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A Rood Awakening!Presents

Awakening in the WordBy Glenn McWilliams of TK TORAH KEEPERSwww.ARoodAwakening.tv

THE OVERVIEW

Our portion this week focuses upon the preparation for Israels journey from Mount Sinai tothe promised land. In this study we look at the name, content, and structure of the fourthbook of the Torah and a number of important revelations contained within the verses of itsopening portion. We also discuss the purpose of the census and its various methods of

counting. Within the boundaries of the portion we read about the census, the unique calling ofthe Levites, and the ordering of the camp in preparation for the journey of the children of Israelthrough the wilderness.

THE OUTLINE

Numbers 1:1 The historical context

Numbers 1:2-4 The commandment and directions regarding taking the census

Numbers 1:5-19 The appointment of the heads of the families

Numbers 1:20-46 The census is conducted and the numbers reported

Numbers 1:47-54 The exemption and appointment of the Levites

Numbers 2:1-2 Instructions concerning the camp

Numbers 2:3-9 The establishment of the camp of JudahNumbers 2:10-16 The establishment of the camp of Reuben

SUGGESTED STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What is the name of the book?2. What historical period is covered in the book?3. What is the structure of the book?4. What are the boundaries of the unit?5. When do these events take place?6. Where are the children of Israel when these commandments are given?7. From where does YHWH speak to Moses?

8. What is Moses commanded to do?9. Why is a census necessary?10.Why are heads of families elected?11.How are the people recognized?12.What are the meanings of the names?13.What is missing from the names?14.What good news is declared by the census?15.How and why is Gad different from all the other tribes?16.What is the controversy over the numbers?
http://www.aroodawakening.tv/http://www.aroodawakening.tv/http://www.aroodawakening.tv/

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17.What are the two ways of counting?18.What is the meaning ofelef?19.Why are the Levites exempt from the counting?20.What is the calling of the Levites?21.What is the purpose of Israel?22.How is the gospel proclaimed in the book of Numbers?

THE TEXT

Bemidbar 1:1-2:16And YHWH spake unto Mosesin the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of thecongregation, on the first day of the second month,in the second year after they were come out of theland of Egypt, saying, 2Take ye the sum of all thecongregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with thenumber of their names, every male by their polls;3 from twenty years old and upward, all that are

able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaronshall number them by their armies. 4And with youthere shall be a man of every tribe; every one headof the house of his fathers. 5And these are thenames of the men that shall stand with you: of thetribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur. 6OfSimeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 7OfJudah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 8OfIssachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar. 9Of Zebulun;Eliab the son of Helon. 10Of the children of Joseph:of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: ofManasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 11OfBenjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni. 12Of Dan;

Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.13

Of Asher; Pagielthe son of Ocran. 14Of Gad; Eliasaph the son ofDeuel. 15Of Naphtali; Ahira the son of Enan. 16Thesewere the renowned of the congregation, princes ofthe tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands inIsrael. 17And Moses and Aaron took these menwhich are expressed by their names: 18and theyassembled all the congregation together on the firstday of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of theirfathers, according to the number of the names, fromtwenty years old and upward, by their polls. 19AsYHWH commanded Moses, so he numbered them in

the wilderness of Sinai.20

And the children ofReuben, Israels eldest son, by their generations,after their families, by the house of their fathers,according to the number of the names, by their polls,every male from twenty years old and upward, allthat were able to go forth to war;21those that werenumbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred. 22Of thechildren of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that

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were numbered of them, according to the number ofthe names, by their polls, every male from twentyyears old and upward, all that were able to go forthto war;23those that were numbered of them, even ofthe tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousandand three hundred. 24Of the children of Gad, by

their generations, after their families, by the houseof their fathers, according to the number of thenames, from twenty years old and upward, all thatwere able to go forth to war; 25those that werenumbered of them, even of the tribe of Gad, were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty. 26Ofthe children of Judah, by their generations, aftertheir families, by the house of their fathers,according to the number of the names, from twentyyears old and upward, all that were able to go forthto war;27those that were numbered of them, even ofthe tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteenthousand and six hundred. 28Of the children of

Issachar, by their generations, after their families,by the house of their fathers, according to thenumber of the names, from twenty years old andupward, all that were able to go forth to war;29thosethat were numbered of them, even of the tribe ofIssachar, were fifty and four thousand and fourhundred. 30Of the children of Zebulun, by theirgenerations, after their families, by the house oftheir fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that wereable to go forth to war;31those that were numberedof them, even of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty andseven thousand and four hundred. 32Of the children

of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephraim, bytheir generations, after their families, by the houseof their fathers, according to the number of thenames, from twenty years old and upward, all thatwere able to go forth to war; 33those that werenumbered of them, even of the tribe of Ephraim,were forty thousand and five hundred. 34Of thechildren of Manasseh, by their generations, aftertheir families, by the house of their fathers,according to the number of the names, from twentyyears old and upward, all that were able to go forthto war;35those that were numbered of them, even ofthe tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two

thousand and two hundred.36

Of the children ofBenjamin, by their generations, after their families,by the house of their fathers, according to thenumber of the names, from twenty years old andupward, all that were able to go forth to war;37thosethat were numbered of them, even of the tribe ofBenjamin, were thirty and five thousand and fourhundred. 38Of the children of Dan, by theirgenerations, after their families, by the house oftheir fathers, according to the number of the names,

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toward the rising of the sun shall they of thestandard of the camp of Judah pitch throughouttheir armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadabshall be captain of the children of Judah. 4And hishost, and those that were numbered of them, werethreescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.5

