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Book of Numbers

the counting of the Israelites

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Moses The book covers a forty year period as the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness. During this time, they took two censuses of the twelve tribes of Israel, one on the first year and the other on the final year. Over the forty years, there was much grumbling, wars, idol worship, transgressing of the law and being led astray by foreigners. But, when the LORD's wrath was provoked against the Israelites, Moses would intercede. And the book ends with the Israelites preparing to go into the promised land of Canaan.
thirty-six chapters
Shortly before the death of Moses, around 1405 BC.
line
noted events

Verse by verse, account of the book of Numbers.

Numbers: chapter 1
Taking of the first census,       (second census chapter 26).

1A year and a month after the Israelites came out of Egypt, the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of the Sinai desert, while Moses was in the Tabernacle of the Meeting, saying; 2Count the sons of Israel, according to their families and their father's house. 3Every male from twenty years and older who is able to go to war, you and Aaron shall number them according to their tribes. 4To assist you, there shall be a leader from each of the twelve tribes, each one the head of his father's house.

5-16And these are the names of the twelve men that will stand with you, for they have been chosen out of the congregation to be leaders of the divisions of Israel. 17-46On the same day, Moses and Aaron gathered these men together. These men then recalled their father's ancestry by families and all the men who were twenty years and older were counted. And all who were numbered were 603,550.

(NOTE: the below table shows the results of both the first and the second census).
Tribe families
(2nd census)
The leader of tribe
(1st census)
1st Census
Num. chapt. 1
2nd Census
Num. chapt. 26
percent
Inc./Dec.
Reuben4 Elizur the son of Shedeur 46,50043,730 (-6%)
Simeon5 Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai 59,30022,200 (-62%)
Glad7 Eliasaph the son of Reuel 45,65040,500 (-11%)
Judah5 Nahshon the son of Amminadab 74,60076,5003%
Issachar4 Nethanel the son of Zuar 54,40064,30018%
Zebulum3 Eliab the son of Helon 57,40060,5005%
Ephraim5 Elishama the son of Ammihud 40,50032,500 (-20%)
Manasseh8 Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur 32,20052,70064%
Benjamin7 Abidan the son of Gideoni 35,40045,60029%
Dan1 Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai 62,70064,4003%
Asher5 Pagiel the son of Ocran 41,50053,40028%
Naphtali4 Ahira the son of Enan 53,40045,400 (-15%)
Men 20 years and older able to go to war.       TOTAL 603,550601,730 (-0.3%)

47However, the Levites were not numbered with the people of Israel, 48for the LORD had spoken to Moses saying; 49You shall not number the Levites with the children of Israel. 50Rather, you shall appoint them over the Tabernacle of the Meeting and its furnishings. They shall attend to the Tabernacle, carry it from place to place and camp around the Tabernacle. 51When the Tabernacle moves, they shall take it down and set it back up again, in its new location, but any person who is not appointed to come near the Tabernacle shall die. 52all the sons of Israel, according to their own tribe and banner, shall make camp. 53But the Levites shall camp directly around and keep charge of the Tabernacle so that there shall not be any wrath on the children of Israel.

54And the children of Israel did all this as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Numbers: chapter 2

1The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying; 2Every man shall set up their camp according to their fathers house a distance away and encompassing the Tabernacle of the Meeting.

3-4On the east side shall be the tribe of Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be the captain and their armies were numbered at 74,600. 5-6Next to him is the tribe of Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar shall be the captain and their armies were numbered at 54,400. 7-8Then shall be the tribe of Zebulum, Eliab the son of Helon shall be the caption and their armies were numbered at 57,400. 9All together the three tribes on the east side were numbered with the forces of Judah totaling 186,400 men and they shall make camp first.

10-11On the south side shall be the tribe of Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur shall be the captain and their armies were numbered at 46,500. 12-13Next to him is the tribe of Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai shall be the captain and their armies were numbered at 59,300. 14-15Then shall be the tribe of Glad, Eliasaph the son of Reuel shall be the captain and their armies were numbered at 45,650. 16All together the three tribes on the south side were numbered with the forces of Reuben were 151,450 men and they shall make camp second.

Israel camp, by tribes

17The Tabernacle of the Meeting shall then move out along with the camp of the Levites.

18-19On the west side shall be the tribe of Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud shall be the captain and their armies were numbered at 40,500. 20-21Next to him is the tribe of Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur shall be the captain and their armies were numbered at 32,200. 22-23Then shall be the tribe of Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni shall be the captain and their armies were numbered at 35,400. 24All together the three tribes on the west side were numbered with the forces of Ephraim were 108,100 men and they shall make camp third.

25-26On the north side shall be the tribe of Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai shall be its captain and their armies were numbered at 62,700. 27-28Next to him is the tribe of Asher, Pagiel the son of Ocran shall be it captain and their armies were numbered at 41,500. 29-30Then shall be the tribe of Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan shall be its captain and their armies were numbered at 53,400. 31All together the three tribes on the north side were numbered with the forces of Dan were 157,600 men and they shall make camp last.

32All who were numbered according to their father's houses were 603,550. 33However the Levites were not numbered with the children of Israel as the LORD had commanded Moses.

34And the children of Israel did all this as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Numbers: chapter 3

1These are the generations of Aaron and Moses, at the time when the LORD spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai. 2Aaron had four sons, named: Nadab (the firstborn), Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 3All four sons were anointed as priests and set apart unto the ministry. 4Now Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered profane fire before Him, in the wilderness of Sinai, nor did they have any sons. So Eleazar and Ithamar, (the remaining sons) ministered as priests with Aaron their father.

5Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 6Bring the tribe of Levi before Aaron the priest, so that they may minister to him. 7For they shall maintain the Tabernacle and provide services for the entire congregation. 8They shall be responsible for all the vessels of the Tabernacle of the Meeting and Aaron shall instruct the sons of Israel, as how to perform their service of the Tabernacle. 9The Levites have been fully given to Aaron and his sons. 10And Aaron and his sons shall be appointed to the priest's office. And the stranger, (non-Levi or non appointed one) who comes near the Tabernacle shall be put to death.

11Then the LORD said to Moses; 12I have taken the Levites out of the sons of Israel instead of all the firstborns that open the womb, thus the Levites shall be Mine. 13For on the day when I struck all the firstborns in the land of Egypt, I also set apart all the firstborns in Israel, both man and animal are the LORD's.

14The LORD then spoke to Moses and said; 15Number the sons of Levi according to their fathers' house, every male older than a month. 16And this is the count as the LORD commanded Moses: 17These are the names of the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. 18The family names under Gershon are: Libni and Shimei. 19The family names under Kohath are: Amram, Izehar, Hebron and Uzziel. 20The family names under Merari are: Mahli and Mushi. These were the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

21The families of the Gershonites are: the family of the Libnites and the family of the Shimites. 22All the males were numbered over a month and the number was 7,500. 23The family of the Gershonites shall make camp behind the Tabernacle to the west. 24The head of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael. 25They shall be responsible for the tent of the Tabernacle and its covering and the veil for the door of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 26The hangings of the court, the veil of the door of the court which is by the altar and the cords all around.

27The families of the Kohathites are: the family of the Amramites, the family of the Izeharites, the family of the Hebronites and the family of the Uzzielites. 28All the males were numbered over a month and they were numbered at 8,600. 29They shall make camp on the south side of the Tabernacle. 30The head of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. 31They shall be responsible for the Ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary and the veil, this shall be their service to the Tabernacle. 32Eleazar the priest and son of Aaron shall be over the leaders of the Levites, having the oversight of them who keep the charge of the sanctuary.

33The families of the Merari are: the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites. 34All the males were numbered over a month and they were numbered at 6,200. 35The head of Merari shall be Zuriel the son of Abihail. And they shall make camp on the north side of the Tabernacle. 36They shall be responsible for the boards and bars of the Tabernacle, the pillars and its sockets and its vessels. 37All the pillars and their sockets and their pegs and their cords.

38Moses, Aaron and his sons shall camp before the Tabernacle on the east side. They shall keep watch over the sanctuary for any stranger, (non-Levi or non appointed one) that might come near, least they shall die. 39Now all the Levites, one month and older that Moses and Aaron numbered at the command of the LORD were twenty-two thousand,

NOTE: (The total of the 3 tribes add up to 22,300, it is assumed that the 300 were born to the Levites in the year since they had come out of Egypt)
.

40Now the LORD said to Moses; Number all the firstborn males of the sons of Israel older than a month. 41You shall then set the Levites apart for Me instead of all the firstborn of the sons of Israel, for I am the LORD. I have also chosen the cattle of the Levites in place of all the firstborn cattle of the sons of Israel. 42Moses then numbered all the firstborns among the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded. 43And all the firstborn males over a month old were numbered at 22,273.

44The LORD then spoke; 45I shall take the Levites instead of all the firstborns among the sons of Israel and their cattle instead of all the sons of Israel's cattle. For I am the LORD. 46However the 273 firstborns over the count of the Levites must be redeemed. 47So you shall take five shekels for every person. 48And give to Aaron and his sons, the silver of those who were redeemed. 49So Moses collected the redemption silver for the 273 who were redeemed. 50273 times 5 shekels each, 1,365 shekels were collected. 51And Moses gave the silver to Aaron and to his sons, according as the LORD had commanded.

Numbers: chapter 4

1The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying; 2Count the sons of Kohath among the Levites. 3All who are between thirty years old to fifty years old shall enter into service of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 4And their service for the Tabernacle shall be concerning the most holy things.

Ark of the Testimony with Mercy Seat

5When the camp sets forth, Aaron and his sons shall come and they shall take down the covering veil and cover the Ark of the Testimony with it. 6Putting a covering of badger skins over it and spreading over that a cloth of solid blue, then its poles shall be inserted.


Table of Showbread

7On the table of showbread, they shall spread a cloth of blue over it, putting the dishes on it, the spoons, the bowls and the cups for the drink offering, with an enclosure to cover it. Always shall the continual bread be on it. 8They shall spread a cloth of scarlet over it with a covering of badger skins and then insert the poles into it to carry it by.


Golden Lampstand, a.k.a (a Menorah)

9On the golden lampstand, they shall cover it with a blue cloth, its lamps, its snuffers, trays and vessels of oil that are used with it. 10They shall put it and all of it accessories inside an enclosure covered with badger skins and then insert the poles into the frame to carry it by.


Altar of Incense

11On the golden altar of incense, they shall cover it with a cloth of blue and put over it a covering of badger skins, then inserting its poles. 12all the vessels that are used in the sanctuary, shall be covered with a blue cloth and then badger skins and be carried between two poles.


Altar of Burnt Offerings

13The altar of burnt offerings shall be emptied of its ashes and a purple cloth shall be spread over it. 14All of its vessels, the pans, the hooks, the shovels, the bowls and all the vessels used, shall be put on the altar and a covering of badger skins put over it, then its poles shall be inserted.


15When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all of its vessels. Afterwards, the sons of Kohath shall come forth to carry the pieces, but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These are the assigned duties of the sons of Kohath, for the ministry of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 16And these shall be the responsibilities of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest. He shall have oversight of the oil for the lampstand, the sweet incense, the daily food offering and the anointing oil and of the Tabernacle and all of all the vessels in it .

17The LORD said to Moses and Aaron; 18So that the families of the Kohathites are not cut off from among the Levites. 19Do this for them, so that they shall live when they approach the Holy things. Aaron and his sons shall appoint each one to his service. 20However, they shall not watch when the holy things are covered, lest they die .

21Then the LORD said to Moses; 22Count the sons of Gershon. 23All who are between thirty years old to fifty years old shall enter into service of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 24This shall be the service of the families of the Gershonites. 25They shall carry the curtains, the coverings made of skins and the door hanging of the Tabernacle of the Meeting and the tent. 26The hangings of the court and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, the cords and all the instruments used for the ministry. 27Aaron and his sons shall appoint the Gershonites unto their service. 28This is the family of Gershon service of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. And their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29You shall also count the sons of Merari. 30All who are between thirty years old to fifty years old shall enter into service of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 31This shall be their service of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. To carry the boards of the Tabernacle, its bars, pillars and sockets, 32all the pillars of the court, their sockets, pins and cords, together with all their vessels, this shall be their service. 33And the service of the families of the sons of Merari, for the Tabernacle of the Meeting under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

The first census count of the families of the Levites.

34Now the number of the sons of the Kohathites 35between the ages of thirty and fifty, to do the work of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 36was 2,750. 37That Moses numbered according to the commandment of the LORD.

38The number of the sons of the Gershon. 39between the ages of thirty and fifty, to do the work of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 40was 2,630. 41That Moses numbered according to the commandment of the LORD.

42The number of the sons of the Merari. 43between the ages of thirty and fifty, to do the work of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 44was 3,200. 45That Moses numbered according to the commandment of the LORD.

