this all the 24 These are the duties of the Gersho- objects used in the service at the altar: the nites: 25 They are to carry the curtains of fi re pans, hooks, shovels, sprinkling basins the Holy Tent, the tent of meeting with its

“for in Him dwells the fullness of God in bodily replacing meetings in private houses, had pre- form” (Col 2:9). From then on the Church no pared the ground for more demanding minis- longer needs a “clergy” assuring the service of tries: the new situation originated a return to the the temple, it no longer needs “Levites.” What perspectives of the Old Testament. From then the Church needs now are “ministers” who by on “priests” and “clergy” were needed to serve their different services assure the growth of the the “faithful,” those who “were only baptized.” entire Body (Eph 4:11-12). It was not until the twentieth century that But through the centuries the Church devel- baptism was reevaluated. Then it became oped; entire nations following their king or clearer that ministries were needed but not all prince joined the new religion and were bap- the ministries had to be entrusted to a celibate tized. The great majority of humans feel the clergy, recruited in their youth and formed in need of a religion, without having heard the seminaries, rather than being chosen within the call to faith. So a majority was Christian sim- Christian community for the gifts they proved ply because Christianity had dethroned ancient to have. beliefs. In Christendom centuries, the Church Put out of the camp… (5:2). Let us not for- became what the ancient Israel had been: a reli- get that all of this was written in fi gurative lan- gious people animated by an invisible network guage. The camp stood for the Holy Place, for of believers. Already the extension of Christian the temple. It was a way of saying which people communities, those who worship in churches were not allowed to enter the temple. NUMBERS 4 234 covering and the other covering of fi ne were given tasks in the tent of meeting, leather that goes over it, 26 the screen for whom Moses and Aaron counted at the the entrance to the tent of meeting, the Lord’s command. curtains for the court, the screen for the 42 A census was taken of the sons of entrance to the court that is around the Me ra ri, by sub-clans and families, 43 of Holy Tent and the altar, the ropes and all every man between thirty and fi fty years the necessary equipment. of age, able to give military service and 27 They are to be responsible for these to be given tasks in the tent of meeting. things. These are the duties of the sons of 44 The total was 3,200 men. 45 This was the Gershon. Their functions and their tasks number of the Merarites whom Moses and are to be carried out under the direction Aaron counted at the Lord’s command of Aaron and his sons: you must see that through Moses. they fulfi ll their duties. 28 Such shall be the 46 The total number of Levites, count- duties of the Gershonites in the tent of ed according to clans and families—47 all meeting. Their work will be supervised by the men between thirty and fi fty years of Ithamar, son of Aaron the priest. age, able to give military service and to be given tasks of carrying burdens in the tent The Merarite families of meeting 48 amounted to 8,580. 49 At Yah- 29 You are to count the sons of Merari, weh’s command given through Moses, the by sub-clans and families. 30 Count all the census was taken to assign to every man men between thirty and fi fty years of age, his duty and his task; they were numbered those able to give military service, who will as Yahweh had commanded Moses. be given tasks in the tent of meeting. 31 The burden they are to carry and the Various laws 1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: duties that are to fall to them in the tent of Lev 2 5 “Order the Israelites to put out of the 13:45; meeting shall be as follows: the framework Dt 23:11; of the Holy Tent, its crossbars, its posts camp all lepers, and all who suffer from a 1Cor 5:7; 32 2Cor and bases, the posts around the court contagious infection, or who have become 6:16; unclean by touching a corpse. 3 Man or Rev with their bases, pegs, ropes and all the fi t- 21:27 tings used in setting them up. You are to woman, you must put them out and forbid draw up a list of their names with the duty them to return to the camp. The Israelites that each man must fulfi ll. must not allow the camp where I dwell 33 These are the duties of the Merarite among them to become unclean in this clans. All their duties in the tent of meet- way.” ing will be supervised by Ithamar, son of 4 The Israelites did so: they put them out Aaron the priest.” of the camp. The Israelites did as Yahweh had commanded Moses. Census of the Levites 5 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, 34 6 Moses, Aaron and the leaders of the “Tell the people of Israel: Lev community took a census of the sons of If anyone commits a fault against anoth- 5:15 Kohath, by sub-clans and families, 35 of er person, and thus is unfaithful to Yahweh, every man between thirty and fi fty years 7 that person must confess the sin commit- of age, able to give military service and to ted and give back in full the amount which be given tasks in the tent of meeting, 36 the was taken plus 20 % more. Payment is to total of their clans was 2,750 men. 37 This be made to the person who was wronged. was the number of the Kohathites, of all 8 If, however, that person has died and those who were given tasks in the tent of there is no near relative to whom the ill- meeting whom Moses and Aaron count- gotten goods can be returned, this pay- ed at the Lord’s command given through ment owed to Yahweh shall be given to the Moses. priest, in addition to the ram of atonement 38 A census was taken of the sons of with which the priest makes atonement Gershon, 39 by sub-clans and families, of for the guilty person. 9 For of everything every man between thirty and fi fty years consecrated by Israelites and brought to of age able to give military service and to the priest he has a right to the share set 40 10 be given tasks in the tent of meeting. The aside. Whatever a person consecrates Lev total was 2,630 men. 41 This was the num- is his own; whatever is given to the priest 22:12 ber of the Gershonites, of all those who belongs to the priest.” 235 NUMBERS 6 11 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, 23 Then the priest shall write these curs- 12 “Say this to the people of Israel: es down and wash them off in the bowl of If anyone has a wife who goes astray bitter water. 24 He must make the woman and is unfaithful to him, 13 sleeping with drink this water of bitterness and of curs- some other man without the husband’s ing, and this water of cursing shall go into knowledge, and she disgraces herself in her and be bitter inside her. secret in this way, without any witness 25 The priest shall then take the offering against her, and without anyone catching for jealousy from the woman’s hands, and her in the act; 14 then, perhaps the spirit of hold it up before Yahweh with a gesture jealousy will come over the husband and of offering, and so carry it up to the altar. make him jealous for the wife who has 26 He shall take a handful of the fl our as a disgraced herself. But perhaps the spirit memorial, and burn it on the altar. of jealousy comes upon the husband, and He shall then make the woman drink 27 makes him jealous of his wife even though the water. After he has made her drink NUM 15 Lev she is innocent. In these cases the man it, if it is true that she has disgraced her- 5:11 must bring his wife before the priest, and self, deceiving her husband, then the water on her behalf make an offering of two of cursing that goes into her shall indeed pounds of barley fl our. He is not to pour oil be bitter: her belly will swell and her breast on it or put incense on it, because this is shrink, and she will be a curse among her an ‘offering for jealousy,’ a memorial offer- people. 28 But if she has not disgraced her- ing to record a fault. self and is clean, then she will go unharmed 16 The priest is then to bring the woman and will bear children. forward and stand her before Yahweh. 29 This is the law in cases of jealousy, 17 Then he shall take living water in an when a woman has gone astray and dis- earth en jar, and on the water throw dust graced herself while under her husband’s that he has taken from the fl oor of the Holy authority, 30 or when a spirit of jealousy has Tent. 18 After he has placed the woman come over a man and made him jealous before Yahweh, he shall loosen her hair for his wife. When a husband brings such and put in her hands the commemorative a woman before Yahweh, the priest must offering (that is, the offering for jealousy). apply this law to her in full. 31 The husband In his own hands the priest will hold the shall be guiltless, but the woman must bowl containing bitter water that brings a bear the punishment for her sin.” curse. 19 The Nazirites Jdg 13:5; He is then to make the woman agree 1S 1:11; 1 to an oath. He shall say to her: If it is not • Yahweh spoke to Moses, “Speak to Am 2:11; true that a man has slept with you, that 6 the people of Israel 2 and say to them: Lk 1:15 you have gone astray and disgraced your- When either a man or a woman makes a self while under your husband’s author- special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to dedi- ity, then may this water of bitterness and cate himself to Yahweh, 3 he shall abstain cursing do you no harm. 20 But if it is true from wine and strong drink. He shall not that you have gone astray, and have dis- drink vinegar made from wine or strong graced yourself by sharing your bed with a drink; nor shall he drink the juice of the man other than your husband, 21 may Yah- grape or eat fresh or dried grapes. 4 All weh make of you an example and a curse the time he lives as a Nazirite he shall eat among your people, making your breast nothing produced by the grapevine, from shrink and your stomach swell! 22 May this the pips to the skin. water of cursing enter your body to swell 5 All the days of his vow of separation no your stomach and to shrink your breast! razor shall touch his head. Until the time of The woman must answer: Amen! Amen! his dedication to Yahweh is over, he will

• 6.1 The Nazirites were men who conse- We do not know of any religious congrega- crated themselves to God for a while or for life. tions in Israel as we now have in the church. Samson was a Nazirite (Jdg 13:5) and John the Therefore the law concerning the Nazirites ena- Baptist may have also been one (see Lk 1:15). bled any believer to dedicate himself to God in There were also Nazirites among the fi rst Chris- a personal way. tians of Jewish descent (Acts 21:23). See also Paul’s vow (Acts 18:18). NUMBERS 6 236 be a consecrated person and he shall let them he must make the gesture of offer- his hair grow freely. 6 For all the time of his ing before Yahweh; as it is a holy thing, separation in honor of Yahweh he shall not it belongs by law to the priest, in addition go near a dead person, 7 not even for his to the breast that has been presented and father, mother, brother or sister, lest he be the leg of the ram that has been set aside. defi led, for he bears on his head the sign After this the Nazirite may once more drink of his consecration to God. 8 All the time wine. he lives as a Nazirite he is consecrated to 21 Such is the ritual for the Nazirite, if, Yahweh. besides the hair, he has also vowed a per- 9 If someone suddenly dies near him, his sonal offering to Yahweh, he must fulfi ll dedicated head is defi led. He then shall be the vow he has made, in addition to what purifi ed on the seventh day and shave his the ritual prescribes for his hair.” head on that day. 10 Then on the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves or two young The blessing pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the 22 11 • Then Yahweh spoke to Moses tent of meeting. The priest shall offer one 23 as a sin offering and the other as a burnt saying, “Speak to Aaron and his offering; so he shall make atonement for sons and say to them: This is how you his sin because of the dead person. 12 And shall bless the people of Israel; you that same day the Nazirite shall again con- shall say: secrate his head and bring a yearling lamb 24 May Yahweh bless you and keep Ps 121:7; as a guilt offering. The time of his conse- Jn 17:11 cration begins again from that day. The you! 25 former days are not valid for his separation May Yahweh let his face shine on has been defi led. you, and be gracious to you! 13 26 Acts This is the ritual regarding the Nazirite May Yahweh look kindly on you, Ps 122:6; 21:23 on the day when his period of consecra- and give you his peace! Jn 14:27 tion is completed. He is to be led to the 27 In that way shall they put my entrance of the tent of meeting, 14 and must make his offering to Yahweh: a one-year- name on the people of Israel and I will old male lamb without any defect for burnt bless them.” offering, a one-year-old lamb without any defect for sacrifi ce for sin; a ram without Offering of wagons 1 any defect for peace offering; 15 and a bas- On the day Moses fi nished setting up 40:17- ket of unleavened loaves made of fi ne fl our 7 the Holy Tent, he anointed and conse- 33 mixed with oil, and of unleavened wafers crated it with all its furniture, as well as the spread with oil, with the required offerings altar and all its equipment. When he had of grain and wine. 16 When he has brought anointed and consecrated it all, 2 the lead- all this before Yahweh, the priest must offer ers of Israel made an offering; these were the sacrifi ce for sin and the burnt offering the heads of the clans, who were leaders of for the Nazirite. 17 Then he shall offer the tribes and had supervised the census. peace offering with the ram and the unleav- 3 They brought their offering before Yah- ened bread in the basket, and fi nally the weh: six covered wagons and twelve oxen, priest shall offer the accompanying offer- one wagon for every two leaders and one ings of grain and wine. 18 Then the Nazirite ox each. They brought them before the shall shave off his consecrated hair at the Holy Tent. 4 Yahweh then spoke to Moses entrance to the tent of meeting, and put it and said, 5 “Accept these from them, and in the fi re of peace offering. 19 The priest is let them be set apart for the service of the to take the shoulder of the ram, as soon as tent of meeting. You are to give them to it is cooked, with an unleavened cake from the Levites, to each as his duties require.” the basket, and an unleavened wafer. He 6 Moses took the wagons and the oxen, is to put them into the hands of the Nazir- and gave them to the Levites. 7 To the sons 20 Lev 7:34 ite who has just shaved off his hair. With of Gershon he gave two wagons and four