And those that do pitch next unto him shall be thetribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuarshall be captain of the children of Issachar. 6And hishost, and those that were numbered thereof, werefifty and four thousand and four hundred. 7Then thetribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall becaptain of the children of Zebulun. 8And his host,and those that were numbered thereof, were fiftyand seven thousand and four hundred. 9All thatwere numbered in the camp of Judah were anhundred thousand and fourscore thousand and sixthousand and four hundred, throughout theirarmies. These shall first set forth. 10On the south

side shall be the standard of the camp of Reubenaccording to their armies: and the captain of thechildren of Reuben shall be Elizur the son ofShedeur. 11And his host, and those that werenumbered thereof, were forty and six thousand andfive hundred. 12And those which pitch by him shallbe the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of thechildren of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son ofZurishaddai. 13And his host, and those that werenumbered of them, were fifty and nine thousandand three hundred. 14Then the tribe of Gad: and thecaptain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the sonof Reuel. 15And his host, and those that were

numbered of them, were forty and five thousandand six hundred and fifty. 16All that were numberedin the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousandand fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall setforth in the second rank. (Numbers 1:1-2:16 KJV)

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The book of Leviticus, with its many detailed and sometimes confusing instructions concerningthe various sacrifices, offerings, dietary restrictions, matters of personal purity, and othermatters of sanctity making up the identity and cultic practices of the nation of Israel, is oftenthe first major challenge to the discipline of those who vow to read the whole Bible from coverto cover. While the book of Leviticus may weed out many, the book of Numbers is the nextmajor challenge to Bible readers who resolve to fulfill their vow. The book of Numbers may, in

fact, be the most maligned book of the Bible. It is unfortunate, however, that so many stumblewhen it comes to reading the book of Numbers, for it may be one of the most informative andimportant for those of us living in exile from the land of Israel.

The first major hurdle in the book comes in the form of a census which includes long lists ofdifficult names and large numbers. Although these figures may captivate the minds ofbookkeepers and CPAs, they leave the rest of the believing community somewhat cold andresistant. For many, the name of the book, Numbers, is such a turn-off that they refuse tocontinue past the title page. In our study I hope to lift this negative image of the fourth book ofthe Torah and help uncover some very exciting and fascinating revelations contained within itspages.

Before we delve into the details of our individual portion, let us begin our study with a brief

overview of the whole book. Possibly the best place for us to begin is with the actual Englishname of the book, Numbers, which, for many, is the first obstacle or challenge to reading it.The name is derived from the Septuagints Greek title Arithmoi, which was carried over intothe Latin Vulgate as Numeri. These titles may be based upon what many consider to be theoldest Hebrew title of the book, chomesh ha-pekudim, which can be translated as The Fifth(referring to the five books of the Torah) the Counting.1 Numbers has also been referred to asva-yedaberor And He Spoke, after the first word of the book, as is the case with bereshit/Inthe Beginning and vayikra/And He Called. The current Hebrew title of the fourth book ofthe Torah seems to me to be the most appropriate and certainly the most enticing Bemidbar, which means In the Wilderness. This title explains in one (Hebrew) word exactly

what the book is about to cover. The book of Bemidbar contains the story of Israels journeyfrom Mount Sinai in Arabia to the promised land. We may best understand the importance ofthe book of Bemidbar if we see it in the overall outline of the Torah.

Bereshit/Genesis From Creation to Egypt

Shemot/Exodus From Egypt to Sinai

Vayikra/Leviticus At Sinai

Bemidbar/Numbers From Sinai to Canaan

Devarim/Deuteronomy Entering the Promised Land

1The JPS Torah Commentary: Numbers, Jacob Milgrom, Jewish Publication Society, Pg. xi

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The book of Bemidbar covers a period of over forty years in the lives of the children of Israel. Itis the critical link between the year spent at Mount Sinai and the long journey back to the landpromised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. While the great deliverance from bondage in Egyptand the firsthand encounter with YHWH at Mount Sinai are indeed monumental events in thelives of the children of Israel, it is clear that this mountain experience was not the end of the

journey but merely the beginning.

When we take a brief look at the overall content of this fourth book of the Torah, we see that itcontains much more than the numbers featured so predominantly at the beginning of thebook.

I. Israel Preparing at Sinai, 1:1-10:10A. The Census of the People, 1:1-4:49

1. The population of the tribes, 1:1-542. The position of the tribes in camp and on march, 2:1-343. The place of the Levites, 3:1-4:49

B. The Sanctification of the People, 5:1-10:101. By separation from defiling things, 5:1-312. By taking a Nazarite vow, 6:1-27

3. By the offerings of the leaders, 7:1-894. By the setting apart of the Levites, 8:1-265. By observing the first annual Passover, 9:1-146. By being led by God, 9:15-10:10

II. Israel Marching to Kadesh-Barnea, 10:11-12:16A. The March Begun, 10:11-36B. The Murmurings Begun, 11:1-12:16

1. The murmurings of the people (for meat), 11:1-352. The murmuring of Miriam and Aaron, 12:1-16

III. Israel at Kadesh-Barnea, 13:1-20:13A. The Defiance of God, 13:1-14:45

1. The reconnaissance and report of the spies, 13:1-332. The reaction and judgment of the people, 14:1-45

B. The Discipline from God, 15:1-20:131. Miscellaneous laws concerning the offerings, Sabbath, and fringes, 15:1-412. The rebellion of Korah, 16:1-503. Validation of the Aaronic priesthood, 17:1-134. The duties and support of the Levites, 18:1-325. The red heifer sacrifice, 19:1-226. The sin of Moses, 20:1-13

IV. Israel Marching to Moab, 20:14-21:35A. The Defiance of Edom, 20:14-22B. The Death of Aaron, 20:23-39C. The Defeat of Arad, 21:1-3D.The Discipline of Israel: Brass Serpent, 21:4-9E. The Defeat Sihon and Og, 21:10-35

V.