46all the Levites that were counted, 47between the ages of thirty and fifty, to do the work of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 48was 8,580. 49That Moses numbered according to the commandment of the LORD.

Numbers: chapter 5

1The LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 2Command the children of Israel that they shall put outside of the camp every person with leprosy, everyone that has a discharge and whoever is defiled by a corpse. 3Whether male and female, they Shall be put outside of the camp, so that they do not defile their camp where I also dwell. 4So the sons of Israel did, as the LORD had spoken to Moses.

5The LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 6When a man or woman commits any sin resulting in a trespass against the LORD and is found to be guilty. 7They shall then confess their sin which they have done, making restitution for their guilt in full, adding one fifth to it and giving it to the person they have sinned against. 8But if the man has no kinsman to make restitution to, the restitution shall be given to the LORD, to the priest, in addition to the ram to make atonement. 9And every offering of all the holy things that the sons of Israel bring to the priest, shall be his. 10Also whatever devoted thing a man shall give to the priest, shall be his.

11The LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 12Tell the sons of Israel, when a man's wife is suspected of going astray and committing a trespass against him. 13And it is concealed from her husband, for there is no witness of her defiling herself and lying with another man. 14But the spirit of jealousy has come upon her husband. 15The man shall then bring his wife to the priest, with an offering for her of one tenth of an ephah of barley meal, (approximately 2 quarts). No oil or frankincense shall be put on it, for it is a jealousy offering and would bring the iniquity of the sin back into remembrance.

16The priest shall then bring the woman near and set her before the LORD. 17Taking holy water from a clay pot, the priest shall take some of the dust that is on the floor of the Tabernacle and mix it into the water. 18As the woman is set before the LORD, her hair shall be uncovered and the priest shall put the jealousy offering in her hands and the priest shall have the bitter water that causes the curse in his hand. 19The priest shall then have her swear an oath, that if she has not laid with a man, other that her husband and has not made herself unclean, she is free from the curse of this bitter water. 20However, if she has gone astray, defiling herself while under her husband authority, she shall then be bound by the curse of the bitter water. 21And the priest shall then speak to her this oath of cursing, the LORD shall make you detestable among your people, your thighs shall rot away and your belly shall swell.

22For this water that causes the curse shall go into your bowels and your belly shall swell and your thighs shall rot away. The woman shall then say, amen and amen. 23The priest shall then write these curses on a scroll and blot the words off into the bitter water. 24And when the woman drinks the bitter water that brings forth the curse, the waters shall enter her and try her bitterly. 25The priest shall then take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand, wave it before the LORD and offer it on the altar. 26And shall burn the memorial portion of it on the altar and afterward he shall cause the woman to drink the water. 27When she has drunk the water, if she is defiled, having committed a trespass against her husband the water that causes the curse shall become bitter. Her belly shall swell and her thighs shall rot away and she shall be detestable among her people. 28If the woman is clean and not defiled, then she shall be clean and able to bear children.

29This is the law of jealousies if a woman should defile herself, while under her husband's authority. 30Or if the spirit of jealousy comes over a man concerning his wife, he shall set the woman before the LORD and the priest shall bring this law upon her. 31The husband shall then be free of any guilt, but the woman shall bear her iniquity.

Numbers: chapter 6

1The LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 2Tell the sons of Israel that when either a man or a woman speaks a vow of a Nazarite, to separate himself totally unto the LORD. 3He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, nor eat moist or dried grapes. 4All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds. 5Nor shall a razor come upon his head, until his separation is fulfilled to the LORD, for he shall be holy and shall let his hair grow again. 6Also during the days of his separation to the LORD, he shall not come near any dead body. 7Nor make himself unclean even at the time of his father's, mother's, or sister's, death, for his separation unto the LORD is upon his head. 8For all the days of his separation he is holy to unto the LORD.

9If he is made unclean by a man dying suddenly beside him, thus defiling his head, then on the seventh day of his cleansing, he shall shave his head. 10On the eighth day he shall bring two turtle-doves or two young pigeons to the priest, at the door of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 11The priest shall then offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering and make an atonement for him and that day he shall again make his head holy, because he sinned because of the dead body. 12All the days of his separation shall be consecrated unto the LORD and to continue in his vow, he shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering. For the former days of his consecration were lost, because his separation was defiled.

13This is the law of the Nazarite and when the days of his separation are fulfilled. He shall come to the door of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 14Bringing an offering to the LORD of a male lamb of the first year without blemish as a burnt offering and a ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering and a ram without blemish for peace offering. 15A basket of unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, their grain offering and their associated drink offerings.

16The priest shall bring them before the LORD and shall offer the sin offering and his burnt offering. 17The ram as a peace offering to the LORD and the basket of unleavened bread together with the grain offering and drink offering. 18At the door of the Tabernacle of the Meeting the Nazarite shall shave his head and put the hair of his consecration in the fire, under the sacrifice of the peace offering. 19The priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, an unleavened cake and an unleavened wafer from the basket, laying them across the hands of the Nazarite, after he has shaved his head because of his separation. 20Then the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD. This is the holy portion for the priest, the breast that is waved and heave shoulder. After this the Nazarite may drink wine. 21 This is the law of the Nazarite, who has made a vow and given his offering to the LORD for his separation. According to his vow, thus must he do according to the law of his separation.

22The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 23Tell Aaron and his sons that they are to bless the sons of Israel, saying to them;

24The LORD bless you and keep you.
25The LORD makes His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
26The LORD lifts up His face to you and gives you peace.

27Then shall they put My name upon the sons of Israel and I will bless them.

Numbers: chapter 7

1On the day that Moses had completely set up the Tabernacle. When he had finished anointing and sanctifying it, along with all the vessels, the altar and all its vessels. 2The leaders of each tribe of Israel then, 3brought their offerings before the LORD of six covered wagons and twelve oxen, a wagon for every two leaders and each leader bringing an ox before the Tabernacle.

4The LORD then spoke to Moses saying; 5Take this offering from them so that they may be used for the service of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. Giving their service to the Levites, each man according to his rendered service. 6Moses thus did as he was instructed, giving the wagons and oxen to the Levites. 7Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon, according to their service. (NOTE: the family of Gershon carried the holy coverings and the cords of the Tabernacle, verse 4:25-26). 8Four wagons and eight oxen were given to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the supervision of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest. (NOTE: the family of Merari carried the boards and the pillars of the Tabernacle, verse 4:31-32). 9However, he did not give any carts or oxen to the sons of Kohath, because their service for the sanctuary was to be carry upon their shoulders.

10At the dedication of the altar, each leader offered a sacrifice before the LORD. 11And the LORD said to Moses; Each ruler shall offer their offering on his set day, one per day for the dedication of the altar.

12-83The twelve leaders, representing the twelve tribes, gave their offering on sequential days, in the order shown below, [the order is the same as the later given traveling order and the order in which the tribes make camp]. Each leader or tribe gave an offering of; A silver dish weighing 130 shekels, a silver basin weighing 70 shekels , both vessels filled with fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering. A gold pan weighing 10 shekels filled with incense. A young bull, a ram, a lamb of the first year, as a burnt offering. a male goat as a sin offering. And for a peace offering: 2 oxen, 5 rams, 5 male goats and 5 lambs of the first year.

The 12 leaders appointed by Moses and the order of their sacrifices
day of
sacrifice
TribeLeader
1st dayJudah Nahshon the son of Amminadab
2nddayIssachar Nethanel the son of Zuar
3th dayZebulum Eliab the son of Helon
4th dayReuben Elizur the son of Shedeur
5th daySimeon Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai
6th dayGad Eliasaph the son of Reuel
7th dayEphraim Elishama the son of Ammihud
8th dayManasseh Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur
9th dayBenjamin Abidan the son of Gideoni
10th dayDan Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai
11th dayAsher Pagiel the son of Ocran
12th dayNaphtali Ahira the son of Enan

84-85This was the dedication of the altar and the days when it was anointed, by the leaders of Israel and the total offering was: 12 platters of silver each weighing 130 shekels, 12 silver basins each weighing 70 shekels. All the silver vessels weighed 2,400 shekels. 8612 golden pans, full of incense, weighing 10 shekels, each and all the gold of the pans was a 120 shekels. 87The animals for the burnt offerings were 12 bulls, 12 rams, 12 lambs of the first year, with their grain offerings and 12 males goats for a sin offering. 88The animals for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were 24 bulls, 60 rams, 60 male goats, 60 lambs of the first year. This was for the dedication of the altar after it had been anointed.

89Now when Moses had gone into the Tabernacle of the Meeting to speak with the LORD, the voice Moses heard was of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat on the Ark of the Testimony from between the two cherubs.

Numbers: chapter 8
Golden Lampstand, a.k.a (a Menorah)

1The LORD spoke to Moses saying; 2Tell Aaron that when the lampstand is set up, the seven lamps shall be set to give light in front of the lampstand. 3And Aaron made certain of this. He adjusted the lamps so that they shone light in front of the lampstand, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 4The lampstand from its base to its blossoms, was a work of beaten gold and was made according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.

5The LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 6Now separate the Levites from among the sons of Israel and purify them. 7Sprinkle water of atonement on them, have them shave their entire body and wash their clothes, thus shall they make themselves clean. 8Then shall they take a young bull with its grain offering, fine flour mixed with oil and another young bull for a sin offering. 9You shall then bring the Levites before the Tabernacle of the Meeting, also gathering the whole assembly of the sons of Israel together. 10The Levites shall then be before the LORD and the people shall put their hands upon the Levites. 11Aaron shall then offer the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering on behalf of the sons of Israel, so the Levites may do the service of the LORD.

12The Levites shall then lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, with one offered as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. 13The Levites shall then be set before Aaron and his sons and presented as a wave offering to the LORD. 14So shall the Levites be separate from among the sons of Israel and they shall be Mine. 15After having been purified and offered as a wave offering, the Levites shall perform the service of the Tabernacle of the Meeting.

16For the Levites are certainly given to Me from among the sons of Israel, instead of all the firstborns of Israel. 17For since the day when I struck every firstborn in the land of Egypt, all the firstborns of the sons of Israel are Mine, both man and animal, for on that day that I set them apart for Myself. 18But now I have taken the Levites instead of all the male firstborn of Israel. 19And have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons to do the service in the Tabernacle of the Meeting, making atonement for the sons of Israel, so that there shall be no plague among the sons of Israel when they come near the sanctuary.

20Thus Moses, Aaron and the congregation of the sons of Israel, carried out all, concerning the Levites as the LORD had commanded Moses. 21So the Levites purified themselves, they washed their clothes and Aaron offered them, as a wave offering before the LORD. Making atonement for them and purifying them. 22And after this the Levites did their service in the Tabernacle of the Meeting before Aaron and his sons, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

23Then the LORD spoke to Moses saying; 24The Levites, twenty-five years of age and older shall perform the service of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 25And at the age of fifty they shall retire from their work. 26However, they shall minister with their brothers in the Tabernacle of the Meeting, to keep order, only he shall not perform regular or heavy service.

Numbers: chapter 9

1The LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month, one year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying; 2The sons of Israel shall keep the Passover at its appointed time. 3The fourteenth day of this first month, from evening to evening, you shall keep the Passover, according to all its statutes and its ceremonies.

4Moses then spoke to the sons of Israel in preparation of the Passover. 5And they prepared the Passover, just as the LORD had commanded. 6However there were certain men who were defiled by dead bodies of men so that they could not prepare the Passover on that day. So that day they went before Moses and Aaron. 7And said to him, we are defiled by a dead body of a man. Why shall we be kept back from giving an offering to the LORD at the appointed time?

8Moses then told them to be still, while he inquired of the LORD's will concerning this. 9Then the LORD spoke to Moses saying; 10Tell the sons of Israel that if any man within your generations becomes unclean due to a dead body, or if they should be on a far journey at that time, he shall still keep the Passover to the LORD. 11On the fourteenth day of the second month at evening you shall keep it, eating it with unleavened cakes and bitter herbs. 12None of it shall be left until morning, nor shall a bone be broken, it shall be kept according to all the ordinances of the Passover.

13But if a man is clean and not on a journey, he shall not hold back from the Passover feast. If he does, that man shall be cut off from his people and bear his own guilt, for he did not bring an offering to the LORD in his appointed time. 14Also the stranger, (non-Israelite) who lives among you and chooses to prepare the LORD's Passover, he shall also do according to the ordinance of the Passover. For there shall be but one ordinance, for both the stranger and the native born.