• 22. Blessing of Moses which St. Francis of Assisi always used. 237 NUMBERS 7 oxen for the duties they had to perform. the sacrifi ce for sin, 29 and for the peace 8 To the sons of Merari he gave four wag- offering: two oxen, fi ve rams, fi ve goats, ons and eight oxen, for the duties they had and fi ve male one-year-old lambs. This to perform under the direction of Ithamar, was the offering of Eliab son of Helon. son of Aaron the priest. 9 But to the sons of 30 On the fourth day an offering was Kohath he gave none at all, because the brought by Elizur son of Shedeur, leader of sacred duty given to them had to be car- the sons of Reuben. 31 His offering was: one ried on their shoulders. silver bowl weighing 50 ounces, one silver 10 Ezk The leaders then made an offering sprinkling bowl weighing 30 ounces by the 43:18 for the dedication of the altar, on the day offi cial standard, both of them fi lled for the it was anointed. They brought their offer- grain offering with fi ne fl our mixed with oil, ing before the altar, 11 and Yahweh said 32 one golden bowl weighing four ounces, to Moses, “Let the leaders each bring an fi lled with incense, 33 one young bull, one offering each day for a period of twelve ram, and one male one-year-old lamb for NUM days for the dedication of the altar.” the burnt offering, 34 one goat for the sac- 12 On the fi rst day an offering was rifi ce for sin, 35 and, for the peace offering: brought by Nahshon son of Amminadab, of two oxen, fi ve rams, fi ve goats, and fi ve the tribe of Judah. 13 His offering was: one male one-year-old lambs. This was the silver bowl weighing 50 ounces, one silver offering of Elizur son of Shedeur. sprinkling bowl weighing 30 ounces by the 36 On the fi fth day an offering was brought offi cial standard, both of them fi lled for the by Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, leader of grain offering with fi ne fl our mixed with oil, the sons of Simeon. 37 His offering was: one 14 one golden bowl weighing four ounces, silver bowl weighing 50 ounces, one silver fi lled with incense, 15 one young bull, one sprinkling bowl weighing 30 ounces by the ram and one male one-year-old lamb for offi cial standard, both of them fi lled for the the burnt offering; 16 one goat for the sac- grain offering with fi ne fl our mixed with oil, rifi ce for sin; 17 and, for the peace offering: 38 one golden bowl weighing four ounces, two oxen, fi ve rams, fi ve goats, and fi ve fi lled with incense, 39 one young bull, one male one-year-old lambs. This was the ram and one male one-year-old lamb for offering of Nahshon son of Amminadab. the burnt offering, 40 one goat for the sac- 18 On the second day an offering was rifi ce for sin; 41 and, for the peace offering: brought by Nethanel son of Zuar, leader of two oxen, fi ve rams, fi ve goats, and fi ve Issachar. 19 His offering was: one silver bowl male one-year-old lambs. This was the weighing 50 ounces, one silver sprinkling offering of Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai. bowl weighing 30 ounces by the offi cial 42 On the sixth day an offering was standard, both of them fi lled for the grain brought by Eliasaph son of Reuel, leader offering with fi ne fl our mixed with oil, 20 one of the sons of Gad. 43 His offering was: one golden bowl weighing four ounces, fi lled silver bowl weighing 50 ounces, one silver with incense, 21 one young bull, one ram sprinkling bowl weighing 30 ounces by the and one male one-year-old lamb for the offi cial standard, both of them fi lled for the burnt offering, 22 one goat for the sacrifi ce grain offering with fi ne fl our mixed with oil, for sin, 23 and, for the peace offering: two 44 one golden bowl weighing four ounces, oxen, fi ve rams, fi ve goats, and fi ve male fi lled with incense, 45 one young bull, one one-year-old lambs. This was the offering ram and one male one-year-old lamb for of Nethanel son of Zuar. the burnt offering, 46 one goat for sacrifi ce 24 On the third day an offering was for sin, 47 and, for the peace offering: two brought by Eliab son of Helon, leader of oxen, fi ve rams, fi ve goats, and fi ve male the sons of Zebulun. 25 His offering was: one-year-old lambs. This was the offering one silver bowl weighing 50 ounces, one of Eliasaph son of Reuel. silver sprinkling bowl weighing 30 ounces 48 On the seventh day an offering was by the offi cial standard, both of them fi lled brought by Elishama son of Ammihud, for the grain offering with fi ne fl our mixed leader of the sons of Ephraim. 49 His offer- with oil, 26 one golden bowl weighing 50 ing was: one silver bowl weighing 50 ounc- ounces, fi lled with incense, 27 one young es, one silver sprinkling bowl weighing 30 bull, one ram and one male one-year-old ounces by the offi cial standard, both of lamb for the burnt offering; 28 one goat for them fi lled for the grain offering with fi ne NUMBERS 7 238 fl our mixed with oil, 50 one golden bowl 72 On the eleventh day an offering was weighing four ounces fi lled with incense, brought by Pagiel son of Ochran, leader of 51 one young bull, one ram and one male the sons of Asher. 73 His offering was: one one-year-old lamb for the burnt offering; silver bowl weighing 50 ounces, one silver 52 one goat for the sacrifi ce for sin, 53 and, sprinkling bowl weighing 30 ounces by the for the peace offering, two oxen, fi ve rams, offi cial standard, both of them fi lled for the fi ve goats, and fi ve male one-year-old grain offering with fi ne fl our mixed with oil, lambs. This was the offering of Elishama, 74 one golden bowl weighing four ounces, son of Ammihud. fi lled with incense, 75 one young bull, one 54 On the eighth day an offering was ram and one male one-year-old lamb for brought by Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, the burnt offering; 76 one goat for the sac- leader of the sons of Manasseh. 55 His offer- rifi ce for sin; 77 and, for the peace offering: ing was: one silver bowl weighing 50 ounc- two oxen, fi ve rams, fi ve goats, and fi ve es, one silver sprinkling bowl weighing 30 male one-year-old lambs. This was the ounces by the offi cial standard, both of offering of Pagiel son of Ochran. them fi lled for the grain offering with fi ne 78 On the twelfth day an offering was fl our mixed with oil, 56 one golden bowl brought by Ahira son of Enan, leader of weighing four ounces, fi lled with incense, the sons of Naphtali. 79 His offering was: 57 one young bull, one ram and one male one silver bowl weighing 50 ounces, one one-year-old lamb for the burnt offering: silver sprinkling bowl weighing 30 ounces 58 one goat for the sacrifi ce for sin; 59 and, by the offi cial standard, both of them fi lled for the peace offering: two oxen, fi ve rams, for the grain offering with fi ne fl our mixed fi ve goats, and fi ve male one-year-old with oil, 80 one golden bowl weighing four lambs. This was the offering of Gamaliel ounces, fi lled with incense, 81 one young son of Pedahzur. bull, one ram and one male one-year-old 60 On the ninth day an offering was lamb for the burnt offering; 82 one goat for brought by Abidan son of Gideoni, leader the sacrifi ce for sin, 83 and, for the peace of the sons of Benjamin. 61 His offering was: offering: two oxen, fi ve rams, fi ve goats, one silver bowl weighing 50 ounces, one and fi ve male one-year-old lambs. This sprinkling bowl weighing 30 ounces by the was the offering of Ahira son of Enan. offi cial standard, both of them fi lled for the 84 These were the offerings made by the grain offering with fi ne fl our mixed with oil, leaders of Israel for the dedication of the 62 one golden bowl weighing four ounces, altar on the day it was anointed: twelve sil- fi lled with incense, 63 one young bull, one ver bowls, twelve silver sprinkling bowls, ram and one male one-year-old lamb for and twelve golden bowls. 85 Each silver the burnt offering; 64 one goat for the sac- bowl weighed 50 ounces, and each sprin- rifi ce for sin, 65 and, for the peace offering: kling bowl 30 ounces, the silver of these two oxen, fi ve rams, fi ve goats, and fi ve objects weighing in all 60 pounds. 86 The male one-year-old lambs. This was the twelve golden bowls fi lled with incense offering of Abidan son of Gideoni. weighed four ounces each, the gold of 66 On the tenth day an offering was these bowls weighing in all 48 ounces. brought by Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, 87 The sum total of animals for the burnt leader of the sons of Dan. 67 His offering offering: twelve bulls, twelve rams, twelve was: one silver bowl weighing 50 ounc- male one-year-old lambs, together with es, one silver sprinkling bowl weighing their accompanying grain offering. For the 30 ounces by the offi cial standard, both sacrifi ce for sin, twelve goats. 88 The sum of them fi lled, for the grain offering, with total of animals for the peace offering: fi ne fl our mixed with oil, 68 one golden bowl twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty goats, weighing four ounces, fi lled with incense, and sixty male one-year-old lambs. 69 one young bull, one ram, and one male These were the offerings for the dedica- one-year-old lamb for the burnt offering, tion of the altar, after it had been anointed. 70 one goat for the sacrifi ce for sin, 71 and, 89 When Moses went into the tent of for the peace offering: two oxen, fi ve rams, meeting to speak with Him, he heard the fi ve goats, and fi ve male one-year-old voice speaking to him from above the lambs. This was the offering of Ahiezer son mercy seat which was on the Ark of the of Ammishaddai. Covenant, from between the two cherubim. 239 NUMBERS 9 1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: now I give them to Aaron and his sons 2 25:31- 8 “Say this to Aaron: Set up the lamps, from among the sons of Israel and they will 39 so that the seven lamps throw their light minister in the tent of meeting on behalf toward the front of the lampstand.” of the sons of Israel, and perform the rite 3 Aaron set up the lamps to the front of of atonement over them, so that none of the lampstand, as the Lord had command- the sons of Israel may be struck down for ed Moses. 4 This lampstand was made of approaching the Sanctuary.” hammered gold; from its stem to its petals, 20 Moses, Aaron and the whole commu- it was of hammered gold. This lampstand nity of the sons of Israel dealt with the Lev- had been made according to the pattern ites exactly as Yahweh had ordered Moses; Yahweh had shown to Moses. this is what the sons of Israel did with them. 21 The Levites purifi ed themselves The Levites are offered to Yahweh and washed their clothes, and Aaron pre- 5 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: sented them and waved them before Yah- NUM 6 weh. Then he performed the rite of atone- “Separate the Levites from the other Isra- 22 7 ment over them. The Levites were then Lev elites and purify them. You shall sprinkle 14:8; allowed to perform their ministry in the tent Ezk them with the water of purifi cation, and 36:25 they shall shave their bodies all over and of meeting in the presence of Aaron and wash their clothing. They will then be his sons. As Yahweh had ordered Moses clean. 8 They shall next take a young bull, concerning the Levites, so it was done to with the accompanying grain offering of them. 23 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: fi ne fl our mixed with oil, and you shall take 24 a second young bull for a sacrifi ce for sin. “This concerns the Levites. The Lev- 9 Then bring the Levites before the tent of ite shall exercise his ministry and do his duties in the tent of meeting from the age meeting, and call together the whole com- 25 munity of Israel. 10 When you have brought of twenty-four onward. After the age of fi fty, he is no longer bound to the minis- the Levites before Yahweh, the sons of 26 Israel must lay their hands on them. try; he shall have no further duties; but 11 Aaron shall then offer the Levites, and he can still help his brothers to perform the make the gesture of offering waving them services in the tent of meeting, though he before Yahweh on behalf of the Israelites. himself will no longer have any ministry. From that time, they will be dedicated to See that this is the rule for the ministry of the service of Yahweh. the Levites.” 12 The Levites must then lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, one of which you Date of the Passover 1 are to offer as a sacrifi ce for sin, and the Yahweh spoke to Moses in the wilder- 12:1 other as a burnt offering to Yahweh; this is 9 ness of Sinai, in the second year after the rite of atonement for the Levites. 13 Hav- the exodus from Egypt, in the fi rst month. ing brought the Levites before Aaron and He said: his sons, you will present them to Yahweh 2 “Let the sons of Israel keep the Pass- 3 and wave them before him. 14 So you shall over at its appointed time. The fourteenth Lev 23:5 set the Levites apart from the rest of the day of this month, between the two eve- sons of Israel, so that they may be mine. nings, is the appointed time for you to 15 The Levites may begin their ministry in keep it. Then you must celebrate the Pass- the tent of meeting when you have puri- over according to all the laws and customs fi ed them and offered them with the ges- proper to it.” 16 4 3:13; ture of offering. They are given me from So Moses gave orders for the sons of 13:2 among all the sons of Israel. They are to Israel to celebrate the Passover. 5 They replace all the fi rstborn of all the sons of celebrated it in the wilderness of Sinai, in Israel. I have taken them for my own. 17 For the fi rst month, on the fourteenth day of all the fi rstborn among the sons of Israel, the month, between the two evenings. The man and beast, belong to me: the day I people of Israel did exactly as Yahweh had struck all the fi rstborn in the land of Egypt, ordered Moses. I consecrated them to myself, 18 and now, 6 It happened that some men had be - in place of all the fi rstborn among the sons come unclean by touching a dead body of Israel, I have taken the Levites. 19 But and they could not celebrate the Passover NUMBERS 9 240 that day. They came the same day to Mo - one day, they camped at Yahweh’s com- ses and Aaron, 7 and said to them, “We mand and moved on at Yahweh’s com- have become unclean by touching a dead mand. 21 If the cloud happened to remain body. Why should we be forbidden to cele- only from evening to morning, they moved brate the sacrifi ce to Yahweh at the proper on when it lifted the next morning. Or, if time with the rest of the Israelites?” 8 Moses it stayed for a whole day and night, they answered them, “Wait there till I hear what moved on only when it lifted. 22 Sometimes Yahweh tells me about you.” it stayed there for two days, a month, or a 9 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, year; however long the cloud stayed above 10 “Say this to the Israelites: If anyone, the Holy Tent, the Israelites remained in among you or your descendants, becomes camp in the same place, and when it lifted unclean by touching a dead body or is far they moved on. 23 At Yahweh’s command away on a journey, he can still celebrate they camped, and at Yahweh’s command the Passover for Yahweh. 11 He shall do it they moved on. They obeyed Yahweh’s one month later instead, on the fourteenth command given through Moses. day, between the two evenings. Then you shall celebrate it with unleavened bread 1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: 12 2 Jn 19:36 and bitter herbs; nothing of the victim 10 “Make two trumpets of hammered Jl 2:1; must be left over until morning, nor must silver that you shall use for calling the peo- 2:15 they break any of its bones: You shall keep ple together, and for sounding the order to all the regulations of the Passover. 13 But move on. 3 Whenever both trumpets are anyone who is clean and not away on a sounded, the whole community is to gath- journey, and who fails to celebrate the er around you, at the entrance to the tent Passover, shall be cut off from his people of meeting. 4 But if only one trumpet is because he did not bring the offering to sounded, then only the leaders, the chiefs Yahweh at its appointed time. So he must of clans are to gather around you. suffer the punishment for his sin. 5 When the trumpet sounds shrilly, the 14 If a stranger is living among you and camps to the east shall move on. 6 At the wants to celebrate the Passover for Yah- second shrill blast, the camps pitched to weh, he must celebrate it in accordance the south shall move on. The trumpet blast with the laws and customs of the Passover. shall be shrill when they are to leave; 7 but There is to be only one law among you, for to gather the people, the trumpet shall be settler and native alike.” sounded plainly. 8 The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets; this is By means of the cloud, a law for you and your descendants for all God leads his people time to come. 9 15 When you are in your own land and are to Hos 5:8; 13:22; On the day the Holy Tent, that is the 1Thes 40:34 go to war against an enemy who oppresses tent of meeting, was set up, the cloud 4:16; you, you shall sound the trumpet shrilly so 1Cor covered it. At nightfall the cloud took the 15:52; Yahweh your God will remember you, and Rev 8:6 appearance of fi re over the Holy Tent and you will be delivered from your enemies. remained so until the morning. 16 The cloud 10 On joyful occasions, on your festival Sir covered it continually in daytime and at 50:16 and new-moon feast, you will sound the night it looked like fi re. trumpet at the time of your burnt offering 17 Whenever the cloud lifted above the and your communion sacrifi ces, and they Tent, the Israelites took down their tents will call you to the remembrance of your and continued their journey; whenever the God. I am Yahweh your God.” cloud stopped, there the Israelites camped. 18 The Israelites left at the command of Yah- Israel’s armies in ordered array weh, and at his command they camped. The people remained in camp as long 11 On the twentieth day of the second as the cloud rested on the Holy Tent. 19 As month in the second year after the people long as the cloud stayed above the Holy left Egypt, the cloud lifted over the Holy Tent the Israelites obeyed Yahweh and did Tent of the Covenant 12 and the Israelites not move on. moved on, in marching order, from the 20 Whether the cloud happened to stay desert of Sinai. The cloud came to rest in for many days above the Holy Tent or only the desert of Paran. 241 NUMBERS 11 13 This was the fi rst stage of the Israel- 21 Then came the sons of Kohath, who ites’ journey at the command of Yahweh carried the Sanctuary (the Holy Tent was given through Moses: 14 in the front was the set up before their arrival.) banner of the camp of the tribe of Judah, 22 Then came the banner of the camp in battle formation. In command of Judah’s of the sons of Ephraim, in battle forma- force was Nahshon son of Amminadab; 15 in tion. In command of Ephraim’s force was command of the tribe of Issachar, in battle Elishama son of Ammihud; 23 in command formation, was Nethanel son of Zuar; 16 in of the tribe of Manasseh, in battle forma- command of the tribe of Zebulun, in battle tion, was Gamaliel son of Pedahzur; 24 in formation, was Eliab son of Helon. command of the tribe of Benjamin was 17 Then, the Holy Tent was taken down Abidan son of Gideoni. and the sons of Gershon and the sons of 25 Last of all, serving as rearguard of all Merari started out, carrying the Holy Tent. the camps, came the sons of Dan, in battle 18 Then came the banner of the camp formation. In command of the force of Dan NUM of the tribe of Reuben, in battle formation. was Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai; 26 in com- In command of Reuben’s force was Elizur mand of the tribe of the sons of Asher, in son of Shedeur; 19 in command of the tribe battle formation, was Pagiel son of Ochran; of Simeon, in battle formation, was She- 27 in command of the sons of Naphtali, in lumiel son of Zurishaddai; 20 in command battle formation, was Ahira son of Enan. of the tribe of Gad, in battle formation, was 28 Such was the order of march for the Isra- Eliasaph, son of Reuel. elites, in battle formation. So they set out.

MEMORIES OF THE DESERT (1st Part)

29 2:15 • Moses said to Hobab, son of Moses’ “Arise, Yahweh, and let your enemies father-in-law, Reuel the Midianite, “We are be scattered and let those who hate setting out for the land which Yahweh has 36 promised to give us. Come with us, and we you fl ee before you.” And when it will treat you well, for Yahweh has prom- came to rest, he would say, “Come ised happiness to Israel.” He answered, back, Yahweh, to the multitude—the 30 “I will not come with you. I would rather armies of Israel.” go to my own land and my own family.” Moses replied, 31 “Do not leave us, for you • 1 Now the people were seek- know where we can camp in the desert, 11 ing a quarrel with Yahweh. Yah- and so you will be our eyes. 32 If you come with us, you will share in the blessing with weh heard and his anger was aroused. which Yahweh blesses us.” A fi re from Yahweh fl ared out against them and burned the outer part of the 33 They moved on from the Mountain camp. 2 Then the people cried out to of Yahweh, a three days’ journey, and Moses and he interceded for them to for three days the Ark of the Covenant Yahweh and the fi re died out. 3 They 34 40:34 of Yahweh went before them, seek- called the place Taberah, because the ing out a resting place for them. fi re of Yahweh was infl amed against Yahweh’s cloud was over them by them. 35 4 Ps 68:2 day when they left the camp. When- Now the rabble that was among 16 ever the Ark left, Moses would say, them had greedy desires and even

• 10.29 This is the beginning of a series • 11.1 In this chapter two traditions are of ancient traditions which form the best of merged: Chapters 11–14. In this section we use the – one referring to the quails and the manna, normal print for these ancient stories and similar to Exodus 16; italics for the parts coming from the priest- – the other, about the gift of the “spirit of Yah- editors of the Book of Numbers. weh” to the elders, that is, to the leaders of Israel. NUMBERS 11 242 the Israelites wept and said, “Who will and men of authority over them and give us meat to eat? 5 We remember bring them to the tent of meeting and the fi sh we ate without cost in Egypt, let them take their stand there with the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, you. 17 I shall come down to speak the onions and garlic. 6 Now our appe- with you and I shall take some of the tite is gone; there’s nothing to look at, spirit that is in you and put it in them. nothing but manna.” From now on they will share with you 7 Now the manna was like coriander the burden of the people so that no seed and had the appearance of bedel- longer will you bear it alone. lium. 8 The people went about gathering it 18 You shall say to the people of up and then ground it between millstones Is rael: Consecrate yourselves for to- or pounded it in a mortar. They boiled it in morrow and you shall eat meat, for a pot and made cakes with it which tasted you have wept in the hearing of Yah- like cakes made with oil. 9 As soon as dew fell at night in the camp, the manna came weh, saying: Who will give us meat to with it. eat? For it was well with us in Egypt! Yahweh will give you meat and 19 you 10 Moses heard the people crying, shall eat, not only one day, or two, family by family at the entrance to or fi ve or ten or twenty days 20 but their tent and Yahweh became very a whole month until it comes out of angry. your nostrils and becomes loathsome 11 32:11 This displeased Moses. Then Mo - to you. For you have rejected Yahweh ses said to Yahweh, “Why have you who is in your midst and have wept treated your servant so badly? Is it be fore him saying: Why did we ever because you do not love me that you leave Egypt?” burdened me with this people? 12 Did 21 And Moses said, “The people I I conceive all these people and did I am with are six hundred thousand on give them birth? And now you want foot and yet you say, ‘I will give them me to carry them in my bosom as a meat and they shall eat it for a whole 22 nurse carries an infant, to the land month!’ Will sheep and cattle be Jn 6:7; you promised on oath to their fathers? slaughtered in suffi cient number for 6:9 13 Where would I get meat for all these them? All the fi sh of the sea would not people, when they cry to me saying: be enough for them.” 14 23 ‘Give us meat that we may eat?’ I And Yahweh said to Moses, “Is Is 50:2; Jer cannot, myself alone, carry all these Yahweh’s arm shortened? Now you 32:17; Ezk people; the burden is too heavy for shall see whether or not my word is 12:25 me. 15 Kill me rather than treat me like true.” this, I beg of you, if you look kindly on me, and let me not see your anger.” The spirit given to the elders 16 24 18:21 Yahweh said to Moses, “Assem- • Moses then went out and told ble seventy men from the elders of the people what Yahweh had said. He Israel whom you recognize as elders assembled seventy men from among