Israel on the Plains of Moab, 22:1-36:13A. Balak Propositions Balaam to Curse Israel, 22:1-41B. Balaam Blesses Israel, 23:1-24:25C. Israel Worships Baal of Peor, 25:1-18D.The New Generation Numbered, 26:1-65E. The People Instructed, 27:1-30:16

1. The laws of inheritance, 27:1-112. The appointment of Joshua, 27:12-233. The order of offerings and festivals, 28:1-29:404. The law for vows, 30:1-16

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F. The People Defeat the Midianites, 31:1-54G.Transjordan Settled by Two and a Half Tribes, 32:1-42H.The Journey from Egypt to Moab Reviewed, 33:1-49I. Instructions for Possessing the Land, 33:50-56

J. The Division of the Land of Canaan, 34:1-36:131. The boundaries, 34:1-12

2. The allotment, 34:13-293. The cities of the Levites, 35:1-84. The cities of refuge, 35:9-345. The inheritance of women, 36:1-132

As we can see from the above outline, there is a great deal of exciting narrative, revelation, andinstruction contained within the pages of the book of Bemidbar. In fact, the great diversity ofgenres present in the book and the apparently haphazard alternation between stories andinstructions have caused some to refer to the book as the Junk Room of the Bible.3

While the book may appear to be somewhat haphazard in its arrangement, this is clearly notthe case. In fact, there is a clear and distinct order to the book that is critical to its

proclamation. I would suggest that the title Arithmoi, Numeri, or Numbers may be anintentional tool to draw our attention to the two censuses, which mark critical divisions in thestructure of the book and help make sense of it as a whole.

Let us take note that there are two nearly identical censuses taken in the book of Numbers.The first census is at the beginning, while the second is just over halfway through the book.

TRIBE NUMBERS 1 NUMBERS 26

Reuben 46,500 43,730

Simeon 59,300 22,200

Gad 45,650 40,500

Judah 74,600 76,500

Issachar 54,400 64,300Zebulun 57,400 60,500

Ephraim 40,500 32,500

Manasseh 32,200 52,700

Benjamin 35,400 45,600

Dan 62,700 64,400

Asher 41,500 53,400

Naphtali 53,400 45,400

TOTALS 603,550 601,730

Dennis T. Olson points out how these censuses are the counting of two distinct generations. The first census numbers those who have come out of Egypt. This generation, which

eventually dies in the wilderness, is one of rebellion. The second census numbers the newgeneration, filled with hope and expectation of life in the land of Israel. Olson also points outhow these censuses seem to mark a nearly mirrored division in the book of Bemidbar.

2Ryrie Study KJV Bible, Moody Press, Pp. 209-210

3Numbers (Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching), Dennis T. Olson, John Knox Press, Pg. 4

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Numbers 1-25 Numbers 26-36

The Old Generation of Rebellion The New Generation of Hope1census of 12 tribes 26census of 12 tribes3census of the Levites 26census of the Levites5legal discourse involving women 27legal discourse involving women

6laws concerning vows 30laws concerning vows7, 15lists and laws concerning offerings 28, 29lists and laws concerning offerings9celebration of Passover 28instructions for future Passovers10:8-9concerning priests and trumpets 31:6priests blow trumpets13list of spies from each tribe 34list of tribal leaders13-14spy story, Israels rebellion and death 32:6-15spy story recalled, new generation10-25scattered geographical notions 33summary of places Israel encamped18:21-32provisions for the Levites 35Levite cities21:21-35victory over Og, capture of Jordan 32assignment of land of Og to tribes.4

While not denying the clear, two-part division in the book of Bemidbar as pointed out by Olson,David L. Stubbs sees yet another subtle division of the book into three parts, based upon an A-

B-A pattern. Stubbs breaks down the book into the following three sections:

A. Numbers 1:1-10:10 Summary of who Israel is called to be

B. Numbers 10:11-25:18 Israels failure and rebellion

A. Numbers 26:1-36:13 Renewing the vision and calling of Israel5

Stubbs rightly points out the central section of this tripartite division of the book. While thetwo censuses do indeed indicate the demarcation between the two distinct generations, it is thecentral section (B) that explains the reason for the first generation not reaching the promisedland. It is this failure that necessitates there being a new generation to fulfill the promise ofYHWH to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We should note that there are seven rebellions listed in

this central section.

1. Numbers 11:1-35 The people murmur for meat2. Numbers 12:1-16 Aaron and Miriam rebel against Moses3. Numbers 13-14:38 The people refuse to enter the promised land4. Numbers 14:39-45 The people go up against YHWHS will5. Numbers 16:1-50 The rebellion of Korah6. Numbers 21:4ff. The people complain again7. Numbers 25:1-18 The people worship Baal of Peor

The persistent rebellion on the part of the children of Israel is what leads to the first

generations judgment and death. We can glean several important lessons from this pattern.First, let us note that the first generation was made up of those who witnessed the plagues inEgypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the encounter with YHWH at Mount Sinai, where theyheard the voice of YHWH speaking to them. This first generation is the generation that saw thebitter waters turned sweet, saw the water come from a rock, and ate the quail and manna thatfell from heaven. Yet, in spite of all they had seen with their own eyes, they could not bring


5Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible, Numbers, David L. Stubbs, Brazos Press, Pg. 22

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themselves to have faith in YHWH and submit to His perfect and holy will. It is clear thatseeing is not always believing. We witness the same phenomenon in the Brit Chadashah,

where those who witnessed the numerous miracles of Yeshua and heard the power of hispreaching still could not bring themselves to believe that he was the Messiah. Faith is a choiceof the heart. Faith is a gift of the Spirit of the Holy One.

Second, we should note in the pattern of the two generations a shadow picture of the reality ofdeath and resurrection. While these two censuses may be an obstacle to those who wish torace from cover to cover through the Bible, they are clearly a powerful part of the proclamationof the gospel. Within the pattern of this book we see that the old man will not enter thekingdom. The first generation, in many ways, represents the old man of the flesh born in theimage of fallen Adam. This old man of the flesh must die. It is only the new manhe whohas been born again to a living hope through the grace and mercy of the Redeemer who willindeed enter the kingdom.

Finally, note that the book of Numbers uses the censuses in much the same way that the bookof Genesis used genealogies to mark major divisions and epochs in the lives of the children ofIsrael.

With this said as way of introduction to the book of Bemidbar, let us now turn our attention tothe details of the portion.

Our portion begins by revealing the historical context of the events we are about to study.

And YHWH spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of thecongregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after theywere come out of the land of Egypt, saying (Numbers 1:1 KJV)

We should recall that Israels calendar was set for them by YHWH while they were still in theland of Egypt.