15Now the day when the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the Tabernacle and stood over the Tent of the Testimony. And when evening came it appeared as a pillar of fire, until the morning. 16So there was always a covering: A cloud by day and a fire by night. 17When the cloud would move from the Tabernacle, the sons of Israel would also move and follow the cloud, making camp wherever it stopped. 18For at the command of the LORD the sons of Israel broke camp and also by His command they made camp. 19For as long as the cloud stayed over the Tabernacle, the sons of Israel kept the command of the LORD, they did not journey, but remained in camp. 20Likewise, when the cloud stayed just a few days on the Tabernacle, according to the command of the LORD they remained and according to His command, they journeyed. 21-23Whether the cloud stayed from evening to the following morning, a few days, a month or a year, the people only journeyed when the cloud was taken up and moved by the command of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Numbers: chapter 10

1Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 2Make two trumpets of silver for yourself, they shall be used to call the assembly together and for the breaking of camp. 3When the trumpets sounds, all the assembly shall gather together before you at the door of the Tabernacle of the Meeting.

4If one blast is blown, the heads over the thousands of Israel shall come together to you. 5When an alarm is blown, the tribes on the east shall break camp and go forward. 6When the alarm is blown the second time, the camps on the south side shall break camp and go forward. 7Thus when you call the congregation together by blowing the trumpet, it shall be a distinct sound apart from sounding an alarm. 8The sons and priests of Aaron, shall blow the trumpets and the trumpets shall be to you an everlasting ordinance throughout your generations.

9When you go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresses you, you shall sound the trumpets, that you may be remember before the LORD and you shall be saved from your enemies. 10Also in the days of your rejoicing and at your set feasts and in the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings. This shall be a memorial to you before the LORD.

Israel breaks camp, leaving Mount Sinai and marching orders are instituted.

11On the twentieth day of the second month in the second year, the cloud was taken up from the Tabernacle of the testimony. 12So the sons of Israel broke camp and began their journey, leaving the wilderness of Sinai and following the cloud to the wilderness of Paran, for that is where the cloud rested. 13At the command of the LORD and by the hand of Moses, they began their journey.

14The first to break camp, was the armies of Judah (camped on the east side). So Judah took the lead and over its army was Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 15The tribe of Issachar followed and over its army was Nethaneel the son of Zuar. 16Followed by the tribe of Zebulun and over its army was Eliab the son of Helon.

Israel's camp. by tribes

17The Tabernacle was then taken down. And the families of Gershon and Merari moved out, carrying the Tabernacle.

18Then the armies of Reuben, (on the south side) broke camp, the tribe of Reuben was first and over its army was Elizur the son of Shedeur. 19The tribe of Simeon followed and over its army was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 20Followed by the tribe of Gad and over its army was Eliasaph the son of Reuel.

21The family of the Kohathites then broke camp carrying the holy articles of the sanctuary. This way the Tabernacle was already set up before they came into the new camp.

22Then the armies of Ephraim, (on the west side) broke camp, the tribe of Ephraim was first and over its army was Elishama the son of Ammihud. 23The tribe of Manasseh followed and over its army was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 24Followed by the tribe of Benjamin and over its army was Abidan the son of Gideoni.

25Then the armies of Dan, (on the north side) broke camp, the tribe of Dan was first and over its army was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 26The tribe of Asher followed and over its army was Pagiel the son of Ocran. 27Followed by the tribe of Naphtali and over its armies was Ahira the son of Enan.

28This was the marching orders, when the sons of Israel set out on their journeys.

29Moses then said to Hobab, his brother-in-law, a Midianite. We are traveling to the place where the LORD will show us, come with us and we will treat you well and give you a place to dwell, for the LORD has promised good concerning Israel. 30However Hobab replied, I will not go, but I shall return back to my own land and to my kindred. 31However Moses replied, please don't leave us, you have camped before in the wilderness and you can be our guide. 32For if you do go with us, whatever goodness the LORD shall give to us, the same shall also be done for you.

NOTE: (It is assumed that Hobab went along with the Israelites, since his family dwelt among the tribe of Judah, Judges 1:16) .

33The Israelites then traveled three days from Mount Sinai, with the Ark of the Covenant, the Ark of the LORD going before them, looking for a resting place. 34And as they left camp, the cloud of the LORD was over them. 35And when the Ark set out, Moses would say, "rise up O LORD and let Your enemies and those who hate You flee before You". 36And when the Ark came to its resting place, Moses would say, "return O LORD, to the thousands of Israel".

Numbers: chapter 11
The people complained of their hardships in the wilderness.

1But, the people began to complain and grumble about their hardships and this was evil in the ears of the LORD. This aroused the LORD's anger and His fire consumed those in the outermost parts of the camp. 2At this the people cried out to Moses and after Moses had prayed to the LORD, the fire was put out. 3Moses called that place Taberah (burning), because the fire of the LORD burned among them.

The people, (the mixed multitude among them) grumble, we want meat to eat.

4Now the mixed multitude among them, (the people from the other nations), within the camp lusted greatly after meat to eat and caused the Israelites to weep and say, who will give us meat to eat? 5For we remember the foods that we ate in Egypt, without cost. 6Our soul are now dried up, we have nothing but this manna before our eyes. 7The manna was like coriander seed and its color glistened as a precious stone. 8Every day the people gathered it, ground it in mills or beat it into a batter baking it in pans and made cakes of it. And the taste of it was like the taste of cake made with fresh oil. 9For the manna fell on the camp at night along with the dew and was new every morning.

10Moses then heard the people weeping throughout their families, within their houses. This again arose the anger of the LORD as well as displeased Moses. 11Then Moses said to the LORD, why have You afflicted Your servant with the burden of all these people? Have I not found favor in You sight? 12Do You think I have conceived all these people and should carry them in my bosom, as a father bears an infant, to the promise land that You have sworn to their fathers? 13From where shall I get meat for all these people? For they weep to me, saying; Give us meat to eat. 14This is too great for me, I am not able to bear all these people alone. 15If this is the way that You are going to deal with me, please kill me at once. If I have found favor in Your sight, do not let me see the failure of my own efforts.

16The LORD than said to Moses; Gather together seventy men of Israel, whom you know to be elders and officers of the people and come to the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 17I will then come down and talk with you, taking of the Spirit that is on you and also putting it on them. They will then bear the burden of the people with you so that you do not bear it yourself alone.

18Now tell the people to sanctify themselves, for they shall eat meat. For you have heard them weep to Me, saying, Who shall give us meat to eat, for we had it good back in Egypt. Therefore, the LORD will give them meat and they shall eat. 19They shall eat meat, not just for a day, five days, ten days or twenty days. 20But for a full month, until it comes out of their nostrils and becomes disgusting to them. Because they have mocked the LORD, weeping before Him, questioning, why they left Egypt?

21Moses then said to the LORD, there are six hundred thousand men plus woman and children, You said, You would give them meat for a whole month. 22Shall we killed the flocks and the herds, would that even be enough for them? Or would all the fish of the sea gathered together, be enough for them?

23The LORD replied to Moses; Has My hand become shortened? Now you shall see whether or not My Word shall come to pass.

24Moses then went out and told the people the words of the LORD and he gathered the seventy elders of the people and set them all around the Tabernacle. 25The LORD then came down in a cloud and spoke to Moses and took of the Spirit on him and gave it also to the seventy elders. And when the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, (praising God and declaring His will). But, after this one time, they never prophesied any more. 26However two of the men, Eldad and Medad did not go out to the Tabernacle, but they stayed within the camp, even though they were selected to be part of the seventy elders. Now when the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied within the camp. 27And it was told Moses that Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.

28Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses said, make them stop. 29And Moses answered him, Are you jealous for my sake? If only all God's people were prophets, that the LORD would also put His Spirit upon them!

30Moses then went into the camp, he and the seventy elders of Israel. 31A wind then came forth from the LORD and blew in quails from the sea and leaving them hovering about three feet off the ground about a day's journey on all sides of the camp. 32And all that day and night and the next day, the people gathered the quails. Even he who gathered the least gathered at least sixty bushels. And back in camp they were spread out to cure and dry.

33But while the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was even chewed, the wrath of the LORD arose against the people and the LORD struck the people with a great plague. 34That place they called Kibroth-hattaauah, (Graves of Lust), because there they buried the people that lusted after the meat. 35The camp then traveled from the Graves of Lust and stayed at Hazeroth.

Numbers: chapter 12
Miriam & Aaron spoke against Moses and Miriam became leprous.

1Now Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had taken for his wife. 2And they said to him, Has the LORD only spoken to Moses, has He not spoken to us also? And the LORD also heard their complaints. 3(Now Moses was very humble man, more so than any other man).

4Then the LORD quickly replied to the situation, saying; The three of you come out to the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 5The LORD then came down in a pillar of a cloud and stood in the door of the Tabernacle and called Aaron and Miriam. 6Saying to them; Hear My words. If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD will make Myself known to him in a vision and will speak to him in a dream. 7But not so for My servant Moses for he is a faithful man. 8And I speak with him directly and clearly and not in riddles, for he beholds the likeness of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses? 9And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them. 10The cloud then departed from the Tabernacle and when it did so, Miriam, Aaron's wife became leprous.

11Aaron then said to Moses, my lord, I beg of you, do not lay this sin upon us that we have done so foolishly and in which we have sinned. 12May she not be like the walking dead, of whom the flesh is decomposing. 13Moses then cried out to the LORD saying; God, heal her now, I beg of You. 14And the LORD replied to Moses, saying; Even if her earthly father had spat into her face, would she not be shamed for seven days? Therefore, she shall be shut out of the camp for seven days and after that she shall be received.

15Miriam then was outside of the camp for seven days. And the people did not travel until Miriam was brought back in. 16Afterward the seven days when Miriam came back into camp, the people left Hazeroth and traveled to the wilderness of Paran, where they set up camp.

Numbers: chapter 13
Sending out the twelve spies, to spy out the promise land of Canaan.

1Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 2Send men out so they may search the land of Canaan, which I have given to the sons of Israel. A man from each tribe and a ruler among his people. 3So according to the command of the LORD, Moses sent these twelve men out from the wilderness of Paran.

4-15Tribethe man within each tribe
ReubenShammua the son of Zaccur
SimeonShaphat the son of Hori
JudahCaleb the son of Jephunneh
IssacharIgal the son of Joseph
EphraimOshea the son of Nun, aka. Joshua
BenjaminPalti the son of Raphu
ZebulunGaddiel the son of Sodi
ManassehGaddi the son of Susi
DanAmmiel the son of Gemalli
AsherSethur the son of Michael
NaphtaliNahbi the son of Vophsi
GadGeuel the son of Machi

16These were the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses gave Oshea the son of Nun, whose name means (salvation), a new name and called him Joshua. 17All twelve were then sent out to spy out the land of Canaan and Moses told them to travel to the south and to go up into the mountains. 18To look at the land and the people who live there, whether the people are strong or feeble, many or few? 19Whether the land is good or bad and the cities they dwell in, do they live in open spaces or in fortified cities? 20What the land is like, whether it is plentiful or sparse, whether it is wooded or not. And be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land back with you. When Moses sent them out it was the time of the first ripe grapes.

21So they went up and scouted the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, to the entrance of Hamath. 22As they went south, they came to Hebron, (NOTE: A city where Abraham had built an altar to the LORD, now the city was fortified by the Anakites). 23When they came to the valley of Eshcol, they cut off a branch with a single cluster of grapes on it. It was so huge, it took two men to carry it, on a pole between them. And they also brought back with them some pomegranates and figs. 24That place became known as the valley of Eshcol, (NOTE: Eshcol means: cluster, or cluster of grapes), because the cluster of grapes was taken from there. 25After forty days they returned from spying out the land.

26When the twelve spies returned to the wilderness of Paran, they came to Moses, Aaron and the entire congregation of the sons of Israel. Bringing back word to them and showing them the fruit of the land. 27Saying, we scouted out the land, it is a plentiful land flowing with milk and honey and here is the proof of it. 28However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, their cities are fortified and worst yet we saw our enemies of Anak there. 29The Amalekites dwell to the south, the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites dwell in the mountains, with the Canaanite's dwelling by the seacoast of the Jordan river.

30Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, saying, let us immediately go up and possess it, for we are well able to conquer it. 31But the other spies said to him, we are not able to go up against these people, for they are stronger than we are. 32At that, the remaining spies gave the people a dark and evil account of the land. Telling the people that the land is a land that devours it inhabitants, for all the people we saw in it were men of great stature. 33We also saw giants there, the sons of Anak and we were in our own sight like grasshoppers and in their sight.

NOTE: (the report given by the spies in Kadesh Barnea in the wilderness of Paran, is what caused the Israelites to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. This happened about 14 months after the exodus from Egypt, if the people had gone into the land, the LORD would have won their battles for them, as He did in the book of Joshua, 40 years later)
Numbers: chapter 14

1At hearing this, the congregation raised up their voices cried and wept that night. 2That night, all the sons of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron. And the whole congregation said to them, if we had only died in the land of Egypt or even in this here wilderness! 3Why has the LORD brought us into this land to die by the sword, making our wives and our sons as prey? Would it not be better for us, if we return to Egypt? 4The people then conspired among themselves to appoint a leader that would take them back to Egypt.