• 24. The fi rst awareness that the Israelites acted, the Israelites came to understand that had of the Spirit of God came to them through God communicated his spirit like a violent and the prophets’ deeds. The prophets were those sudden wind (in Hebrew the same word ruah persons who knew something of God’s secrets, means spirit and wind). and with whom God had shared some of his wis- In order to better understand this story, it dom, and who on certain occasions possessed would help to compare it with 1 Samuel 10:1- an irresistible power. By the way the prophets 13 and 19:18-24. 243 NUMBERS 12 the elders and placed them round were about three feet deep on the 25 1S 10:9; about the Tent. Yahweh came down ground. 19:20; 2K 2:9 in the cloud and spoke to him. He 32 The people spent that day, the whole took some of the spirit that was upon night and all the next day gathering the him and put it on the seventy elders. quail. He who gathered the least had ten Now when the spirit rested upon them, homers; and they spread them out for they prophesied. But this they did not themselves around the camp. 33 The meat was still between their teeth when already do again. the anger of Yahweh was kindled against 26 Two men had remained in the the people and he struck them with a very camp; the name of one was Eldad, severe plague. 34 That place was named Kibroth-hat- Dt 9: the name of the other Medad. How- 22 ever, the spirit came on them for they taavah because there they buried these NUM greedy people. 35 From Kibroth-hattaavah were among those who were regis- the people moved on towards Hazeroth tered though they had not gone out where they remained. to the Tent. As they prophesied inside the camp, 27 a young man ran and told Miriam and Aaron challenge Moses 1 Moses, “Eldad and Medad are proph- • Miriam and Aaron spoke 20:1; 28 15:20 Mk 9:38 esying in the camp.” Joshua, the 12 against Moses because of the 2 son of Nun, who ministered to Moses Cushite woman he had married and 4:15 from his youth said, “My lord Moses, they said, “Has Yahweh only spoken stop them!” through Moses? Has he not also spo- 29 Jl 3:1; But Moses said to him, “Are you ken through us?” And Yahweh heard. Acts 2 jealous on my behalf? Would that all 3 Now Moses was a very humble Yahweh’s people were prophets and man, more humble than any man on that Yahweh would send his spirit the face of the earth. 4 Yet suddenly upon them!” 30 Then Moses and all the Yahweh said to Moses, Aaron and elders of the people returned to the Miriam, “Come out, all three of you, camp. to the tent of meeting.” The three of 31 16:12- A wind arose, sent by Yahweh, them came out. 13 that drove in quails from the sea and 5 Yahweh came down in the pillar of let them down beside the camp cov- cloud and, standing at the door of the ering the distance of a day’s walk on Tent, called Aaron and Miriam. They one side and almost a day’s walk on both went out and 6 he said, “Listen the other side around the camp; they carefully to what I say,

This story teaches us that the Spirit acts in be the case with Cornelius (Acts 10) and Paul various ways (see 1 Cor 12 and 14). It is one (Acts 9). thing to say and do strange things, to speak in Would that all Yahweh’s people were proph - tongues, etc; quite another and more important ets (v. 29; see Jl 3:1 and Acts 2:17). to have received the responsibility to guide and teach God’s people. It is the spirit of Moses, • 12.1 In the Gospel, Jesus would declare God’s representative (who did not speak in that no prophet is accepted by his own family tongues nor prophesy in ecstasies) who will (see Mk 6:4). Miriam and Aaron, the “relatives” produce in the seventy elders strange prophetic of Moses, criticized what he was doing and may manifestations. have been right. However, it was an attempt The episode of Eldad and Medad also shows to make themselves equal to Moses and God that God does not always give his Spirit through intervened to defend his prophet. God’s answer offi cial channels. Eldad and Medad were on the clarifi es two things: list, but not near Moses. Thus the authorities of – Moses has a special place in revelation: the people of God should not be surprised when he is to establish the foundations of faith in a the Spirit is given where they are not: such will Liberating, Just, Holy and Merciful God and NUMBERS 12 244 If there is a prophet among you, Moses sends scouts to explore the I reveal myself to him in a vision Promised Land 1 Yahweh then spoke to Moses, say- Dt 1:20- and I speak to him in a dream. 2 29 7 13 ing, “Send men to explore the land Dt 34:10; It is not so for my servant, Moses, Heb of Canaan that I am giving to the Israelites; 3:2-5 my trusted steward in all my house- send one man from each of the ancestral hold. tribes, all of them leaders.” 8 3 1Cor To him I speak face to face, So Moses sent these men from the wil- 13:12 openly, and not in riddles, derness of Paran as Yahweh commanded. 4 and he sees the presence of Yahweh. All were leaders among the Israelites and these were their names: from the tribe of Why then did you not fear to speak Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; against my servant, against Moses?” 5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son 9 Yahweh became angry with them of Hori; 6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the and he departed. son of Jephunneh; 7 from the tribe of Issa- 8 10 char, Igal; from the sons of Joseph and Dt 24:9 The cloud moved away from from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son above the Tent and Miriam was there of Nun; 9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti white as snow with leprosy. Aaron the son of Raphu; 10 from the tribe of Zebu- turned towards Miriam and he saw lun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi; 11 from the sons that she was leprous. 11 And he said of Joseph and from the tribe of Manasseh, to Moses, “My lord, I beg you, do not Gaddi the son of Susi; 12 from the tribe of 13 charge us with this sin that we have Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; from the 12 tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael; foolishly committed. Let her not be 14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son like the stillborn whose fl esh is half- of Vophsi; 15 from the tribe of Gad, Geuel eaten when it comes from its moth- the son of Mahci. er’s womb.” 13 • 16 32:11 Then Moses cried to Yahweh, These are the names of the men 14 Lev “Heal her, O God, I beg of you.” But sent by Moses to explore the country. 13:4 Yahweh said to Moses, “If her father But Hoshea, the son of Nun, Moses spat in her face, would she not hide in called Joshua. shame for seven days? Let her then be 17 So Moses sent them to explore confi ned outside the camp for seven the land of Canaan and said to them, days; only then shall she be admitted “Go up by the south and then into the again.” hill country 18 and see what the land 15 And so Miriam was confi ned for is like, whether the people there are seven days outside the camp and the strong or weak, many or few. 19 See people did not move on until she had also whether the land they live in is been readmitted. good or barren. See what their cit- 16 After that the people set out from ies are like, if they are open camps Hazeroth and camped in the wilderness of or fortresses. 20 See if the soil is fertile Paran. or poor, if the land is wooded or not.

no prophet will be able to change that. What Moses was a very humble man (v. 3), a clear is more, prophets who actually are Moses’ suc- sign that he had encountered God. cessors will have to be accepted by the religious leaders of God’s people. • 13.16 In those days, the land promised – To him I speak face to face (v. 8). Visions to the Hebrews was called Canaan. Later, it and dreams can be one of God’s ways of reveal- would be called Israel since the Israelites became ing himself to prophets, though these ways are its owners. Its name would also be Palestine. of an inferior nature, since all kind of spirits may In their dreams they looked upon this land as be involved and may even be illusions from the a paradise. They cut down a branch with a devil. cluster of grapes. Two of them carried this by 245 NUMBERS 14 Be courageous and take some of the lekites live in the region of the Negeb; fruit of the land.” It was the season for Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live early grapes. in the hill country; the Canaanites are 21 They went up and surveyed the by the sea and along the banks of the land from the wilderness of Zin to Jordan.” Rehob near the entrance of Hama- 30 Caleb then quieted the people th. 22 They went up by the south and who rose up against Moses and said, reached Hebron, an old city which “We should go up and take over the had been built seven years before land, for we shall surely overcome it.” Zoan in Egypt; the Anakites, Ahiman, 31 But the men who had gone up with Sheshai and Talmai were living there. him said, “We cannot advance against

23 And they came to the valley of these people for they are stronger NUM Eshcol where they cut down a branch than we are.” with a cluster of grapes. Two of them 32 And they spread an unfavorable carried this by means of a pole. They report about the land that they had also brought pomegranates and fi gs. explored, saying to the Israelites,“The 24 Because of the cluster that the Isra- land we went through to explore is a elites had cut, they called that place land that devours its inhabitants and the Valley of Eshcol. all the people we saw there are men 25 33 After forty days of exploration, of great size. We even saw giants Gen 6:4 they returned. 26 They went and met (these giants were the Anakites). We Moses, Aaron and the whole com- felt like grasshoppers before them, munity of Israelites in the wilderness and to them we must have seemed of Paran at Kadesh. They gave an the same.” account to them and the whole com- munity and showed them the fruit of Rebellion at Kadesh 27 1 3:8 this land. And they said, • Then all the community Dt 1:26- “We entered the land where you 14 broke out in loud cries and 32 2 sent us, truly a land fl owing with milk wept during the night. All the people 14:11; and honey and here is the fruit. 28 But grumbled against Aaron and Moses; 16:3 how strong are the people who inhab- and the whole congregation said to it the land! The cities are fortifi ed with them, “Would that we had died in walls and bars, and we even saw there Egypt or died in the wilderness. 3 Why descendants of the Anakites. 29 Ama- is Yahweh bringing us to this country

means of a pole (v. 23). This fabulous detail Fear is a bad adviser; it turns cowards into vio- shows a beautiful land “of milk and honey.” This lent people. image is used by today’s Israelites as the symbol Mediocre people kill the prophets either to of their country. preserve their peace, or to return “to the slavery Here, Scripture describes one of the great of Egypt.” sins of Israel, as in Exodus 32. It would not have Yet, God comes to the rescue of the person been diffi cult for Israel to believe in Yahweh if who confronts the crowds for the sake of God. he had not required that they conquer the land, How long will this people spurn me? (v. 11). a challenge which frightened them. In the same The fear of acting is an insult to God. These way today, many Christians fi lled with spiritual words are also addressed to all those who today, fervor get scared when the church asks them faced with the wounds of our society, say: noth- to commit themselves to the task of justice and ing can be done. reconciliation in every area of the world. Pardon then, I pray you, the sin of this peo- ple (v. 19). Once again Moses appears in his • 14.1 We can recall experiences very simi- role as intercessor. Moses has learned from God lar to this rebellion. himself that God is rich in kindness and mercy. NUMBERS 14 246 where we shall fall under the sword, your people, and that they have seen and our women and little children you face to face. They know that your become part of the plunder? Would cloud stands with your people and it not be better for us to return to that you go before them in a pillar of Egypt?” 4 And they said to one anoth- cloud by day and a pillar of fi re by er, “Let us choose a leader and return night. 15 And now you would destroy to Egypt.” this people at one stroke! 5 Moses and Aaron fell on their faces Then the nations that have heard 16 before all the assembly of the Israelite of you will say: Yahweh was not 1Cor community. 6 Joshua, son of Nun, and able to bring this people to the land 10:5 Caleb, son of Jephunneh from those he had promised them in oath, so he who had explored the country, tore slaughtered them in the desert. 17 Now their clothes 7 and then spoke to the let your power be seen, my Lord. For, 18 whole community of Israel, saying, according to your words, you are 20:6; 34:6-7; “The land we went through to explore slow to anger and rich in steadfast Dt 5:9; is, indeed, a very good land. 8 If Yah- love: you forgive sin and rebellion, Jon 4:2 weh is pleased with us, he will lead us yet you do not declare innocent those to this land and give it to us, a land who are guilty, but you punish chil- fl owing with milk and honey. 9 Only do dren to the third and fourth generation not rebel against Yahweh, and don’t for the wickedness of their fathers. be afraid of the people of the land for 19 Pardon then, I pray you, the sin of they will be bread for us: their protec- this people according to the great- tion is withdrawn and Yahweh is with ness of your mercy just as you have us. Have no fear of them!” pardoned them from Egypt even until 10 All the community spoke of ston- now.” 20 Dt 1: ing them when the glory of Yahweh Then Yahweh said, “I pardon 34-40 21 appeared before all the people of Israel them as you have pleaded, but as Is 6:3 in the tent of meeting. truly as I live and the glory of Yahweh 11 Yahweh said to Moses, “How long fi lls the earth, 22 I swear that they will will this people spurn me? How long not see the land I promised to their will they refuse to believe me, in spite fathers. For all these have seen my of the signs I performed among them? glory and the signs I performed in 12 32:10; I will strike them with a plague and Egypt and in the desert, and yet have Gen 12:2 destroy them, and then I will make put me to the test ten times and have of you a greater and more powerful not heeded my voice. 23 Only my ser- 24 nation than they are.” vant Caleb will enter it, because he Jos 13 14:12; And Moses said to Yahweh, “The has a different spirit and because he Jdg 1:20 Egyptians know that you have brought has followed me faithfully. I will bring out this people from their midst by him to the land where he has already 14 9:15; your power, and they told it to the been and his descendants shall pos- 13:21 25 inhabitants of the land. They know sess it, while the Amalekites and the Dt 1:40 that you, Yahweh, are in the midst of Canaanites will remain in the valley.

God forgives, but this does not exempt peo- in fact, spend a fairly long time, forty years, not ple from having to pay the price of their errors. far from Kadesh as if prevented from entering The rebellion of Kadesh and the following the land of Canaan. The word is harsh: all who defeat are given as the reason for the long time have refused to take part in the conquest will die spent by the Hebrews in the desert. They did, at the gate of the Promised Land. 247 NUMBERS 15 So you shall turn tomorrow and spired against me. In this wilderness they leave for the desert by way of the Red shall be destroyed and this is where they shall die.” Sea.” 36 The men sent by Moses to explore the 26 Then Yahweh spoke to Moses and land and who on their return had made the Aaron saying, 27 “How long will this wick- community grumble against him, 37 those ed community grumble against me?” I men who wickedly spread a bad report on have heard the grumblings of the people of the land, died of a plague before Yahweh. Israel against me. 28 Say to them: As truly 38 Only Joshua, son of Nun, and Caleb, son as I live, it is Yahweh who speaks, I will of Jephunneh, survived out of those who do to you what you have said in my hear- went to explore the land. 29 39 Heb ing. All of you of twenty years or more, When Moses related this to the Israel- 3:17; 40 1Cor numbered in the census, who grumbled ites, the people mourned bitterly. They

10:5 against me, your corpses will fall in the rose early in the morning and went up to NUM Ps desert. 30 You will not enter the land where the mountain saying, “Here we are! We 95:10 I swore to settle you, except Caleb, son of have sinned but now we are ready to go Jephunneh and Joshua, son of Nun. 31 But to the place that Yahweh spoke of.” 41 But your children, whom you said would be Moses said, “Why are you going to disobey part of the plunder, them I will bring and Yahweh’s command? You will not succeed. they will know the land that you have 42 Do not go up lest you be struck down by rejected. 32 Your corpses will fall in the des- your enemies for Yahweh is not with you. 43 ert 33 and your sons will wander with their The Amalekites and the Canaanites are Dt 1:42 fl ocks for forty years in the desert, bearing there ahead of you and you will fall by the the guilt of your faithlessness till the last of sword, for you turned away from follow- you lies dead in the desert. ing Yahweh and he will not be with you.” 34 According to the number of days 44 They insisted on going up to the top spent in exploring the land—forty days, for of the mountain but neither the Ark of the every day a year—for forty years you shall Covenant of Yahweh nor Moses moved bear the guilt of your sins and you shall from inside the camp. 45 Then the Ama- know what it is to oppose me. 35 I, Yahweh, lekites and the Canaanites who lived in have spoken. Surely this is what I will do the hill country came down and defeated to this wicked community that has con- them, beating them back as far as Hormah.