And YHWH spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2This month

shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year toyou. (Exodus 12:1-2 KJV)

The month was repeatedly clarified for us through the use of the agricultural term aviv, which

describes the ripeness of the barley crop.

And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out fromEgypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand YHWH brought you outfrom this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten. 4This day came ye out inthe month of the aviv. (Exodus 13:3-4 KJV)

Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto Me in the year. 15Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I

commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month of the aviv; for in it thoucamest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before Me empty). (Exodus 23:14-15 KJV)

The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eatunleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month of the aviv: forin the month of the aviv thou camest out from Egypt. (Exodus 34:18 KJV)

For the children of Israel, the year begins in the month when the barley reaches the state ofmaturity known as aviv.

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After leaving Egypt, the children of Israel wandered through the wilderness of Midian until theyreached Mount Sinai. We know that after a year at Mount Sinai, the children of Israel erectedthe Tabernacle.

On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of

the congregation. (Exodus 40:2 KJV)

In our portion, on the first day of the second month, Moses receives the commandment to takea census of the children of Israel in preparation for leaving Mount Sinai. This means that therevelations and instructions contained in the book of Leviticus were given during this first yearat Mount Sinai. The command to take the census also comes from Mount Sinai. What isimportant for us to see is the fact that YHWH does not, as previously, speak to Moses from themountain; rather, He speaks from the Tent of Meeting or Tabernacle.

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above themercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of thetestimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children ofIsrael. (Exodus 25:22 KJV)

And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak withHim, then he heard the voice of One speaking unto him from off the mercy seatthat was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubim: and Hespake unto him. (Numbers 7:89 KJV)

Here we see the purpose of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle serves as a mobile meeting placefor YHWH. We have spoken in previous portions of how the Tabernacle appears as a portablemodel of Mount Sinai that travels with the people. Now, prior to the children of Israels marchfrom the mountain of Elohim, they are assured that YHWH will continue to journey with them.Let us recall that earlier, after the incident of the golden calf, YHWH threatened not to journey

with Israel.

Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee:behold, My messenger shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit Iwill visit their sin upon them. 35And YHWH plagued the people, because theymade the calf, which Aaron made. (Exodus 32:34-35 KJV)

And I will send a messenger before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, theAmorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: 3unto aland flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thouart a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way. (Exodus 33:2-3 KJV)

And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from thecamp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, thatevery one which sought YHWH went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation,

which was without the camp. (Exodus 33:7 KJV)

The people repented, and Moses persevered in intercession until YHWH agreed to go up withIsrael on the journey to the land.

And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. (Exodus33:14 KJV)

Now, in our portion, we hear YHWH speaking to the people of Israel from within theTabernacle, assuring them that He is ready and willing to journey with them.

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The journey YHWH will lead them on is through the wilderness. The Hebrew word midbar(mem, dalet, bet, resh) means wilderness. It should not be understood to mean desert.

Timothy R. Ashley states:

Wilderness (Heb. Midbar). This translation (so AV, RV, RSV, etc.) seems preferable

to desert (NIV). The latter connotes a land devoid of life and water, and this isnot always the meaning of the Hebrew word, which refers to three kinds ofcountry: pastureland (e.g., Josh. 2:22; Ps. 65:13 [Eng.12]), uninhabited land (e.g.,Job 38:26; Jer. 2:24; 9:1), and large tracts of such land (e.g., the wilderness ofJudah Josh. 15:61-62). Cities and towns could be located in the midbar (e.g.,Josh. 15:61-62; Isa. 42:11).6

While the wilderness may be desert-like in places, it is not a consistent landscape. We shallalso see that the wilderness does contain both natural and human threats. We are also well-aware that at the end of the wilderness journey, the children of Israel are going to enter aninhabited land. From the very beginning of the promises made to Abraham, we have beenrepeatedly told that YHWH is giving the descendants of Abraham a land possessed by others.

In the same day YHWH made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed haveI given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:19the Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, 20and the Hittites, and thePerizzites, and the Rephaims. (Genesis 15:18-20 KJV)

Let us likewise recall that when the children of Israel came out of Egypt, the Sovereign One ledthem through the wilderness because of the Philistines living in the land.

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that Elohim led themnot through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; forElohim said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and theyreturn to Egypt. (Exodus 13:17 KJV)

The census Moses is commanded to take is clearly a part of preparing the children of Israel forfacing the various threats of the wilderness and for the conquest of the land of Canaan. It isfor this reason we are told that only the men of war are to be counted.

Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after theirfamilies, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every maleby their polls;3from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth towar in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies. (Numbers 1:2-3KJV)

In this verse we learn of three criteria for Israelites serving in the army of Israelthey must bemale, twenty years of age and upward, and able to go forth to war. The phrase able to go forthto war is later defined for us as those that could handle spear and shield.

Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains overthousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers,throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty yearsold and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go

forth to war, that could handle spear and shield. (2 Chronicles 25:5 KJV)

6The New International Commentary on the Old Testament, The Book of Numbers, Timothy R. Ashley, William B.

Eerdmans Publishing Company, Pg. 45

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Elsewhere in the Torah further instructions are given for those who may be sent into battle.

When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he becharged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheerup his wife which he hath taken. (Deuteronomy 24:5 KJV)

And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hathbuilt a new house, and hath not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house,lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. 6And what man is he thathath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? Let him also go and returnunto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it. 7And what manis there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? Let him go and returnunto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her. 8And theofficers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is therethat is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return unto his house, lest hisbrethrens heart faint as well as his heart. 9And it shall be, when the officers havemade an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall make captains of thearmies to lead the people. (Deuteronomy 20:5-9 KJV)

We should understand that the two primary purposes for censuses being taken in the Bible arewar and taxes. David L. Stubbs points out yet another clear reason for taking a censustheestablishment of sovereignty over the people.

