Tag: Numbers

Numbers 1 continued — controversy over translation of the Hebrew word ’elef as ‘thousand’

Post author By Richard
Post date March 12, 2011
No Comments on Numbers 1 continued — controversy over translation of the Hebrew word ’elef as ‘thousand’

Some Jewish and Messianic scholars are feverishly debating whether the word “elef” (Strongs 504 and 505) in Numbers 1 and the counting of the fighting men of the 12 tribes means “clans” or “thousands.” There’s more controversy in Judaism over this one Hebrew word than any other Hebrew word in the Tanak. Richard explains the controversy and gives us some tools on how to wade through all the scholarly debates on this issue. Judges 6 and the book of Chronicles gives us some insight into this controversy as well.

Discussions Torah

How Many Israelites Actually Left Egypt? A Fresh Look at the Census in Numbers 1

Post author By Richard
Post date March 5, 2011
No Comments on How Many Israelites Actually Left Egypt? A Fresh Look at the Census in Numbers 1

The book of Numbers immediately starts out with a census, with lots of numbers. The book is named very well. If you just think of numbers for the sake of numbers, this chapter is very easy to skip. However, there are some important lessons we can glean from this chapter. First, notice the names of the heads of these families. Many of them have the name of “El” or “Shaddai” in their own names. This shows us that they know.

Discussions Torah

Numbers 34–36: Big vision for Israel’s borders in Messianic age

Post author By Richard
Post date June 16, 2007

The borders of the modern state of Israel are a fraction of the territory the LORD granted the long ago. The promises for a much larger area from Genesis to Revelation speak to the wider vision of many nations in the Kingdom of Heaven and how our vision for our own potential may be too narrow.

Tags Numbers, Numbers 34, Numbers 35, Numbers 36

Discussions Torah

Numbers 32–33: Reuben and Gad linger east of Jordan; remembering the Exodus

Post author By Daniel
Post date June 9, 2007

We may be tempted to give up when the end of our jobs, our relationships or lives are looming. Yet Moshe embodies apostle Paul’s encouragement to “fight the good fight” and “run the race” with all we have until we reach our goal or it’s time to pass the baton to the next person. Moshe encouraged the tribes of Reuben and Gad to pitch in to the hard settlement of Canaan, even when their new home was secured.

Tags Numbers, Numbers 32, Numbers 33

Discussions Torah

Numbers 31: Israel battles Midian after prurient sneak attack

Post author By Richard
Post date May 12, 2007

The call for Israel to attack Midian, located on the southwestern coast of modern-day Saudi Arabia, comes after Midian’s plot to send in women to lure Israel away from the LORD. That, in turn, came because the LORD wouldn’t allow Bilam (Balaam) to curse Israel.

Tags Midian, Numbers, Numbers 31

Discussions Torah

Numbers 30: Daughter of Zion and the Father’s prerogative

Post author By Richard
Post date April 21, 2007

Asking for a father’s permission to marry his daughter is viewed as comically anachronistic today. Likewise, these instructions for a father’s ability to annul a daughter’s vow seem a relic of yesteryear. Yet God teaches through object lessons, and what’s being communicated here is far more important than a surface impression.

Tags neder - vow - Strong's H5088, Numbers, Numbers 30, vows

Appointments With God Discussions Torah

Messiah in offerings on Trumpets, Atonement and Tabernacles (Numbers 29)

Post author By Richard
Post date April 14, 2007

Learn how to see Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) in the qorbanot (offerings, sacrifices) presented in the Tabernacle on the moedim (appointed times, festivals) of Yom Teruah (Day of Blowing Trumpets), Yom haKippurim (Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (Tabernacles).

Tags Numbers, Numbers 29, offering, Parashat Pinchas, qorban or corban - voluntary offering or wood-offering - Strong's H7133, Sukkot, Yom Kippur, Yom Teruah