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1 4 29:40; • Yahweh spoke to Moses and grant offering to Yahweh shall bring also, Lev 2:1 15 said, 2 “Tell this to the people of as a gift to Yahweh, a grain offering of two Israel: This is a rule for you when you have pounds of fi ne fl our mixed with two pints entered the land I give to you. 3 When you of oil. 5 He shall also make a wine offer- make a fragrant offering to Yahweh, either ing, two pints for each lamb, in addition as a burnt offering or in payment of a vow, to the burnt offering or sacrifi ce. 6 For a or as a voluntary gift, or on the occasion man, he shall make a grain offering of four of one of your solemn feasts, whoever pounds of fi ne fl our mixed with three pints takes from his herds and fl ocks for a fra- of oil, 7 and a wine offering of three pints of

• 15.1 In Chapters 15–19 we again have – Verse 37. The violet cord can be com- laws and customs of Israel. pared to the badges which many people wear – Verse 17. Instructions about offering the today: an external sign which is good insofar as fi rst batch of bread—the fi rst loaves from fl our it corresponds to an interior disposition. Jesus of the harvest. The people of God will be a well- accepted this prescription (Mt 9:20) but he trained and courteous people: they will not eat criticized those who wore these tassels only for without giving thanks nor serve themselves fi rst, show (Mt 23:5). but will offer the fi rst part to the Levite or the poor, which means offering it to God. NUMBERS 15 248 wine, offering it as a sweet-smelling offer- their sacrifi ce for sin for their unintentional ing for Yahweh. 8 If he offers a bull as a fault. 26 The entire community of Israel will burnt offering or sacrifi ce, in payment of be forgiven, as also the stranger who lives a vow or as a peace offering to Yahweh, among them, since the entire people have 9 he shall offer also a grain offering of six sinned without meaning to do so. 27 pounds of fi ne fl our mixed with four pints If it is an individual who has sinned Lev 4:27 of oil, 10 and a wine offering of four pints unintentionally, he must offer a one-year- of wine, as a burnt offering, sweet-smelling old goat in sacrifi ce for sin. 28 The priest offering to Yahweh. 11 This must be done shall perform the ceremony of atonement for every bull, every ram, every lamb or before Yahweh over the person who has goat. 12 Whatever the number of victims gone astray by this sin of inadvertence; you have for sacrifi ce, you must do the when the ceremony of atonement has same for each of them. been performed over him, he will be for- 13 This must be done by every man of given, 29 whether he is an Israelite, or a your people who makes a burnt offering, stranger living among them. There shall be as a sweet-smelling offering for Yahweh. only one law among you for the one who 14 If any stranger living among you, or sins by an unintentional fault. among your descendants, will also make a 30 But the one who sins deliberately, burnt offering, as a sweet-smelling offering whether native or stranger, angers Yah- for Yahweh: just as you act, so must the weh himself. Such a person must be cut stranger do. 15 There shall be only one law off from the community; 31 he has rejected for you and for the foreigner among you. the word of Yahweh and broken his com- This is a law that shall bind your descen- mand. This person must be entirely cut off dants forever before Yahweh: you and the because of sin.” stranger are alike. 16 There is to be the same law, and the same regulation for you Breaking the Sabbath and for the stranger who lives among you.” 32 While the people of Israel were in 17 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, the wilderness, a man was caught gath- 18 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to ering wood on the Sabbath day. 33 Those them: When you have entered the land to who caught him gathering wood brought which I am bringing you, 19 and you eat the him before Moses, Aaron and the whole bread of this country, you shall set aside community. 34 He was kept under guard a share for Yahweh. 20 You must set aside because the penalty he should undergo one loaf as the fi rst fruits of your grain, and had not yet been decided. 35 Yahweh said set this offering aside like the one set aside to Moses, “This man must be put to death: from your threshing. 21 You are to set aside the whole community shall stone him out- for Yahweh a share of the best of your fl our, side the camp.” 36 The whole community and your descendants are to do the same, took him outside the camp and stoned from generation to generation. him till he was dead, as Yahweh had com- 22 If without meaning to do so, you fail manded Moses. in any of these commands that Yahweh 37 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, 23 38 has given to Moses and that Yahweh has “Speak to the people of Israel and tell Dt 22:12; commanded you through Moses, this is them to put a fringe on the hems of their Mt 23:5; what you have to do, you and your descen- garments and a violet cord on this fringe. Lk 8:44 dants. 24 If it is an unintentional fault of the 39 You must then have a fringe, and the community, the community as a whole sight of it will remind you of all the com- must make a burnt offering of a young mands of Yahweh. You are then to put bull, a sweet-smelling offering for Yahweh, them into practice, and no longer follow with the required offering of fl our and wine, the desires of your heart and your eyes, and a he-goat must be offered as a sacri- which would lead you to go astray. 40 So fi ce for sin. 25 The priest must perform the you will remember all my commandments ceremony of atonement over the entire to put them into practice, and you will be 41 community of Israel, and pardon will be consecrated to your God. It is I, Yahweh 20:2; Lev given, since it was an unintentional fault your God, who have brought you out of the 22:33 and they have brought their offering as land of Egypt so that I may be your God, I, a burnt offering to Yahweh, not counting Yahweh, your God.” 249 NUMBERS 16 Pretensions of Korah; rebellion of brother Levites with you, and now Dathan and Abiram you want the offi ce of priesthood as Ps 106: 1 11 16-20; • Korah, son of Izhar, son of well! What is the misdeed of Aaron Sir 45:18; 16 Kohath, from the tribe of Levi that you complain against him? It is Jdt 11 —and also Dathan and Abiram, sons against Yahweh himself that you and of Eliab, and On, son of Peleth, from your followers have rebelled.” the tribe of Reuben—rebelled against 12 Moses sent messengers to sum- Moses. 2 Two hundred fi fty Israelites mon Dathan and Abiram, the sons followed him; all were well known of Eliab, but they said, “We will not leaders in the community and mem- come up. 13 Is it not enough that you bers of the council. have brought us up out of a land fl ow-

3 NUM 19:6 They came together and addressed ing with milk and honey to die in the Moses and Aaron saying, “It is enough! wilderness? Do you also want to lord The whole community is consecrated it over us? 14 You did not bring us into to Yahweh and he lives among them. a land fl owing with milk and honey, Why then, do you set yourselves over nor give us an inheritance of fi elds the community of Yahweh?” and vineyards. Do you suppose that 4 When Moses, heard this, he threw all these people are blind? We will not himself face downward on the ground. come.” 5 15 16:7 Then he said to Korah and all his fol- Moses then became angry and 1S 12:3 lowers, “Tomorrow morning Yahweh said to Yahweh, “Do not look favor- will make known who belongs to him, ably on their offering. I have not taken and who is consecrated to him and a single donkey, nor have I harmed may approach him. He himself will any of them.” let the one he has chosen approach.” 16 Moses said to Korah, “You and all 6 You Korah with all your followers, your company be present before Yah- take your censers tomorrow. 7 Then weh tomorrow, you and they, togeth- you will fi ll them with burning coals er with Aaron. 17 Each of you take his and put incense in them before Yah- censer, put incense in it and present weh, and Yahweh will indicate the one it before Yahweh—250 censers!—and who is holy. Sons of Levi, you have Aaron will do the same.” 18 So every gone too far!” man took his censer and put incense 8 Moses said to Korah, “Listen to in it and they stood at the entrance 9 Dt 10:8 me now, you sons of Levi. Is it not to the tent of meeting with Moses enough for you that the God of Israel and Aaron. 19 Korah assembled all has set you apart from the rest of the the community against them at the community of Israel, and called you entrance to the tent of meeting and close to himself for service in the Holy the glory of Yahweh appeared to all Tent of Yahweh, to stand before this the community. community and perform the sacred 20 Then Yahweh spoke to Moses and service on their behalf? 10 He has called Aaron, 21 “Stand aside from this com- you to be near him, you and all your munity so that I may immediate ly

• 16.1 The whole community is consecrat- honor of being a priest: he must be called by ed to Yahweh and he lives among them (v. 3). God as Aaron was” (Heb 5:4). That is true but there is a hierarchy which comes Several stories are combined in this text: from God. This is the lesson in this chapter and – in the fi rst, the Levite Korah claimed for him- Paul will recall it later: “One cannot claim the self the privileges of the priests, sons of Aaron; NUMBERS 16 250

22 Job destroy them.” They fell on their alive to Sheol with all that belonged 12:10; Gen faces and said, “God, God of the spir- to them; the earth covered them and 18:16 its of all mortals, for one man’s sin they perished from the midst of the will you become angry with the whole assembly. 34 On hearing their cries, all congregation?” the Israelites who were around them 23 Yahweh answered Moses, 24 “Speak fl ed, for they said, “Let not the earth to the community and say this: Move swallow us as well!” away from the tents of Korah, Dathan 35 A fi re then came forth from Yah- and Abiram.” weh and consumed the 250 men who 25 Moses got up and went towards were offering incense. Dathan and Abiram, and the elders • 1 Yahweh spoke to Moses saying, 26 of Israel followed him. He spoke to 17 2 “Tell Eleazar, son of Aaron the the community saying, “Move away priest, to take the censers from the blaze from the tents of these wicked men and scatter the fi re some distance away, for and touch nothing that belongs to the censers are now holy 3 because these them lest you perish because of all men sinned at the cost of their lives. Let 27 the censers be made into plates to cover their sins.” They withdrew from the the altar, because they have been offered area near the tents of Korah, Dathan before Yahweh and are sacred. Let them and Abiram; they came out and were be a sign to the Israelites.” standing with their wives, their sons 4 So Eleazar the priest took the bronze and little ones. censers of those men who were burned dur- ing the offering and had them hammered out to make a covering for the altar 5 and 28 3:12; • Then Moses said, “By this you Jn 2:11 to serve as a reminder to the Israelites that shall know that Yahweh sent me to no one who is not a priest, a descendant of do all these deeds and that it is not Aaron, should draw near to burn incense my doing. 29 If these men die a natural before Yahweh, lest he become like Korah and his followers, just as Yahweh had said death, merely suffering the fate of all to Eleazer through Moses. men, then Yahweh has not sent me. 30 But if Yahweh works a miracle and Aaron pleads for the people the earth, opening its mouth, swal- 6 On the following day, the entire com- lows them, together with all they pos- munity of Israel grumbled against Moses sess, and they descend alive to Sheol, and Aaron, saying, “You have brought death to the people of Yahweh.” 7 As the you will know that these men have community was rising together against rejected Yahweh.” Moses and Aaron, they turned toward the 31 As Moses fi nished saying all this, tent of meeting; and there was the cloud covering it, and the glory of Yahweh ap - the earth under them split in two, 8 32 peared. And Moses and Aaron went to the opened its mouth and engulfed door of the tent of meeting. them with their household and all 9 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, the men who belonged to Korah with 10 “Stand away from this community; I am their possessions. 33 They descended going to destroy them here and now.” The

and fi re from heaven devoured him along with • 17.1 Various miracles show Aaron’s au - his two hundred partisans; thority, and the effectiveness of his prayer in the second, Dathan and Abiram, from the because he is a priest chosen by God. Aaron’s tribe of Reuben, rebelled against Moses and the staff (v. 23) refl ects the fruitfulness that God earth swallowed them up. grants to every action done in response to his command and to every person who dedicates • 28. Compare verse 28 with John 5:19 and himself to him (Jer 17:8; Ps 92:15). 5:36. 251 NUMBERS 18 two of them threw themselves face down- draws near the Holy Tent of Yahweh dies! ward on the ground. 11 Then Moses said to Are we doomed to die to the last one?” Aaron, “Take the fi repan, fi ll it with burning 1 Then Yahweh said to Aaron: “You Heb coals from the altar, put incense in it and 7:25-28 hurry to the community to ask the mercy 18 and your sons, and your whole fam- of Yahweh for them. The anger has come ily shall be responsible for the Sanctuary. down from Yahweh and the terrible disease You and your sons with you shall suffer the has begun.” 12 Aaron did as Moses said and guilt for any faults committed while serv- ran among the community, but the terrible ing as priests in the Holy Tent. 2 Let your disease was already at work among them. brothers of the tribe of Levi, your father’s He put in the incense and asked for the tribe, come with you too. They are to join mercy of Yahweh on the people. 13 Then he you and serve you, yourselves and your stood between the living and the dead, and sons, before the Tent of the Covenant. 3 14 the terrible disease stopped. There were They are to be at your service and the NUM 14,700 victims of the terrible disease, not service of the whole Tent. But let them not counting those who died because of Korah. come near the sacred vessels or the altar, 4 15 Then Aaron came back to Moses at the lest they die and you as well. They are to tent of meeting; the terrible disease had help you, they are to take charge of the been stopped. tent of meeting for the entire ministry of the Tent, and no layman shall come near Aaron’s branch you. 16 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, 5 You yourselves must take charge of the 17 “Tell the people of Israel to give you walk- Sanctuary and the altar, and my anger will ing sticks, one for each tribe; that is twelve never again fall on the Israelites. 6 I myself sticks for the leaders of the twelve tribes, have chosen your relatives, the Levites, and write the name of each on his stick; from among the Israelites as a gift to you. 18 and on the stick of Levi write the name They will belong to Yahweh, to serve at the of Aaron because he is the fi rst among the tent of meeting. 7 But you and your sons families of Levi. 19 Then put them in the will undertake the priestly duties in all that tent of meeting before the ark, at the place concerns the altar and all the sacred things where I meet you. 20 The man whose stick that lie behind the veil. You will perform sprouts will be the one I have chosen; this the worship services, the duties of which I is how I shall stop the complaints that the entrust to your priesthood. But the layman Israelites make against you.” who comes near shall die.” 21 Moses spoke to the Israelites, and each of their leaders gave him a stick, twelve sticks The priests’ share 8 Yahweh said to Aaron: “I myself have Ezk in all for their tribes; and Aaron’s stick was 44:29 among them. 22 Moses placed them before given you all that is set aside for me, from Yahweh in the tent of the meeting. 23 On the every offering of the people of Israel. I give following day, Moses came to the Tent of it to you and to your sons as your share the Testimony and there, already sprouting, forever. 9 This is what shall be yours of the was Aaron’s stick, standing for the tribe of most holy things, of the consecrated food: Levi. Buds had opened, fl owers had blos- every offering that the Israelites give back somed, and almonds had already ripened. to me, whether it be a grain offering or a 24 Moses took all the sticks away from before sacrifi ce for sin or a sacrifi ce of repayment Yahweh and brought them back to all the is a thing most holy; it shall belong to you people of Israel; they examined them and and your sons. 10 You may eat these most each one took back his own stick. holy things. Every male may eat them. 25 Heb 9:4 Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Put back You are to consider them sacred. Aaron’s stick before the Ark and keep it as 11 To you also shall belong all the fi rst a sign to these rebels, so that I will no longer fruits that are set aside and offered by the hear their complaints and they may not die.” Israelites; this I give to you, as well as to 26 Moses did as Yahweh had commanded. your sons and daughters, forever. Every person in your house who is clean may eat Atonement: the duty of the priesthood it. 12 All the best of the oil, all the best of 27 The people of Israel said to Moses, “We the wine and wheat, the fi rst fruits given are lost! We are all to die! 28 Anyone who by them to Yahweh, these I give to you. NUMBERS 18 252

13 13:12 All the fi rst harvest of their land which set aside for Yahweh, I give to the Levites they bring to Yahweh shall be yours. Every for their inheritance. For this reason I have person in your house who is clean may told them that they are to have no inheri- eat them. 14 Everything in Israel which tance among the people of Israel.” has been dedicated to me shall be yours. 25 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, Dt 14:22 26 15 Every fi rstborn brought to Yahweh shall “You are to say to the Levites: When you Lev be yours, the fi rstborn of all living crea- receive the tithe that the people of Israel 14:4-6 tures, whether child or animal. Neverthe- must pay and which I am giving you as less, you must make the people buy back your inheritance, you are to set aside a the fi rstborn child and the fi rstborn of an part of this as a special contribution for unclean animal. 16 They must buy back the Yahweh. 27 This will take the place of the child in the month in which it is born at the offerings of new grain and new wine that price of fi ve pieces of silver according to all the people have to give me. 28 Thus you the offi cial standard. 17 The fi rstborn of cow, too will set aside a share for Yahweh, of all sheep and goat—these alone you shall not the tithes you receive from the Israelites, buy back. They are holy: you must sprin- and you will give to Aaron the priest this kle their blood on the altar and burn the fat part you have set aside for Yahweh. 29 Out as a burnt offering, a sweet-smelling offer- of all the gifts you receive you will set aside ing for Yahweh; 18 the meat shall be yours, the best as a share for Yahweh. together with the breast that has been pre- 30 This best part that the Levites set sented with the gesture of offering, and the aside shall be credited to you as an offer- right hind leg. 19 All that the Israelites set ing of the threshing fl oor and the wine aside for Yahweh from the holy things, this press. 31 You may eat them anywhere, you I give to you, and to your sons and daugh- and your families: this is your payment for ters, forever. This is a Covenant of salt, an serving in the tent of meeting. 32 You will everlasting Covenant before Yahweh, for not be guilty of any sin because of this, as you and your descendants after you.” long as you have presented the best part to Yahweh. You will not eat any of the gifts The Levites’ share before the best part is offered. In this way 20 Dt 10:9; Yahweh said to Aaron: “You shall you will not defi le the sacred gifts of the Jos 13:14 have no property in the land of Israel, no Israelites and you will not die.” share of it shall be yours. It is I who will be your share and your inheritance among The ashes of the red cow the people of Israel. • 1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aa- 21 See, to the Levites I give as their 19 ron. He said: 2 “This is a regulation inheritance all the tithes collected in Israel, and a law that Yahweh gives to you. Say to in return for their services, for the ministry the people of Israel that they are to bring they render in the tent of meeting. 22 In this you a red cow which has no defects and way the Israelites will no longer go near has never been made to work. 3 You will the tent of meeting; this sin would carry give it to Eleazar the priest so that it may the death to them. be taken outside the camp and slaughtered 23 The Levites will take care of the tent in his presence. 4 Then Eleazar the priest of meeting, and have the full responsibil- is to take some of the cow’s blood on his ity for it. This is a law forever for all your fi nger, and sprinkle this blood seven times descendants: because of this the Levites toward the entrance to the tent of meeting. are to have no inheritance among the Isra- 5 The cow shall then be burned in his pres- elites. 24 The tithe that the people of Israel ence; including hide, fl esh, blood, and the

• 19.1 The letter to the Hebrews refers spe- After washing us through baptism, the Church cifi cally to this chapter when it speaks of the also uses holy water. The Church does not attri- sacrifi ces of the Old Testament which could not bute magical power to it but is aware that visible really give interior purity to anyone and only signs help bring about proper dispositions in us: prefi gured the perfect sacrifi ce of Christ (see making the sign of the cross with holy water, Heb 9:13 and 13:11). attentively and with faith, helps us to set aside Verses 17-21 deal with water for purifi cation. our daily preoccupations at the entrance to the Many people used water in their religious ritu- church. als. Here we see how the Jews used it. 253 NUMBERS 20 intestines too. 6 Then the priest is to take or anyone who is already there, becomes cedar wood, a twig of hyssop leaves and a unclean for seven days. 15 Equally unclean red cord, and throw them on the fi re where shall be every open jar and pot in the the cow is burning. 7 Finally he shall wash house that has not been closed with a lid his clothing and bathe his body in water, or fastening. after which he may go back to the camp, 16 Anyone in the open country who but he will remain unclean until evening. touches a person who has been killed, or a 8 The man who has burned the cow shall person who had died, or human bones or a also wash his clothing and bathe his body tomb, becomes unclean for seven days. in water and will remain unclean until eve- 17 For the unclean, you shall take some 9 Heb ning. A clean man shall gather up the of the ashes of the cow that was offered 9:13; 13:11… ashes of the cow and put them outside the for the sin and you shall throw it into water camp, in a clean place. They must be kept in a vessel. 18 A clean man shall dip a twig

for the community of Israel to prepare the of hyssop in the water and sprinkle it on NUM water of purifi cation. the house and everything in it, and on the 10 The man who has gathered up the persons as well who were there. And he ashes of the cow shall wash his clothing and shall sprinkle it on the one who touched will remain unclean until evening. This will the bone or the dead body or the one slain, be a law forever, for the people of Israel as or the grave. 19 well as for the stranger living among them. The clean man shall sprinkle water on Dt 21:1 the unclean on the third and the seventh A case of uncleanness days. So, on the seventh day the unclean 11 Lev Anyone who touches a corpse of any is cleansed; he shall wash his clothes and 21:2; Hg 2:13 person whatsoever, will be unclean for bathe himself on this day and in the eve- seven days. 12 He shall purify himself with ning he will become clean. 20 But if the these waters on the third and the seventh unclean man does not cleanse himself, he day, and he will be clean; but if he does shall be cut off from the assembly, lest he not purify himself on the third and the sev- defi le the Sanctuary of Yahweh. As long enth day he will not be clean. 13 Anyone as the water of purifi cation has not been who touches a dead person, the body of thrown upon him, he is unclean. a man that has died, and has not purifi ed 21 This shall be a lasting ordinance for himself, defi les the Holy Tent of Yahweh; you. The man who sprinkles the water such a person must be cut off from Israel of purifi cation shall wash his clothes and because the waters for purifi cation have those who touch this water are unclean not fl owed over him; he is unclean, and his until the evening. 22 Whatever the unclean uncleanness remains in him. person touches shall be unclean and who- 14 This is the law when a person dies in ever touches it shall be unclean until eve- a house. Anyone who goes into the house, ning.”