5Moses and Aaron then fell on their faces before the assembly of the sons of Israel. 6But both Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes. 7And speaking to the sons of Israel they said, the land that we searched is an exceedingly good land. 8If the LORD delights in us, then He will surly bring us into this land and give us this land that flows with milk and honey. 9But do not rebel against the LORD, neither fear the people of the land. For they are but bread for us. Their protection has been removed, for the LORD is with us! therefore, do not fear them.

10But this enraged the people and the whole congregation was about to stone them, when the glory of the LORD appeared in the Tabernacle of the Meeting before all the sons of Israel.

11The LORD then said to Moses; How long shall these people provoke Me? And when will they start to believe Me, for all the signs that I have shown them? 12Therefore, I will strike them with pestilence and will disinherit them and will make of you Moses a nation greater and mightier than they.

13Moses then replied to the LORD, the Egyptians would then hear of it, how the mighty hand of God brought up these people from among them. 14And they will tell it to the inhabitant of this land, That the LORD is among the people of Israel, He stands over them and leads them with pillar of a cloud by day and a fire by night. 15But if You kill these people as one man kills another, Then the nations who have heard of Your fame will say; 16Because the LORD was not able to bring these people into the land which He swore to give them, therefore, He has slain them in the wilderness. 17May the power of my Lord be great, according as You have promised, saying; 18The LORD is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Not clearing the guilty, but visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons to the third and fourth generation. 19Now I beg of You, pardon the iniquity of these people according to Your great mercy, just as You have forgiven these people from the time of Egypt until now.

20And the LORD said; I have pardoned according to your word. 21For as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. 22But all the men who have seen My glory, My miracles and signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness. They have tempted Me ten times now, not having listened to My voice, 23They shall not see the promise land, neither shall they that provoked Me see it. 24But My servant Caleb who has followed Me fully, for a different spirit is with him. I will bring him into the promise land and his seed shall possess it. 25Now because the Amalekites and the Canaanites lived in the valley. Tomorrow turn and go into the wilderness, by the way, of the Red Sea.

26The LORD again spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying; 27How long shall I bear with this evil group of people, for they murmur against Me. 28Tell them, that as the LORD lives and as you have spoken in My ear, so will I do. 29All who have murmured against Me, their dead bodies shall fall in the wilderness, all that were numbered of twenty years old and above. 30They shall not come into the promise land, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. 31But your little ones, that you said would be a prey, I will bring them into the land and they shall know the land which you have despised and rejected. 32But as for the parents, their bodies shall fall in this wilderness. 33Your sons shall wander in the wilderness forty years and bear their father's fornications, until their fathers dead bodies have wasted in the wilderness. 34Forty years shall they wander in the wilderness, one year for each of the forty days they searched out the promise land, forty years shall bear their own iniquities, knowing the LORD's displeasure and being aware of the breach of His promise. 35I the LORD has spoken and will surely carry out My words to this evil group of people who have gathered together against Me. They shall perish and die in this wilderness.

36Even the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, whom returned with a bad report making all the people murmur against Moses. 37All died in the wilderness, by the plague before the LORD. 38However, Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, two of the twelve spies, lived.

39When Moses told these words of the LORD to all the sons of Israel, the people mourned greatly. 40Now the people awoke early the next morning and went up to the top of the mountain, saying to Moses, we intend to take the land that the LORD has promised us, for before we had sinned. 41But Moses replied, why do you now go beyond and transgress the command of the LORD, since this shall not succeed? 42Do not go to war, for the LORD is not among you and you shall be beaten before your enemies. 43The Amalekites and the Canaanites are before you and you shall fall by the sword. Because you have turned away from the LORD, and He will not be with you. 44But the people went anyway to the top of the hill, however, they did not take with them the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, nor did Moses leave the camp. 45And the Amalekites and the Canaanites who were living on the mountain came down, struck them and beat them all the way back to Hormah.

Numbers: chapter 15

1The LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 2Tell the sons of Israel that when they come into the land that I will give them. 3They shall give a burnt offering or a sacrifice in performing of a vow, or a free-will offering at their solemn feasts, as a sweet savor to the LORD, from either the herd or the flock.

4When they bring an offering of a lamb to the LORD they shall bring a grain offering of 2 quarts of fine flour mixed with 1 quart of oil. 5The associated drink offering shall be 1 quart of wine prepare with the burnt offering, or sacrifice, for each lamb.

6For an offering of a ram, they shall prepare a grain offering, of a gallon of fine flour mixed with 3 pints of oil. 7The associated drink offering shall be 3 pints of wine, for a sweet savor to the LORD.

8When they prepare a bull, as a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offering to the LORD. 9They shall prepare a grain offering of a gallon and a half of fine flour mixed with a half a gallon of oil. 10The associated drink offering shall be half a gallon of wine, an offering made by fire producing a sweet savor to the LORD.

11These are the offerings for, a bull, a ram or a lamb. 12According to each animal that is prepared, they shall provide the following grain and drink offerings. 13All native-born shall comply in this way, in their offerings made by fire producing a sweet savor to the LORD. 14If a stranger whom is among them wishes to offer an offering made by fire to the LORD, he shall also do as they do. 15For there shall be but one ordinance for the people of Israel and for the stranger that dwells with them. Even as they are, so shall the stranger also be before the LORD, this is an everlasting ordinance. 16One law shall be for both, you and the stranger that lives with you.

17And the LORD spoke to Moses saying; 18Tell the sons of Israel that when they come into the land where I bring them. 19And eat the bread of the land, they shall offer up a heave offering to the LORD. 20They shall offer up a cake of the first of their meal, as a heave offering. 21Throughout your generations, you shall give to the LORD a heave offering. 22Now if you have erred, by not doing all these commandments which the LORD has spoken to Moses, 23Throughout your generations. 24If this negligence was committed in error and without the knowledge of the congregation. The congregation shall then offer up a young bull for a burnt offering, with its associated grain offering and its drink offering and a kid of the goats for a sin offering. 25As they bring their offerings made by fire to the LORD, the priest shall make atonement for the congregation of the sons of Israel and it shall be forgiven them, for it was out of ignorance. 26And it shall be forgiven them, whether it be the sons of Israel or the stranger that lives among them. 27If it was through ignorance, the sin offering shall be a female goat of the first year. 28And the priest will make atonement for the person before the LORD and it shall be forgiven him. 29For he who acts through ignorance, there shall also be but one law, for the native born and for the stranger that resides among them. 30But he who acts willfully and deliberately and blasphemes the LORD, whether native-born or stranger. He shall be cut off from among his people. 31Because he has despised the Word of the LORD and broken His commandment, he shall be cut off and his iniquity shall be upon him.

32Now while the sons of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. 33And they who found him brought him to Moses and Aaron and before the congregation. 34And they held him in custody for it was not clearly known what should be done to him. 35The LORD said to Moses; The man shall surely be put to death, the entire congregation shall stone him, outside the camp. 36Then the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him and he died, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

The Israelites shall put tassels on the hem of their garments, as a reminder for them.

37The LORD then spoke to Moses, saying; 38Command the sons of Israel that they shall make fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribbon of blue. 39This fringe shall be to you a remembrance to look upon and remember and do all the commands of the LORD. So you do not seek after the desires of your own heart and the lusts of your own eyes, that lead you into infidelities. 40But that you remember and do all My commands and be holy to your God. 41For I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God.

Numbers: chapter 16
Rebellion in the camp.

1Korah, of the tribe of Levi, together with two men from the tribe of Reuben, rebelled. 2They came before Moses bringing two hundred fifty rulers of the sons of Israel, elect men in the congregation and well known. 3They all gathered against Moses and Aaron, saying to them, you take too much upon yourself, the entire congregation is holy and the LORD is among us all. Why then do you lift yourselves up above the congregation of the LORD?

4When Moses heard this, he fell on his face. 5He then spoke to Korah and the company of men, saying, tomorrow the LORD will show who is holy and who He has chosen and will cause him to come near to Him. 6You and your company all take censers. 7Put incense in them and light them before the LORD and it shall be the man whom the LORD chooses shall indeed be holy. You have taken too much upon you, sons of Levi!

8Moses then said to Korah, Hear this you sons of Levi! 9Do you view it as a small thing that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation. Bringing you near to Him to do the service of the Tabernacle of the LORD, even standing before the congregation ministering to them? 10For He has brought you and all the sons of Levi near to Him. Do you now also seek the priesthood too? 11For this cause you and your company have gathered against the LORD and you have murmured against Aaron?

12Moses then called these two men from the tribe of Reuben up, but they refused to come up. 13Saying, do you feel its a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land that flows with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, but now you wish also to make yourself a prince over us. 14You have not brought us into the promise land, nor have you given us inheritance in fields and vineyards and Would you now put out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come up. 15This angered Moses and he said to the LORD, Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one thing from them, neither have I harmed them in any way.

16Moses then told Korah to stand before the LORD, he and his company of men, together with Aaron, tomorrow. 17All 250 men plus Aaron, shall take his censor with incense in it and bring it before the LORD. 18Thus every man stood at the door of the Tabernacle with their censor in their hand, along with Moses and Aaron. 19Korah also gathered the congregation against Moses and Aaron at the door of the Tabernacle and the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole congregation.

20The LORD then spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying; 21Separate yourselves from among this congregation, so that I may consume them in a moment. 22And they fell on their faces and said, O God, God of all the living, because of one man sin, will You be angry with the whole congregation?

23And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 24Tell the congregation to get away from the tent of Korah the Levite and the two Reubenites. 25So Moses rose up and went to the tents of the two Reubenites and the elders of Israel followed him. 26Speaking to the congregation Moses said, I pray that you all get away from the tents of these wicked men, nor shall you touch anything of theirs lest you be destroyed along with them in their sins. 27So everyone stood back from the three tents. Then the men of the tents came out along with their wives, their sons and their infants.

28Moses then said, you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do these works and that they do not come from my own heart. 29If these men die a death common to all men, then you will know the LORD has not sent me. 30But if the LORD causes a new thing to happen, having the earth opens her mouth and swallows them up with all that they have and they go down alive into the pit, then you shall know that these men have provoked the LORD. 31As Moses finished speaking these words, the ground under them split apart. 32The earth swallowed them, their households and all the men who were with Korah and all their goods. 33And they went down alive to the pit and the earth closed upon them. And they perished from among the congregation. 34And all who were nearby fled at their cry. Saying, lest the earth swallow us up also. 35Following that there came out a fire from the LORD and burned up the 250 men who had offered incense.

36The LORD then spoke to Moses saying; 37Tell Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he is to gather up the censers out of the ashes and scatter the incense within, at a distance. For the censors are holy. 38The censors of these sinners shall then be made into a covering for the altar, for they were offered before the LORD, therefore, they were made holy. They shall also be as a sign to the sons of Israel. 39So Eleazar took the bronze censors and did as the LORD commended, making them into a covering for the altar. 40Thus making a memorial to the sons of Israel, a warning forever that no one other than the seed of Aaron may come near to offer incense before the LORD, so that this shall not happen again.

41However, the very next day all the congregation murmured against Moses and Aaron, saying, you have killed the people of the LORD. 42When the congregation had gathered together against Moses and Aaron, they looked towards the Tabernacle for a cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. 43Moses and Aaron then came before the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 44And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying;

45Get away from these people so that I may consume them. At this Moses and Aaron fell on their faces. 46And Moses said to Aaron, Take a censor, put incense in it and go quickly to the congregation and make an atonement for them. For wrath has gone out from the LORD. The plague has begun. 47Thus Aaron did as Moses had commanded and ran into the midst of the congregation. For the plague had begun among the people and Aaron made atonement for the people. 48As he stood between the dead and the living, the plague was stopped. 49Those who died in the plague were 14,700, besides the dead concerning the matter of Korah. 50Aaron then returned to the door of the Tabernacle of the Meeting, where Moses was for the plague was stopped.

Numbers: chapter 17
Aaron's rod blossoms.

1Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 2Take a rod from each of the twelve tribes, each man a ruler of his fathers' house and write every man's name upon his rod. 3Aaron's name shall be upon the rod of Levi. 4And you shall place them in the Tabernacle of the Meeting before the testimony, where I shall meet with you. 5It shall be that the rod of the man whom I choose shall blossom. And I will make an end to these murmuring of the sons of Israel, by which they murmur against you.

6So Moses spoke to the sons of Israel and each ruler gave to him a rod, twelve rods in all, for Aaron's rod was also among their rods. 7And Moses placed the rods before the LORD in the Tabernacle of witness. 8The next day, when Moses went into the Tabernacle of witness. Aaron's rod of the house of Levi had budded bringing forth buds, with blossoms and had yielded almonds.

9Moses then brought out all the rods from before the LORD to the sons of Israel where all could see and each one took his rod back. 10The LORD then said to Moses; Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept as a token against the rebels. This shall completely take away their murmuring from Me, so that they do not die. 11So Moses did as the LORD had commanded him. 12Then the sons of Israel spoke to Moses with great concern, saying, shall we all perish. 13Whoever comes near the Tabernacle of the LORD shall die, will we all die?

