March 17, 2022 - Numbers 1-2

Numbers are important in our world in various ways. We are always looking for a bargain, by comparing prices for the best deal! The number on my draft notice helped me decide to enlist when I was eighteen, rather than risk being drafted into a branch of the military I did not desire to serve.

The book, "Numbers", suggests we will be investigating quantity, totals and some aspect of addition and subtraction related to the Israeli people. The Greek word Arithmoi, comes from the Septuagint (LXX), translated Numbers, because of the many lists that appear in the book. The two most significant number groups in this fourth book of the Bible are the two censuses taken of the people of Israel (Chapters 1 and 26).

The first census is taken of Israel's original generation of people as they camped in the wilderness of Sinai. The nation is now in the second month of the second year after leaving Egypt (1:1). The Lord speaks, the first of over 45 times in this book, and commands Moses to take a census of the people of Israel. This census is to determine the number of men over the age of twenty who can go to war. These men were to be of every tribe of Israel, except Levi, to prepare for war and conquest. The Levites were not numbered (1:47), as their purpose was for caring for the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

The size of the nation would cause logistical problems if each tribe was not assigned with a location, either North, South, East, or West of the tabernacle. The camp was arranged by tribes, and it was always to be positioned the same way. While it is not stated, it appears that the military strength was spread somewhat evenly on all sides, which hindered enemies from easily attacking the camp.

Numbers, math, and logistics may not be something that you enjoy, but they are essential in almost everything we do each day. From shopping, banking, and tracking March madness, we are continually using numbers. The Lord's instructions to Moses are a good reminder for us that order and unity was important for success. Our homes and churches need strong leaders, harmony, and godly standards to provide protection from the enemies which surround us.