MEMORIES OF THE DESERT (2nd Part)

You did not trust me Zin in the fi rst month and the people • 1 The whole congregation of stayed in Kadesh. Miriam died and 20 Israel came to the wilderness of was buried there.

• 20.1 This account is part of texts drawn mysteriously died on Mt. Nebo. A certitude, up by the priests after their return from cap- however, remained: God is just! If Moses had not tivity. It takes up the episode related in Exo- entered the Promised Land, it was because he dus 17:1-7 but with the addition of a “sin of had sinned. They then rewrote the account but Moses!” Why? Rereading the history of their charging Moses with sin: he had doubted God! forbears these priests faced a question: how was We have a similar case in comparing the two it possible that Moses, this prophet with whom accounts of the death of Josiah, the just king “God spoke face to face” (Ex 33:11), had been (2 K 22:2 and 23:29 compared with 2 Chr excluded from the Promised Land? Moses had 35:19-25). NUMBERS 20 254

2 13 17:1 Now there was no water for the It was at the waters of Meribah community, and the people gathered that the sons of Israel quarreled with together against Moses and Aaron. Yahweh and where he showed his 3 14:11 They disputed with Moses saying, holiness to them. “Would that we had perished with our Edom refuses right of way kinsmen in the presence of Yahweh! 14 4 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh Jdg Why have you led Yahweh’s com- to the king of Edom, and they said to him, 11:17 munity to this desert to die here with “This is the petition of your brother Israel: our cattle? 5 And why did you bring us you know the trials we had to suffer. 15 Our out of Egypt to this wretched place? fathers went down to Egypt and we lived It’s no place for grain or fi gs or vines there for a long time. But the Egyptians treated us badly as they did our fathers. or pomegranates and there’s not even 16 Then we cried to Yahweh and he listened 23:20 water for drinking.” to us. He sent an angel to bring us out of 6 Moses and Aaron fl ed from the Egypt and now we are in Kadesh, the town assembly to the entrance of the tent of which is on the borders of your territory. meeting and fell on their faces. Then 17 We want you to let us pass through your the glory of Yahweh appeared 7 and land. We will not cross any fi elds or vine- 8 yards, or drink any water from the wells, Yahweh spoke to Moses, “Take your but we will keep to the king’s road without rod and assemble the community, turning to right or left until we are out of you and Aaron, your brother. In their your land.” presence command the rock to give 18 Edom answered, “You shall not pass forth water and you will make water through my land. If you do, I will come out gush from the rock for the community to attack you.” 19 The Israelites then said, “We will keep to the road and we will even and their livestock to drink.” pay for the water we and our cattle drink. 9 So Moses took the rod from before We ask only for your permission to pass Yahweh as he had been ordered. through with our sheep.” 10 Then Moses and Aaron gathered 20 Edom answered, “You shall not pass the assembly in front of the rock and through.” And the Edomites marched out to meet Israel with many armed men and said to them, “Listen, you rebels. a strong army. 21 Thus, Edom refused to let Shall we bring water for you from this Israel pass through his land, and Israel had 11 1Cor rock?” Moses raised his hand and to turn away. 10:4; Jn 7:38 struck the rock twice with his rod. And then water in abundance gushed Death of Aaron 22 The Israelites set out from Kadesh out for the community and their live- and the whole community came to Mount stock to drink. Hor. 23 There, on the border of the land of 12 Dt 1:37; But Yahweh said to Moses and Edom, Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, Ps 24 106:32 Aaron, “You did not trust me nor treat “Aaron must now be gathered to his peo- me as the Holy One in the sight of the ple. You shall not enter the land that I am giving to Israel since you rebelled against Israelites; because of that you shall me at the waters of Meribah. 25 Take Aaron not lead this community into the land and Eleazar, his son, and bring them up that I am giving you.” Mount Hor. 26 There, strip Aaron of his gar-

Only the fulfi llment of Scripture in Jesus could ministry was now beginning: to open the gates fully enlighten us on the mission of Moses. His of the Promised Land to the people of God and mission was to guide the people of God to the let them take possession of it. The double voca- entrance of the Promised Land. Once there, he tion of Moses and Joshua prefi gures and throws could step aside and say with John the Baptist, light on the mission of the Old Testament and the last prophet of the Old Testament: “He must that of Jesus (in Hebrew, the names Joshua and increase, I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). Joshua’s Jesus are the same). 255 NUMBERS 21 ments and put them on Eleazar his son, many of the Israelites died. 7 Then the before Aaron is gathered to his people. For people came to Moses and said, “We he is to die there.” 27 Moses did as Yahweh ordered. In the have sinned, speaking against Yah- sight of the whole community they went weh and against you. Plead with Yah- 28 33:38; up Mount Hor. There Moses stripped weh to take the serpents away.” 29:29 8 Aaron of his garments and put them on Moses pleaded for the people and 2K 18:4; Eleazar his son, and Aaron died there on Yahweh said to him, “Make a fi ery Jn 3:14 top of the mountain. 29 When the Israelites saw that Aaron had died, the whole com- serpent and set it on a standard; who- munity wept for him for thirty days. ever has been bitten and then looks at it shall live.” 1 33:40; When the Canaanite king of Arad, 9 Jdg So Moses made a bronze serpent 21 NUM 1:16 in the Negeb, heard that Israel was and set it on a standard. Whenever a coming by the way of Atharim, he attacked Israel and took some prisoners. 2 Then man was bitten, he looked towards Israel made this vow to Yahweh, “If you the bronze serpent and he lived. put these people into my hand, I will con- secrate their towns by anathema.” 3 Yah- Towards Transjordania 10 weh heard the voice of Israel and delivered The Israelites set out and camped at Dt 2:8 the Canaanites into their hands. They were Oboth, 11 Then they left Oboth and camped wiped out and their towns were destroyed at Iye-abarim, in the wilderness that bor- according to the anathema. Because of ders Moab, toward the sunrise. 12 They set this that place was named Hormah. out from there and camped in the Valley of Zered. 13 They set out from there and The bronze serpent camped beyond the Arnon. This valley in • 4 From Mount Hor they set out the desert begins in the land of the Amor- ites and is on the border of Moab, between by the Red Sea road to go around the 14 land of Edom. The people were dis- the Moabites and the Amorites. Because 5 of this, it is written in the Book of the Wars 14:11 couraged by the journey and began of Yahweh: Waheb, by Suphah, and the to complain against God and Moses, Valley of Arnon 15 and the slope of the “Why have you brought us out of Egypt ravine that runs down to Ar along the bor- to die in the wilderness? There is nei- der of Moab. 16 ther bread nor water here and we are From there they went on to Beer. This is the well of which Yahweh said to Moses, disgusted with this tasteless manna.” “Call the people together and I will give 6 1Cor Yahweh then sent fi ery serpents them water.” 17 Then it was that Israel sang 10:9 against them. They bit the people and this song, “Let the water spring! Sing out

• 21.4 With regard to this bronze serpent, Whoever looks at it shall live (v. 8): another two quite different questions may be asked. The prophetic statement. Sinners will not have to fi rst: what is the historical origin of this account? follow strict prescriptions: let them merely look An easy answer: near the Sinai mines a healing with faith at the sign God sends for their heal- god was honored and little bronze serpents were ing. Jesus will say: “As Moses lifted up the ser- offered in thanksgiving. The stories of travelers pent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be must have inspired the narrative. But the impor- lifted up (on the cross) so that whoever believes tant question is the second: what does this page in him may have eternal life” (Jn 3:14). of the holy book intend to say? The story of the serpent is one of those bibli- The people complained (v. 5). The Israelites cal images with a hidden meaning, and people complain again: this is the inner rebellion of had to wait for the day when Christ would give those who do not accept sacrifi ces and will not them meaning. The same is true of the story of exert themselves in order to become better and Melchizedek (Gen 14) and the story of Joseph. who would rather blame others. The same is true in our own lives; in our past Make a fi ery serpent (v. 8). A strange com- there have been some incidents which we did mand to the Israelites, but the bronze serpent not understand at that time. Why did this hap- will be a prophetic sign: God intends to cure the pen to me? Some day, the light of Christ will sin with the very instrument of the sin. reveal the meaning. NUMBERS 21 256 for the well; 18 the well sunk by princes, the king of the Amorites, has destroyed Hesh- well dug by the leaders of the people with bon. The little children and the women their sticks, with their staves.” were brought as far as Dibon and Nophah, From the desert they went to Mattanah; the men were taken as far as Medeba.” 19 from Mattanah to Nahaliel; from Nahaliel 31 When the Israelites settled in the coun- to Bamoth; 20 from Bamoth to the val- try of the Amorites, 32 Moses sent spies to ley that gives on to the country of Moab, explore Jazer. Israel took this city with all toward the heights of Pisgah which looks the towns depending on it, and the Amor- down on the desert. ites who lived there were evicted. 33 After that the Israelites turned and Dt 3:1-17 Conquest of Transjordania went up to Bashan. Og, king of Bashan, 21 Dt 2: • Israel sent this message to Sihon, set out with all his people to meet them 26-36 king of the Amorites, 22 “We want to pass and gave them battle in Edrei. 34 Then Yah- through your land. We will not cross any weh said to Moses, “Do not be afraid of fi elds or vineyards or drink any water from him, for I have given him into your hands the wells. We will keep to the king’s road with all his people and his land. You shall until we are out of your land.” deal with him as you did with Sihon, king 23 But Sihon refused to let Israel pass of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.” through his land. He gathered all his peo- 35 The Israelites killed him, his sons and all ple, marched into the desert to meet Israel his people to the last. And they took pos- and reached Jahaz. There he gave battle session of his land. to Israel. 24 But Israel struck him down and conquered his country from the Arnon to 1 Then the Israelites journeyed on the Jabbok, which is the frontier of the 22 and camped in the plains of Moab Ammorites because this frontier was well- along the Jordan opposite Jericho. 25 31:8, 16; defended. Israel occupied all the cities Dt 23: 5-6; and the towns of the Amorites, including The story of Balaam Jos 2:9; 2 Ne 13:2; Heshbon and the towns depending on it. • Now Balak, the son of Zippor, Mic 6:5; 26 2P 2:15; Heshbon was the capital of Sihon, saw all that the Israelites had done to Jd 1:11; king of the Amorites, who had fought the Amorites. 3 And the Moabites were Rev 2:14 against the former king of Moab and cap- tured from him all this territory as far as the afraid of Israel, because they were a Arnon. 27 Because of this the poets contin- very numerous people. In fact, they ue singing this song, “Courage, Heshbon, were terrifi ed. 4 So the Moabites said city of Sihon, well built and well founded! to the elders of Midian, “Look, this Jer 48: 28 A fi re came out of Heshbon, a fl ame from 45-46 horde is destroying everything around the city of Sihon. It devoured Ar of Moab us as easily as the ox eats the grass of and the Baals of the high places of Moab. 29 Woe to you, Moab! You are lost, people the fi eld.” of Chemosh! Your sons have fl ed; your So Balak, son of Zippor, king of daughters were taken captive. 30 For Sihon, Moab at the time, 5 sent messengers

• 21. After their years of confi nement in legend (about Balaam, see commentary on Gen Kadesh were over, the Israelites together with 32:22). When they set out on the way to free- Moses started their march toward the land of dom, the people of God faced several enemies, Canaan. as well as their own cowardice about the sacri- They surrounded the country to the south and fi ces asked of them. But an even greater danger the east and temporarily settled in the territo- threatens them now without their knowing it: ries east of the Jordan. Two victories occurred Balaam has been called and paid to bring curses there and, once again, the Israelites saw that upon them. Everyone knows, though we may God saves his people. In Psalm 136, after prais- use more modern words to express this curse— ing God “who made them cross the Red Sea that our own demons can lead us to disaster: because his love is everlasting” they recall that radicalization of confl icts, refusal of risk and sins “he struck great kings to death, Sihon, king of against life. the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan.” Later, God will remind the Israelites of the way he protected them in the Balaam incident: • 22.2 Here begins the very meaningful not only did God shield them from their visible story of Balaam, developed in the form of a human enemies, but also from invisible ones 257 NUMBERS 22 to summon Balaam, son of Beor, at me; 17 I will greatly honor you; what- Pethor near the river in the land of ever you ask of me I will do for you. the Amonites. Balak said, “A people Please come and lay a curse on this has come out of Egypt; they cover people for me.” the face of the earth and are settling 18 Balaam answered the servants opposite me. 6 Come and put a curse of Balak, “Even if Balak gave me his on these people because they are too house full of silver and gold I could not powerful for me. Then perhaps I may do anything great or small beyond the be able to defeat them and drive them command of Yahweh, my God. 19 Now out of the land, for I well know that you, too, stay here tonight as the oth- those you bless are indeed blessed ers did, till I wait for what else Yahweh

and those you curse are cursed.” may tell me.” NUM 7 20 1S 9:7 The elders of Moab and Midian God came to Balaam at night and Dt 10:9; Jos set out, taking with them the fee for said, “If these men have come to sum- 13:14 divination. They went to Balaam and mon you, go with them, but you may gave him Balak’s message. 8 Balaam only do what I tell you.” 21 Balaam got said to them, “Stay here tonight and I up next morning, saddled his donkey will give you whatever answer Yahweh and went with the Moabite leaders. will have given me.” So the Moabite elders stayed in Balaam’s house. Balaam’s donkey 9 God came to Balaam and asked 22 But the anger of God was aroused him, “Who are these men with you?” because of his going and Yahweh’s 10 Balaam said to God, “Balak, son of angel posted himself on the road, a Zippor, king of Moab, sent them to drawn sword in his hand. Balaam was me with this message: 11 A people has riding on the donkey and his two boys come out of Egypt and covers the face were with him. 23 When the donkey of the earth. Now come and put a curse saw the angel, she turned off the road on them for me. Perhaps I shall then and went into the fi eld. Then Balaam be able to fi ght and drive them away.” hit the donkey to get her back on to 12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go the road. 24 But the angel of Yahweh with them; you must not put a curse stood on a narrow lane between vine- on them because they are blessed.” yards with a stone wall in either side. 13 Next morning Balaam got up and 25 When the donkey saw the angel of said to the elders of Balak, “Return to Yahweh, she shrank against the wall your country for Yahweh has refused crushing Balaam’s foot against it so to let me go with you.” 14 So the Moa- he beat her again. bite elders returned to Balak and said, 26 Then Yahweh’s angel went ahead “Balaam refused to come with us.” and stopped at a narrow place where 15 Balak sent other leaders, more there was no room to go either to the numerous and more distinguished right or left. 27 When the donkey saw than the fi rst. 16 They went to Balaam Yahweh’s angel there, she lay down and said, “This is what Balak, son of under Balaam; he was angry and beat Zippor says: Do not refuse to come to her with a stick.

which neither ordinary people nor rulers could likable sorcerer Balaam is. He is obstinate in his foresee or detain (see Jos 24:9 and Mic 6:5). wicked project until he discovers that God him- I did not want to sin, I did not know you were self blocks the way! posted against me on the road (v. 34). What a NUMBERS 22 258

