T H E B O O K O F N U M B E R S
by: A. Wilbert S. Dianon, SDB
The Book of Numbers focuses on the
journey of Israel from Sinai wilderness to the plains of Moab (in
Transjordania) facing the promise land. While in Sinai, Moses took a census of
the whole community of Israel. There were 603,550 of them excluding the Levites
(since the Levites were exempted from the census – 1:48; but in other
passages, they were nevertheless counted). In addition, Moses stated to
them the roles of the Levites in the community and the various laws for the
people.
However, their journey became a sort of a wandering in
the desert. Well, the reason for their delay was their acts of disobedience and
grumbling against Yahweh, their God. Despite of Yahweh’s constant presence and
faithful love, they did not have enough faith to trust and obey Him. They would
have been completely annihilated for so many times had Moses and Aaron not
interceded for them.
There are about nine reports of
grumbling and irreverence against Yahweh by the people while they were in the
desert dilly-dallying in their purpose. Foremost among them is the event in
Meribah, where they tested the patience of God. Another is their constant
complain which eventually made Yahweh send them serpents to bite them to death.
Israel is such a consistently obstinate race of people.
But despite of these, God is
faithful. He is with them in the form of the protective Cloud (mentioned many
times). His presence and majesty is deeply felt in the tabernacle, which the
Levites would set up in the middle of their camp. Thus, the daily sacrificial
offerings to God are truly an intrinsic part of Israel’s routinary activity.
Nonetheless, after so many years in
Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin, Israel had finally reached on the plains of
Moab. Thereupon, Balaam will be uttering blessings for them instead of bringing
down curses as what Balak had expected. Balak was the king of Moab who felt
insecure of Israel’s presence. Balak, therefore, asked the support of the
Midianites in crushing the people of God. However, it was the Midianites who
were plundered and massacred by the enemy.
At the plains of Moab, Moses began
allocating the lands of Canaan to the twelve tribes of Israel. At the same
time, Moses reminded the people to always respect and observe the holy feasts
and the sacrifices offered to the Lord.
This will become a sign their expression of faithfulness to the covenant
with the Lord. It is at this time also that Joshua started to emerge as the
successor of Moses.
The Book of Numbers started with a
census, precisely a numerical statement, of Israel’s population. Something will
happen to this population while they would be traveling or wandering in the
desert. That was because of their unfaithfulness. Their journey from Sinai to
Transjordania is indeed something colorful a life of the chosen people of God.
B)
SCHEMATIC OUTLINE:
A)
The Israelites in
Sinai (chapters 1-19)
§
The census ( 1-4)
§
Giving of various laws (5-6)
§
Consecration of leaders and
of Levites (7-8)
§
Celebration of the Passover
before departure (9-11)
B)
The Wandering of
Israel in the Desert:
§
Israel’s disobedience and
Yahweh’s punishment (12-14)
§
Laws on sacrifice, powers
of priests and Levites (15)
§
Rebellion, punishment and
forgiveness (16-17)
C)
The Israelites in Kadesh
and the Conquest of Transjordania
(20-24)
§
Israel tested Yahweh’s
goodness (20)
§
Progress towards
Transjordania (21)
§
Moab is insecure of Israel
(22-24)
D)
Israel in the plains
of Moab (20-36)
§
Second recorded census
(25-27)
§
Regulations for sacrifices
(28-30)
§
Allocations (31-36)
C)
PERSONAL REFLECTION:
The Book of Numbers is about the journey of a people
close to the heart of God. This is not just an ordinary journey; it is THE
journey of special people. For me this is one of the interesting Books of
Pentateuch because it narrates an event from one place to another. There’s a
development of character, places, attitudes, events and the plot itself.
Of course, journey is actually an interesting topic to be
discussed upon. It is in the journey where we know ourselves well. It is in the
journey of life where I came to grapple with the beauty and the repulsiveness
of my person. And I guess, this is what also happens to Israel. Through the
journey experience, I knew that Israel is un-insightful people. They are truly
ungrateful and obstinate in their acts of grumbling against God. Nevertheless,
it is also in this journey where I realize how dear they are to God. He is also
always with them inspite of her ugliness.
As far as I am concerned, I am on a journey. Since from
birth until now, I have not yet reached my destination, the purpose of my life.
I have a share of assets and liabilities within me, which make my journey
pleasing or hideous. Each day is a step towards my objective. Each hour is a
small pace towards my purpose. But, like the Israelites, the longer my journey
becomes, the more I realize how difficult and fearsome my action is. I met so
much difficulties, problems, and apparently useless inconveniences. Why am I
continuing these steps of mine towards something which I have no clear idea of,
whereas I could just retrace my steps and end my sufferings?
I guess, this is the Israelite’s main contention whenever
they complain against God: why would we suffer all these hardships (hunger,
thirst, fear, inconveniences) just to receive that promise which seems to be
empty? Well, while it is true that it is a promise; yet, that promise comes
from no other else than God, who loves Israel faithfully. Like Israel, I
believe I still lack so much faith to be convinced that I am not alone in
treading all these life’s pains. God is with me always and that’s a fact, which
I still have to grapple with as a Christian and as a Religious. The older I
become, the more I understand that life is not just a bed of fragrant roses; it
is a bed of thorny bushes. And many times, when I am confronted by my shadows
and my weaknesses, I seem to lose hope of standing up again and continue on. I
even complain to the Lord in many ways: I neglect my spiritual life, feeling
too tired to start again after falling, pessimistic about life, and unwilling
to stretch my limits and to open my shell.
But despite of all those negative elements, I forget to
realize that I am not alone, really. God is with me. It is indeed my constant
prayer to the Lord Jesus to increase my faith in His loving presence. That even
if I am in the valley of darkness and the shadow of death, I should not fear
evil. And that is because the Lord is with me always.
D)
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1)
What is the significance of
the census in the Book of Numbers?
2)
Trace the route of the
Israelites from Sinai to Transjordan taking in mind the different events they
encounter.
3)
Why did the Israelites
constantly complain against God?
4)
How does the Book present
Levites as special to God?
5)
How does the Book of
Numbers present the Passover feast to Israel?
6)
What happen in the story
about Balaam?
7)
Who are the prominent
people in the priesthood and what are their contributions to the people?
8)
How is the conquest of
Transjordan done?
9)
Narrate the stages of
Exodus according to the Book of Numbers.
10)
What were being discussed
under the subject of allocation of the promise land to the Israelites?