Numbers: chapter 18

1The LORD then said to Aaron; You and your sons within your father's house shall bear and remove the iniquities of the sanctuary and the guilt of the offences that the people commit. Also, you shall bear and remove the iniquities of your own priesthood. 2Bring your brothers of the tribe of Levi so that they together with you may minister to you and your sons, before the Tabernacle of witness. 3They shall attend to you and to the Tabernacle, but they shall not come near the vessels of the sanctuary or the altar, so that neither, they or you die. 4They shall serve you and attend to the duties of the Tabernacle of the Meeting and a non-Levite shall not come near you. 5Therefore you shall attend to the sanctuary and the altars, so there shall be no more wrath upon the sons of Israel. 6For I have taken the Levites from among the sons of Israel and have given them to you to do the service of the Tabernacle of the Meeting. 7You and your sons alone shall keep the priests office concerning everything about the altars and inside the veil. I have given you the priest's office as a gift that you may serve and the stranger that comes near shall be put to death.

8And the LORD spoke to Aaron, saying; I have also given you as an allowance forever, a portion of My heave offerings of the holy things that the sons of Israel present to Me, by reason of the anointing. 9Of the most holy things, these shall be reserved from the fire for you. From every sacrifice of theirs, every grain offering, every sin offering and every trespass offering which they shall give Me. These are most holy and are for you and your sons. 10Every male shall eat it in a holy place and it shall be holy to you.

11Their gifts of the heave offering and the wave offering is also yours. I have given these to you, your sons and daughters, as a statute forever and all they who are clean in your house shall eat it. 12I have also given you, the best of the oil, the wine, the wheat and the firstfruits which the people offer to the LORD. 13Whatever firstfruits of the land that are brought to the LORD are yours and all whom are clean in your house shall eat of them.

14Everything devoted in Israel shall be yours.

15Everything that opens the womb in all flesh, (whether it be of man or animal), that the people bring to the LORD shall be yours. Nevertheless, the firstborn of man you shall surely redeem and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. 16You shall redeem everyone from a month old you shall according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 17But the firstborn of a cow, a sheep or a goat, you shall not redeem, they are holy! You shall sprinkle their blood upon the altar and burn their fat, as an offering made by fire producing a sweet savor to the LORD.

18The breast and the right shoulder of the wave offering is yours. 19And all the heave offerings of the holy things, which the sons of Israel offer to the LORD, have I given you and your sons and your daughters. A law forever, as a covenant of salt before the LORD.

The inheritance of the tribe of Levi, the LORD is their inheritance.

20The LORD said to Aaron; You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any part among them. For I am your part and your inheritance among the sons of Israel. 21I have given the sons of Levi all the tithes in Israel for an inheritance, for their service of the Tabernacle of the congregation. 22From now on, the sons of Israel shall not come near the Tabernacle of the Meeting, lest they bear sin and die. 23But only the Levites shall do the service of the Tabernacle of the Meeting, they shall bear and remove the iniquity of the people. And it shall be a statute forever that the Levite's among the sons of Israel shall have no inheritance, throughout all generations. 24For all the tithes that are offered to the LORD are their inheritance. Therefore, among the sons of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

25Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 26Speak to the Levites, that when they take tithes from the sons of Israel, that the LORD has given to them as their inheritance. They are to offer up a heave offering to the LORD from it, (a tenth or a tithe of what was given them). 27And the heave offering they give shall be reckoned to them as grain offering and a drink offering. 28Therefore you shall offer a heave offering to the LORD of all your tithes which you receive from the sons of Israel and give this offering to Aaron the priest. 29Of every heave offering, you shall offer all of its fat, presenting the best part of it to the LORD. 30And when you lift up its fat, in offering, you shall say, this shall be credited to the Levites as the increase of their efforts. 31And you may eat of it in your households or wherever you wish. For it is your reward for your service in the Tabernacle of the Congregation. 32You shall not bear any sin because of the offering, nor shall you minimize the holy things of the sons of Israel, lest you shall die.

Numbers: chapter 19
Purification procedures.

1And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying; 2This is the procedure of the law which the LORD has commanded, saying, tell the sons of Israel that they are to bring to you a red heifer without blemish, that has never had a yoke placed on it. 3You shall give her to Eleazar the priest and he will kill her outside the camp. 4Eleazar the priest shall then take the blood with his finger and sprinkle it towards the front of the Tabernacle of the Meeting seven times. 5And he shall then oversee the burning of the entire heifer, her skin, flesh and the blood along with her dung. 6Then he shall take cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet and toss it into the midst of the burning of the heifer. 7The priest shall then wash his clothes and bathe in water, afterward he can return to the camp, however, the priest shall be unclean until the evening. 8Also he who burns her shall wash his clothes and bathe in water and shall also be unclean until the evening. 9A man whom is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and lay them outside the camp in a clean place. It shall be kept for the congregation for a water of separation, it is a cleansing for sin. 10And he who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes and shall be unclean until the evening. This procedure shall be an everlasting statute for the sons of Israel and to the stranger that lives among them.

11He who touches the dead body of a man shall be unclean seven days. 12On the third day he shall purify himself with the ash and on the seventh day he shall be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third day, then he shall not be clean on the seventh day. 13But if anybody touches a dead body and does not purify himself, they have defiled the Tabernacle of the LORD. That person shall be cut off from Israel, because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him. He is unclean and his uncleanness is still upon him. 14This is the law when a man dies in a tent, whomever is in the tent or comes into the tent shall be unclean for seven days.

15Every open vessel which has no covering bound to it is unclean.

16Whoever touches one that is killed with a sword in the open fields, either a dead body, a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

17For the unclean person, they shall take of the ashes from the burnt heifer and water in a vessel, for the cleansing of sin. 18A clean person shall then take hyssop and dip it in the water and sprinkle it on the tent, on all the vessels in the tent and even on the persons that were defiled by the dead body. 19A person whom is clean shall sprinkle the unclean person on the third day and on the seventh day. Then on the seventh day he shall purify himself washing his clothes and bathing himself in water. And he shall be clean at evening. 20But any man who is unclean and does not purify himself, that man shall be cut off from among his people, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. He has not been purified by the water of separation and he is unclean. 21This shall be a perpetual law, that he who sprinkles the water of separation shall wash his clothes. And he that touches the water of separation shall be unclean until evening. 22And whatever thing an unclean person touches shall become unclean. And any person who touches that object shall be unclean until evening.

Numbers: chapter 20
The death of Moses sister, Miriam was burred in the wilderness of Zin.

1When the children of Israel came into the wilderness of Zin, in the first month, (NOTE: the fourteenth year, after the exodus from Egypt). Aaron's wife, Miriam, died and was buried there.

The waters of Meribah, Moses strikes the rock, (a big mistake).

2Now there was no water there and the people again complained against Moses and Aaron. 3Saying, if only we had died when our brothers died before the LORD. 4Why have you brought us into this wilderness, that we and our animals should die here? 5You brought us out of Egypt, to this evil place that has nether grain nor figs, vines nor pomegranates, nor is there any water to drink! 6Upon hearing this, Moses and Aaron went to the door of the Tabernacle of the Meeting, fell on their faces before the LORD and the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

7The LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 8Take the rod and you and Aaron gather the people together. Then speak to the rock and it shall bring forth its water, for both the people and the animals to drink from. 9Moses then took the rod, as the LORD had commanded him. 10As the people were gathered together, Moses said to them, you rebels! Must we bring water out of this rock? 11Moses then struck the rock twice with his rod and water came out abundantly.

12Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying; Because you did not believe and honor Me, in the eyes of the children of Israel, you shall not bring the people into the promise land. 13These are the waters of Meribah, for the sons of Israel strove with the LORD and the LORD proved himself holy among them.

NOTE: (Moses struck the rock twice, however, God told Moses to, Take the rod, gather the assembly together and speak to the rock, verse 8.   See all of the acounts recorded about this subject).
The Israelites denied passage through Edom, by the king of Edom.

14Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, you have known of the hardships that have befallen your brother Israel. 15How our fathers went down to Egypt and we dwelt there for many years and the Egyptians put us and our fathers in bondage. 16But when we cried out to the LORD, He heard us and brought us out of Egypt and now we are here in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your border. 17I ask if the people of Israel could pass through Edom, we will not pass through your fields or your vineyards or drink the water from your wells. We will stay on the King's highway, touching nor disturbing anything until we have passed through your land.

18And the king replied to him, you shall not pass through my land, least I turn on you with the sword. 19But the children of Israel replied back, we shall go by the way of the main road and if we or our animals drink any of your water, we shall pay for it. Only let us pass through on foot, we ask nothing more. 20The king said, you shall not pass through and he came out against them with a mighty force. 21Thus, Edom refused to give Israel passage, so Israel turned away from them.

The death of Aaron, brother and spokesman for Moses.

22Now the children of Israel journeyed from Kadesh to Mount Hor. 23And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying; 24Aaron shall die here with his people for he shall not enter the promise land. Because you rebelled at My Word at the waters of Meribah. 25Bring both Aaron and his son Eleazar up to Mount Hor. 26There you shall strip Aaron of his priestly garments and put them on Eleazar his son, for Aaron shall be gathered to his people and die there. 27So all three went up the mount in the sight of all the people, as the LORD had commanded. 28Moses then stripped Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son and Aaron then died on the top of the mountain. Moses and Eleazar then came down from the mountain. 29Now when the people heard that Aaron was dead, they mourned for thirty days.

Numbers: chapter 21
War with the Canaanites and the vow the children of Israel made with the LORD.

1Now the king of the Canaanites heard that Israel was about to pass through his land and he immediately went out and fought against them, taking some of them captive. 2The children of Israel then made a vow to the LORD saying; If You will deliver the people to us, we will utterly destroy their cities. 3The LORD listened to them and the Canaanites were delivered up and the Israelites utterly destroyed them and their cities. Thus they named that place Hormah, (NOTE: which means: devoted to destruction).

Moses lifts up a bronze serpent to heal the people.

4Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea, going around the land of Edom and the people became very discouraged. 5And again they spoke against God and Moses, saying, why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food or water here and we grow weary of this unsubstantial manna.

6When the LORD heard this, He sent fiery serpents to bite the people and many died. 7Therefore the people came to Moses, saying, we have sinned, we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD would now take away the serpents from us. 8The LORD then told Moses to; Make a fiery serpent out of bronze and to set it on a pole. And when anyone who is bitten looks up at the bronze serpent, on the pole, they shall live. 9So Moses did as he was told and it was that whoever was bitten and looked up at the bronze serpent on the pole, lived.

10Now the children of Israel journeyed on and camped at Oboth. 11From there they journeyed to Ije-Abarim, in the wilderness opposite Moab. 12From there they journeyed to and camped in the valley of Zared. 13From there they moved on and camped yet in the wilderness, between the borders of Moab and the Amorites. 14Therefore this was recorded in the book of praises of the war of the LORD; Near the border of Moab, by the brooks of Arnon, 15even the slopes of the brooks, that reaches to the dwellings of the bordering cities of Moab.

16From there they journeyed to Beer, a well from which the LORD gave the people water. 17Then the people sang this song;

Spring up oh well! Let everybody sing to it. 18Its foundation laid by captains, dug by nobles, hollowed out by their staffs.

And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah. 19Then to Nahaliel and then to Bamoth. 20Then to the valley in the field of Moab, to the heights of Pisgah.

Battle with the Amorites and the Israelites took possession of their land.

21The people then sent messengers to the King of Sihon, of the Amorites, saying; 22Let us pass through your land. We will not go into your fields or vineyards nor drink water from your wells. We will travel the king's highway until we have passed through your land.

23But the king would not allow the people of Israel to pass through his land. Instead he gathered his people together and came out to fight the Israelites in the wilderness. 24Israel then defeated the Amorites with the sword and took possession of their land, from the river Arnon to the river Jabbok and to the border of Ammon, for their cities were fortified. 25Israel took all these cities and dwelt in the cities of the Amorites in Heshbon and its surrounding villages. 26Heshbon was the capital city of the Amorites, for the Amorites had fought against the former king of Moab and had taken a great deal of his land. 27Therefore the Israelites sung this;

Come to Heshbon, let's rebuild its cities. 28For fire once went out of Heshbon and the owners of the high places of Arnon consumed the city of Moab. 29Woe to the people of the false god of Moab, for they have perished. Your sons are fugitives and your daughters are captives of the Amorites. 30But we have shot them down and the Amorites have perished, for we have laid them waste as far as the Jordan river and the dead sea.

31Thus as Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites. 32Moses sent spies out to the adjacent land and they came against the Amorites, who were living there and the Israelites conquered and took possession of the land. 33Then they moved on and went up to Bashan. And the king of Bashan came out against them. 34The LORD then said to Moses; Do not fear, for I have given the people and their land into your hand. You shall do to them as you did to the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon. 35So Israel defeated them, totally destroying all the people and took possession of their land.