28 1 2P 2:16 But now Yahweh opened the Balaam said, “Build me seven mouth of the donkey and she said to 23 altars here and prepare seven bull- ocks and seven rams for me,” 2 Balak did Balaam, “What have I done to you just as Balaam had ordered and Balak and to make you beat me three times?” Balaam offered up a bullock and a ram on 29 Balaam answered, “You have made each altar. 3 Balaam said to Balak, “Stand a fool of me. If I had a sword just now here beside your offering while I go aside. I would kill you.” 30 And the donkey Perhaps Yahweh will meet me and what- said to Balaam, “Am I not your own ever he lets me see I will tell you.” So he went to a barren hill. donkey that you have ridden to this 4 God met Balaam who said, “I have day? Have I ever dared to do this to prepared the seven altars and on each you?” He said, “No!” altar I have offered a bullock and a ram.” 31 Then Yahweh opened Balaam’s 5 Yahweh then put a message on Balaam’s eyes and he saw Yahweh’s angel lips and said, “Go back to Balak and give 6 standing on the road with a drawn him this message.” Balaam returned and found Balak standing beside his offering, sword. He bowed and fell downward, together with the leaders of Moab. 7 Then his face to the ground. 32 Yahweh’s Balaam pronounced his oracle: angel said to him, “Why did you strike “From Aram, Balak has brought me, your donkey three times? I have come the king of Moab from the eastern moun- here to oppose you because you are tains. ‘Come, curse Jacob for me! 8 going a wrong way. 33 The donkey Come, denounce Israel! How can I curse him whom God has not cursed? How saw me and turned away three times. can I denounce him whom God has not Otherwise I would have killed you, but denounced? 9 not her.” From the peak of the crags I see him, 33:16 34 And Balaam said to Yahweh’s from the heights I behold him. I see a peo- angel, “I did not want to sin. I did not ple that lives apart, a people different from know you were posted against me on all the nations. 10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, or the road. But if this journey displeases number the fourth part of Israel? Let me you I will go back.” die the death of the upright and may my 35 Yahweh’s angel said to Balaam, end be like theirs!” “Go with these men, but you may say 11 Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have only what I tell you.” So Balaam went you done to me? I took you to curse my ene- on with Balak’s men. mies and you have actually blessed them.” 12 And Balaam answered, “Must I not take Balaam and Balak care to say what Yahweh puts on my lips?” 36 When Balak heard that Balaam had 13 Balak said to him, “Come with me to come, he went to meet him at the bound- another place where you will see them. You ary city of Moab on the Arnon border. will not see all of them, only the tail end, 37 Then Balak said to Balaam, “I sent an and there you shall curse them for me.” urgent summons to you; why didn’t you 14 So he took him to the fi eld of Zophim, come? Did you think I would not pay you to the top of Pisgah and built seven altars well enough?” and offered a bullock and a ram on each 38 15 Jer 1:9 Balaam then said to Balak, “Now altar. Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here I have come to you; but what can I say? beside your burnt offering while I go and Only what Yahweh puts on my lips.” meet Yahweh over there.” 39 So Balaam went with Balak and they 16 Yahweh met Balaam and put words came to Kiriath-huzoth. 40 There Balak on his lips and said, “Go back to Balak sacrifi ced cattle and sheep and gave some and give him this message.” 17 He returned to Balaam and the leaders who were with and found Balak posted beside his burnt him. 41 Next morning Balak took Balaam offering with the leaders of Moab. Balak up to the high places of Baal and from asked, “What did Yahweh say?” 18 Balaam there he saw some of the people of Israel. then pronounced his oracle, 259 NUMBERS 24 “Be ready to hear, Balak; listen to me, 6 Like valleys stretching far, 19 1S 15:29; son of Zippor. God is not a man that he like gardens beside a stream, Mal 3:6; Job 9:32; should lie, nor a son of man that he should like aloes planted by Yahweh, Heb 6:18 repent. Has he said he will do something like cedars beside the waters. and will not do it? Has he promised some- 7 His buckets are overfl owing and his thing and not fulfi lled it? seeds are always watered. His king be - 20 See, I have received a command to comes stronger than Agag, and his king- bless; when he has blessed I cannot change dom grows. 21 8 it. He has not seen misfortune in Jacob His God brought him out of Egypt and 23:22- or observed misery in Israel. Yahweh, their fi ghts for him like the horns of a wild ox. 24 God is with them, and the shout of a king He devours the carcasses of his ene- among them. mies and crushes their bones in pieces. 22 24:8-9; God has brought them out of Egypt; 9 Gen Mt 2:15 He lies like a lion, or like a lioness; who he is for them like the horns of a wild ox. dares rouse him? 12:3 NUM 23 There are no diviners or magicians in Blessed is he who blesses you! Israel. But it shall be made known to them And cursed is he who curses you!” what God will do with them. 10 Balak’s anger burned against Balaam; Gen 24 Behold a people that rises like a lion- 49:9; ess, that rouses itself like a lion. It shall he beat his hands together and said, “I Dt 33:20 called you to curse my enemy and you not lie down before it devours its prey and 11 drinks the blood of its victims.” have blessed him three times! So fl ee to your place now. I said I would greatly 25 Balak said to Balaam, “Even though you cannot curse them, do not bless reward you but Yahweh has taken away 26 your reward.” them.” But Balaam answered, “Did I not 12 tell you that whatever Yahweh says, I will Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers: 13 though Balak were to do?” 27 And Balak said to Balaam, “Come, I will take you to another place. Perhaps it is give me his house full of silver and gold, I God’s will that you curse them for me there.” could not do anything, good or bad, of my 28 own accord beyond Yahweh’s command? Then Balak took Balaam to the top 14 of Peor which overlooks the wasteland, What Yahweh speaks, I speak. Now, before I return to my people, come that I 29 and Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars for me here and prepare seven bull- may warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.” ocks and seven rams.” 30 Balak did just as

Balaam ordered and offered a bullock and 15 a ram on each altar. • Then Balaam pronounced his oracle: Balaam’s blessing “Word of Balaam, son of Beor, the 24 1 But Balaam saw that Yahweh will- seer, ingly blessed Israel. He did not seek 16 the one who hears the words of God, out signs as he had done before, but turned towards the desert. 2 He looked up and saw who has knowledge from the Most Israel camping, tribe by tribe; and the spir- High, it of God came upon him 3 and he uttered and sees the vision of the Almighty, his song: in ecstasy, with eyes unveiled. 17 “Word of Balaam, son of Beor, the seer, I see a fi gure, but not really. Rev the one who hears the words of God, 2:28; 4 I behold him but not near. Gen and beholds the vision of the Almighty, 49:10; A star shall come forth from Jacob, Jer in ecstasy, with eyes unveiled. 48:45 5 Is 54:2 How goodly are your tents, Jacob, your he rises with a staff in his hand; encampments, Israel! he shatters the forehead of Moab

• 24.15 It would seem that God wants to ing the star of Jacob. This star referred to king proclaim the marvelous destiny of his people to David, chosen by God to begin the Rule of God the whole world, even through Balaam’s mouth. in Israel. Through him we recognize another We single out the most famous of the poems, one, Christ, the truly chosen one of God. or prophecies of Balaam (vv. 15-19) announc- NUMBERS 24 260 and tears down all the sons of Moses told the Israelite judges, “Each Sheth. of you shall slay any of your men who 18 He conquers the land of Edom, have joined in worshiping the Baal of and takes the cities of his enemies. Peor.” Israel grows strong; 6 Then a man, an Israelite, came 19 Jacob dominates.” back bringing a Midianite woman to 20 Then Balaam looked to Amalek’s his family in view of Moses and the country; he said, “Amalek, the fi rst of the Israelite community while they were nations, will fi nally meet with destruction.” weeping at the entrance to the tent of 21 Then he looked to the Kainite’s land meeting. 7 When Phinehas, a son of and continued his oracle: Your dwelling Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest saw place is enduring, your nest is set in the rock, 22 but you shall be destroyed; and this, he left the assembly, took a spear 8 fi nally Asshur shall take you captive.” in his hand and followed the Israel- 23 Balaam continued his oracle and said: ite into the tent. There he drove the “Alas! Who will live when God does this? spear through both the man and the 24 Dn 11:30 Ships shall come from Kittim and shall woman. So the plague against the conquer Asshur, but also Eber; they too 9 shall be destroyed.” Israelites was checked but those who 25 Then Balaam rose and set out on his jour- had already died numbered twenty- ney home while Balak also went on his way. four thousand. 10 Yahweh spoke to Moses, 11 “Phi- Israel’s licentiousness in Baal Peor nehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the • 1 Israel settled at Shittim and priest, has turned away the blows of 25 the men began to enjoy them- my anger from the sons of Israel, zeal- selves with the Moabite women and to ous as he was for me; he has defend- 2 1Cor have sex with them. These women ed my honor among you. Because of 10:8; Rev 2:14 invited the people to the sacrifi ces of this, I did not feel zealous for my honor their gods. There the people ate and so that I should destroy the people of bowed down before their gods. Israel. 3 12 Dt 4:3 The Israelites prostituted them- Therefore tell him that I am mak- selves to the god of Peor, so Yahweh’s ing with him a Covenant of friend- 4 13 anger fl ared against them. He said to ship. I grant to him and his descen- 32:25; Dt 33:8; Moses, “Take all the leaders of these dants that they be my priests forever, Ezk people and hang them in broad day- because he was zealous for his God 44:15 light before Yahweh, so that his fi erce and made atonement for the sons of anger may turn away from Israel.” 5 So Israel.”

• 25.1 Sexual licentiousness is not with- tures, was still widely developed at the time of out effect on people’s welfare. It is not merely Paul, particularly in Corinth (1 Cor 6:16). As a question of private morality, but it also seri- a lesson, we are told here that the people had ously impedes social development insofar as it is already fallen into that sin at the time of Moses, related to the level of responsibility and capacity and what the punishment was. To unite with a for self-sacrifi ce. In the Scriptures, the struggle prostitute was to be united with the god Baal, against sexual immorality always goes hand in and God does not tolerate such treason: a dou- hand with faithfulness to God. ble prostitution, the physical one and the infi del- When the Israelites took over the land of ity of a person betraying his Savior. Canaan, the pagan cults of that country were He was zealous for his God (v. 13): he was a constant temptation for them. One of the not afraid of being called a puritan, a person most common practices of these cults consisted with outdated ideas, and an intolerant mind. He in having relations with prostitutes consecrated did not resign himself to merely laughing it off to the god Baal. The pagan practice of sacred and taking pictures. prostitution, severely condemned by the Scrip- 261 NUMBERS 26 • 14 The Israelite slain with the Mid- they have been your enemies, deceiv- ianite woman was Zimri, son of Salu, ing you with regard to Peor and with a leader of a Simeonite family. 15 And regard to Cozbi, their kinswoman, the name of the Midianite woman who daughter of a Midianite leader, who was slain was Cozbi, daughter of Zur, was slain on the day of the plague a tribal chief of a Midianite family. because of Peor.” 16 Yahweh said to Moses, 17 “Attack After the plague, it happened the Midianites and crush them, 18 for that…

LAWS AND FEASTS NUM

The second census the Shaulite clan. 14 These were the Sim- 1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to eonite clans. They numbered 22,200 men. 26 Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest. He 15 The tribe of Gad by clans: for Zephon, said: 2 “Take a census of all the community the Zephonite clan; for Haggi, the Haggite of Israel, by families: all those of twenty clan; for Shuni, the Shunite clan; 16 for Ozni, years and over, able to give military ser- the Oznite clan; for Eri, the Erite clan; 17 for vice.” 3 So Moses and Eleazar the priest Arod, the Arodite clan; for Areli, the Arelite enlisted the people in the plains of Moab, clan. 18 These were the clans of the tribe of near the Jordan opposite Jericho as Yah- Gad. They numbered 40,500 men. weh had commanded Moses. 4 They count- 19 The tribe of Judah: Er and Onan. ed the men twenty years and over among Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. the Israelites who had come out of the land 20 The other sons of Judah became clans: of Egypt. for Shelah, the Shelanite clan; for Perez, 5 Reuben, the fi rstborn of Israel. The the Perezzite clan; for Zerah, the Zerahite tribe of Reuben: for Hanoch, the Hano- clan. 21 The sons of Perez were: for Hezron, chite clan; for Pallu, the Palluite clan; 6 for the Hezronite clan; for Hamul, the Hamu- Hezron, the Hezronite clan; for Carmi, the lite clan. 22 These were the clans of Judah. Carmite clan. 7 These were the Reubenite They numbered 76,500 men. clans. They numbered 43,730 men. 23 The tribe of Issachar, by clans: for 8 The descendants of Pallu: Eliab. 9 The Tola, the Tolaite clan; for Puvah, the Puvite sons of Eliab: Nemuel, Dathan and Abi- clan; 24 for Jashub, the Jashubite clan; for ram. These two, Dathan and Abiram, Shimron, the Shimronite clan. 25 These councillors of the community, were the were the clans of Issachar. They numbered ones who rebelled against Moses and 64,300 men. Aaron; they belonged to the followers of 26 The tribe of Zebulun by clans: for Korah who rebelled against Yahweh. 10 The Sered, the Seredite clan; for Elon, the Elo- earth opened its mouth and swallowed nite clan; for Jahleel, the Jahleelite clan. them (Korah died with his followers), when 27 These were the clans of Zebulun. They fi re destroyed the 250 men as a warning to numbered 60,500 men. the people. 11 The sons of Korah were not 28 The tribe of Joseph, by clans: Manas- killed. seh and Ephraim. 12 The tribe of Simeon by clans: for Ne - 29 The tribe of Manasseh: for Machir, muel, the Nemuelite clan; for Jamin, the the Machirite clan; Machir was the father Jaminite clan; for Jachin, the Jachinite clan; of Gilead: for Gilead, the Gileadite clan. 13 for Zerah, the Zerahite clan; for Shaul, 30 These were the clans of Gilead; for Iezer,

