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Numbers 1 - 10

We pick up the story of the Israelites two years into being wanderers in the desert and God says its time to take a census of the people. One would think the census was done only then because after two years being with the Lord, it can be said that you've proven yourself worthy to be counted part of the family. Those who were 20 years and older to serve in the army. God was getting people ready to fight those tribes in the land of Canaan. The total number of all tribes - 557050 which is different from 603 550. Why the difference? I don't know. Mabye someone can help me.

The levites were not counted but were responsible for the tabernacle and assembling it and camping around it. Moreover, among them shall be priests that will perform duties within the tabernacle. What's really interesting is that although Moses was the leader of the group, he had bible talk leaders that had responsibilities for the 'clan'. The Kohathites was a levite clan that was responsible of taking care of the most holy things. Special mention was made about their duties and a special census in that clan is also made.

A special note on that the priests, Aaron and his sons, are to cover all the ornaments and their furnishings and the Kohathites were to carry them. Special care needed to be taken of because if they were to touch any of items, they would die. So from early on, warnings against touching (and looking) something holy was established. I can't help but feel that this culture continued until the day of Jesus were he will be surprised and ask "you touched me" eventhough his disciple will remind him that he was surrounded by people. "Touching something holy" was contained source of power.

The test of jelousy between married couples is given. As the bible puts it, nothing can said about things that are not in the open. So upon suspicion that the spouse has been unfaithful, the couple is to appear before a priest. I believe is the first time that the word amen is used. It's used in conjunction with "so be it".

The regualtions for a Nazirite is described. Someone consencrated for the Lord during a certain period. This could be done by a woman or man.

The Tabernacle was finished was ready to be anointed and consencrated. I guess the reason why all the first people, and what they dedicated, was because this represents the first time that God decided to be amongst his creations and ever since he hasn't left.

God puts no predjudice to those who celebrate whether alien or native-born.

The cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle. When it set out, the Israelites will move and vice versa. It must have been hard for those who had families especially if people were injured or tired. This must have been a true test of patience and obedience. How the camps set out was done by using trumpets. Those were used for celebration and during war times. It also amazing that the Israelites had a sequence on who lead the embarco to prevent confusion. Who said God is not an engineer and attentive to detail?

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