Censuses of the people of God do not occur frequently in scripture, but when theydo, a dark cloud often hangs over the process, except when God explicitlycommands them. Exodus 30:11-15 stipulates how to take censuses: thoseregistered are to give half a shekel as an offering to the LORD, an offering that functions as a ransom for their lives to the LORD, so thatno plague may comeupon them for being registered. It seems that counting is tantamount tousurping divine knowledge and authority, just as eating the fruit in the gardenwas a primordial act of hubris. Such an act is permitted, but seemingly only if

the claim of the LORD over His people is also acknowledged through this act ofransoma term that suggests that some kind of ownership of debt is at stake.The census that David takes of Israel (2 Sam. 24; 1 Chr 21) is seen asblameworthy, in fact, instigated by satan (21:1). The way Davids commanderJoab tries to dissuade him from doing this suggests that part of Davids census-taking was a further claim upon the people that usurps or ignores Gods claimover them: Are they not, my lord the king, all of them my lords servants? Whythen should my lord require this? Why should he bring guilt upon Israel? (21:3).Given that censuses involve a claim of authority over those being numbered, thecensus of Emperor Augustus of all the world provides a dramatically chargedbackground to Jesuss birth (Luke 2:1), the birth of the true king of Israel, who willcome into conflict with the power of Caesar, a conflict leading to his crucifixion(23:2-3). Finally, in Rev. 7:4-8, the numbering of the twelve tribes of Israel and the

giving of their numbers tribe by tribe (totaling 144,000) goes hand-in-hand withthe sealing of the people by an angel of God. In all these scriptural references,censuses involve a claim of a ruler over the people.7

The reticence to number the children of Israel is largely based in the promise of YHWH to thepatriarchs that their descendants would be as the stars of the heavens, the sands of the sea,and the dust of the earthbeyond numbering.

7Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible, Numbers, David L. Stubbs, Brazos Press, Pp. 30-31

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And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number thedust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. (Genesis 13:16 KJV)

And He brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell thestars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

(Genesis 15:5 KJV)

Just as naming in the book of Bereshit/Genesis demonstrated dominion over the object,numbering likewise seems to indicate a sense of ownership or sovereignty. Thus, the act ofnumbering the children of Israel rightly belongs to YHWH, who redeemed Israel, and it shouldalways be instigated by His command.

In our portion, YHWH gives specific instructions to Moses as to how the children of Israel are tobe counted.

And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house ofhis fathers. (Numbers 1:4 KJV)

YHWH commands Moses to select leaders from each of the tribes to serve as census takers, forattempting to count each tribe consecutively would take months. By selecting leading menfrom each of the tribes, the census can be conducted in each tribe at the same time, with thenumbers being reported to Aaron and Moses. This allows the full census to be accomplished inthe time allotted by the Scriptures.

Let us take note that the identification of the leaders is given to us in a threefold pattern oftribe, fathers house, and personal name. There are several reasons for this manner ofcounting. First, we should note the establishment of continuity between those who are beingcounted and those to whom the promises were originally made. Second, we see the honoring ofheadship. The chosen men are said to be men of renown. Clearly these men have beenraised in faithful families, and, therefore, the honor is passed backward to their fathers andhousehold. Finally, we should see that YHHW knows each of the children of Israel by name.

We have on more than one occasion observed the connection between the stars and thechildren of Israel.

And He brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell thestars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be.(Genesis 15:5 KJV)

That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as thestars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seedshall possess the gate of his enemies. (Genesis 22:17 KJV)

And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, Ihave dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven

stars made obeisance to me. (Genesis 37:9 KJV)

Let us also recall the words of the psalmist, who declares:

He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. (Psalm147:4 KJV)

Thus, in this census we see that YHWH knows all the children of Israel by name. The nameslisted in this portion all have very powerful meanings and speak of the character of the childrenof Israel.

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While the counting may seem like a large undertaking, it is, nonetheless, a positive event in thelives of the children of Israel. By being counted, especially by name, fathers house, and tribe,one gains a clear sense of identity and belonging. The promises of the covenants to thedescendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob clearly belong now to those who are counted amongthe children of Israel. To be counted in this census is to be assured that these promises nowbelong to those being counted.

The names may serve yet another purpose in the Scriptures. We should note that missingfrom the names listed above is any reference to YHWH. None of the names in the above listcontain the prefixed or suffixed letters of the tetragrammaton YH. Instead, we see severalnames using His older names El and Shaddai. This fact, in some sense, confirms thehistoricity of the story and the list of names given. Let us recall that the name YHWH,although known among the children of Israel from the time of Seth, was not the primary nameused among the patriarchs; instead, they used El and Shaddai.

And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of ElShaddai, but by My name YHWH was I not known to them. (Exodus 6:3 KJV)

The name YHWH did not become the dominant title for the Sovereign One until the time of the

great deliverance from Egypt.

And Moses said unto Elohim, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, andshall say unto them, The Elohim of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and theyshall say to me, What is His name? What shall I say unto them? 14And Elohimsaid unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto thechildren of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15And Elohim said moreover untoMoses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, YHWH Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob,hath sent me unto you: this is My name for ever, and this is My memorial unto allgenerations. (Exodus 3:13-15 KJV)

All the men named in the list above were already born and named prior to the exodus from

Egypt. Therefore, we should expect YHWHS older names to appear in their names.

Note that the tribes are listed in two slightly different fashions in our portion.

