A Compact Study of Numbers

Individuals and groups reading the Scriptures for their own enrichment can find appropriate guides for Genesis and Exodus. Numbers is another matter. The complexities of ritual laws, holy days, moral codes, and conflicts experienced by Moses and the people during their forty years in the wilderness form a daunting maze. Average readers, especially Christians, are often unsure of the inner logic of the regulations or of how to apply the sound theology found therein. This compact study starts with Numbers, following the story from exodus to the wilderness. The format is Socratic, asking as many step-by-step questions as seems reasonable and providing the answers at the back to encourage note taking and discussion beforehand. The forty years of strife depict the deep spiritual stresses experienced by the Chosen People (and by God), and can serve our own understanding for surviving challenges as a people called by God. Another lesson is the significant role of ancient Jewish laypeople within their system of ritual and prayer. They did much more than simply watch priests handle altar sacrifices and incense. A better understanding of that ancient teamwork in worship can aid our own modern worship customs.

William T. Miller, SJ, is an adjunct Associate Professor of Old Testament at Loyola University Maryland, in Baltimore. He has published introductory commentaries on Genesis (2006) and Exodus (2009). In the past he has taught undergraduates as well as graduate students and seminarians.