Numbers: chapter 22
Balak, the king of Moab, paid Balaam to curse the Israelites.

1Israel then moved on and camped in the plains of Moab, on the side of the Jordan river across from Jericho. 2Now Balak, the king of Moab, knew of how the Israelites defeated the Amorites. 3And Moab was afraid and very fearful of the people of Israel because they were many. 4So Balak the king of Moab said to his elders, this company of people will devourer all that is around us. 5And it was decided to send messengers to a man named Balaam, (NOTE: a pagan prophet). Saying, a great multitude of people have come from Egypt and they are settling next to me. 6Therefore please come quickly and curse the people for me, Perhaps when you curse them, I will then be able to drive them out, for I know that whom you bless is blessed and whom you curse is cursed.

7Then the elders of Moab and Midian departed with the required fee in their hand and came to Balaam and spoke what Balak, the king had said. 8Balaam then said to the elders, stay here one night while I inquire of the LORD. 9Then God came to Balaam and inquired of him, saying; Who are these men with you? 10So Balaam said to God, Balak, the king of Moab has sent them. 11For a people have come out of Egypt and they are many. He asked me to come and curse them, reasoning that perhaps then he would be able to overpower them and drive them away. 12But God said to Balaam; You shall not go with them, nor shall you curse them, for they are a blessed people.

13In the morning Balaam told the messengers to, go back to their land, for the LORD has refused to give me permission to go with you. 14And hence the messengers went back to the king of Moab, saying Balaam refuses to come with us.

15Balak, then sent several princes, more honorable than before to Balaam. 16And they said to Balaam, please let nothing hinder you from coming to us. 17For the king will honor you greatly and he will do whatever you ask of him, therefore, please come and curse the people for us.

18Balaam answered, saying, even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the Word of the LORD my God, doing either less or more. 19However, please stay here one night, that I may again inquire of the LORD. 20And God came to Balaam at night and said; if the men come to you, then go with them, but only speak the words that I give you. 21Balaam then rose the next day, saddled his donkey and went with the rulers of Moab.

22God's anger was aroused because Balaam so eagerly went with the men before the men came to him. And the Angel of the LORD stood in his way as an adversary against him. As Balaam was riding his donkey with his two servants by his side. 23Now the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His sword drawn and the donkey thus turned aside going into a field. At this Balaam struck the donkey and turned her back on the road. 24The Angel of the LORD then stood in a narrow place, with a wall on both sides. 25When the donkey saw the Angel, she pushed against the wall and crushed Balaam's foot thus Balaam struck his donkey again. 26Then the Angel of the LORD stood in an even narrower place where there was no way to turn. 27When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she laid down under Balaam. And Balaam's anger was aroused and he struck her again.

28Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth and she said to Balaam, why have you struck me these three times, what have I done to you? 29And Balaam replied, you have abused me, if there were a sword in my hand, I would even kill you! 30The donkey then replied back, have I not been your faithful donkey to this day, have I been inclined to do such things? And Balaam answered, no. 31Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His sword drawn. Balaam then bowed his head and fell on his face. 32And the Angel said; Why have you struck your donkey three times? I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse, (morally corrupt) to Me. 33The donkey saw Me and turned aside these three times. If she had not I surely would have killed you and let the donkey live. 34Then Balaam said, I have sinned, for I did not realize that You stood against me. Therefore, if my actions displease You. I will turn back. 35Then the Angel of the LORD said; Go with the men, but only speak the words that I give to you. So Balaam continued on his way.

36When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went to the boundary line of his territory to meet him. 37Then the king said to Balaam, why this delay, did I not urgently send for you? And know that I am quite able to honor you. 38Balaam replied, I am here! If I have any power, it is only to speak the words that God puts into my mouth and those are the words that I must speak. 39So Balaam went with Balak and they came to a city called Kirjath-Huzoth. 40Then Balak offered oxen and sheep giving some to Balaam and to the princes who were with him.

41The next day, the king of Moab, took Balaam to a high place of Baal, to observe the vast extent of the Israelite's camp.

Numbers: chapter 23

1Balaam told the king to build seven altars and to prepare seven bulls and seven rams. 2Balak did as he was instructed and both Balaam and the king offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 3Then Balaam said to the king, stand by your burnt offering and I will go to a desolate place perhaps the LORD will meet me there and whatever, He shows me I will tell you. 4And God met Balaam there and Balaam told Him of the seven altars and the offerings they made on each one. 5Then the LORD put a word into Balaam's mouth and told him to speak it to Balak. 6So Balaam return to find Balak and the nobles, standing by the altar and the sacrifice. 7And Balaam spoke this to the king, saying;

The king of Moab has brought me here to curse the children and denounce Israel. 8How shall I curse or denounce them whom God has not cursed? 9From the top of the heights I see a people dwelling alone and not counted among the nations. 10Who can even count the people of Israel, they are so vast. May I be obedient and die the death of the righteous and be blessed as they are.

11The king then said to Balaam, what have you done to me? You are to curse my enemies and here you have blessed them bountifully! 12Balaam replied: How can I not speak what the LORD has put into my mouth?

13The king then said to Balaam, Come with me to another place where you can only see a few of the Israelites, you can curse them for me there. 14There they again built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 15Balaam then said to the king, I will now go and speak with the LORD. 16And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth and told him to go back to Balak and speak it. 17Again Balak and his princes were standing by the burnt offerings and the king asked Balaam what the LORD had spoken? 18Balaam then spoke this, saying;

Listen Balak and hear me well! 19God is not a man that He does lie nor change His mind and repent. What He has spoken He will surely make it good. 20I have received a command to bless, as He has blessed them and I cannot reverse it. 21The LORD has not observed wickedness in Israel, for He, the king and LORD is with them. 22God has brought them out of Egypt and has strengthened them as a wild ox. 23Surely no spell can bind Israel. It needs to be said of Israel, just look what the LORD has done. 24These people will rise up like a lioness and will not lie down until they have devoured their prey.

25Then the king said to Balaam, neither bless nor curse them! 26Balaam answered, saying, did I not tell you, whatever that the LORD speaks, that I must do?

27The king then said to Balaam, please come to yet another place, perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there. 28This time, the king took Balaam to the top of a Mount Peor where they could not see the Israelites, but only a barren wasteland. 29Balaam instructed the king to again build seven altars and to have a bull and a ram prepared on each altar. 30So the king built seven altars and they offered up seven bulls and seven rams.

Numbers: chapter 24

1Balaam now realized that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, so as in the times before he did not attempt to seek the LORD through the use of sorcery. Rather he turned towards the plains. 2Through a vision he then saw Israel encamped according to their tribes and the Spirit of God came upon him. 3Balaam then spoke this, saying;

The words of Balaam whose eyes are now opened, 4hearing the Words of God, seeing the vision of the Almighty, falling down in worship but with eyes wide open. 5The tents of the Israelites are lovely, 6like gardens that stretch out by the riverside, precise trees planted by the LORD. 7Israel shall greatly prosper, its seed shall bring forth life everywhere and its kingdom shall be exalted above its enemies. 8For God has brought them out of Egypt, giving them strength as an ox. They shall break the bones of their enemies and consume them. 9They lie down as a lion and who shall disturb a lion? Blessed is the man who blesses them and cursed is the man who curses them.

10Balak's anger was then kindled against Balaam and he raised his fists saying to Balaam, I called you to curse my enemies and you have bountifully blessed them, these three times. 11Therefore, go back to your own place! I said that I would honor you, however, the LORD has held you back from being honored. 12But Balaam replied, I told the messengers, that you sent to me; 13That, even for all the king's riches, I could not speak as my will directs, but must speak as the LORD directs. 14I will now go back to my people, but let me first advise you on what these people will do to your people in latter days. 15Balaam then spoke this, saying;

The words of Balaam whose eyes are opened. 16Of him who hears the words of God and the knowledge of the Most High. Who see the vision of the Almighty and falls down with his eyes wide open. 17I see off in the distance, a Star and a Scepter shall come out of Israel, striking Moab and destroying those unruly people. 18Edom shall become a possession and Seir shall become desolate, for Israel shall conquer them with ease. 19And One out of Israel will have dominion, destroying the remains of the city.
20Balaam looked at the king of the Amalekites and said, you were one of the first nations but even your latter end will be destruction. 21Then he looked at the king of the Kenites and said, Strong and secure may be your dwelling place, for they are upon the rocks. 22But your people shall be stricken until Assyria carries you away captive.
23Balaam then closed his message, by saying, who shall live when God does this? 24Ships shall come from Cyprus, afflicting Assyria and Eber and they shall also perish forever.

25Balaam then departed to his place and Balak also went his way.

Numbers: chapter 25
Harlotry in the camp, according to the counsel of Balaam, 24,000 fell.

1Now Israel remained camped in the plains of Moab and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. 2The daughters of Moab then invited the Israelites to the sacrifices of their gods and the people ate and bowed down to their false gods. 3So Israel became joined to their false gods and the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel. 4Then the LORD said to Moses; Gather together all the leaders of Israel, kill the offenders and publicly hang them before the LORD, that My anger may be turned away from Israel. 5So Moses instructed the judges of Israel, to have their men killed that had become joined to the false god of Moab.

6Now a leader of the house of Simeon came into camp and presented before his brethren and in plain sight of Moses and all the people of the congregation, who were weeping at the door of the Tabernacle. a Midianite woman. 7Now when Phinehas, the priest and the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, saw this. He grabbed a javelin. 8And going into the man's tent, he thrust them both through with the spear. This stopped the plague that was spreading among the children of Israel. 9And the number who died in the plague was twenty-four thousand.

10Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 11Phinehas, the priest, of the family of Aaron, has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel because he has My zeal, so that I did not consume them. 12Therefore I give to him My covenant of peace. 13It shall be to him and his descendants after him a covenant of an everlasting priesthood. Because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the children of Israel. 14Now the name of the Israelite who was killed was Zimri, a leader of his father's house. 15And the name of the Midianite woman was Cozbi, a daughter who father was the head of his house in Midian.

16Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 17Attack the Midianites. 18For they have seduced the children of Israel with their schemes, as in this matter with the daughter of one of their high officials, who was killed in the day of the plague.

Numbers: chapter 26
Taking of the second census,       (first census chapter 1).

1After the plague had been stopped, the LORD spoke to Moses and Eleazar, the priest, Aaron's son and said; 2Take a census of all the men over twenty years of age, who are able to go to war. 3So Moses and Eleazar spoke with the children of Israel while in the plains of Moab. 4Instructing them, as the LORD had commanded to take a census of the men over twenty years who had come out of the land of Egypt.

9Of the tribe of Reuben were Eliab, Nemuel, Dathan and Abiram, representatives of the congregation that had contended with Moses and Aaron in the company of Korah, chapter 16. 10When the earth opened up and swallowed a group of 250 men. 11However the Levites did not kill the rest of the children of Korah.

5-51
Tribe families
(2nd census)
The leader of tribe
(1st census)
1st Census
Num. chapt. 1
2nd Census
Num. chapt. 26
percent
Inc./Dec.
Reuben4 Elizur the son of Shedeur 46,50043,730 (-6%)
Simeon5 Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai 59,30022,200 (-62%)
Glad7 Eliasaph the son of Reuel 45,65040,500 (-11%)
Judah5 Nahshon the son of Amminadab 74,60076,5003%
Issachar4 Nethanel the son of Zuar 54,40064,30018%
Zebulum3 Eliab the son of Helon 57,40060,5005%
Ephraim5 Elishama the son of Ammihud 40,50032,500 (-20%)
Manasseh8 Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur 32,20052,70064%
Benjamin7 Abidan the son of Gideoni 35,40045,60029%
Dan1 Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai 62,70064,4003%
Asher5 Pagiel the son of Ocran 41,50053,40028%
Naphtali4 Ahira the son of Enan 53,40045,400 (-15%)
Men 20 years and older able to go to war.       TOTAL 603,550601,730 (-0.3%)

52Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 53The promise land shall be divided between these, as an inheritance according to the number within each family. 54A large tribe shall have a larger inheritance than a smaller tribe, according to its number. 55The land shall be divided by lots, according to the tribe names and the family names of their fathers. 56And the lot size shall be based on population.

57And these were numbered of the Levites, according to the families of Gershon, Kohath and Merari. 58These are the families of Levi: the Libnites, the Hebronites, the Mahlites, the Mushites, the Korathites. And Korah fathered Amram. 59And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, a daughter of Levi, mother of Amram, Aaron and Moses and Miriam their sister. 60To Aaron was born Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 61However Nadab and Abihu died when they offered profane fire before the LORD.