TRIBES LEADERS FATHERSReuben (See Ye a Son)Simeon (Hearing)Judah (Praise)Issachar (He Will Bring Reward)Zebulun (Habitation)Ephraim (Double Fruit)

Manasseh (Cause to Forget)Benjamin (Son of Right Hand)Dan (Judgment)Asher (Happy)Gad (Troop)Naphtali (My Wrestling)

Elizur (God of the Rock)Shelumiel (Peace of God)Nahshon (Works of Copper)Nethaneel (Given of God)Eliab (God of His Father)Elishama (God of Hearing)

Gamaliel (Reward of God)Abidan (Father of Judgment)Ahiezer (Brother of Help)Pagiel (Accident of God)Eliasaph (God is Gatherer)Ahira (Brother of Wrong)

Shedeur (Spreader of Light)Zurishaddai (Rock of Almighty)Amminadab (People of Liberty)Zuar (Small)Helon (Strong)Ammihud (People of Splendor)

Pedahzur (Rock God Has Ransomed)Gideoni (Warlike)Ammishaddai (People of Almighty)Ocran (Muddler)Deuel (Known of God)Enan (Having Eyes)

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Numbers 1:1-15 Numbers 1:20-43 The Count

Reuben (Leah) Reuben (Leah) 46,500

Simeon (Leah) Simeon (Leah) 59,300

Judah (Leah) Gad(Zilpah) 45,650

Issachar (Leah) Judah (Leah) 74,600

Zebulun (Leah) Issachar (Leah) 54,400

Ephraim (Rachel) Zebulun (Leah) 57,400Manasseh (Rachel) Ephraim (Rachel) 40,500

Benjamin (Rachel) Manasseh (Rachel) 32,200

Dan (Bilhah) Benjamin (Rachel) 35,400

Asher (Zilpah) Dan (Bilhah) 62,700

Gad(Zilpah) Asher (Zilpah) 41,500

Naphtali (Bilhah) Naphtali (Bilhah) 53,400

In the first list we see that the tribes are grouped largely by their mothers. The children ofJacobs two wives Leah and Rachel are listed first and are followed by the sons of theconcubines. Two very important features of these lists are the movement of Gad from theeleventh position to that of the third position and the absence of the tribe of Levi. Note that the

tribe of Gad is the only tribe to have digits in the tens category; all other tribes are rounded tothe nearest hundred. This variation from the other tribes may simply be the Torahs means oftelling us that Gad is out of place. We may, therefore, ask why Gad would be elevated to thisposition. I will give two possible suggestions. First, Gad is the oldest of Leahs childrenthrough her handmaid Zilpah. Second, we should note that Gad is grouped with Reuben andSimeon on the south side of the camp. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun form the camp of Judahto the east of the camp.

On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to theirarmies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son ofShedeur. 11And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty andsix thousand and five hundred. 12And those which pitch by him shall be the tribeof Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of

Zurishaddai. 13And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fiftyand nine thousand and three hundred. 14Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain ofthe sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel. (Numbers 2:10-14 KJV)

And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of thecamp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadabshall be captain of the children of Judah. 4And his host, and those that werenumbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred. 5Andthose that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel theson of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar. 6And his host, and thosethat were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.7Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of thechildren of Zebulun. 8And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were

fifty and seven thousand and four hundred. 9All that were numbered in the campof Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousandand four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth. (Numbers2:3-9 KJV)

So we see that Gad, the oldest son of Leahs handmaid, replaces Levi, who would naturally belisted in the third place according to actual birth order. The Torah is clear that the tribe of Leviis not to be counted among the men of war.

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But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. 48For YHWH had spoken unto Moses, saying, 49Only thou shalt not number thetribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel. (Numbers1:47-49 KJV)

Before we look at this unique calling of the Levites, we must first address the controversy over

the actual numbers reported in this census. A number of biblical scholars, as well asarcheologists and historians, question the literal understanding of the numbers. If thenumbers reported in our portion are indeed taken literally, it would mean that the generalpopulation of the children of Israel would be roughly 2.5 to 3 million people in total.Remember that the census counts only men over the age of twenty. Let us recall that theprevious countings of Israel report that those who went down into Egypt were 70 souls in all.

And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacoband his sons: Reuben, Jacobs firstborn. 9And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, andPhallu, and Hezron, and Carmi. 10And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin,and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman. 11And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 12And the sons of Judah; Er,and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land

of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.13

And the sons ofIssachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron. 14And the sons of Zebulun;Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel. 15These be the sons of Leah, which she bare untoJacob in Padanaram, with his daughter Dinah: all the souls of his sons and hisdaughters were thirty and three. 16And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi,Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli. 17And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, andIshuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah;Heber, and Malchiel. 18These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leahhis daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls. 19The sons ofRachel Jacobs wife; Joseph, and Benjamin. 20And unto Joseph in the land ofEgypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter ofPotipherah priest of On bare unto him. 21And the sons of Benjamin were Belah,and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and

Huppim, and Ard.22

These are the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: allthe souls were fourteen. 23And the sons of Dan; Hushim. 24And the sons ofNaphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem. 25These are the sons ofBilhah, which Laban gave unto Rachel his daughter, and she bare these untoJacob: all the souls were seven. 26All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt,which came out of his loins, besides Jacobs sons wives, all the souls werethreescore and six;27and the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, weretwo souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, werethreescoreand ten. (Genesis 46:8-27 KJV)

And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: forJoseph was in Egypt already. (Exodus 1:5 KJV)

In the few generations between Jacob entering the land of Egypt and the children of Israelleaving Egypt, scholars question whether it would be possible for the children of Israel to growfast enough to generate these types of numbers. The numbers reported in our census are asfollows:

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Numbers 1:20-43 The Count

Reuben (Leah) 46,500

Simeon (Leah) 59,300

Gad(Zilpah) 45,650

Judah (Leah) 74,600

Issachar (Leah) 54,400

Zebulun (Leah) 57,400Ephraim (Rachel) 40,500

Manasseh (Rachel) 32,200

Benjamin (Rachel) 35,400

Dan (Bilhah) 62,700

Asher (Zilpah) 41,500

Naphtali (Bilhah) 53,400

TOTAL 603,550

As Dennis Olson points out, this debate is certainly nothing new.

The figure of over 600,000 warriors presupposes a total population of over two

million people who lived for forty years in the Sinai desert. The early church father Jerome held the numbers to be mysterious. John Calvin noted theenormous size of the numbers but argued against any who would deny Godsmiraculous ability to increase Gods people from one family to over 600,000 withina period of 250 years.8

Olson and others go on to suggest various solutions to this troublesome question of the size ofthe population of Israel while in the wilderness. Olson suggests that the total number of600,000 may well be a symbolic number.

