I. Name

The name is called in Hebrew Wa-yedabber, "and he spake," the first words of the book, or sometimes Bemidbar, "in the desert," because it deals with their wilderness life. In the Greek it is called Arithmoi and in the Latin Numeri, of which the English word Numbers is the equivalent. It receives this name from the numbering or marshalling of the people found both at the beginning and end of the book.

II. Contents

In a general way the book is a record of their preparation for their departure from Sinai and of their doings until they encamp on the borders of the Land of Promise.

Three sections are plainly marked:

1. Preparation for departure from Sinai. Chs. 1:1-10:10, — A census is taken of all the tribes, except Levi, 1:1-46, the members of which tribe were appointed to have charge of the tabernacle and were to remain encamped around it, 1:47-54. The total number was found to be 603,550. The position of each tribe in the camp is located, Ch. 2; the Levites are numbered, 3:15, and are substituted for the first-born, 3:44, and special duties are assigned them, Ch. 4. Laws are provided for cases of leprosy and other forms of uncleanness, 5:1-4; restitution for trespass, 5-10; an unfaithful wife, 11-31; vows, 6:1-12; the Nazarite, 13-21, and the form of priestly benediction given, 24-27. A record is made of special offerings at the dedication of the tabernacle, Ch. 7; instructions are given as to the care of the sacred vessels and the consecration and length of the public service of the priests are fixed, Ch. 8. The Passover is celebrated and final arrangements are made for their departure, Chs. 9 and 10.

2. From Sinai to Moab. Chs. 10:11-22:1. — The principal facts are: The parting of Moses and Hobab, 10:29-32; the sedition of Aaron and Miriam, Ch. 12; the spies sent to explore Canaan, Ch. 13; the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, Ch. 16; the death of Miriam, the sin of Moses and Aaron at Meribah, the death of Aaron, Ch. 20; the brazen serpent, Ch. 21; and the encampment on the plains of Moab, 22:1.

3. Preparations for entering Canaan. Chs. 22-36.— Here we have Balak's encounter with Israel, Chs. 22-24; second census of Israel, Ch. 26; specific laws respecting inheritance, selection of Joshua as leader, offerings and vows, Chs. 27-30; allotment of tribes on the east of Jordan, Ch. 32; names of stations on their journey, Ch. 33; boundaries of Canaan, Ch. 34; cities of refuge, Ch. 35; rules for the preservation of families and estates, Ch. 36.

The relation between the books of Numbers and Leviticus is very manifest. The opening words of Numbers refer us directly to Leviticus, and the sequence of thought and style is still more complete. In Numbers we are carried onward in the preparation for the national and religious life of a people for whose greatness the foundations are here being laid.

Equally fundamental is its relation to the books which follow it. They not only quote it freely but assume the existence of the institutions and the correctness of the historical situation here presented.

In a figurative, typical way the records of this book underlie all Christian worship and service. The sacrificial system here originated has given our Christian nomenclature such words as sacrifice, priesthood, tabernacle, Passover; and their long journey through the wilderness, with its trials and triumphs, has suggested such terms as the army of God, Christian soldiers, victory over sin, which have been a constant inspiration to the church as well as to the individual Christian.

Certain difficulties suggested by the census of Ex. 38:26 and Num. i:i, the remarkable reduction in some of the tribes as Simeon, during the wilderness life, and the question of food in the desert belong more appropriately to exegesis and, whatever may be their final solution, cannot affect the general accuracy and value of the book.