Camping out in the Wilderness

Today's readings come from Numbers 1 - 2

What seems to be a monotonous census taking followed by a listing of camp details gives insight into the development of the nation. Of course, Numbers is about counting. The name of the book is not the Hebrew name, but rather the Greek title - "Arithemoi" - we recognize it as the word arithmetic...adding. The Hebrew title is simply "In the Wilderness". It is details about the tribes wilderness years.

The tribes in chapter 1 are counted by men able to serve in the army, over the age of 20. When all are counted there are over 600,000 men, and that does not include the Levites - not counted because they serve priestly duties rather than any other duties.

The insights gained from the listing is interesting. From Judah, Nahshon is listed as the leader. Later on Boaz in the book of Ruth is listed as a descendant of Nahshon. From Elishama comes Joshua, who would lead the nation after Moses' death.

In chapter 2 the details of how they camped were laid out. Just as there was a symmetry to creation, so God gives symmetry to the order of their set up as a tribe camping in the wilderness. Judah has prominence in the tribal order, but all twelve tribes serve to protect and surround the tabernacle that occupies the central position. Among a people, how they worship is a tell tale sign of how they will live and succeed.

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