62The Levites were not numbered among the Israelites for there was no inheritance to be given to them among the Israelites and all males over a month old were twenty-three thousand. 63And they were also numbered by Moses and Eleazer, the priest, in the plains of Moab. 64But among the Levites who were numbered, there was not a man among them whom had been counted in the first census by Moses and Aaron the priest. 65For the LORD had said that they shall all die in the wildness, only Caleb and Joshua shall survive, (NOTE: Joshua and Caleb are the two spies of the twelve that brought back a good report and they did enter into the promise land).

NOTE: (It is estimated the second census was taken 38-39 years after the first census was taken).

Numbers: chapter 27
Land inheritance given to sole daughters of their family.

1(NOTE: As the inheritance was being divided between all the men who were counted). Five daughters all of the same family, from the line of Manasseh. 2Came and stood before Moses, Eleazar, the priest and the leaders of the congregation, at the doorway of the Tabernacle of the Meeting and presented their case. 3Our father died in the wilderness, not of the company of Korah that gathered against the LORD, but he died in his own sin being one who rebelled at Kadesh, (NOTE: he died a death of wandering in the wilderness, that was God's judgment). 4Why should our father's name be removed from among his family, because he has no son? So we ask you to give us an inheritance of land along with our other family members. 5Moses then took this before the LORD.

6And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 7The daughters speak of what is right, They shall have an inheritance among the father's brothers, for their father's inheritance shall pass to them. 8You shall also tell the children of Israel that if a man dies and has no son, his inheritance shall pass on to his daughter. 9If he does not have a daughter, the inheritance shall pass to his brothers. 10After that shall be his father's brothers 11and after that shall be the nearest of kin. This shall be the law of the LORD for the children of Israel.

Joshua is commissioned by Moses to lead the Israelites.

12Then the LORD said to Moses; Go up to the top of Mount Abarim and see the land that I have given to the children of Israel. 13After you have seen it, you will be gathered to you people as was Aaron your brother. 14For in the Wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the people, you rebelled against My command at the waters of Meribah at Kadesh.

15Moses then spoke to the LORD, saying; 16May the LORD select a man to be over the congregation. 17Who will lead them, so that the congregation of the LORD shall not be as a people without a shepherd.

18And the LORD said to Moses, Take Joshua with you, the Spirit is with him and lay your hands on him. 19Bring him before Eleazar the priest and the congregation and commission him in the presents of everyone. 20Joshua shall also carry some of your honor and authority, so that the people might obey him. 21He shall stand with Eleazar the priest, who shall hear from the LORD for him. At his word, all the congratulation shall go out or come in.

22So Moses did as the LORD had commanded, he brought Joshua before the priest and gathered the whole congregation together. 23Then Moses placed his hands on Joshua and commissioned him.

Numbers: chapter 28
Required offerings to keep, commanded by the LORD.

1Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 2Instruct the children of Israel in the ways of My offerings that are made by fire, producing a sweet aroma to Me. They shall be careful to offer them at the proper time.

  • 3Daily offerings: Shall be burnt offerings of 2 male lambs offered to the LORD. 4A lamb offered in the morning and the other lamb offered in the evening. 5A grain offering of 2 quarts of fine flour mixed with a quart of fine oil. 6This is the regular burnt offering which was established at Mount Sinai to produce a sweet aroma to the LORD. 7The drink offering, for each lamb, shall be a quart of strong drink and it shall be poured out in a holy place. 8Likewise the lamb offered in the evening shall also have a grain offering and a drink offering with it, the same as in the morning. For a sweet aroma to the LORD.
  • 9Sabbath offerings: Shall consist of 2 lambs of the first year, without blemish. Along with a gallon of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering together with its drink offering. 10This offering shall be every Sabbath, in addition to the daily offerings.
  • 11At the beginning of each month: You shall offer to the LORD, 2 young bulls, a ram and 7 lambs of the first year. 12The grain offering for each of the bulls shall be 6 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil. 4 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for the ram 13and 2 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each lamb. 14The associated drink offering shall be 2 quarts of wine for the bull, 3 pints for the ram and a quart for each lamb. This shall be the monthly offering. 15Also you shall offer a young goat as a sin offering to the LORD, in addition to the regular burnt offerings and its drink offerings.
  • 16The LORD's Passover, on the fourteenth day of the first month: 17And on the fifteenth day of the month starts the Feast of Unleavened Bread, it shall be eaten for seven days. 18The first day you shall have a holy gathering and there shall be no customary work done on that day. 19You shall offer up as a burnt offering, 2 young bulls, a ram and 7 lambs without blemish. 20The grain offerings shall be, 6 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each bull. 4 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for the ram 212 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each lamb. 22And the goat shall be the sin offering to make atonement for you. 23You shall offer these offering in addition to the regular offerings. 24And these offerings shall be repeated each of the seven days of the feast of unleavened bread, in addition to the regular daily offerings. 25On the seventh day there shall also be a holy gathering and you shall do no customary work.
  • 26The Feast of Weeks, when you bring your new grain to the LORD on the day of firstfruits: You shall have a holy gathering you shall do no customary work. 27You shall offer up to the LORD, 2 young bulls, a ram and 7 lambs, in the first year. 28The grain offerings shall be, 6 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each bull. 4 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for the ram 292 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each lamb. 30And a male goat to make atonement for you. 31They shall be without blemish and offered with their associated drink offerings in addition to the regular daily offerings.
Numbers: chapter 29
  • 1The Feast of trumpets: The first day of the seventh month, you shall have a holy gathering. You shall do no customary work, for it shall be a day of blowing trumpets. 2You shall offer a burnt offering to the LORD of a young bull, a ram and 7 lambs in the first year, without blemish. 3Each offering shall have a grain offerings. 6 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each bull. 4 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for the ram 4and 2 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each lamb. 5Also a goat shall be offered as a sin offering, to make atonement for you. 6Besides the monthly offerings and the daily burnt offering with their grain and drink offering.
  • 7The day of Atonement: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall have a holy Solomon gathering. You shall humble your souls and you shall not do any work. 8You shall offer a burnt offering to the LORD of a young bull, a ram and 7 lambs, being sure they are without blemish. 9Each offering shall have a grain offerings. 6 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each bull. 4 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for the ram 10and 2 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each lamb. 11Also a goat as a sin offering, besides the sin offering for atonement, In addition to the daily offering with their grain and drink offering.
  • 12Feast of Tabernacles: The fourteenth day of the seventh month, you shall have a holy gathering. You shall do no customary work and shall keep a feast to the LORD for seven days.

    13The first day, you shall present a burnt offering of 13 young bulls, 2 rams and 14 lambs, in the first year without blemish. 14Each offering shall have a grain offerings. 6 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each of the 13 bulls. 4 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each of the 2 rams 15and 2 quarts of fine flour mixed with oil for each lamb. 16Also a goat as a sin offering, besides the regular daily offerings with its grain and drink offerings.

    17The second day, you shall offer up, 12 young bulls, 2 rams and 14 lambs, in the first year without blemish. 18With their associated grain offerings and drink offerings. 19Also a goat as a sin offering, besides the regular daily offering with its grain and drink offering.

    20The third day, you shall offer, 11 bulls, 2 rams and 14 lambs in the first year without blemish. 21Each offering with its grain and drink offering. 22Also a goat as a sin offering, besides the regular daily offering with its grain and drink offerings.

    23The forth day, you shall offer, 10 bulls, 2 rams and 14 lambs in the first year without blemish. 24With their associated grain and drink offerings. 25Also a goat as a sin offering, besides the regular daily grain offering and drink offering.

    26The fifth day, you shall offer, 9 bulls, 2 rams and 14 lambs in the first year without blemish. 27With their associated grain and drink offerings. 28Also a goat as a sin offering, besides the regular daily grain offering and drink offering.

    29The sixth day, you shall offer, 8 bulls, 2 rams and 14 lambs in the first year without blemish. 30With their associated grain and drink offerings. 31Also a goat as a sin offering, besides the regular daily grain offering and drink offering.

    32The seventh day, you shall offer, 7 bulls, 2 rams and 14 lambs in the first year without blemish. 33With their associated grain and drink offerings. 34Also a goat as a sin offering, besides the regular daily grain offering and drink offering.

    35The eighth day, you shall have a sacred assembly and no customary work shall be done. 36You shall offer, a bull, a ram, 7 lambs in the first year without blemish. 37With their associated grain and drink offerings. 38Also a goat as a sin offering, besides the regular daily grain offering and drink offering.

39These are the offerings for the appointed feast times. Besides your vowed offerings and your freewill offerings and your daily offering together with their grain and drink offerings.

Numbers: chapter 30
Laws concerning vows and oaths to the LORD.

1Moses then spoke to the heads of Israel regarding the people, as the LORD had commanded and said; 2If a man makes a vow unto the LORD, or swears an oath to bind his soul, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that he said.

3If a woman makes a vow unto the LORD and binds herself by her pledge, when she is in her youth in her father's house. 4And if her father hears her vow and chooses to remain silent, then her vow will stand. 5But, on the day when her father hears of it, if he refuses to let her keep and carry out the vow, the LORD shall then forgive her words, because her father was not in agreement with it.

6Likewise if she takes a husband while she is bound by a vow, having perhaps spoken a vow by a rash utterance. 7If her husband hears of it and is silent, her vow shall then stand. 8But, on the day when her husband hears of it, if he refuses to let her keep and carry out the vow, Her husband shall then make the vow void, for perhaps it was spoken by a rash utterance and the LORD will forgive her words.

9All vows made by a widow or of a woman who is divorced are binding.

10If a married woman, makes a vow while in her husband's house and binds her soul. 11And her husband hears of it and is silent, the vow shall then stand. 12But, on the day her husband hears of it and declares her vow to be void. Her vow shall not stand, for her husband has annulled it and the LORD shall forgive her words.

13Every vow or binding pledge taken to humble her soul, her husband may establish it, or break it. 14However if her husband is silent on the day when he hears of the vow, then he establishes the vow that she has spoken. 15But if he breaks the vow days after he has heard it, then he bears her guilt.

16These are the statutes that the LORD gave Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter while in her youth in her father's house.

Numbers: chapter 31
War with the Midianites.

1The LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 2Take vengeance on the Midianites for the sake of the children of Israel and afterwards you shall be gathered to your people. 3So Moses spoke with the people saying, let some of you go to war and take vengeance for the LORD against the Midianites. 4So from each tribe a thousand men went to war against the Midianites 5and twelve thousand men in all were recruited.

6And Moses sent them into war, with Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest carrying the holy articles and the signal trumpets. 7They warred against the Midianites as the LORD had commanded and killed all the males. 8They also killed the five kings of Midian with the sword. 9Taking the Midian woman and their children captive, alone with their cattle, flocks and goods. 10Burning their cities and their encampments. 11And taking back with them all the spoil of both man and beast.

12Bringing the captives and the spoil back to the camp and before Moses and Eleazar, the priest and all the people of Israel. 13So Moses, Eleazar the priest and the heads of Israel went outside the camp to meet them. 14However Moses was very grieved with the officers of the army. 15Inquiring if they had kept all the woman alive?

16Pointing out to them that these women had caused the men of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam to trespass against the LORD and we suffered a plague because of it. 17Therefore kill every male child here and every woman who has slept with a man. 18But keep alive all the young girls who have not known a man intimately. 19And whoever does the killing must remain outside the camp for seven days and be purified on the third and the seventh days. 20Every garment must be purified whether it is made of leather or is woven and everything that is made of wood.

21And Eleazar the priest said to the men who had gone to battle, this is the commandment of the LORD. 22The gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin and lead, 23that can endure fire, shall be put through the fire. You shall then purify it with the water of purification and it shall be clean. All that cannot endure fire shall be put through water. 24And on the seventh day you shall wash your clothes, being made clean and may then come back into the camp.

25Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 26Eleazar and the leaders of Israel, shall count the goods and the captives that you have taken. 27Dividing the plunder into two parts, between those who took part in the war and the people who did not. 28Of the goods divided to the men who went out to war, a tribute to the LORD shall be given of 1 out of every 500, persons, cattle, donkeys and sheep. 29You shall give this to Eleazar, the priest, as a heave offering to the LORD. 30Of the people who did not go to war, a tribute of 1 of every 50, persons, cattle, donkeys and sheep, shall be given to the Levites, who are responsible over the LORD's Tabernacle. 31So Moses and Eleazar did as the LORD had commanded.

32-47The total of the plunder divided between the men whom had gone to war and the people who had not gone to war, showing the LORD's tribute for each half, (in purple), is shown in the table below.

PLUNDERMEN WHO WENT TO WAR GENERAL CONGRUGATIONTOTALS
Women
LORD's tribute
16,000
32
16,000
320
32,000
353
sheep
LORD's tribute
337,500
675
337,500
6,750
675,000
7,425
donkey
LORD's tribute
30,500
61
30,500
610
61,000
671
cattle
LORD's tribute
36,000
72
36,000
720
72,000
792
NOTE: (The LORD's tribute portion of the men who had gone to war was given to Eleazar, the priest as a heave offering to the LORD. The LORD's tribute portion of the general congregation was given to the Levites, who are responsible for the Tabernacle).