The stylized and symbolic quality of the number 600,000 may be evident from the fact that it is a multiple of twelve representing the twelve tribes of Israel(12x50,000). The numbers of the individual tribes in Numbers 1 and 26 do not

usually stray very far from the range of forty to sixty thousand, or an average of50,000. In both lists, six tribes are above 50,000 and six tribes are below50,000.9

Most scholars, including Olson, focus upon the word elef (aleph, lammed, fay), translated inour text as thousand. Scholars suggest that this was possibly a military or technical term fora specific tent group or military unit.

Many solutions have been suggested. Some have suggested a possible alternatemeaning for the Hebrew word for thousand to be a tent-group or clan. Forexample, the tribe of Reuben is counted in Num. 1:20-21 as forty-six thousand, five hundred. The number could be translated in an alternate way as forty-sixtent-groups, with a total of five hundred people. This proposal would

significantly decrease the numbers in each of the tribes. While this and otherproposed explanations may be possible, it is clear that the present form of the textintends these figures to be taken as they standas thousands, and not tent-groups.10


9Ibid., Pg. 14

10Ibid., Pg. 13

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David L. Stubbs likewise suggests that possibly the word elefshould be understood as a unit

and not literally as a thousand.

The Hebrew word eleph, translated thousand here, in other places indicatesclan, military unit, or subsection of a tribe, and this meaning might have been

intended here (Hoffmeier 2005: 153-59, following earlier scholars). Given thisbroader meaning, the census count for the tribe of Reuben (1:21), for example,could be forty-six units, five hundred fighting men, rather than forty-sixthousand, five hundred men. The grand total would thus be 599 units composedof 5,550 fighting men. This is a much more historically plausible number, and italso fits well with images of Israel in its interactions with the Egyptians andCanaanites.11

STUBBS METHODElefUnderstood as a Unit

Number after the Comma Understood as Total Men in All Units

Numbers 1:20-43 The Count Units Total Fighting MenReuben (Leah) 46,500 46 500

Simeon (Leah) 59,300 59 300

Gad(Zilpah) 45,650 46 650

Judah (Leah) 74,600 74 600

Issachar (Leah) 54,400 54 400

Zebulun (Leah) 57,400 57 400

Ephraim (Rachel) 40,500 40 500

Manasseh (Rachel) 32,200 32 200

Benjamin (Rachel) 35,400 35 400

Dan (Bilhah) 62,700 62 700

Asher (Zilpah) 41,500 41 500

Naphtali (Bilhah) 53,400 53 400

TOTAL 599 5,550

What Stubbs is suggesting in his count is that Reuben has a total of 500 men divided among46 units. This method of counting reduces the total number of fighting men in all Israel to amere 5,550.

Even if we multiply the 46 units by 500 (the number of units or tent groups by the numberafter the comma [understood as fighting men per group]), as suggested by other scholars in thefollowing chart, we get a radically reduced fighting force. Given this understanding, we wouldsee a vast reduction in the overall population of Israel to what may be a more reasonable,manageable, and acceptable level. Using this understanding of the word elefas a unit, let uscompare the numbers.

11Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible, Numbers, David L. Stubbs, Brazos Press, Pg. 35

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SCHOLARS METHODElefUnderstood as a Tent Group or Unit

Number after the Comma Understood as Total Men per Tent Group or Unit

Numbers 1:20-43 The Count Groups Men in Each Group Totals

Reuben (Leah) 46,500 46 x 500 23,000

Simeon (Leah) 59,300 59 x 300 17,700Gad(Zilpah) 45,650 46 x 650 29,900

Judah (Leah) 74,600 74 x 600 44,400

Issachar (Leah) 54,400 54 x 400 21,600

Zebulun (Leah) 57,400 57 x 400 22,800

Ephraim (Rachel) 40,500 40 x 500 20,000

Manasseh (Rachel) 32,200 32 x 200 6,400

Benjamin (Rachel) 35,400 35 x 400 14,000

Dan (Bilhah) 62,700 62 x 700 43,400

Asher (Zilpah) 41,500 41 x 500 20,500

Naphtali (Bilhah) 53,400 53 x 400 21,200

Scholars Total 599 284,900

Applying the scholars method to the total given in Numbers 1:46 results in anobvious conflict between the two totals.

Biblical Total 603,550 603 x 550 331,650

While defining the word elefas a group instead of a literal thousand, the issue of the totalpopulation is reduced. However, a number of other problems immediately arise. The mostobvious is that the totals do not add up. In other words, if we translate the Hebrew word elef

to mean group when counting the numbers in each tribe, we must also translate it this waywhen it comes to the total. We must, therefore, understand the total given in Numbers 1:46 toread that there are 603 camps in total with 550 men in each camp, for a total of 331,650 men.When we actually add up the total number of camps used in the scholars method, we see thatthere are only 599 camps. When we multiply the number of camps by the number of men andadd the totals for each tribe, we arrive at a total of 284,900 fighting men. It is clear that thisscholarly attempt to reduce the population cannot be correct.

We may acknowledge that the numbers given are not exact numbers; they are clearly roundedto the nearest hundred (with the exception of Gad, as mentioned above). Is there evidence

within the Scriptures that would support the possibility that these numbers are indeed to beunderstood literally? I will suggest at least three possible textual solutions.

First, let us note that when the numbers are taken as literal, there is no conflict in themathematics of the text. If we add up the total number of men from each tribe, they do indeedequal 603,550. We should also note that this is similar to the rough estimation, given earlierin the book of Exodus, of the people who left Egypt.

And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundredthousand on foot that were men, beside children. (Exodus 12:37 KJV)

A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, forevery one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for sixhundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men. (Exodus38:26 KJV)

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A very similar number is given as the total number of men 20 years and up in the secondcensus taken in the wilderness.

These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and athousand seven hundred and thirty. (Numbers 26:51 KJV)

The same thing is true for the census in chapter 26 as is true for the census in our portion.The math works only if the numbers are taken literally.

Second, I would suggest that while in Egypt, Israel clearly became a nation of size to bereckoned with. We have already mentioned the numerous promises to the patriarchs that theirdescendants would be as innumerable as the stars of the heavens, the sands of the sea, andthe dust of the earth. We should also recall the words of Pharaoh, who recognized the threatthis ever-growing population of slaves presented to Egypt.

