"Numbers" because it refers to the Censuses taken in the desert, one at the beginning of the Israelites wanderings and the other near the end. These censuses were for the purpose of the military draft.
The first census of males 20 years or more and fit for military service comprised 11 of the 12 tribes of which Judah was the largest(74,000) and totaled over 600,000.
The Levites -Tribe of the House of Levi- were not included as they were the priestly class assigned to the Lord's dwelling - moving it and offering sacrifice in it. They numbered 22,000.
It seeems the purpose of the first census was to defend them as they crossed the desert. The second census purpose was to rebuild the armies to conquer and claim the land of Canaan. The Levites were always to care for the temple and ritual and could only serve between the ages of 25-50.
The stoning of the Sabbath breaker was disturbing. Also mention of stoning your own children if they disobey. Old Testament law is severe and strict.
Interesting that Censuses were taken for draft purposes. That was true as recently as the last century in Europe. Where else in the world does this happen today. The Middle East?? Seems we are evolving to something better?
The first census of males 20 years or more and fit for military service comprised 11 of the 12 tribes of which Judah was the largest(74,000) and totaled over 600,000.
The Levites -Tribe of the House of Levi- were not included as they were the priestly class assigned to the Lord's dwelling - moving it and offering sacrifice in it. They numbered 22,000.
It seeems the purpose of the first census was to defend them as they crossed the desert. The second census purpose was to rebuild the armies to conquer and claim the land of Canaan. The Levites were always to care for the temple and ritual and could only serve between the ages of 25-50.
The stoning of the Sabbath breaker was disturbing. Also mention of stoning your own children if they disobey. Old Testament law is severe and strict.
Interesting that Censuses were taken for draft purposes. That was true as recently as the last century in Europe. Where else in the world does this happen today. The Middle East?? Seems we are evolving to something better?
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