48all the officers of the armies, then counted their men. 49And they told Moses of this, that they had not lost one man. 50Therefore to show their gratitude, they brought an offering to the LORD. Each man gave an offering to the LORD of the jewelry that they had taken as spoil. 51So Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from them. 52All the gold totaled 16,750 shekels, 53from the men who had gone to war. 54And was brought into the Tabernacle of Meeting as a memorial before the LORD.

Numbers: chapter 32
Land east of the Jordan, divided between the tribes of Reuben, Glad and Manasseh.

1Now the tribes of Reuben and Gad had great numbers of livestock and when they saw that the land that they had just conquered was good grassing land for herds. 2They went and spoke to Moses, Eleazar the priest and before the leaders of the congregation, saying; 3The nine cities, 4that the LORD has defeated before Israel is a rich pasture land, good for livestock and your servants have much livestock. 5Therefore, if we have found favor with you, let this land be given to us as our possession, rather than taking us across the Jordan.

6Moses replied, do you intend to sit here while your brothers go to war? 7Why would you do such a thing and bring discouragement to your brothers, from going over into the land which the LORD has given them? 8Your father's did a similar thing when the twelve spies were sent out to spy out the promise land. 9For when they saw the land, they discouraged the children of Israel, causing them to refuse the land that the LORD had given them. 10On that day, the LORD's anger was enraged and He swore that; 11None of the men from twenty years and up, would enter the promise land, because they have not fully followed Him. 12Only Caleb and Joshua, the two men who wholly followed the LORD were allowed to enter the land. 13Because the LORD's anger was aroused, Israel has wandered in the wilderness these forty years. Until all that generation has died off. 14You men have now risen in your father's place, a group of sinful men, to again provoke the anger of the LORD against Israel. 15For if you turn away from following Him, He will again leave Israel in this wilderness and you will have destroyed all these people.

16The two tribes spoke to Moses, saying they would build pens for their sheep and develop cities for their wives and families. 17Leaving our families on this side of the Jordan, while we cross over the Jordan river armed and prepared for war, along with the other children of Israel. 18And we shall not return to our land until every Israelite has received their inheritance. 19However we shall not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan, because our inheritance has come to us on this side of the Jordan.

20Moses then said to them, if you do as you have spoken and arm yourselves for war. 21Crossing over the Jordan river before the LORD and remaining there until all His enemies are driven out of the land. 22After the land has been subdued you can return to your land, standing blameless before the LORD and Israel and your land shall then be your possession before the LORD. 23But if you do not do as you said, you have sinned against the LORD and your sin will find you out. 24Go now, build cities for your families and pens for your sheep and do all that you have said. 25And both the tribes of Glad and Reuben agreed to do as such, 26Leaving their families in this land 27and agreeing to cross over the Jordan river armed for war.

28Moses then expressed his concern and gave a command to Eleazar, the priest, Joshua and the leaders of Israel. 29That if the tribes of Gad and Reuben crossed over the Jordan river, armed for battle and remains there until the land is subdued. Then you shall give them their land as their inheritance. 30But if they do not cross over with you, they shall have to take their possession in the promise land of Canaan. 31Both of the tribes once again agreed and said, as the Lord has said to his servants, we will do. 32We will cross over armed before the LORD, but our inheritance will be on this side of the Jordan river.

33So Moses gave to the tribes of Glad, Reuben and part of the tribe of Manasseh, the land on this side of the Jordan river. 34-36The tribe of Gad then built nine fortified cities, together with pens for their sheep. 37-38The tribe of Reuben built six fortified cities. 39However the tribe of Manasseh, went into the land and conquered further cities, first removing the Amorites that were in the cities and they dwelt there. 40-42So Moses gave this land as possession to the partial tribe of Manasseh.

Numbers: chapter 33

1These are the journeys of the children of Israel, who came out of the land of Egypt, their armies under the direction of Moses and Aaron. 2Moses recorded their various camp sites from the beginning, according to the command of the LORD.

3The day after Passover, which is on the fourteenth day of the first month, the Israelites in the sight of all the Egyptians, triumphantly left Egypt. And at that time Rameses was the Pharaoh of Egypt. 4 For on the day of Passover the Egyptians buried all their firstborn whom the LORD had struck dead also the LORD executed judgments upon them because of their gods.

5After leaving Egypt, they made camp at Succoth, Exodus 12:37. 6From there they camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness, Exodus 13:20. 7from there they camped at Pihahiroth, which is in front of Baal-zephon. And they camped in front of Migdol, Exodus 14:2. 8From there they passed through the middle of the Red Sea into the wilderness and journeyed three days, to Marah, Exodus 15:23. 9From there they came to Elim, having twelve fountains of water and seventy palm trees, Exodus 15:27. 10Then they made their camp by the Red Sea. 11From there they camp in the wilderness of Sin, Exodus 16:1. 12From there they came to Dophkah. 13From there they came to Alush. 14From there they came to Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink, Exodus 17:1. 15From there they came in the wilderness of Sinai, Exodus 19:1.

NOTE: (This is where God gave Moses the 10 commandments, the patern to build the Tabernicle was given and the first census was taken, they stayed at Mt. Sinai for 11 months and 20 days).

16From there they came to The Graves of Lust, Numbers 11:34. 17From there they came to Hazeroth, Numbers 11:35. 18From there they came to Rithmah. 19From there they came to Rimmon-parez. 20From there they came to Libnah. 21From there they came to Rissah. 22From there they came to Kehelathah. 23From there they came to Mount Shapher. 24From there they came to Haradah. 25From there they came to Makheloth 26From there they came to Tahath. 27From there they came to Tarah. 28From there they came to Mithcah. 29From there they came to Hashmonah. 30From there they came to Moseroth. 31From there they came to Bene-jaakan. 32From there they came to Hor-hagidgad. 33From there they came to Jotbathah, 34From there they came to Ebronah. 35From there they came to Ezion-geber Deuteronomy 2:8. 36From there they came to the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh, Numbers 20:1. 37From there they came to Mount Hor, on the boundary of Edom, Numbers 20:22. 38This is where Aaron, the priest died at the command of the LORD, in the first day of the fifth month. 39Aaron was 123 years old when he died in Mount Hor.

40Now the King of the Canaanite, who lived in the south, heard of the coming of the Israelites. 41So they went to Zalmonah. 42From there they came to Punon. 43From there they came to Oboth, Numbers 21:10. 44From there they came to Ije-abarim, on the border east of Moab. 45From there they came to Dibon-gad. 46From there they came to Almon-diblathaim. 47From there they came to the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo, Deuteronomy 32:49. 48From there they came to the plains of Moab by Jordan at Jericho. 49And they made camp at the Meadow of Acacias in the plains of Moab, Numbers 22:1.

50There the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab beside the Jordan river, saying; 51Tell the sons of Israel that when they have passed over Jordan into Canaan, the promised land. 52They shall drive out all the people who live in the land, destroying their carved and molded images and tearing down all their places of worship. 53They shall possess the land and live in it. For I have given the land to you as a possession. 54The land shall be divided by lot according to each family, providing a larger lot for a larger family and the smaller lot for a smaller family. And this shall be done without favoritism. 55However if you will not drive out the people of the land, they shall be thorns in your sides and shall trouble you the rest of your days. 56If this happens, the thoughts that I planned to do to them, shall befall upon you.

Numbers: chapter 34

1Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying; 2Tell the sons of Israel, that when they come into the land of Canaan, the land within it borders shall be their inheritance.

map of Canaan, the promise land

3The south border from the wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom, extending eastward to the coast of the Dead Sea. 4From the south it shall follow up to Akrabbim and then to Zin. Continuing southward to Kadesh-barnea, to Hazar-addar and then to Azmon. 5The border shall turn at Azmon northwest to Egypt ending at the sea. 6The western border, shall run along the Mediterranean sea. 7Your northern border shall be from the Mediterranean Sea to Mount Hor. 8From Mount Hor the border shall run to the entrance of Hamath, ending at Zedad. 9The northern border shall then follow up to Ziphron, ending at Hazar-enan. 10Your eastern border shall be from Hazar-enan to Shepham. 11The border shall then follow the coast line from Shepham to Riblah, continuing eastward to the Sea of Galilee. 12Continuing down to the Jordan river, ending at the Dead Sea. This shall be your land inheritance of the land of Canaan.

13Moses told the sons of Israel, that this is the inheritance of the land by lot, that shall be given to the nine tribes and the partial half tribe of Manasseh. 14For the tribe of Reuben, Gad and some of the children of the half the tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance, 15eastward on the other side of the Jordan river.

16Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 17These are the names of the men who shall divide up the land, along with Eleazar the priest and Joshua acting as overseers. 18There shall be one ruler from every tribe.

TribeRepresentative
JudahCaleb son of Jephunneh
SimeonShemuel son of Ammihud
BenjaminElidad son of Chislon
DanBukki son of Jogli
ManassehHanniel son of Ephod
EphraimKemuel son of Shiphtan
ZebulunElizaphan son of Parnach
IssacharPaltiel son of Azzan
AsherAhihud son of Shelomi
NaphtaliPedahel son of Ammihud

NOTE

  • The tribes of Reuben and Gad are not included, because they chose to take land as their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan.
  • The tribe of Manasseh is included in dividing up the inheritance of Canaan. Since the people of Manasseh only built three cities east of the Jordan, The tribe was split.
  • The tribe of Levi is not included, for they did not have a land inheritance, their inheritance was the tithes and offerings from their service of the Tabernacle, their lands were given to them from the other tribes.
Numbers: chapter 35

1Now the LORD spoke to Moses, while they were in the plains of Moab beside Jordan, at Jericho, saying; 2Command the sons of Israel, that out of their land possession, they shall give to the Levites, cities to live in and land around the cities. 3The open land around their cities, shall be for their cattle. 4-5And it shall extend out from the city approximately a quarter mile around the walls of the city.

Cities of refuge, where an innocent man could run to.

6Six of the cities you give the Levites shall be designated as cities of refuge, where a manslayer can flee to. 7Altogether you shall give 48 cities to the Levites, along with their common land. 8Every tribe shall give cities to the Levites in proportion of their own inheritance.

9And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying; 10Tell the sons of Israel, that when they cross over the Jordan into the promise land of Canaan. 11They shall set up the cities of refuge, so that a manslayer who kills any person unintentionally may flee there. 12-13That he may dwell there safely, in one of the six cities until he is rightly judged.

14Three cities shall be on this side of the Jordan and three shall be in the land of Canaan, on the other side of the Jordan river. 15And the cities of refuge shall be for both the Israelites and the stranger. 16-18But the man who deliberately strikes another man with an instrument or a weapon and kills him is a murderer and shall be put to death. 19The avenger, of the mans blood, shall put the murderer to death, when he meets him. 20-21But if the avenger in hatred, kills the murderer, by laying in wait for him, he is also a murderer and shall be put to death. 22-24However, if the death was not premeditated, then the congregation shall judge between the manslayer and his avenger. 25The congregation shall then deliver the manslayer and return him to the city of refuge where he had fled and he shall remain there until the death of the high priest. 26But, if the manslayer steps outside of the city limits. 27And the avenger finds the man outside the borders and kills him, he shall not be guilty. 28After the death of the high priest, the manslayer may return to his land.

29Therefore it shall stand throughout your generations 30That he who kills any person shall be put to death by the testimony of two or more witnesses, for one witness alone is not sufficient. 31Moreover, there shall be no ransom for the life of a condemned murderer, for he shall surely be put to death. 32Nether shall any ransom be taken for him who has fled to a city of refuge, to return to his home land before the death of the high priest. 33Thus you will not defile your land. For blood defiles the land and the land is not cleansed of blood, except through the shedding of blood of him who shed it. 34So you shall not defile the land, that I the LORD dwells among the sons of Israel.

Numbers: chapter 36
Women retaining their own inheritance.

1Then the heads of the families of Gilead, Machir and Manasseh, came and spoke with Moses and before the leaders of the sons of Israel. 2Saying, it was the commandment of the LORD to give the land as an inheritance to the sole daughters of a family. 3Now, if they marry within the children of Israel but outside of their families' tribe, their land inheritance is removed from our father's inheritance and given to another tribe. 4Neither shall it be returned to us on the year of jubilee, for the father's inheritance shall be lost forever.

5According to the Word of the LORD, Moses spoke to the sons of Israel and said; you have spoken well. 6,8This is what the LORD commands, let the daughters that possess an inheritance of land marry only within the family of the tribe of her father. 7,9That way the inheritance shall not be moved from tribe to tribe. For it shall be that every tribe shall keep his father's inheritance intact.

10And as the LORD had commanded Moses, so the daughters of Zelophehad did. 11They were each married to their father's brothers' sons. 12And their inheritance remained within the tribe of their father's. 13This is the command that the LORD gave Moses in the plains of Moab beside Jordan, river at Jericho.