And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied,and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. 8Now therearose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. 9And he said unto hispeople, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we.

(Exodus 1:7-9 KJV)

Had the children of Israel been a small and easily manageable part of the population of Egypt,it is probable that Pharaoh would not have persecuted them. The Torah is clearly making anemphatic statement about how large Israel had become. It was precisely the enormity of Israelthat threatened Egypt.

Finally, we read of King Balaks fear of the children of Israel as they emerge from the wilderness. Balak is clearly threatened by this massive army of people moving through thewilderness. He describes them as though they are plague of locusts.

He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is bythe river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there

is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, andthey abide over against me. (Numbers 22:5 KJV)

His obvious fear is that the land cannot sustain this massive amount of people and that theindigenous people will be overwhelmed by such a large nation. The resistance the children ofIsrael experience from Edom and others is largely due to their overwhelming size and impactupon the land and its limited resources.

Given these texts, I would suggest that the numbers given in the Torah are indeed literalnumbers, and that while it is difficult to explain how two to three million people can live in the

wilderness for forty years, there is no need to reject the miraculous work of YHWH for the sakeof finite reasoning.

We have already noted above that the Levites are exempt from the counting. This does notimply that the Levites do not count. They too will eventually be numbered in their own census.In our portion, however, we see that the men counted are the men of war. In the case of theLevites, their calling is to a more defensive battle. The Levites are set apart for the sake ofserving the Tabernacle.

But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over allthe vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear thetabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shallencamp round about the tabernacle. 51And when the tabernacle setteth forward,

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the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, theLevites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. 52And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp,and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts. 53But the Levitesshall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath uponthe congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of

the tabernacle of testimony. (Numbers 1:50-53 KJV)

Here the Levites are set apart to protect the sanctity of the sanctuary. They are to set up camparound the perimeter of the courtyard and assure that no unauthorized person transgressesthe boundary of the sacred place. Here we see, once again, how critical it is that YHWH

journey with Israel. It is YHWH who will ultimately fight for Israel, as He did in Egypt;therefore, it is essential that Israel not offend the Holy One or defile His sanctuary. We shalllook at the establishment of the camp in future portions. For now, it is enough to understandthe threefold division of the camp as cohanim, Levites, and Israelites. Each of these groups isessential to the whole nation of Israel.

In the various details given in this opening chapter of the book of Bemidbar, it is importantthat we do not lose sight of the very purpose of the calling given to the children of Israel. This

is especially important since the children of Israel are leaving Mount Sinai, the very place thecalling was given. As Israel journeys toward the promised land, the calling is still the same.Israel is called to be the manifest presence of YHWH in the world. Whether the children ofIsrael are at Mount Sinai, journeying in the wilderness, or living in the promised land, thecalling remains the same. By their obedience to the Torah, Israel is to embody the veryrevelation of YHWH. In this fashion they become the living Tabernaclethe body of Messiah.Strangely, this very purpose is spelled out for us in the second verse of our portion. It isunfortunate that not one translation translates this verse literally.

Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after theirfamilies, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every maleby their polls. (Numbers 1:2 KJV)

Literally, the verse reads as follows:

Lift up ALEPH TAV head of the congregation of the sons of Israel accordingto family, fathershouse, in number, name, all male by skull.

Let us recall our discussion in last weeks portion on aleph and tav being the first and last

letters of the Hebrew alphabet. We observed how the verses containing the blessings at theconclusion of the Holiness Code begin with the letter alephand conclude with the letter tav.We stated how this is the Torahs way of saying that YHWH desires to give us every good thingfrom A to Z. We also saw how these two letters are associated with the Messiah.

I am ALEPH and TAV, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, andwhich was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8 KJV)

Saying, I am ALEPH and TAV, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write ina book, and send it unto the seven assemblies which are in Asia; unto Ephesus,and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, andunto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11 KJV)

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand uponme, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last. (Revelation 1:17 KJV)

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And unto the messenger of the assembly in Smyrna write; These things saith thefirst and the last, which was dead, and is alive. (Revelation 2:8 KJV)

And he said unto me, It is done. I am ALEPH and TAV, the beginning and the end.I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.(Revelation 21:6 KJV)

I am ALEPH and TAV, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.(Revelation 22:13 KJV)

Let us not forget that Messiah was Jewish and was speaking to John, a Jewish disciple. It isunlikely that he spoke to him in Greek. Therefore, we may safely assume that he spoke ofhimself as being the first and the last letters of the Hebrew alphabet, which are the alephandthe tav. This being the case, we should understand that according to Numbers 1:2, Israelscalling is to lift up, exalt, or even manifest Messiah, the head of all the congregation of thesons of the Israel, before the eyes of the world. It is important to note that the Hebrew wordroshor head is in the singular, not the plural, as may be expected if it were simply referringto counting the heads of the children of Israel. That it is in the singular declares that whileIsrael is indeed comprised of many members, it has but one head.

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Messiah; and the headof the woman is the man; and the head of Messiah is Elohim. (1 Corinthians 11:3KJV)

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all thingsto the assembly. (Ephesians 1:22 KJV)

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is thehead, even Messiah. (Ephesians 4:15 KJV)

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Messiah is the head of theassembly: and he is the saviour of the body. (Ephesians 5:23 KJV)

And he is the head of the body, the assembly: who is the beginning, the firstbornfrom the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18KJV)

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.(Colossians 2:10 KJV)

Let us remember that Yeshua the Messiah declared himself to be the living Temple.

Yeshua answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days Iwill raise it up. 20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple inbuilding, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? 21But he spake of the temple of

his body. (John 2:19-21 KJV)

As the children of Israel, when we conform to the Torah we become a part of the body ofMessiah, the living Temple. As we submit to the Torah we lift up or erect the body ofMessiah, the ALEPH TAV, in the world as a sanctified dwelling place for the Holy One toembody Himself among His creation. This is the calling upon the children of Israel. Thisrevelation will be confirmed in a number of ways throughout our study of the book ofBemidbar.

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