2/13/24
Lessing, R. Reed, & Steinmann, Andrew E. (2014). "Chapter Six: Numbers." In Prepare the Way of the Lord: An Introduction to the Old Testament. pp. 115-130. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House.
The Hebrew title of Numbers is "in the wilderness," which Lessing and Steinmann observe denotes a place which does not have resources to sustain life (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 115). The Septuagint and Vulgate title refers to the censuses done in chapters 1-4 and 26. As with Exodus and Leviticus, the book refers back to the previous account, thus tying the works in the Pentateuch together.
Lessing and Steinmann note the mention of Moses writing in 33:1-2 as well as many statements referring to Moses receiving revelation from God. While critical scholars tend to take Numbers as a "loose amalgamation of literary strata" (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 115), Lessing and Steinmann, as discussed in earlier chapters, hold to Mosaic authorship.
The literary style, with its mix of various genres, makes the book difficult to outline. Lessing and Steinmann suggest it be based on the progress of Israel's journey "from Sinai to the Plains of Moab" (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 116). They provide such an outline on p. 117. 1:1-10:10 finds Israel in the wilderness near Sinai. 10:11-21:35 depicts Israel traveling. From 22:1-36:13 they are in the Plains of Moab, near Jericho.
Steinmann dates the Passover in 1446, and the move from Sinai in 1445 (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 118). Deuteronomy takes over in 1406. This dates the events in Numbers fairly clearly.
The two censuses in Numbers are taken at the start and the end of the 40 year time period covered. The first census indicated 603,550 men of military age (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 120). Lessing and Steinmann estimate the total number at that time as about three million. The large number of people raises numerous questions, especially related to the strength of Israel and the logistics of their movements. The figures could be taken literally. They could be understood as numbers from a later time, misplaced into this narrative. The number commonly rendered as "thousand" could be taken as "tribe" thus decreasing the number significantly. The numbers could also be taken as a literary exaggeration. Lessing and Steinmann lean strongly toward taking the numbers literally (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 121).
Lessing and Steinmann note the presence of numerous other people groups in Exodus (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 121). The Midianites, though initially friendly and helpful, eventually join with the Moabites in opposition to Israel. Various Canaanite peoples are mentioned, generally hostile to Israel (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 122). The Edomites refused to deal with the Israelites who asked to buy supplies and have safe passage through their land. The Moabites were also hostile toward Israel, attempting to get Balaam the prophet to curse Israel (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 123).
A primary theological theme in Numbers is the role of the Levites (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 124). They are set apart for service to God as those who serve in the needs of the tabernacle and the later temple. The Levites did not have priestly duties, but they made it possible for the priests to do their jobs (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 125).
The failure of the first generation of the Exodus and the success of the second generation provides a second important theological theme (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 125). Complaints lead to chastisement, followed by reconciliation. This is a repeated pattern.
Lessing and Steinmann bring up the issue of Moses' sin which prevented him from entering the promised land (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 127). Moses' claim that giving the people water was his work, and his striking the rock to which God had told him to speak was his sin. In other miracles, no words were spoken, counter to the surrounding pagan societies which used incantations. Moses' action associated the miracle with those the pagans would perform.
Christ is seen in Numbers primarily in the provision of manna, bread from heaven (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 128). The forty years in the wilderness also have a parallel in Jesus' forty days in the wilderness. Further, in Numbers 21:7, the bronze serpent lifted up on a pole serves as a foreshadowing of Christ on the cross. Ballam's prophecies also include messianic promises.
Sin and grace are prominent in Numbers, particularly as the Israelites complain against God while God is sustaining their lives and rescuing them from certain death in the wilderness (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 128). God's action consistently moves Israel toward reception of his promises.