• 14. Here conclude the ancient traditions desert are no truer to history than those of the referring to the time of Moses. Yet, in Deuter- fi rst chapter. But neither are they pure caprice. onomy 34, we fi nd the remembrance of Moses’ These numbers, taken separately, or as a whole, death. had a symbolic value and served as a pretext for The numbers of this census on leaving the religious teaching. NUMBERS 26 262 the Iezerite clan; for Helek, the Helekite shonite clan; for Kohath, the Kohathite clan; 31 Asriel, the Asrielite clan; Shechem, clan; for Merari, the Merarite clan. the Shechemite clan; 32 Shemida, the She- 58 These are the Levite subclans: the midaite clan; Hepher, the Hepherite clan. Libnites, the Hebronites, the Mahlites, the 33 Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons Mushites, the Kohathites. Kohath was the but only daughters; these are the names father of Amram, 59 who married Jochebed, of Zelophehad’s daughters: Mahlah, Noah, descendant of Levi, born in Egypt. She Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. 34 These were bore Aaron, Moses and Miriam their sis- the clans of Manasseh. They numbered ter. 60 Aaron was the father of Nadab and 52,700 men. Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 61 Nadab and 35 The tribe of Ephraim by clans: for Shu- Abihu died when they offered unlawful fi re thelah, the Shuthelahite clan; for Becher, the before Yahweh. Becherite clan; for Tahan, the Tahanite clan. 62 Altogether there were registered 23,000 36 These are the sons of Shuthelah: for Eran, males of one month and over. They were the Eranite clan. 37 These were the clans of listed separately from the rest of the Israel- Ephraim. They numbered 32,500 men. ites, because they would receive no prop- These were the descendants of Joseph, erty in Israel. by clans. 63 These were the men registered by 38 The tribe of Benjamin, by clans: for Moses and Eleazar the priest who took Bela, the Belaite clan; for Ashbel, the Ash- this census of the Israelites in the plains belite clan; for Ahiram, the Ahiramite clan; of Moab, near the Jordan River, opposite 39 for Shephupham, the Shephuphamite Jericho. 64 Not one of them was among clan; for Hupham, the Huphamite clan. those whom Moses and Aaron had listed in 40 65 Be la had Ard and Naaman for sons: the the desert of Sinai; for Yahweh had told 14:20- Ardite clan; for Naaman, the Naamite clan. them that these were to die in the desert 38 41 The tribe of Benjamin by clans numbered and none would remain, except Caleb, son 45,600 men. of Jephunneh, and Joshua, son of Nun. 42 The tribe of Dan, by clans: for Shuham, the Shuhamite clan. 43 All the Shuhamite 1 Then the daughters of Zelophehad clans numbered 64,400 men. 27 came forward. Zelophehad was the 44 The tribe of Asher, by clans: for Imnah, son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, the Imnite clan; for Ishvi, the Ishvite clan; son of Manasseh, son of Joseph. These for Beriah, the Beriite clan. 45 The clans of are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Heber and Malchiel were descendants of Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. 2 They Beriah. 46 The daughter of Asher was called appeared before Moses, before Eleazer the Serah. 47 These were the clans of Asher. priest, and before the leaders and the They numbered 53,400 men. whole community, at the entrance to the 48 The tribe of Naphtali, by clans: for tent of meeting, and said, 3 “Our father died Jos Jahzeel, the Jahzeelite clan; for Guni, the in the desert. He was not one of those who 17:3-4 Gunite clan; 49 for Jezer, the Jezerite clan; rebelled against Yahweh, nor among the for Shillem, the Shillemite clan. 50 The clans followers of Korah; but he died for his own of Naphtali numbered 45,400 men. sin as all the people and he did not leave 51 The sons of Israel numbered in all any sons. 4 Why must our father’s name 601,730 men. disappear from among his clan? Since he 52 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, had no son, give us some property among 53 “The land is to be divided among the our father’s relatives.” tribes as a heritage, according to the num- 5 Moses took their case before Yah- 54 6 Jos 13; ber of those registered. To a tribe large in weh, and Yahweh spoke to Moses. He Num 7 33:54 number you are to give a large area of land; said, “The daughters of Zelophehad have 36:2 to a small one in number, a small area; to a just case. Give them property for their each the heritage will be in proportion to inheritance among their father’s relatives; the number registered. 55 The dividing of the pass on to them their father’s inheritance. land is, however, to be done by lot. 56 Each 8 Then say this to the people of Israel, If a tribe is to receive its inheritance accord- man dies without sons, his inheritance is ing to the number of men registered.” to be given to his daughter. 9 If he has no 57 These are, by clans, the Levites that daughters, the inheritance is to go to his were registered: for Gershon, the Ger- brothers. 10 If he has no brothers, it is to go 263 NUMBERS 28 to his father’s brothers. 11 If his father has must offer in the morning, the second in no brothers, it is to go to the member of the evening, 5 together with a grain offering his clan who is most nearly related: he is to of two pounds of fi ne fl our mixed with two hold it as his own property. This shall be a pints of purest oil. 6 This is the everlast- law for the people of Israel, as Yahweh has ing burnt offering which was fi rst offered commanded Moses.” at Mount Sinai as a sweet-smelling offer- ing for Yahweh. 7 The accompanying wine Joshua succeeds Moses offering to be poured out at the altar is two Dt 31: 12 1-8; Yahweh said to Moses, “Climb this pints of wine for each lamb. 8 The second 31:23 mountain of the Abarim range, and look on lamb you must offer in the evening; do this 13 Dt 3:27 the land I give to the Israelites. After you in the same way as the morning offering, have seen it, you will die, as Aaron your together with the wine offering. 14 20:12 brother did. For you both rebelled against The Sabbath sacrifi ce my command in the desert of Zin when the NUM 9 community complained against me, when On the Sabbath day, you must offer Mt 12:5 I commanded you to proclaim my holy two one-year-old lambs without any de- power before their eyes in the matter of the fect, and four pounds of fi ne fl our as a water.” (These are the waters of Meribah grain offering, mixed with oil, as well as of Kadesh, in the desert of Zin). the accompanying wine offering. 10 This 15 Moses said to Yahweh, 16 “May Yah- burnt offering is to be offered every Sab- weh, God of the spirits that give life to all bath in addition to the daily offering with living creatures, appoint a leader for this its accompanying wine offering. 17 1K community, who shall go out and come 22:17; The new-moon sacrifi ce Ezk 34:5; in at their head, who shall lead them out 11 Jn 10; At the beginning of each of your Am 8:5; Mt 9:36 and bring them in; so that the community of Yahweh may not be like sheep without months you must offer a burnt offering to Is 1:13 a shepherd.” 18 Yahweh answered Moses, Yahweh: two young bulls, one ram and “Take Joshua, son of Nun, a man in whom seven one-year-old lambs without any the Spirit dwells, and lay your hands on defect; 12 for each bull a grain offering of him. 19 Then bring him before Eleazar, six pounds of fi ne fl our mixed with oil; the priest, and the whole community, to 13 for each lamb, four pounds of fi ne fl our instruct him in their presence 20 and to give mixed with oil. These burnt offerings are him a share of your authority, so that the sweet-smelling offerings to Yahweh. 14 The whole community of the Israelites may accompanying wine offering is four pints 21 28:30; obey him. Eleazar the priest shall consult of wine for a bull, three pints for a ram, two 1S 28:6 me for him and tell him my decisions by pints for a lamb. This must be the monthly means of the Urim and Thummim. Then burnt offering, month after month, every Joshua will direct all the Israelites, the month of the year. 15 In addition to the daily whole community, in all their affairs.” burnt offering, a he-goat must be offered 22 Moses did as Yahweh had com- to Yahweh, as a sacrifi ce for sin, with its manded. He took Joshua and brought him accompanying wine offering. before Eleazar the priest and the whole The Feast of the Unleavened Bread community, 23 laid his hands on him and 16 The fourteenth day of the fi rst month is 12; instructed him, as Yahweh had directed Lev 23:5 through Moses. the Passover of Yahweh, 17 and the fi fteenth day of this month is a feast day. For seven 1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, days unleavened bread must be eaten. 28 2 “Give the Israelites this command: 18 On the fi rst day you shall gather for wor- Take care to bring the food offerings, my ship and not do work of a worker. 19 You sweet-smelling offerings at the times I have shall offer to Yahweh a burnt offering: two appointed. young bulls, a ram, seven one-year-old 3 20 29:18 Say to them: These are the burnt offer- sheep without any defect. The accom- ings you must offer to Yahweh: panying grain offering of fi ne fl our mixed with oil is to be six pounds for the bull, four Daily sacrifi ces pounds for the ram, 21 and two pounds for Every day, two one-year-old lambs each of the seven lambs. 22 There must without any defect. 4 The fi rst lamb you also be a he-goat for the sacrifi ce for sin, NUMBERS 28 264 for the atonement over you. 23 This must panying grain offering of fi ne fl our mixed be done in addition to the daily morning with oil is to be six pounds for the bull, four offering. 24 You must do this every day for pounds for the ram, 10 and two pounds for seven days. It is food, a burnt offering, each of the seven lambs. 11 A he-goat must a fragrant offering to Yahweh; it is to be be offered for the sacrifi ce for sin. This is offered in addition to the daily offering and in addition to the sacrifi ce for the feast of its accompanying wine offering. 25 On the Atonement, and to the daily burnt offering seventh day you shall gather for worship with its accompanying grain offering and and not do work of a worker. wine offerings.

The Feast of Weeks The Feast of the Tent 26 12 On the fi rst day of the harvest, when On the fi fteenth day of the seventh 23:14; Lev you make your offering of new fruits to month you are to gather for worship and do 23:33 Yahweh at your Feast of Weeks, you are no work of a worker, and for the space of to gather for worship; you must do no seven days you are to celebrate a feast for work of workers. 27 You must offer as a Yahweh. 13 You must offer as a burnt offer- burnt offering: two young bulls, one ram, ing and sweet-smelling offering to Yahweh: seven one-year-old lambs. 28 The accom- thirteen young bulls, two rams, fourteen panying grain offering of fi ne fl our mixed one-year-old lambs without any defect. with oil is to be six pounds for each bull, 14 The accompanying grain offering of fi ne 29 four pounds for the ram, and two pounds fl our mixed with oil is to be six pounds for for each of the seven lambs. 30 There must each of the thirteen bulls, four pounds for also be a he-goat for the sacrifi ce for sin, each of the two rams, 15 two pounds for for the atonement over you. 31 This must be each of the fourteen lambs; 16 also one he- done in addition to the daily offering and goat as a sacrifi ce for sin. This is in addi- its accompanying wine offering. tion to the daily burnt offering and its grain offering and wine offering. The New Year Festival 17 On the second day: twelve young 1 Lev In the seventh month, on the fi rst bulls, two rams, fourteen one-year-old 23:24 29 day of the month, you shall gather lambs without any defect; 18 the accompa- for worship and do no work of a worker. It nying grain offering and wine offering, as shall be a day on which you sound the required, in proportion to the number of trumpets. 2 You must offer as a burnt offer- bulls, rams and lambs; 19 also one he-goat ing: one young bull, one ram, seven one- for sacrifi ce for sin. This is in addition to year-old lambs without any defect. 3 The the daily burnt offering with its grain offer- accompanying grain offering of fi ne fl our ing and wine offering. mixed with oil is to be six pounds for the 20 On the third day: eleven bulls, two bull, four pounds for the ram, 4 and two rams, fourteen one-year-old lambs with- pounds for each of the seven lambs. 5 There out any defect, 21 the accompanying grain must also be a he-goat for the sacrifi ce for offering and wine offering, as required, in sin, for the atonement over you. 6 All this proportion to the number of bulls, rams must be done in addition to the monthly and lambs; 22 also one he-goat for the sac- burnt offering with its grain offering, the rifi ce for sin. This is in addition to the daily daily offering with its grain offering, and burnt offering with its grain offering and the accompanying wine offering according wine offering. to the law, as a burnt offering and sweet- 23 On the fourth day: ten bulls, two rams, smelling offering to Yahweh. fourteen one-year-old lambs without any defect: 24 the accompanying grain offer- The Day of Atonement ing and wine offering, as required, in pro- 7 Lev On the tenth day of this seventh month, portion to the number of bulls, rams and 16:29; 25 Ezk you shall gather for worship. You must fast lambs; also one he-goat for the sacrifi ce 45:18 and do no work of a worker. 8 You must for sin. This is in addition to the daily burnt offer a burnt offering and a sweet-smelling offering with its grain offering and wine offering to Yahweh: one young bull, one offering. ram, and seven one-year-old lambs of your 26 On the fi fth day: nine bulls, two rams, choice without any defect. 9 The accom- fourteen one-year-old lambs without any 265 NUMBERS 30 defect: 27 the accompanying grain offer- 4 If a woman makes a vow to give some- ing and wine offering, as required, in pro- thing to the Lord or a solemn promise to portion to the number of bulls, rams and abstain from something while she is still lambs; 28 also one he-goat for the sacrifi ce young and lives in her father’s house, 5 and for sin. This is in addition to the daily burnt if he hears about this vow or promise made offering with its grain offering and wine by her and says nothing to her about it, offering. she must do whatever she has promised. 29 On the sixth day: eight bulls, two 6 But if the father on the day he learns of it rams, fourteen one-year-old lambs with- expresses his disapproval of it, then she is out any defect; 30 the accompanying grain not required to keep her promise. Yahweh offering and wine offering, as required, in will not hold her to her promise, since her proportion to the number of bulls, rams father has expressed his disapproval. and lambs; 31 also one he-goat for the sac- 7-8 If a woman makes a vow before be -

rifi ce for sin. This is in addition to the daily ing married or makes a solemn promise to NUM burnt offering with its grain offering and abstain from something, either deliberate- wine offering. ly or without giving it much thought, she 32 On the seventh day: seven bulls, two must do everything she vowed even after rams, fourteen one-year-old lambs with- she marries if her husband learns of it and out any defect; 33 the accompanying grain says nothing about it. 9 But if on the day he offering and wine offering, as required, in learns of it he expresses his disapproval to proportion to the number of bulls, rams her, she is not required to keep her prom- and lambs; 34 also one he-goat for the sac- ise. Yahweh will not hold her to it. 10 Any rifi ce for sin. This is in addition to the daily vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, burnt offering with its grain offering and or any pledge to which she binds herself wine offering. is valid. 35 On the eighth day you shall all gather 11 If she has made a vow or a solemn for worship and do no work of a worker. promise to abstain from something while 36 You shall offer as a burnt offering and in her husband’s house, 12 and if when the sweet-smelling offering to Yahweh: one husband learns of it he says nothing to bull, one ram, seven one-year-old lambs her and does not express disapproval to without any defect; 37 the accompany- her, then she must do whatever she has ing grain offering and wine offering, as vowed or solemnly promised to abstain required, in proportion to the number of from. 13 But if the husband forbids it on the bulls, rams 38 and lambs; also one he-goat day he learns of it, she is not required to for the sacrifi ce for sin. This is in addition do whatever she has vowed or solemnly to the daily burnt offering with its grain promised. Yahweh will not hold her to it. offering and wine offering. 14 Any vow or solemn promise to ab - 39 This is what you are to do for Yahweh at stain from something that the wife makes, your solemn feasts, besides whatever burnt must be allowed or forbidden by the hus- offerings, grain offerings and wine offerings band. 15 If by the following day the husband you present as your free-will offerings.” has said nothing to her, it means that he approves or allows her vow, whatever it Rules about vows may be, or her solemn promise, whatever 1 Moses told the people of Israel it may be. He confi rms the vows of his wife 30 exactly what Yahweh had com- by saying nothing on the day he learns of manded him. them. 16 But if he forbids them a long time 2 Dt 23:11 Moses spoke to the leaders of the after he learned of them, then he must suf- tribes of Israel. He said, “This is what Yah- fer what results from the wife’s failure to weh has commanded: fulfi ll the vow or solemn promise.” 3 17 Ecl 5:3; If a man makes a vow to give some- These are the laws given by Yah- Ps 50:14; Jdg thing to Yahweh or a solemn promise to weh to Moses, concerning the relation- 11:30; ship between man and wife, and between Dt 23:22; abstain from something, he must not Mt 5:33 break his promise: whatever he promises a father and his daughter while still young by word of mouth he must do. and living in her father’s home. NUMBERS 31 266 The holy war against Midian the epidemic which struck the community 17 1 Dt 20:1; • Yahweh spoke to Moses and of Israel. So kill all the male children. Kill 1S 15: 2 also all the women who have slept with a 1-33 31 said, “Fully avenge the Israelites for what they have suffered from the Midi- man. 18 Spare the lives only of the young anites. After that you will be joined to your girls who have not slept with a man, and people.” take them for yourselves. 19 As for you, 3 25:17-18 Moses said to the people, “Let some of you must camp for seven days outside the you go off to the war and attack the Midi- camp, all of you who have killed a man anites, for you have to carry out Yahweh’s or touched a corpse. Purify yourselves, vengeance. 4 Put a thousand men in the you and your prisoners, on the third and fi eld from each of the tribes of Israel.” seventh days; 20 purify also all cloth- 5 In this way the Israelites provided ing, everything made of skin, everything twelve thousand men equipped for war, woven of goats’ hair and everything made one thousand from each tribe. 6 Moses put of wood.” them in the fi eld, one thousand from each 21 Eleazar, the priest, said to the sol- tribe, with Phinehas, son of Eleazar the diers who had come back from this battle, priest, to go with them carrying the sacred “These are the regulations given by Yah- vessels and the trumpets for sounding the weh to Moses. 22 The gold, silver, bronze, alarm. iron, tin and lead, everything that is not 7 They attacked the Midianites, as Yah- melted by fi re, must be passed through the weh had commanded Moses, and they put fi re to become clean, and also be purifi ed every male to death. 8 And further, they by the water for purifi cation. 23 But whatev- killed the kings of Midian, Evi, Rekem, er would be melted by fi re you must pass Zur, Hur and Reba, the fi ve Midianite through water. kings; they also put Balaam son of Beor 24 On the seventh day you will wash to the sword. 9 The sons of Israel took the your clothes and then be clean. You may Midianite women captive with their young then come back to the camp.” children, and took for themselves all their 25 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: cattle, all their fl ocks and all their goods. 26 “With Eleazar, the priest, and the heads 10 They set fi re to the towns where they of families in the community, count the lived and all their camps. 11 Then, taking all prizes of battle and the captives, man and the spoils, all that they had captured, man beast. 27 Then share out the spoils, half and beast, 12 they brought the captives and and half, between those who fought the the spoils to Moses, Eleazer the priest, and battle and the rest of the community. 28 As all the community of the Israelites, at the Yahweh’s share you will set aside, from camp in the plains of Moab, near the Jor- the share of the soldiers who took part in dan River opposite Jericho. the battle, one out of every 500 persons, oxen, donkeys and sheep. 29 These are to Laws regarding war be taken from the half share which is their 13 Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the due, and given to Eleazar, the priest, as an leaders of the community went out of the offering to Yahweh. 30 From the half which camp to meet them. 14 Moses was angry is due to the community of Israel, you will with the commanders of the army, the take one out of every fi fty persons, oxen, captains of thousands and the captains of donkeys, sheep, and all other animals, and hundreds, who had come back from this give them to the Levites who have charge battle. 15 He said, “Why have you spared of the Holy Tent of Yahweh.” 16 31 25 the lives of all the women? These were Moses and Eleazar, the priest, did as the very ones who, on Balaam’s advice, Yahweh had commanded Moses. 32 The tempted the people of Israel and made prizes of battle, the remainder of the spoil them unfaithful to Yahweh at Peor: hence captured by the soldiers, came to 675,000

