Numbers

Numbers – Click on the blue hyperlinks to download the pdf file for the parashot.

B’midbar – This looks at B’midbar – In the Desert (Numbers 1-4).  In B’midbar, YHVH commands Moses to count the army by tribes. The Levites are not included but are counted in a separate census. The priests (kohanim) have replaced the firstborn; they are assisted by the Levites who are n’tunim. These Levites have certain duties, and they may not look at the holy things. Last edited 1/24/18.

Naso – This looks at Naso – Take (Numbers 4:21-7:89). Assignments are made for the Levites (descendants of Merari, Kathath, Gershon). The camp is purified from those with leprosy, discharge, and other types of uncleanness. It includes the water trial for the jealous husband’s wife and the Nazirite vow. The tabernacle and its furnishings are anointed and consecrated. Gifts are offered by the heads of each tribe. Last edited 2/5/18.

Behaalotkha – This looks at Beha’alotkha – When You Set Up (Numbers 8:1-12:16). In Behaalotkha, instructions are giving for lighting the lamps and observing Passover. YHVH leads/follows His people as they travel in the wilderness. Seventy elders are anointed to help Moses. YHVH sends quail and plague. Miriam and Aaron complain about Moses, but only Miriam is struck with leprosy. After she comes back into the camp, the camp moves on. Last edited 3/16/18.

Shlach Lekha – This looks at Shlach Lekha – Send On Your Behalf (Numbers 13:1-15:41).  In Shlach Lekha, spies are sent into the Promised Land. They gave a negative report that caused them to spend 40 years in the Wilderness. Moses interceded for the people, so that YHVH would not destroy them. A man is stoned for gathering wood on the Sabbath. YHVH commanded His people to wear tzitzit, so that they would remember and keep His commandments. Last edited 3/16/18.

Korach – This looks at Korach – Korah (Numbers 16:1-18:32).  In Korach, Korah and his associates rebel, and they are swallowed by the earth; 250 other followers are consumed by fire. Their bronze censers are hammered into a cover for the altar. Further opposition to leadership is stopped when Aaron’s rod — one of 12, produces almond buds. Last edited 4/6/18.

Chukkat – This looks at Chukkat – Regulation (Numbers 19:1-22:1). In Chukkat, the procedure for the purification with the ashes of a red heifer are given. Miriam died. Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it. the people made a detour around Edom. Aaron died. Fiery serpents bite the people; some are healed by looking at the bronze serpent that Moses made and lifted up. The people continued to travel. The Amorites and Bashan were defeated. Last edited 4/21/18.

Balak – Pinchas – This looks at Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9) and Pinchas/Phinehas (Numbers 25:10-30:1 [H: 29:40]). In Balak, Balak sent for Balaam to curse YHVH’s people. Balaam’s donkey spoke. Balaam could only speak what YHVH commanded. Instead of cursing YHVH’s people, he ended up blessing them. He prophesied their enemies’ destruction. The Israelite men committed harlotry with the Moabite women. Phinehas thrust a spear through a couple to stop the plague.

In Pinchas, YHVH promised to give him an everlasting covenant of peace. Another census took place in preparation for the distribution of land inheritance. The Levites did not receive a land inheritance. Only Caleb and Joshua, from the first generation, would enter the Promised Land. The daughters of Zelophehad received an inheritance since they had not brothers. Joshua was dedicated as the new leader after Moses. Instructions are given for the daily, weekly, and monthly offerings, as well as offerings for the feasts of YHVH. Last edited 4/21/18.

Mattot-Masa’ei –  This looks at Mattot – Tribes (Numbers 30:2 [1] – 32:42) and Masa’ei – Stages (Numbers 33:1-36:13). Mattot looks that the laws related to vows. The people took vengeance on the Midianites and divided the plunder. Gad, Reuben, and half of the tribe of Manasseh requested the land east of the Jordan River as their inheritance. They promised to help the other tribes fight for their land. Their request was granted.

Massa’ei contains a list of the travels of YHVH’s people in the wilderness; instructions to drive out the Canaanites, including the destruction of the high places; borders of the Promised Land; a list of the cities of refuge and cities for the Levites. Last edited 5/5/18.