• 31.1 The present chapter refers to the killing of women is not described in this fi cti- “holy war.” It is important to remember that all tious episode… The author of the story only of this was written when Israel no longer had wanted to insist on how dangerous it was for the the means of attacking any other people. See Israelites to marry or go near women of pagan the commentary on Joshua 6 to that effect. The nations. 267 NUMBERS 32 head of sheep and goats, 33 72,000 head The Israelites settle in Transjordania Dt 3: 34 35 1 of cattle, 61,000 donkeys, and, in per- • The tribes of Reuben and Gad 12-20; Num sons, women who had never slept with a 32 owned great herds of fi ne cattle. 21:24; man, 32,000 in all. 36 The half assigned Now they saw that the land of Jazer and Jos 1:12 to those who had taken part in the war Gilead was good for raising livestock. 2 Be - amounted to 337,500 head of sheep and cause of this they went to Moses, Eleazar goats, 37 of which Yahweh’s share was 675; the priest, and the leaders of the commu- 38 36,000 head of cattle, of which Yahweh’s nity, and said to them, 3 “The land around share was 72; 39 30,500 donkeys, of which Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Yahweh’s share was 61, 40 and 16,000 per- Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon, 4 which sons, of which Yahweh’s share was 32. Yahweh has conquered in the sight of the 41 Moses gave Eleazar, the priest, the share community of Israel, is good land for rais- set aside for Yahweh, in accordance with ing cattle, and we have livestock. 5 If we Yahweh’s instructions to Moses. have deserved your friendship, give us this NUM 42 As for the half due to the Israelite com- land for our own; do not make us cross the munity, which Moses had separated from Jordan River.” that of the soldiers, 43 this half, the com- 6 Moses replied, “Shall you stay here munity’s share, came to 337,500 head of while your brothers are off to the war? sheep and goats, 44 36,000 head of cattle, 7 Why do you discourage the people of 45 30,500 donkeys 46 and 16,000 persons. Israel from entering the land that Yahweh 47 From this half, the share of the commu- has given them? 8 This is what your fathers nity of Israel, Moses took one out of every did when I sent them from Kadesh-Barnea fi fty, man and beast, and gave them to the to inspect the land. 9 They went up as far Levites who had charge of the Holy Tent as the Valley of Eshcol and inspected the of Yahweh, according to what Yahweh said land; but they kept the people of Israel to Moses. from entering the land Yahweh had given 48 Then the offi cers of the army, the them. 10 Because of this Yahweh was angry captains of thousands and the captains that day and swore this oath, 11 ‘These men of hundreds, came to Moses 49 and said, of twenty years and over, who came out “Your servants have numbered the sol- from Egypt, will never see the land that I diers under their command; not one is promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and missing. 50 And further, we bring as an Jacob. For they have not followed me offering for Yahweh the gold ornaments we faithfully, 12 except Caleb son of Jephun- have found, armlets and bracelets, signet neh the Kenizzite, and Joshua son of Nun: rings, earrings and necklaces, to make these indeed have followed Yahweh faith- atonement for ourselves before Yahweh.” fully.’ 13 The anger of Yahweh blazed out 51 Moses and Eleazar, the priest, accepted against Israel and he made them wander this gold from them, all this jewelry. 52 This in the desert for forty years, until the gen- offering of gold given by them to Yahweh eration that offended Yahweh had all dis- weighed over 400 pounds, all given by the appeared. 14 And now, will you do as your captains of thousands and the captains of fathers did? You, new generation of sinful hundreds. people, will you add still more to the burn- 53 Each of the soldiers took his own ing anger of Yahweh against Israel! 15 If you loot. 54 But Moses and Eleazar, the priest, turn away from him, he will make your received the gold from the captains of roaming in the desert still longer, and all thousands and of hundreds, and carried this people will perish because of you.” it to the tent of meeting as a reminder to 16 But they explained their purpose to Yahweh of the people of Israel. Moses, “We would like to build sheepfolds

• 32.1 Not all the Israelites left Kadesh, as happened in the time of Moses. Some left the oasis in the desert where they stayed “forty Kadesh before or after Moses: the most impor- years,” as one people. The traditional image of tant group was the one who went to Gilead, on the Israelites leaving as a united group to conquer the other side of the Jordan. There, they settled the land of Canaan is more poetic than histori- peacefully in the midst of other nations. cal. These people were independent and each Verses 20-22 emphasizes solidarity among group wandered freely with their fl ocks except the Israelites. in the most diffi cult times when they gathered, NUMBERS 32 268 here for our fl ocks and towns for our young tribes of Gad and Reuben and to half the children. 17 Then we ourselves will take up tribe of Manasseh, the territory of Sihon, arms to lead the people of Israel until we king of the Amorites, as well as that of Og, have brought them to the place appointed king of Bashan, and all the land and towns for them: only our young children will stay surrounding them. in the fortifi ed towns, safe from the inhabit- 34 The sons of Gad built Dibon, Ataroth, ants of the country. 18 As for us we will not Aroer, 35 Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, return to our homes until every one of the 36 Beth-nimrah, Beth-haran, fortifi ed towns, Israelites has taken possession of his inher- and fenced places for the sheep. itance. 19 For we shall have no inheritance 37 The sons of Reuben built Heshbon, Ele- with them on the other bank of the Jordan aleh, Kiriathaim, 38 Nebo, Baal-meon (their River or beyond, since our inheritance has names were changed), and Sibmah. They fallen to us here, east of the Jordan.” gave names to the towns they had built. 20 Moses said to them, “If you mean 39 The sons of Machir son of Manasseh what you have said, if you are prepared went to Gilead. They conquered it and to go to battle in the presence of Yahweh, drove out the Amorites who were there. 21 and if all your fi ghting men cross the 40 Moses gave Gilead to Machir son of Jordan River under the command of Yah- Manasseh, and he settled there. 41 Jair son weh, until he has defeated all his enemies, of Manasseh attacked and captured some 22 then, once Yahweh has taken possession villages and called them villages of Jair. of the land, you may go back; you shall 42 Nobah attacked and captured Kenath be free of your obligation toward Yahweh with its outlying villages, and called it and Israel, and this country shall be your Nobah after himself. inheritance before Yahweh. 23 But if you do not, you will sin against Yahweh, and you The stages of the Exodus can be sure that your sin will follow you. 1 Here are the stages of the journey 24 Build towns, then, for your young chil- 33 of the people of Israel when they left dren and fenced places for your sheep; but the land of Egypt by divisions, under the do what you have promised.” leadership of Moses and Aaron. 2 Moses 25 The sons of Gad and the sons of Reu- followed Yahweh’s instructions and wrote ben said to Moses, “Your servants will do down the starting place for each stage of as you order, sir. 26 Our children, our wives, the journey. Here are the stages or, better, our sheep and all our livestock will stay in the starting places. the towns of Gilead, 27 but we, every man 3 They left Egypt on the fi fteenth day of armed for war, will cross over the Jor- the fi rst month of the year. On the day fol- dan before Yahweh to fi ght as you have lowing the Passover, the people of Israel ordered.” set out triumphantly in the sight of all the 28 Then Moses gave instructions about Egyptians, 4 when they were burying their them to Eleazar, the priest, to Joshua, son dead. For Yahweh had killed all their fi rst- of Nun, and to the other leaders of Israel. born; he had also passed judgment on the 29 Moses said to them, “If the sons of Gad gods of Egypt. and the sons of Reuben, all who are armed 5 The people of Israel left Rameses and for battle, cross the Jordan before Yah- camped at Succoth. 6 Then they left Suc- weh to fi ght with you, then once you have coth and camped at Etham which is on the conquered the land, you will give them edge of the wilderness. 7 They left Etham, the country of Gilead for their possession. turned back to Pi-hahiroth which faces 30 But if they do not cross over and go into Baal-zephon, and camped before Migdol. battle with you, then they must have their 8 They left Pi-hahiroth, crossed over the possessions among you in the land of sea into the wilderness, and after marching Canaan.” for three days in the desert of Etham, they 31 The sons of Gad and the sons of Reu- camped at Marah. 9 They left Marah and ben replied, “What Yahweh has said to us, reached Elim. At Elim, there were twelve we will do. 32 We will cross into the land of springs of water and seventy palm trees; Canaan and go into battle under Yahweh’s they camped there. command; but our inheritance shall be 10 They left Elim and camped by the Sea beyond the Jordan.” 33 Moses gave to the of Reeds. 11 They left the Sea of Reeds and 269 NUMBERS 34 camped in the wilderness of Sin. 12 They 48 They left the Abarim mountains and left the wilderness of Sin and camped camped in the plains of Moab, near the at Dophkah. 13 They left Dophkah and Jordan opposite Jericho. 49 There they camped at Alush. 14 They left Alush and camped near the Jordan between Bethha- camped at Rephidim; the people found no jeshimoth and Abel-hashshittim, in the drinking water there. 15 They left Rephidim plains of Moab. and camped in the wilderness of Sinai. 50 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the plains 16 They left the wilderness of Sinai and of Moab, near the Jordan River opposite camped at Kibroth-hattaavah. 17 They left Jericho. He said: 51 “Say this to the people Kibroth-hattaavah and camped at Haz- of Israel: When you have crossed the Jor- eroth. 18 They left Hazeroth and camped at dan into the land of Canaan, 52 you must Rithmah. 19 They left Rithmah and camped drive out all the inhabitants of the coun- at Rimmon-perez. 20 They left Rimmon- try. You must destroy their stones, and 21 perez and camped at Libnah. They left their idols and all their places of worship. NUM Libnah and camped at Rissah. 22 They left 53 You will take possession of this land and Rissah and camped at Kehelathah. 23 They settle in it for I have given it to you for your left Kehelathah and camped at Mount own. 54 You are to divide it by drawing lots 26:54- Shepher. 24 They left Mount Shepher and among your clans. To a large clan you will 56 camped at Haradah. 25 They left Haradah give a larger piece of property, to a small and camped at Makheloth. clan a smaller one. Where the lot falls for 26 They left Makheloth and camped at each, that will be his. Make this division Tahath. 27 They left Tahath and camped according to tribes. at Terah. 28 They left Terah and camped at 55 But if you do not drive out the inhabit- Mithkah. 29 They left Mithkah and camped ants of the country, then those you have at Hashmonah. 30 They left Hashmonah allowed to remain will be as splinters in your and camped at Moseroth. 31 They left eyes and thorns in your side; they will harass Mose roth and camped at Bene-jaakan. you in the land where you are to live 56 and 32 They left Bene-jaakan and camped at I will treat you as I meant to treat them.” Hor-haggidgad. 33 They left Hor-haggidgad and camped at Jotbathah. 34 They left Jot- The boundaries of Canaan bathah and camped at Abronah. 35 They 1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, left Abronah and camped at Ezion-geber. 34 2 “Give the people of Israel this 36 They left Ezion-geber and camped order: When you go into the land of in the wilderness of Zin; that is Kadesh. Canaan, this territory will be your inheri- 37 They left Kadesh and camped at Mount tance. This is the land of Canaan with its Hor, on the borders of the land of Edom. boundaries: 38 There Aaron, the priest, went up Mount 3 The southern part of your country will Hor at Yahweh’s command and there he stretch from the wilderness of Zin along died, in the fortieth year of the journey of the borders of Edom. It will start on the the Israelites from the land of Egypt, in the east at the southern end of the Salt Sea. fi fth month, on the fi rst day of the month. 4 It will then turn south toward the Ascent 39 Aaron was 123 years old when he died at of the Scorpions and go through Zin as far Mount Hor. as Kadesh-Barnea. Then it will go north- 40 The king of Arad, a Canaanite who west toward Hazar-addar and pass through lived in the Negeb in the land of Canaan, Azmon. 5 From Azmon the boundary will was informed when the people of Isra- turn toward the valley at the border of el arrived. 41 So they left Mount Hor and Egypt and end at the Big Sea (the Mediter- camped at Zalmonah. 42 They left Zalmo- ranean Sea). nah and camped at Punon. 43 They left 6 The Big Sea will be your western Punon and camped at Oboth. 44 They left boundary. 7 For your northern boundary Oboth and camped in Moabite territory you will draw a line from the Big Sea to at Iye-abarim. 45 They left Iye-abarim and Mount Hor, 8 then from Mount Hor you will camped at Dibon-gad. 46 They left Dibon- draw a line to the Pass of Hamath, and the gad and camped at Almon-diblathaim. boundary will end at Zedad. 9 From there 47 They left Almon-diblathaim and camped it will go on to Ziphron and end at Hazar- in the Abarim mountains facing Nebo. enan. This will be your northern boundary. NUMBERS 34 270 10 You will then draw your eastern to be for their cattle and all their animals. boundary from Hazar-enan to Shepham. 4 The pastureland surrounding the towns 11 The boundary will go south from Shep- that you give to the Levites shall extend ham toward Riblah on the east side of Ain from the walls of the towns 500 yards in and on to the hills on the eastern shore of each direction, 5 so that there is a square Lake Galilee. 12 The boundary will then fol- area measuring 1,000 yards on each side, low the Jordan and end at the Dead Sea. with the town in the middle. 6 The towns This will be your land with the boundaries you give to the Levites will be the six towns surrounding it.” of refuge to which a person can escape 13 Moses then gave this instruction to the who causes another’s death; and you are people of Israel: “This is the land you are to give them forty-two more towns. 7 Alto- to divide by lot, which Yahweh has com- gether you will give forty-eight towns to manded to be given to the remaining nine the Levites, towns together with their pas- and a half tribes. 14 The tribe of Reuben turelands. 8 You will take these towns from and the tribe of Gad with its clans and also the property of the sons of Israel, taking the half tribe of Manasseh have already more towns from the tribes who own more, been given their land 15 beyond the Jordan and less from tribes who own less. Every opposite Jericho, to the east, toward the tribe will give towns to the Levites in pro- sunrise.” portion to the land they themselves have 16 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: received.” 17 “These are the names of those who will share out the land: Eleazar the priest and Cities of refuge Joshua son of Nun, 18 with one leader from • 9 Yahweh spoke to Moses and said: each tribe. 19 Here are the names of these 10 “Say this to the people of Israel: When men: you cross the Jordan River and reach the For the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of land of Canaan, 11 you are to select towns Jephunneh; 20 for the tribe of Simeon, which you will make into towns of refuge Shemuel son of Ammihud; 21 for the tribe to which a person who has killed someone of Benjamin, Elidad son of Chislon; 22 for accidentally may escape. 12 In these towns the tribe of Dan, the leader, Bukki son they will be safe from the dead person’s of Jogli; 23 for the tribe of Manasseh, the relative who wants revenge, so that the leader Hanniel son of Ephod; 24 and for the killer may not die without being brought tribe of Ephraim, the leader Kemuel son to trial before the community. 13 The towns of Shiphtan; 25 for the tribe of Zebulun, the you give will serve you as six cities of ref- leader Elizaphan son of Parnach; 26 for the uge: 14 the three that you give beyond the tribe of Issachar, the leader Paltiel, son of Jordan and the three that you give in the Azzan; 27 for the tribe of Asher, the leader land of Canaan are to be cities of refuge. Ahihud son of Shelomi; 28 for the tribe of 15 These six towns will be a refuge for the Naphtali, the leader Pedahel son of Ammi- people of Israel as well as for the stranger hud.” 29 These are the men whom Yahweh and the foreigner among you, where any- commanded to divide the land of Canaan one who has killed accidentally may fi nd among the tribes of Israel as their inheri- safety. tance. 16-18 But if the killer has struck some- one with an iron object, or with a stone The share of the Levites or wooden instrument and has killed that 1 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the person, he is a murderer and must be put 35 plains of Moab, near the Jordan to death. 19 The dead person’s nearest rela- opposite Jericho. He said: tive must put the murderer to death. When 2 “Tell the people of Israel to give to the he fi nds him he must kill him. Levites, out of the property they possess, 20 If a person hates someone and causes towns in which to live and pastureland his death by pushing him down or by around the towns. 3 They will live in the throwing something at him 21 or by hitting towns and the surrounding pastureland is him with his fi st, he is a murderer and is to

• 35.9 These laws concerning the cities of refuge are similar to those in Deuteronomy 19:1. 271 NUMBERS 36 be put to death. The dead person’s near- Joseph, came forward. They spoke before est relative must put him to death when he Moses and the heads of the families of fi nds him. 22 If, however, a person has acci- Israel 2 and said: dentally killed someone whom he does not “Yahweh has commanded you to give hate, either by pushing him down or throw- the land to the people of Israel, sharing it ing him down or throwing something at him out by drawing lots; and Yahweh has com- 23 or, without looking, has thrown a stone manded you to give the inheritance of that kills someone, 24 then the community our brother Zelophehad to his daughters. shall judge in favor of the one who caused 3 Now, if they marry someone from another death rather than in favor of the dead per- tribe in Israel, their property will be taken son’s relative who seeks revenge. 25 They away from the inheritance of our fathers. will send the person who killed someone The property of the tribe to which they will accidentally back to the city of refuge belong will be increased, while the prop- 4 where he went for safety, and there he erty given to us will be decreased. And NUM must stay until the death of the high priest. when the jubilee year comes, the prop- 26 If the killer should leave the city of refuge erty of these women will be added to the to which he had gone for safety 27 and the inheritance of the tribe to which they then dead person’s nearest relative meets him belong, and lost to the inheritance of our outside the city of refuge, the relative may own tribe.” kill him without fear of punishment 28 since 5 Moses, at Yahweh’s command, gave the killer should stay in his city of refuge the following ruling to the people of Israel. until the death of the high priest. Only after He said: the death of the high priest is he free to go “The tribe of Joseph is right. 6 This is back to his own home. 29 These regulations Yah weh’s decision for the daughters of are for you and your descendants wher- Ze lophehad: They may marry whom they ever you may be. please, but they must marry into a clan of 30 In case of murder, the accused may their father’s tribe. 7 The property of the be found guilty and put to death only on people of Israel is not to be transferred from the evidence of two or more witnesses; the tribe to tribe; the property of every Israel- evidence of only one witness is not enough ite is to remain attached to his own tribe. to uphold an accusation of murder. 31 You 8 Every woman who has inherited property shall not accept payment to save the life of in one of the tribes of Israel must marry into a murderer condemned to death; he must a clan of her own tribe, so that each Isra- die. 32 Nor are you to accept payment from elite may inherit the property of his ances- anyone who wishes to leave his city of tors. 9 No property may be transferred from refuge to return and live in his own home one tribe to another: every tribe of Israel before the death of the high priest. 33 You will always keep its own property.” must not defi le the land you live in. Mur- 10 The daughters of Zelophehad did as der defi les the land and there is no other Yahweh had commanded Moses. 11 Mah- atonement for the land where blood has lah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah and Noah, been shed than through the blood of the daugh ters of Zelophehad, married the murderer. 34 You must not defi le the land sons of their father’s brothers. 12 Since they you live in, the land in which I live; for I, married into the clans of Manasseh, son of Yahweh, live among the people of Israel.” Joseph, their property remained with the tribe of their father’s clan. A wife’s inheritance 13 These are the commandments and 1 Then the heads of families in the laws that Yahweh gave to the people of 36 clan of Gilead, son of Machir, grand- Israel through Moses in the plains of Moab son of Manasseh, one of the clans of near the Jordan opposite Jericho. 272

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